- Divine support and faith guide women leaders through major challenges, including economic downturns, not just business skills.
- Science, technology and other underrepresented fields provide women opportunities to make a difference when combined with passion and skill.
- Mentorship, authentic presence, and strategic determination empower women to assert their place in male-populated industries and communities.
For Kgomotso Mamello Motshidi, the 2008 recession marked a crucial turning point in her view of leadership.
“I realised that, despite having business skills and striving for excellence, divine support through God’s grace is essential. The recession was unprecedented; it was uncharted territory. In moments like that, intelligence alone does not help; it is the grace of God.”
She views grace as a guiding force, a “divine enabling mentor”. She emphasises that success involves more than just skill or strategy. “There are levels of influence, wealth, and power that require being spiritually attuned. You must be grounded in prayer and aware; one poor decision can jeopardise your future. Let God guide your choices.”
Breaking barriers in science and technology
In her new book, Graced to Win, Motshidi looks at seven areas of influence. While she closely relates to Science and Technology, she stresses that excelling in one area allows access to others. “When you excel in one area, you become versatile and can explore other fields. I know my main area is Science and Technology, but I have also made an impact in business and religion.”
She encourages women to embrace their main strengths while also exploring other fields for influence. Excelling in one area naturally leads to opportunities in others.
Perseverance, presence, and authentic leadership
A significant moment in her career occurred while waiting outside a boardroom for a contract to be signed. “I remember that moment clearly. It taught me that you have to take risks to achieve what you want. Nothing will be handed to you; you must be patient.”
Motshidi highlights the importance of showing up confidently in male-populated industries. “I believe we are not in male-dominated industries but rather male-populated ones. When a woman enters the scene without self-doubt, she tends to thrive and can lead with grace and confidence, not aggression.”
She identifies unconscious bias as a pressing issue for young African women. “Unconscious bias is something to overcome. As mentioned in my book, you simply need to deliver excellent work; that is how you challenge those views.”
She also points to imposter syndrome and financial independence as barriers to be confronted. “Unconscious bias, imposter syndrome and the need for financial independence are challenges women must tackle. By excelling in your work and staying grounded in faith, you can overcome these obstacles.”
Mentorship and empowering the next generation
Her mentorship programme, Discover the Hero In You, started at her alma mater and has yielded impressive results. “We have seen our students grow into remarkable individuals. We now have teachers and graduates. One of our girls was accepted at OWLAG (Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls). It just takes a start; the results will follow.”
Her Queendom Network Podcast also gained over 70 000 views in its first month. “People connect with authenticity. That is why we will continue to offer this platform; it empowers our ‘Queendom community’.”
Motshidi has high hopes for the continent’s future. “Yes, absolutely. When President Thabo Mbeki proposed the idea of an African renaissance, it felt like a dream. Africa has the youngest population, making it an ideal place to drive change through technology. Our youth allow us to uplift an entire generation.”
Finding purpose and flowing in grace
For those searching for their “why”, she suggests: “First, think about what you would do even if you were not being paid. That reveals passion. Then consider your skills; that points to areas where you excel. After identifying those, bring together passion and skill, and the money will come.”
Reflecting on her own journey, she expresses gratitude for overcoming challenges. “I am thankful for reaching this milestone. Last year, I was in a coma, then in a wheelchair, and went through dialysis. I am just grateful to God for supporting me through that time.”
Her final message is clear. “I hope that through the pages of this book, people can find their sphere of influence, especially their ‘why’. It is time to stop chasing after things and start flowing in grace to make a difference.”
About the author
Motshidi is an author, entrepreneur, and strategist. She has over 20 years of experience in technology and has worked for Fortune 500 companies in South Africa and abroad, including Microsoft, HPE, Eli Lilly and Co. Italia S.p.A. Her career includes roles from system developer to business strategist, showing her ability to connect technology and business strategy. She is currently the CEO of The Zora Group.
Motshidi holds a B-Com Informatics degree from UNISA, an MBA from MIB School of Management in Trieste, Italy, and various industry certifications. She also received her Collegiate of Science in Blockchain Studies from Althash University, Chicago, IL. She was named Microsoft’s Sales Person of the Year during the 2008 recession, showcasing her resilience and skill, and has earned numerous awards in her field.
Get your copy of ‘Graced to Win’
Visit Motshidi’s website to purchase a copy of Graced to Win and learn more about her.
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