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WOMANDLA: Celebrating BLSA member and the Chairperson and Managing Director of Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region Nicole Roos

28/08/2024 | By Admin

Although Women’s Month is almost over, there is always good reason to celebrate the exceptional women leaders who are associated with BLSA and contribute to its success in different ways.

Ms Nicole Roos, Chairperson and Managing Director of Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region, reflects on her most significant accomplishments, the challenges that keep her awake at night and offers insightful advice for young women who look up to her.

What made you decide to become a member of BLSA? As the Chairperson and Managing Director for Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region, I believe in the power of collaboration and collective action. Joining BLSA allows me to contribute to shaping the business landscape in South Africa and driving positive change through a united voice.

What do you consider your greatest achievement/s? Being appointed as the first female Managing Director for the East and Southern Africa region at Nestlé is a significant milestone not only for me personally but also for the advancement of gender diversity and inclusion in leadership roles. Furthermore, Nestlé’s longstanding presence in the ESAR region for over 118 years is a testament to our commitment to the local communities and our ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic business environment.

What keeps you awake at night? As a leader, I am constantly thinking about how to navigate the dynamic business landscape and ensure the sustainable growth of Nestlé in the region. I am committed to addressing challenges such as economic volatility, changing consumer preferences, and the need for responsible and sustainable business practices.

What is the best advice you were ever given? The best advice I have received is to always stay curious and continue learning. Embracing a growth mindset and seeking new knowledge and perspectives allows me to adapt to changing circumstances, innovate, and make informed decisions.

Please name a woman you particularly admire and why. I greatly admire Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the Executive Director of UN Women. She is a tireless advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment, working towards creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Her leadership and commitment to advancing women’s rights inspire me to drive positive change in my own capacity. Likewise, I deeply admire Prof. Thuli Madonsela for her courageous narrative to follow her values and always stand up for what is right. As the former Public Protector of South Africa, she demonstrated unwavering integrity and fearlessness in holding those in power accountable and ensuring justice for all. Her actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding principles and fighting for justice, even in the face of adversity.

What advice would you give other women aspiring to positions of leadership? My advice is to embrace the concept of “complete ownership.” Recognise that you have the power to define your own style of leadership and make a meaningful impact. Being a leader in your own right is vital, so seize the opportunities that come your way and go for it with confidence and determination. Trust in your abilities, be resilient in the face of challenges, and continuously strive for personal and professional growth. Remember, by taking complete ownership of your leadership journey, you can inspire others and contribute to positive change in your organisation and beyond.

What is the single biggest problem you think needs to be addressed in South Africa and why? One of the biggest challenges in South Africa is addressing youth unemployment. It is crucial to create opportunities for young people to gain skills, access quality education, and secure meaningful employment. By investing in youth training, development, and employment initiatives, we can unlock the potential of the next generation and contribute to the overall socio-economic growth and stability of the country. In addition to youth unemployment, another significant challenge that needs to be addressed in South Africa is the issue of water scarcity and quality. Ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply is crucial for the continuity of our operations and the well-being of communities. With stable energy supply, we are now focusing on fixing water challenges to keep our business running well. By prioritising water management, conservation, and infrastructure development, we can mitigate the risks associated with water scarcity, improve water quality, and safeguard the environment and our business operations.