The Change 1 Woman (C1W) Cocktails & Conversations networking and motivational event was held on 17 July at KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa’s Midrand offices. Speakers shared inspiring insights, and attendees had the opportunity to network with women in branding, print and signage. Thank you to the event sponsors: Avery Dennison, NUtec Digital Ink, KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa, and Intamarket Graphics.
C1W founder, Charnia Yapp, said the initiative is focused on creating opportunities for women in the branding, printing and signage industries to connect, share knowledge and support one another. ‘The power of connection is often underestimated, yet it has the ability to change careers, build confidence and create lasting friendships. Women need a strong sisterhood, not only in business but across every aspect of life. When we encourage, support and celebrate one another, we all grow stronger.’
‘C1W was inspired by doing more for women in our industry by using our industry publications and exhibitions (Sign Africa, Africa Print, and Modern Marketing) as platforms to help women share their stories, connect and learn from one another.’
‘A big thank you to Liezle Barrie from Intamarket Graphics for putting this C1W event together. She arranged the theme, speakers, sponsors and the thoughtful gift bags. Thank you so much to the sponsors who make it possible for women to get together at these C1W events and connect: Avery Dennison, KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa, Intamarket Graphics, and NUtec Digital Ink. Thank you to KYOCERA for hosting us at their fabulous venue. It was awesome connecting at the event and coming up with new ideas for C1W, watch this space!’
‘Well done to the ladies who spoke from the heart and inspired us: Liezle Barrie, Lindy van Moerkerken, Ilisna Lane, Heidie-Mari Middel, Vanessa Richardson and Sam Gqomo, and the panellists led by Meggan McCarthy who bravely made their debut and shared from their own experiences: Tshiamo Motshome, Executive Director at FrontSeat Holdings and FrontSeat Signage; Amit Niv, Business Owner at Printantics; and Mabotle Mphuti, Digital Entrepreneur and Founder of CEO Printings and CEO Fashions.’
‘I wanted to reiterate what C1W attendee Teresa Adinolfi said: I also feel truly blessed to be surrounded by an incredible network of women, while also deeply valuing the good men who support, encourage and stand alongside us.’
Yapp encouraged women to contribute content such as industry-related articles and thought pieces, recognise outstanding women through initiatives such as the WoMandla Women in STEAM Awards, and support community projects and under-resourced schools in South Africa with the FESPA Foundation. She concluded by reinforcing C1W’s mission of creating a ripple effect through small actions that empower and uplift women across the industry.
Liezle Barrie, National Sales Manager, Consumables at Intamarket Graphics shared her thoughts on growth through reinvention:
The world does not need the finished version of you, the world needs the version of you brave enough to keep becoming.
Myth 1: I will lead when I’m ready. No one is ever fully ready. Start before you feel ready.
Myth 2: I need to have it all together. No one does. We are all leading mid-construction.
Become the unicorn, and stop becoming perfect. Start becoming authentic. You are allowed to become someone new.
– Be unique: A unicorn does not fit in, it stands out.
– Be real: authentic beats polished every time.
– Be you: That is where true reinvention lives.
Lindy van Moerkerken, Regional Business Manager for Avery Dennison Graphics and Reflective Solutions, discussed how to break barriers in leadership:
– Start leading with authenticity. Many women feel pressure to fit into a mould. But the world needs your unique skills and values.
– Execute on your dreams. Vision without action is just a lovely Pinterest board. You need to take the leap and have faith to invest in yourself. You do not need the whole staircase, you just need to take that first step.
– Build trust with clarity. Leadership is not a title, it is about credibility. People follow reliability and those who deliver on what they promise.
– Set expectations and be transparent in your communication. People may forget what you said, but they will never forget whether they can trust you or not.
Ilisna Lane, Sales Manager at NUtec Digital Ink, spoke about unexpected journeys and transformation:
Stages of transformation:
1. Breakdown: everything feels uncertain.
2. Becoming: growth happens in discomfort.
3. Breakthrough: you become stronger.
But we often want the breakthrough without the becoming. There are gifts in detours like: courage, resilience, wisdom, confidence, authenticity and compassion.
The cocoon is not where life ends, it is where transformation begins. You are where you are meant to be. Trust the journey. The best version of you is on the other side.
Heidie-Mari Middel, Production print specialist and Team leader, and Vanessa Richardson, Production Print Specialist at KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa, discussed creative purpose and powerful leadership:
– Purpose starts with knowing who you are. Ask yourself the deep questions like: Is this what I am meant to do?
– Give yourself permission to do what you have always dreamt of.
– Set boundaries. What expectations or burdens are you carrying for others? And are they things you need to carry?
– Lift as you climb: the view is better when everyone can see it. Success becomes significant when it creates opportunities for others. Creativity flourishes when leaders choose collaboration over competition.
– Purpose is measured by impact, not recognition. Your influence is not determined by how many people know your name, but by how many lives are better because you lived.
Get Involved
– Visit the C1W networking event at the Sign Africa Johannesburg expo.
– Get involved in this mentorship programme.
– We want to publish more interviews with women in the industry and articles written by women in the industry. Email: news@c1w.co.za
– If you offer any training, let us promote it to the C1W network.
– Share or use the expertise or services in the C1W network.
– We are always looking for sponsors of the C1W networking events and give-aways.
– Follow C1W on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to create an online community and attend the networking events.
CHANGE ONE WOMAN
https://www.c1w.co.za/get-involved/
