The FEMALE FORCE

As FORBES AFRICA celebrates its 10th birthday, the ABN Group, which it is a part of, lauds the women who tirelessly drive both CNBC Africa and FORBES AFRICA as the gatekeepers of information in a digital economy. The pan-African group places special emphasis on diversity, and these are the women in its South African headquarters leading the charge as they share the highs and highlights of their daily jobs running two of Africa’s much-loved business brands.

- CHANEL RETIEF

Roberta Naicker, Managing Director, ABN Group

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be humble.” – GRAND SLAM CHAMPION SERENA WILLIAMS

Q. Since joining the ABN Group in 2008, how have you managed to build diversity and inclusion into the company’s intrinsic DNA?

A. A diverse and inclusive workplace is one that makes everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the business, feel equally involved in and supported in all areas. Essentially what this means is that they also need to feel a part of the decision-making process, which we have over the years ensured across all structures of the group. Establishing a sense of belonging is so vitally important for the success of any business. Another aspect that we have been very supportive of and actually encourage is the need to be innovative and creative. Particularly in the sector that we are in, one needs to ensure that innovation is at the forefront of our strategy.

Q. You have seen the company grow, strengthen and diversify in an ever-changing media environment. What has it taken to understand both the viewers and clients on a pan-African level, and oversee and manage the staff, running both CNBC Africa and FORBES AFRICA?