The Emerging International Women Leaders South Africa Programme
Empowering Young Women in STEM
The Emerging International Women Leaders South Africa (EIWLSA) Programme is an innovative leadership development initiative that evolved from the Technogirl Programme. Launched in 2017 in collaboration with Roche, UNICEF, the Department of Education, and the Technogirl Trust, the Technogirl Programme initially focused on empowering young women from South Africa’s underserved communities, providing them with job shadowing and mentorship opportunities in the STEM fields.
Since May 2024, I’ve led the transition of this program into a state-of-the-art leadership programme that connects high-potential university graduates in STEM with international life sciences executives. The programme blends leadership development, career coaching, emotional resilience, and cross-cultural intelligence, preparing young women to excel in the global job market.
The EIWLSA Programme has already achieved remarkable success, and we are proud to announce that it has been nominated for the ICF Social Impact Award 2025, recognizing its contribution to empowering young women and creating tangible societal impact.
Overview
Key Milestones
Global Exposure: Participants gain direct mentorship from executives in life sciences, gaining invaluable international exposure.
Personal and Career Growth: The programme focuses on developing not just technical skills, but also emotional and cultural intelligence, leadership resilience, and networking abilities.
Diverse Mentorship: We bring together top international leaders, ensuring access to world-class guidance and career opportunities.
What Makes EIWLSA Unique
CASE STUDY
Bianca’s Leadership Journey
Overview
Bianca's story is a testament to the impact of the EIWLSA programme. I selected Bianca as one out of 20 back in 2016 in Johannesburg for the two to three year ‘Technogirl Programme’ that I ran as Programme Director BBBEE (Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment) with UNICEF, the Technogirl Trust plus The Department of Education South Africa for Hoffmann La Roche Pharma. Then reverse apartheid hit, then Covid. Due to a lack of funding and support Bianca lost track of her professional future.
Bianca has gone from being uncertain about her career to having a clear path in psychology, building leadership skills, and gaining the confidence to lead her community.
Bianca's Transformation in 11 Months
Bianca's story exemplifies how the From IQ to CCQ Development model, aligned with the Comfort Zone to Global Mindset framework, can guide individuals toward personal empowerment and leadership transformation.
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Description: Bianca began in the Comfort Zone, reigniting her intellectual curiosity and gaining clarity on her career path.
Linked Mindset: Primarily IQ.
EIWLSA Examples: Engaged in strategic thinking, goal setting, and career planning workshops and one-on-one mentoring to rebuild her leadership intellect.
Outcome: Established a strong foundation for her career by clarifying academic and professional aspirations.
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Description: Bianca embraced learning challenges, focusing on emotional resilience and self-awareness.
Linked Mindset: EQ.
EIWLSA Examples: Participated in coaching sessions emphasizing self-awareness, empathy, and emotional intelligence exercises.
Outcome: Developed confidence and emotional resilience, enabling her to face challenges with a renewed sense of self.
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Description: Bianca expanded her leadership competencies by enhancing cultural intelligence, adapting to diverse environments.
Linked Mindset: Blend of IQ, EQ, and CQ.
EIWLSA Examples: Focused on cross-cultural leadership, learning to engage with diverse academic peers and adapt her leadership style.
Outcome: Improved ability to lead across cultures, prepared to navigate diverse environments with confidence.
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Description: Bianca integrated IQ, EQ, and CQ into a comprehensive leadership mindset, shaping and influencing organizational cultures.
Linked Mindset: High CQ + strong EQ.
EIWLSA Examples: Learned to shape and influence cultures, applying leadership skills in academic and professional contexts.
Outcome: Developed a global leadership mindset, equipped to lead through influence and drive positive change.
Results and Impact
• Clear Career Vision and Academic Path: Bianca has a defined career roadmap, integrating higher education goals with leadership development plans.
• Renewed Confidence: Regained emotional resilience and confidence to pursue academic and leadership aspirations.
• Cultural Leadership: Prepared to shape cultures, lead across borders, and navigate diverse settings with global leadership competencies.
Social Impact and Future Vision
Bianca's journey underscores the efficacy of the Corporate Culture Avatar Framework – The Leadership Balance Compass - From IQ to CCQ Development in empowering individuals to take control of their careers, whether returning to education, pursuing leadership roles, or navigating personal and professional transitions. The program fosters resilience, cultural adaptability, and confidence, preparing individuals to thrive in complex, diverse environments.
Our vision is to scale this model, supporting individuals in career transitions, academic pursuits, and leadership development, helping them become culturally intelligent leaders ready to make an impact in any global context.
Conclusion
Bianca's transformation illustrates the profound impact of the From IQ to CCAQ Development model, integrated with the Comfort Zone to Global Mindset framework. In just 11 months, Bianca developed the confidence, leadership skills, and cultural intelligence to succeed in various environments. Her success highlights the social impact of the model and its potential to empower individuals on their journey toward leadership excellence.