Leading the way for others to follow
WHEN IT comes to being a shrewd businesswoman, Frances Williams is right up there.
The award-winning mother-of-two has developed an innovative solution to
Q: What obstacles have you had to overcome in establishing IfD?
A: Well, it’s not a charity so it wasn’t something I could go out there begging people to fund. I actually had to deliver and build up business through doing the work and getting people to come back because they liked it. Then you’re working for a market that’s international and you’re based in a different county. So it was really about establishing partnerships, marketing within a region you’re not living in.
Q: Has it been difficult to combine work and family?
A: Its been difficult raising children and at the same time trying to grow a business but one of the big pluses about being self-employed is that it gives you that degree more flexibility. I can go to my child’s assembly and not have to beg a boss for time off.
Q: How has being a woman hindered or helped you in your business?
A: When I lived in Ghana somebody referred to me in what they thought was a complimentary way as Mrs Thatcher and I took it at face value because when you’re a woman who can be outspoken and assertive who is in a senior management position you have to take on that role and in our culture that can sometimes be shocking. The issue of my gender or my ethnicity is one that I haven’t focused on. It’s part of who I am and it doesn’t help me either way to think about it.
Q: How can women contribute to development?
A: One thing African women have never been good at is asking for help. We have this superwoman complex but my advice is don’t be afraid to reach out, particularly to other women. Do the networking, share your ideas. If you’re good at what you do who’s going to steal those ideas and be as effective at them as you are? Be willing to also give of your time and knowledge. It’s not always about what you’re going to get but making sure that it’s a two-way street.
Q: What woman do you most admire?
A: In terms of her professionalism and relentless dedication, Oprah. She came along, carved her own niche and she’s kept at it. She blazed a huge trail for black women.
Q: What do you consider your biggest professional achievement?
A: I’m proud of the fact that I didn’t just talk about what I wanted to do, I did it. And three years later it’s still going rather than falling apart.
Frances Williams new venture ReconnectAfrica will be launched in March.
Log on to www.reconnectafrica.com.
Interims for Development can be reached at www.interimsfd.com.