Making An Impact

Every year in August we take the time to celebrate women and reflect on the tremendous efforts they make to shape our society.

- Margaret Hirsch, Marlene Powell

Women entrepreneurs possess extraordinary traits that not only contribute to their success in business, but also extends to the nurturing of others and society at large.

Two such women are Margaret Hirsch, Executive Director of the Hirsch’s Group, and ActionCOACH Business Coach, Marlene Powell. Together these two ladies have held over 160 virtual Entrepreneurs Workshops since the beginning of the pandemic and have helped countless SMME’s during these challenging times. We tap into their insights, advice and inspiration:

MARGARET HIRSCH - Executive Director of the Hirsch’s Group, mentor, champion of women’s empowerment and avid cook.

Forty-one years ago, Margaret Hirsch helped found the family’s mega appliance store from humble beginnings.

Today, Hirsch’s is the largest independently owned Appliance and Electronics retail outlet in Southern Africa with 19 branches and concept stores.

Margaret has received numerous international and local awards for her business, social and charitable work. She is passionate about women’s empowerment and is someone who firmly believes in giving back to the community.

Q In your opinion, what are some of the unique strengths that women bring to the business table?

The first is empathy. Women think from the positions of their staff more than from their own positions, and are concerned with their employees’ welfare. Also women have the most amazing intuition - they go with their gut feeling and they usually get it right. There is so much more!