Women trailblazers, corporate leaders share their ambitious plans for 2024

The founder and managing director of Eventfully, a company that offers event planning, management and decor services, as well as Just Shoes and More by Eventfully, Gladys Shao, has had quite an eventful 2023.

One of her most memorable moments in 2023 was winning the RSVP Global Award for favourite planner in Africa. This recognition affirmed what many already knew to be true, as she has proven time and again how creative and attentive she is in creating unique, bespoke experiences for her clients.

"I also did my highest-paid wedding decor job to date in 2023, and that was quite a feat," she adds of her 2023 wins.

After being in the events business for six years, Gladys attests that, for her, hard work and consistency pay off eventually.

With the vast opportunities 2023 presented to Gladys and Eventfully, the goals for 2024, as she shares, include being willing and agile to learn more and, in the process, make more business connections.

Emelda Mwamanga, CEO, East Africa Bang Media House

In the whirlwind of 2023, I set off on a transformative journey that weaved together the stories of incredible women across Tanzania in my coffee table book, "Pivoting in Heels."

It was a tapestry of resilience, showcasing the experiences of 60 remarkable women thriving in the corporate world during the pandemic. Getting an endorsement from Her Excellency, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, felt like the realisation of a dream.

Acquiring a new office space on the 9th floor at the WCF building in Victoria marked a new chapter of growth. I have an amazing view, seeing the whole of Kinondoni District.

My horizons expanded when I headed to New York for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women project. Meeting industry giants and visionary leaders at Goldman Sachs, the IMF, USAID, and more was an incredible opportunity that connected me with inspiring women globally.

Even while in the United States, my dedication to Dar es Salaam never wavered. I returned with renewed energy, launching editions of Bang Magazine that echoed with inspiration and insights gathered from my travels.

In May, I was appointed president of the Association of Business Women in Commerce and Industry (ABWCI), a virtual global chamber for women entrepreneurs, enabling and celebrating women's business acumen and ambition through connecting our members to industry leaders, professional development resources, and relevant opportunities. Representing the Tanzanian chapter was a moment that embodied empowerment and leadership for me.

As the year unfolded, my aspirations for the upcoming year took shape. "Finding My Voice," my memoir, is set for a March 2024 release, aiming to guide women in discovering their potential and owning their stories. This launch will spark conversations on empowerment and purpose.

April 2024 marks the celebration of 20 years of Bang! Magazine. As the managing editor-in-chief, I've gained substantial experience and initiated the publication of other magazines.

Last year, we launched the Consumer Choice Award Magazine, and this year, we're unveiling the Common Wealth Africa Magazine alongside the UWT-Kinondoni chapter magazine. I'm eagerly looking forward to curating more magazines for diverse companies and organisations.

Looking ahead to 2024, my plans include the launch of BangTV online and introducing "The Brand Calls You" podcast from India, both dedicated to empowering through multimedia.

The growth of the ABWCI chapter in Tanzania and the expansion of Bang! Magazine will further amplify diverse voices and stories.

My journey stands as proof of determination and purpose. As I navigate 2024, my story aims to inspire others to find their voices and carve fulfilling paths for themselves.

Brenda Msangi, CEO, CCBRT

2023 was a year of dancing with fireflies and scaling mountains (sometimes simultaneously!).

I finally chased that spark of personal growth, enrolling in those studies I kept whispering about. But it wasn't a solo journey – the Girl Child was woven into every thread, her voice amplified through the Dear Girl Child BMK platform.

This platform blossomed, echoing their dreams and challenges, reminding us of their immense potential, and rediscovering the power of hope together.

And while navigating the intricacies of purpose, I learned some vital lessons. The biggest? Presence.

Truly inhabiting each moment, be it with family, in leadership, or simply savouring a quiet breath, unlocked a new depth of experience.

Yet, this journey was not paved with rose petals. As CEO of CCBRT, a trailblasing social enterprise in healthcare, I faced constant challenges.

Serving the most vulnerable demands grit the size of mountains and innovation that dances with the impossible. But those challenges? They also became my fuel, igniting a fire in my belly to keep pushing, dreaming, and building a world where healthcare isn't a privilege but a right, especially for those who need it most.

So, 2023 was more than just a year. It was a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and presence. It was the year I climbed, I stumbled, and I learned.

And as I stand on this summit, overlooking the landscape of my experiences, I'm overflowing with gratitude. Gratitude for the journey, the challenges, the victories, and the unwavering support of amazing people like you.

2024 is all about reaching new heights together. We'll build on the embers of last year, fanning them into roaring flames of progress. Here's a peek at our ascent plan:

Forging alliances: We will strengthen existing partnerships and reach out to new allies, building a united front to conquer healthcare challenges. Collaboration is critical, and every hand strengthens our grip on the mountain.

Aligning with the government’s priorities: We will stay attuned to the government's healthcare priorities, marching with their vision. United goals pave the way for smoother climbs and a broader impact.

Amplifying voices: The Dear Girl Child BMK platform will resonate ever louder in 2024. It will reach more ears, empower more voices, and champion the Girl Child's dreams throughout the journey by inspiring, mentoring, and coaching.

Embracing the unknown: We will explore innovative solutions, embrace challenges as opportunities, and celebrate the unexpected turns on our path.

Here is to embracing the climb together.

Natasha Stambuli, General Manager, Boomplay Tanzania

One of my most memorable wins from 2023 is constantly striving to be better than before. One such being pushing for growth and enhancing my journey with notable appointments such as being a committee member of the Tanzania Music Awards (TMA).

2023 also saw me become a member of the ForbesBLK Community, and I strive to work and position myself to be part of the international gatekeeper so that we as Tanzanians can compete at an international level in different areas.

In 2023, we also introduced a writers' camp in Tanzania, where we managed to do cross-cultural collaborations between our Tanzanian artists and artists, producers, and managers from Denmark. This is something that is needed in Tanzania.

I also founded Igloo, which is an entertainment management agency that works with different creatives, including artists, as well as fashion brands, grooming them to become competitive, both locally and internationally.

Key takeaways from 2023

Every year presents wins and challenges. 2023 has been a tough year economically, especially with the wars and pandemics going on around the world. A lot of businesses and companies have been hit, but overall, it has been a year of survival with a lot of lessons to learn.

Outlook on and plans for 2024

To continue building on what I have already started and to continue being a positive representative of my country as well as my gender in the industry, both internationally and locally.

Suzanne Ndomba, CEO, Association of Tanzania Employers

2023 has been a remarkable year from both a personal and an organisation’s perspective. One of the lessons I learnt is that objectivity is a critical ingredient in driving change and registering achievements. Objectivity is a function of honesty (openness) and trust.

Don’t kill yourself for every criticism. Always save some credit for your effort. 2023 taught me and my team that criticisms need to be embraced and worked upon but should not destroy or drift you off the road.

Sometimes these may be registered without really knowing the efforts one is putting in to be the best. That is, people may not always appreciate everything.

2024 is still brand new, and there are many takeaways from 2023. Professional and personal development is a process that needs to be self-defined. Challenges are the best teacher for any person.

I am carrying the good with great appreciation and the challenges with humility, and I look into 2024 to evolve, progress, adapt, and enhance.