As the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award adjudication process begins, the esteemed jury prepares to evaluate an inspiring cohort of candidates, each embodying the boldness and innovation that define this prestigious accolade. True to the pioneering spirit of Madame Clicquot, the award has, for over 50 years, honoured remarkable female entrepreneurs who drive change and shape the future of business. This year\u2019s finalists stand to join an influential community of visionary women, continuing a legacy of tenacity, creativity, and exceptional leadership. Ahead of the final decision, the judges share their business wisdom and what they hope to see from this year\u2019s contenders.<\/p>\n
Amanda Dambuza, Founder and CEO of Uyandiswa Group<\/strong><\/p>\n Amanda is the Founder and CEO of Uyandiswa, a project management consulting firm. With a distinguished IT career in financial services, she held senior roles at all four major South African banks, including CIO at Barclays Africa. She also serves on JSE-listed and private company boards and, in 2020, founded Vastly Sage to mentor and connect businesswomen.<\/p>\n As a long-serving jury member, Amanda is encouraged by the steady improvement in the business landscape for women, with more women entering and succeeding in business each year. \u201cThe benefits women and their families gain from entrepreneurship far outweigh the risks,\u201d she says, inspiring more women to take the leap. She emphasises the importance of the Bold Woman Award in fostering a global community where knowledge and experiences are shared. \u201cChallenges often aren\u2019t unique, and through this, tools and resources are shared for the benefit of all entrepreneurs.\u201d<\/p>\n What do you think will set this year\u2019s candidates apart from previous years? What is something different you\u2019re keeping an eye out for?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThe winners of last year’s awards were incredibly inspiring, and I look forward to more of the same. This year, I hope to see more women from traditionally male-dominated industries enter the awards so that we can acknowledge their efforts in changing the business landscape. It\u2019s crucial that women know there is a community rooting for them, especially when they feel alone.\u201d<\/p>\n Aimee Kellen, Regional Marketing Director, Mo\u00ebt Hennessy Middle East and Africa <\/strong><\/p>\n Aimee is a results-driven marketer with 17 years of experience in brand strategy and luxury consumer marketing. She has managed globally iconic brands, including Hennessy, Mo\u00ebt & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom P\u00e9rignon across the Middle East & Africa. After roles as Regional Marketing Manager and Head of Consumer Engagement, she became Marketing Director for Belgium & Luxembourg in 2024, leading major brand initiatives like Tomorrowland and the 2024 Olympics. Now, as Regional Marketing Director for Mo\u00ebt Hennessy Middle East & Africa, she drives brand growth and consumer engagement while championing the Bold by Veuve Clicquot programme to support women in business.<\/p>\n Aimee believes the impact of female leaders is undeniable, inspiring both peers and aspiring professionals. \u201cMany in my organisation draw courage from women in leadership,\u201d she says. For this year\u2019s awards, she\u2019s looking for candidates who not only excel in business but also drive positive change\u2014whether by supporting others, promoting sustainability, or innovating for impact. <\/p>\n Erik Kruger, International Keynote Speaker, Author, & Leadership Development Specialist<\/strong><\/p>\n Erik Kruger is an international keynote speaker, author, and podcast host focused on adaptability and change. At a time when modern leadership is being redefined, Erik shares ideas and insights to help leaders adapt and reinvent themselves, turning change into opportunity.<\/p>\n Reflecting on the growing presence of women in business, Erik acknowledges its undeniable impact. \u201cMore women in leadership leads to better decisions, stronger cultures, and more resilient businesses,\u201d he says. \u201cThe real shift happens when female leadership is seen as essential, not different.\u201d While recognising progress, Erik emphasizes the need for systemic change. \u201cIt\u2019s not about women needing more confidence\u2014it\u2019s about creating space. Confidence isn\u2019t the issue\u2014access is,\u201d he explains. \u201cWomen need seats at the table, real investment, and leadership structures that break outdated norms.\u201d<\/p>\n What do you think will set this year\u2019s candidates apart from previous years? What is something different you\u2019re keeping an eye out for?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cReinvention. It\u2019s one thing to succeed when things are stable, but in the last few years, stability has been a myth. The leaders who stand out won\u2019t just be the ones who worked hard\u2014they\u2019ll be the ones who rewrote the rules, adapted on the fly, and turned challenges into momentum. I\u2019m looking for people who didn\u2019t just weather the storm but figured out how to use it to their advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n Timothy Maurice Webster, International Keynote Speaker, Author and NeuroLeadership Specialist<\/strong><\/p>\n Timothy Maurice Webster is a bestselling author, podcast host, and leadership columnist with expertise in behavioural psychology and neuroscience. He advises senior executives, political leaders, and entrepreneurs in 40 countries on leadership influence and personal branding, using strategic media and neuro-creativity.<\/p>\n Contemplating on the progress of entrepreneurial women over the last year, Timothy is pleased to see their growing presence in sectors like cybersecurity, mining, energy, and agriculture. He hopes this growth will continue into other industries because he believes women play a remarkable role in business, especially in the C-Suite. \u201cI see women balancing what I term the Q-Suite: IQ, which everyone knows; EQ, Emotional Intelligence; SQ, Spiritual Intelligence; CQ, Cultural Intelligence; and PBQ, which comes from my work\u2014Personal Brand Intelligence,\u201d says Timothy. \u201cWomen manage all these, not just focusing on one, and this contributes to a business’s bottom line and long-term sustainability.\u201d<\/p>\n Timothy encourages women to engage their nurturing side, especially in networking. \u201cNurturing relationships is a skill that can be honed and mastered, and it shouldn\u2019t be taken lightly,\u201d he explains. \u201cPeople take risks with people they deem risk-worthy.\u201d<\/p>\n What’s your bold mantra? <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cBold beauty is born in the heart of purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n About the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award<\/strong><\/p>\n In 1805, Madame Clicquot took the reins of the House after the death of her husband, at a time when women did not have the right to work or even hold a bank account. Over the years, she revolutionised the sector. To mark its 200th anniversary, Veuve Clicquot decided to pay tribute to this great, daring woman, and in 1972 created the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award (Bold Woman Award), followed by the Cl\u00e9mentine Award (Bold Future Award) in 2014. For more than 50 years, the House has honoured and featured women who have built, taken on or developed a business \u2013 to date, more than 450 women across 27 countries. In response to society\u2019s evolution since 1972, starting in 2019 the award has been part of an international program: Bold by Veuve Clicquot, a series of initiatives to generate conversations around the world, designed for more impact and inclusiveness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award adjudication process begins, the esteemed jury prepares to evaluate an inspiring cohort of candidates, each embodying the boldness and innovation that define<\/p>\nWhat’s your bold mantra? <\/em><\/h3>\n
\u201cConnect and collaborate to create. Everything is richer when built with collective intelligence, shared insights, and passion.\u201d<\/h3>\n
Happy Ralinala, Director of Palesa Mbali Group<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Happy Ralinala is the Director of Palesa Mbali Group, focused on empowering women entrepreneurs and leadership excellence. Formerly Managing Executive of Business Banking at Barclays Africa Group, she also led Private and Wealth Banking Segments. With a distinguished career in banking, business strategy, and financial services, Happy is a seasoned board member, trusted advisor, leadership coach, and mentor.<\/h3>\n
As a long-standing member of the Bold Woman judging panel, Happy has witnessed a remarkable shift in the business world, with women-led enterprises growing in quality, scale, and impact. \u201cWomen are not just building businesses; they\u2019re leading with purpose and sustainability,\u201d she says. \u201cWhat was once a fight for a seat at the table is now a movement of women creating their own tables and inviting others in.\u201d While challenges like limited funding, representation, and mentorship remain, Happy highlights the resilience, vision, and determination of women who turn obstacles into opportunities. She believes platforms like the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award are key in amplifying their achievements.<\/h3>\n
How do you explain the impact of women in business, specifically to other women? Why is it important to you? <\/em><\/h3>\n
\u201cWomen-led businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and shape society through inclusive practices. Supporting female entrepreneurs isn\u2019t just about equity\u2014it\u2019s about unlocking potential that benefits entire economies. My mantra, \u2018Even eagles need a push,\u2019 speaks to how success often emerges from adversity. By supporting women, we help them recognise their strength and soar to new heights.\u201d<\/h3>\n
Morongwe Mokone, Co-Founder of Mo\u2019s Crib<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Morongwe \u201cMo\u201d Mokone is the co-founder of Mo’s Crib and the recipient of the 2024 Bold Woman Award. Mo’s Crib is a home decor and design company specialising in practical, handmade items crafted from recycled materials. With African craft and sustainability at its core, Mo\u2019s Crib manufactures and exports hand-crafted homeware for the global market, with its products now stocked in top department stores worldwide.<\/h3>\n
Employing over 300 people, most of whom are women, Mo has seen first-hand the impact women have on business. \u201cAs a women-led business, we\u2019ve experienced how diverse perspectives drive innovation, resilience, and growth,\u201d she says. \u201cWomen bring unique problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence that enhance decision-making and foster inclusivity.\u201d Mo believes women in business lead to balanced growth and more inclusive products. \u201cWomen also reinvest in their communities, creating a ripple effect\u2026 Challenges will come\u2014funding struggles, industry biases, or work-life balance\u2014but your ability to pivot, persist, and innovate will set you apart.\u201d<\/h3>\n
What’s your bold mantra?<\/em><\/h3>\n
\u201cMy mantra is something I learned from my late mom: \u2018Here am I.\u2019 No matter the challenge at hand, even when I sometimes feel I am not qualified enough, tall enough, or well-spoken enough, I should always show up for myself and remind myself that I am here!\u201d<\/h3>\n