1. You are the pride of Tanzeen, South Africa. Tell our readers about your 10 year journey with Cricket South Africa and the Proteas ?
   

Hahaha I wouldn't call myself the pride of Tzaneen. There is a certain Dale Steyn, Marchant de Lange and more recently Eldred Hawken who all attended school there. Or maybe I should say there is a lot of good talent that comes from there. Goodness, where do I start. Well my dream of working in cricket started a young girl in Tzaneen many moons ago. My brother got me hooked on the sport (he was quite a keen cricketer) and I decided then that cricket would be my path. I decided to study journalism after Matric with the hope of becoming a cricket journalist but by the time I graduated, I was well on my way to becoming a Financial Journalist after majoring in Economics. The Universe wasn't interested in Financial journalism for me, and that summer I worked at The Times as an intern sports reporter during the holidays, the best few months ever. I had enrolled to study my Honours at Wits the following year, I was due to start in January, and suddenly, an opportunity to be an intern in the Communications Department opened up in December (the universe wasn't done). It was no brainer, CSA it was, Honours i'll see you some other time. I loved every minute being fully immersed in the sport from grassroots level up to the Proteas. I started as an intern in 2008, was promoted to media officer development in 2009 and got my dream job in 2010 working with the Proteas. It all happened so quickly but I loved every step that I took on the journey. From development where I spent a lot of time with the people who selflessly serve the game, domestic cricket which was the pipeline towards the Proteas, and the Proteas, the pinnacle. I gots paid to watch cricket, it really didn't get any better. It was the most memorable journey of my life and i was so fortunate to work with some of the most talented sportsmen in the world and most importantly, quality human beings who wanted to see the game thrive.

2. How did you cope with dealing with a testosterone driven change room ?

When I first started I was intimidated by the big names and profiles but as the months and years went by i grew comfortable and confidence in the space and in my work. I really think testosterone influence is a myth haha. I think I coped in a male-dominated environment because I worked with the most kindest, caring and professional individuals. I am so grateful for that because you can't be away from home for months on end in a toxic environment, you just won't cope. The players and management really made the job less stressful but ultimately, like any high-pressure environment, you need a thick skin. International cricket is a revolving door of high and low emotions, good and bad performances and so much more in between. All of it will affect your daily life. You have to know what is worth your energy or what will pass with the day of the week.

3. What business advise can you give to SME’s during this tough time

You have to pivot. You can't rely on the formula that worked for you before Covid-19. I think understanding your customer base and target market is very important. Eg, will a lower LSM target market be able to go online to buy your products if that is a move you have to make because of Covid-19. You need to think proactively about how you take your product to your target market during these trying times. I think we can all agree that digital and online presence has become increasingly important as lockdown has meant people are online more frequently. I think it is also important to put a bigger focus on your digital brand, if people can't come to you physically, make sure you can give them some of the engagement they usually receive face-to-face online. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Just my two cents.

4. You are a businesswomen and an entrepreneur post Proteas. What are you doing now?

It has been a rollercoaster year but most certainly the most rewarding year of my career. I am doing quite a few things which has been the most eye-opening experience. I mostly do a lot of project work in the Sports PR and Communications space and I have been lucky to work with Bryan Habana and his team on Matchkit.com and on the 2020 Momentum gsport awards with Kass Naidoo and her team. I also do some athlete management which is really a big passion point for me, helping athletes build their brands and to grow their brands commercially.  There are also a few projects which I'm working on so for now you will have to watch this space 🙂

5. 2020 has been a year to remember regarding the COVID_19 Pandemic. How has the pandemic effected you positively? 

Thinking out of the box! I had my whole year planned in January with projects and events in my sight and all of that had to be scrapped. I literally had to tear out that page in my note book in March and start again. I also realised that I was thinking within myself, I was still aiming for what was comfortable. I forced myself to step outside of my comfort zone, and in hindsight, that is the only space I want to operate in. A space of growth and learning. The other positive is spending time at home with family. After 10 years on the road, spending time at home with family 'just chilling' has been amazing, I finally get to attend birthday parties and family events. Getting into a routine, cooking, DIY, getting consistent with my running and reading has been the escape I have missed the most.