Eleanor is currently the marketing and sales director for Sportron International, a direct selling wellness company based in Johannesburg. She is also wife to Kevin of 33 years and mother to two grown daughters, Joanne and Meryl.

How did you get into your chosen line of work?

I started my career in the Industry of Direct Sales in 1981 to supplement my income. Soon I was making more money on my flexi-time opportunity than in my full-time job as a registered nurse and midwife and decided to quit my job as a nurse and pursue my career in Direct Sales. I quit my full-time job in December 1981 and have been in the Direct Selling industry ever since with my main focus on developing successful entrepreneurs for the future.

What do you love most about your current job?

I get to make a difference in the lives of people every day and that is most rewarding. When they develop their business, people and life-skills they experience greater success than many of them ever dreamed of and that helps them impact their lives, the lives of their families and their communities.

What impact do women have in your field/world?

Our Industry is dominated by women, many of whom are very successful in their business lives as entrepreneurs. Over the past 10 years 99% of our business awards have been won by women. As natural nurturers, women do very well in this business and especially in the health and wellness field.

What challenges do you feel women face in the workplace?

In my personal opinion the greatest challenge is that many women misunderstand the difference between Leadership and Headship and this causes relationship tension within their marriage that often leads to women giving up on either their marriage or their leadership role in the world of work. They also have to work smarter and in many cases harder to prove their worth in the work place and to be taken seriously. There are also some cultural issues that arise as women become successful business owners especially in a male dominated work environment.

Does any particular woman stand out to you as a brilliant leader? Why?

Yes, Esther the biblical character has always stood out for me as a great example of leadership. She had all the characteristics of a great leader, she had character and a vision for the future not just for herself but for her people as well. She was disciplined, courageous and committed to take action to help her people go free and yet she remained teachable and pliable in the hands of God. She also allowed her older cousin Mordecai to mentor her and determined to remain accountable to him and valued his wisdom and influence in her life.

What unique value do you think a woman brings to the workplace?

The uniqueness I have seen is that women have great tenacity and perseverance even in the toughest of situations. I also think they work harder than their male counterparts and are better listeners. In my experience they are more patient and are better at managing relationships.

What advice would you give someone starting out in their life/career? 

Know what you want your future to look like – have a vision. Get a mentor who will speak into your life and guide you along the journey. Be a woman of your word no matter how difficult – walk your talk.

What has been the hardest lesson you have learnt in business?

That we cannot trust in people, careers and positions because they are all temporary - here today and gone tomorrow. We need to put our trust in God. This was my hardest lesson but also the one I learnt most from.

What is the secret of your success?

My dependence on God, my heavenly Father, to lead me and guide me each day with HIS wisdom. Without His grace, mercy, protection and guidance I am nothing. With Him and through him I can do all things.

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