Gloria Serobe, one of the four co-founders of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (Wiphold), told attendees at a recent GIBS Forum they should aim to be associated with achievement: “You can’t be mediocre but must outdo everyone in the room, so they know you are a South African. A pioneer is forced to be excellent.”
Serobe, a highly respected businesswoman and a trailblazer known for promoting comprehensive economic empowerment for women, spoke to GIBS Dean Professor Morris Mthombeni about her new book, An Ode to My Mother-in-Law, Winnie Serobe. The book details the remarkable mentorship relationship between Serobe and her mother-in-law: a nurse, midwife, community builder, social entrepreneur and leader in apartheid South Africa
Winnie Serobe nurtured and mentored Gloria, reframing marriage, family and service for her, and inspired her life’s work – to become a leading activist for community upliftment and the empowerment of women.
Founding Wiphold
Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (Wiphold) made history as the first women's group to be listed on the JSE after 1994, facilitating women's economic involvement.
As a mentorship figure, Serobe said her mother-in-law “concentrated on the good. She diverted my attention to where I was strongest and did not focus on my weakest parts.”
By accompanying her to community meetings, the elder Serobe taught Gloria about social challenges and how to be a social entrepreneur, to serve before receiving.
Speaking about mentorship and her own business journey, Serobe said it is in one’s own self-interest to mentor others.
“You have to inspire through excellence. I would be terrified to look back and see that I have taught no one. Mentorship and legacy are in fact investing in yourself.”
