A company dedicated to bridging the gap between brands and their customers has received the prestigious 2023 Santam Readers’ Choice Award. Marcia Monareng, the founder and CEO of Millennial Mindset Media, has once again demonstrated her exceptional leadership. Her corporation has achieved yet another significant milestone.

 

As a young Black female entrepreneur, she leads a solution-driven creative agency that champions inclusivity and drives positive change within communities. Winning the Readers’ Choice Award is a testament to Marcia’s belief that writing without effort is often read without pleasure. To counter this, she invests unwavering dedication into every piece of work she delivers, earning the admiration of her clients, particularly for her outstanding media campaigns. She possesses the unique ability to read between the lines.

 

Marcia empowers the youth, reflecting her strong commitment to promoting equality and social justice. She envisions a future where the youth actively engage, knocking on doors and leading the way. With their zeal, eagerness to learn, and readiness to serve, it’s a vision she passionately supports. 

This Readers’ Choice Award from the Santam Women of the Future Awards is more than just an accolade to her. What Marcia said when I asked what it means to achieve this award: “It’s a well-deserved recognition for the unwavering dedication and relentless effort poured into shaping this brand”. Entrepreneurs often invest a significant time, working long hours and sometimes sacrificing personal and family time to build their businesses. Through this award, she has received the affirmation that prioritizing purpose over profit can pave the way for success.   

 

She finds immense joy in her work, aligning with the notion that intellectual improvement arises from leisure. It’s often said that when you love what you do, it never feels like work. Working smart is her forte. She stays abreast of trends and real-world events, ensuring her agency remains at the forefront of the industry.

 

In the world of Santam awards, a symbolic benchmark for assessing the accomplishments of an enterprise is the ability to build a resilient enterprise. For businesses eligible for the award, they must have been in operation for over 1000 days. In the initial 1000 days, a company must set the tone for its entire operation. The decisions and market share achieved during this period set the foundation for the business’s priorities and values. Judges acknowledge this as a definitive sign of the company’s purpose and direction. Marcia even states that ”while challenges persist, and I occasionally stumble, there’s no doubt that I am now smarter and better equipped than when I embarked on this journey”. She says at the beginning there was a lot of learning and unlearning, she had to make significant sacrifices that often involved stepping out of her comfort zone, taking risks, and facing uncertainty.

Marcia’s tenacity enables her to navigate the complex business landscape and discern her audience’s preferences. Her published work through her media enterprise carries an emotional impact, encompassing the full spectrum of human experiences, and resonating with the target market of her clients. 

“Being in the presence of accomplished and influential women, such as Thuli Madonsela, was an incredibly surreal experience. I found myself deeply inspired by these remarkable women. The most memorable aspect of this event was having the privilege of sharing it with my grandmother, who is not only my role model but also one of my greatest sources of inspiration”

Marcia was among 9 finalists who were seen as remarkable contributors to the South African economy. The young women were recognized for being able to participate in addressing societal issues and simultaneously fostering sustainable economic growth in the country. That is why we are so proud of this Milestone. Oprah Winfrey once said, “With every experience, you alone are painting your canvas, thought by thought, choice by choice.” Marcia is painting her Masterpiece.

The journey of Marcia Monareng and her innovative company stands as a testament to the power of dedication, creativity, and the unwavering pursuit of purpose. Her accomplishments, including the respected 2023 Santam Readers’ Choice Award, underscore the immense impact that individuals can have on their communities and industries.

 

As a young Black female entrepreneur, Marcia’s story is an inspiration to aspiring leaders, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, empowerment, and social change. She has shown that success is not merely about profits but also about making a positive impact on society.

 

Marcia remains committed to her vision, and her perseverance in overcoming challenges, and she continuously strives to excel. That has truly set her apart as a leader. Her journey is a reminder that every experience, every decision, and every thought is a brushstroke on the canvas of our lives. With passion, purpose, and unwavering effort, one can create a masterpiece of their own making.

 

In celebrating Marcia’s achievements and those of her fellow finalists, we recognize the potential for entrepreneurial innovation to drive positive change in the South African economy. These remarkable women are pioneers, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.

 

The Santam Women of the Future Awards serves as a symbol of optimism, encouraging us to pursue our dreams, challenge the status quo, and, like Marcia, craft our masterpieces in the world of business and beyond.

 

Written by Mlungisi Nkosi

 

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