Empowering women in business: Insights from Heidi Villa-Vicencio's 20-year journey

In a landscape often dominated by financial, social, and structural challenges, South African women entrepreneurs are demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination.

According to Heidi Villa-Vicencio, managing director of Cape Town-based Mthente Research and Consulting Services, these women are not only facing hurdles such as limited access to funding and traditional gender roles, but are also finding innovative ways to carve out their spaces in the business world.

Villa-Vicencio, who has 20 years of experience in the industry and founded the “boutique agency” in 2005, noted that while there are initiatives for support, awareness remains low.

“Addressing these barriers is vital for empowering women and fostering economic innovation,” said Villa-Vicencio.

With a Master of Arts degree from the University of Cape Town and a Master of Business Administration from Warwick University in England under her belt, Villa-Vicencio is also an accredited coach with the International Coaching Federation.

Starting her career at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in 1994, she has achieved significant milestones.

Her experience includes consulting in the UK, evaluating and strategising for major companies, government entities, and programmes, and serving as project director for literacy and higher education pilot initiatives, among other achievements.

Serving clients across Africa, Europe, and the USA, Mthente, now 75% women-owned, was recognised as a top women-empowered company by Standard Bank last year.

Villa-Vicencio said that entrepreneurship is a fulfilling journey fuelled by passion and perseverance, adding that while challenges exist for women entrepreneurs, so too do opportunities.

“By being proactive and resilient, you will overcome obstacles and contribute significantly to your community and the South African economy,” she said.

According to Villa-Vicencio, embracing diversity is crucial for growth in today’s global landscape.

“By collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds, we have developed a strong team that drives our success,” she said.

She explained that effective leadership involves consensus-building and making tough decisions while maintaining a solution-focused mindset within your team.

Her advice for other women entrepreneurs is to dream big and trust their abilities.

“Embrace perseverance and creativity, and seek mentorship. Build relationships with a diverse community that uplifts you.” 

Villa-Vicencio highlighted that while aspiring women entrepreneurs will face tough choices, their accomplishments will be rewarding.

“In 20 years, like me, you will look up and realise this journey was worthwhile,” she said.

karen.singh@inl.co.za