The Role of Bold Women in Business, According to a Powerhouse Panel: Insights from the Esteemed Jury for the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award

As the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award enters its adjudication phase, a distinguished jury prepares to evaluate a cohort of extraordinary female entrepreneurs who are reshaping the business world. Inspired by the legacy of Madame Clicquot—one of the first women to lead a global champagne house—the award celebrates boldness, innovation, and resilience in business. This year, as the anticipation builds, the jury offers a window into the values, qualities, and visions they hope to see reflected in this year’s contenders.

Bold Leadership in Action: Jury Insights

Amanda Dambuza

Founder and CEO, Uyandiswa Group

Amanda Dambuza is no stranger to breaking boundaries. Having held senior roles at all four major South African banks, she now leads Uyandiswa, a top-tier project management consulting firm. For her, the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award is more than a celebration—it’s a movement.

“The benefits women and their families gain from entrepreneurship far outweigh the risks,”.

she says, pointing to a growing network of women who uplift each other globally

What she’s watching for in 2025:

An uptick in entries from male-dominated industries. Amanda hopes to see more trailblazing women staking their claim in spaces long considered off-limits, changing narratives and opening doors for others.

Aimee Kellen

Regional Marketing Director, Moët Hennessy Middle East and Africa

With two decades in luxury brand strategy, Aimee Kellen knows the power of storytelling—and of collaboration. She’s looking for businesswomen who combine enterprise with social impact.

Bold mantra: “Connect and collaborate to create.”

She believes great leadership grows from collective intelligence and shared passion, especially when it supports women’s advancement.

Happy Ralinala

Director, Palesa Mbali Group

Happy Ralinala brings a wealth of experience from the banking and financial sector. Today, her focus is on empowering women through leadership and mentorship.

“Women are not just building businesses; they’re leading with purpose and sustainability,”.

she notes, highlighting the shift from merely earning seats at the table to building new ones entirely

Her perspective:

Women entrepreneurs fuel inclusive growth, and recognising them isn’t just about representation—it’s about economic transformation.

Morongwe “Mo” Mokone

Co-Founder, Mo’s Crib and 2024 Bold Woman Award Winner

With Mo’s Crib exporting hand-crafted, sustainable homeware to global markets, Mo Mokone understands the transformative power of women-led businesses. Her leadership has empowered over 300 employees, most of them women.

Bold mantra: “Here am I.”

A lesson from her late mother that reminds her to always show up—even when self-doubt creeps in.

Erik Kruger

International Keynote Speaker and Leadership Specialist

Erik Kruger focuses on adaptability and change in modern leadership. He believes bold women leaders today are those who rewrite the rules during uncertainty.

His 2025 focus:
Reinvention.

He’s looking for those who turned adversity into opportunity and chaos into strategy, particularly in an age where stability is fleeting.

Timothy Maurice Webster

NeuroLeadership Specialist and Author

Timothy brings a deep understanding of behavioural psychology and personal branding. He applauds the rise of women in sectors like energy, agriculture, and cybersecurity, where they lead with a unique blend of intelligence types—IQ, EQ, SQ, CQ, and PBQ.

Bold mantra: “Bold beauty is born in the heart of purpose.”

He believes women’s multidimensional intelligence gives businesses long-term viability and innovation potential.

Building a Future Led by Bold Women

As the Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award enters its 2025 edition, the jury isn’t just selecting winners—they’re spotlighting pioneers who redefine success on their own terms. From empowering communities to transforming industries, these women exemplify the values of creativity, resilience, and inclusive leadership. And as they step forward, they inspire the next generation to rise boldly, purposefully, and powerfully.

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