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By Laverne De Jager

I’ve met some truly amazing leaders in my time. But in recent years, I’ve started to notice a different kind of leader  – the ones who take leadership to another level, who create their own definition of what it means and then live it authentically.

These are the leaders who change dynamics, influence others, and drive real change in the world. In my opinion, they share a few key traits:

1. They lead with heart

They’re strong but still soft enough to care deeply – always willing to go the extra mile.

I waitressed for about five years while studying and shortly after finishing my degree. The owner of the restaurant I worked at ran it with a tight fist — and that’s exactly what made it one of the most successful businesses in KZN. The food was incredible, the service impeccable, and the restaurant so spotless you could practically eat off the floor.

He didn’t tolerate mediocrity. But what truly set him apart was how much he cared about his patrons. He would always go the extra mile — squeezing people in even when the restaurant was full, ordering a specific wine a customer loved, giving them their favourite table and waitron, and remembering everyone by name. Thousands of patrons — and he remembered all of them. That’s leadership.

2. They don’t take “no,” “I can’t,” or “impossible” as answers

They find a way. No excuses.

After years in my career and working with many small businesses, I’ve noticed that the ones who succeed are stubborn about their goals. They push forward when others stop. They apply for funding, they knock on doors most people won’t, and when they hear “no,” they try again. Sometimes it’s a yes that propels them forward. Sometimes it’s a no that teaches them resilience and being able to refuse to accept limits.

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3. They’re not afraid to do the hard work

True leaders aren’t above their team. There’s no ego — just grit.

One of the incredible people I’ve had the privilege of working with is a passionate, award-winning chef who has built and managed several successful restaurants. On busy days, she ties her hair back and waits tables right alongside her staff. That’s what leadership looks like — leading by example, not hierarchy.

4. They know when to let go

Knowing when to give up isn’t about losing — it’s about redirection.

In business, things rarely go as planned. Great leaders can identify when something isn’t working, cut their losses, and move forward — taking the lessons with them.

One client I worked with launched a new brand under her existing business, targeting a specific niche. Within two to three years, it became clear the profitability wasn’t where it needed to be. She made the smart choice to consolidate the product back into the main brand. It wasn’t failure — it was strategy.

I’ve met single mums who’ve just started businesses, redefining what it means to be a working single mother who puts things in place to be able to work 18hr days. Others have supportive partners who help them chase their goals. There’s no foolproof formula — no single “right” way to do it.

Many of these leaders were forged through adversity, pain, and disappointment. They didn’t take the easy road, but in doing so, they’re paving the way for others to have it a little easier. Women leaders are never “copy and paste.” Because in so many industries we are still overlooked and underestimated, we’re finding new ways to balance motherhood, career, and ambition — and we’re doing it on our own terms.

Laverne De Jager

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