Breaking barriers: The journey of female leadership in healthcare.

How do you take the lead as a woman?

Yashika Maharaj, Hospital Manager at Intercare Sandton Day Hospital, Physical Rehabilitation Hospital, and Intercare Medfem Hospital, believes in leading with passion and integrity, building trust-based relationships, and being visible and approachable. She prioritises clear communication, takes the initiative to propose ideas, and leads by example. She values having a strong support system of mentors and views failures as opportunities for growth. Being authentic is her guiding principle as a leader.

Megan Dey-van Heerden, Practice Manager at Intercare Castle Gate, takes the lead with grace, kindness and a clear vision.

Desiré Mathee, Practice Manager at Intercare Walmer Medical and Dental Centre, leads with humility and integrity. She is always mindful of her responsibilities and the effect her behaviour might have on others. She believes in treating everyone respectfully and fairly, being compassionate and approachable, and focusing on open communication.

Rushana Isaacs, Hospital Manager at Intercare Century City Day Hospital, leads with compassion and understanding and always trusts her instincts. She encourages others to improve and emphasises the importance of communicating with and listening to her team.

Theresa du Toit, Practice Manager at Intercare Panorama, believes that women have unique abilities to actively listen, inspire, and motivate to reach goals by genuinely showing empathy and interest in their team.

Charné Blom, Practice Manager at Intercare Fourways, expresses her views and opinions and always looks to enhance her communication skills.

What does leadership mean to you as a woman?

Yashika Maharaj sees leadership as about leading with purpose, enthusiasm, dedication, and accountability. It also involves inspiring and empowering the team to achieve their best, fostering an inclusive culture, and collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve common goals.

Megan Dey-van Heerden feels that leadership involves embodying the characteristics of those who inspired us, resulting in behaviours that reflect our core values. As a woman in leadership, it's crucial to display qualities that inspire the team and promote growth and change.

Desiré Mathee believes that leadership means making a difference in the company and the lives of colleagues, patients, and the community.

Rushana Isaacs sees leadership as setting an example to her subordinates by respecting others, taking responsibility for her actions, and being accountable.

Theresa du Toit views leadership as an opportunity for change and innovation in the workplace and for creating a safe culture where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and succeed.

Charné Blom considers it an honour to be part of the ever-changing dynamic of male and female leaders, inspiring her team and other female colleagues aspiring to be in managerial positions.

What are the strengths of a female leader?

According to Yashika Maharaj, female leaders' strengths include emotional intelligence, passion for leading with purpose, strong communication skills, multitasking ability, and strategic thinking.

Megan Dey-van Heerden, Practice Manager at Intercare Castle Gate, lists task orientation, trust, resilience, organisation, transformational approach, and promotion of collaboration as the strengths of female leaders.

Desiré Mathee highlights the strengths of female leaders: empathy, compassion, hard work, and the ability to multitask under extreme circumstances and in a high-pressure environment.

Rushana Isaacs emphasises empathy, mindfulness, and respect for others as critical strengths of female leaders.

Theresa du Toit believes that female leaders excel at building and maintaining relationships and prioritising strong relationships over task-oriented leadership.

How do you balance leadership responsibilities with personal life?

Yashika Maharaj emphasises the importance of having a work-life balance. She achieves this by scheduling personal time for family and friends, physical and mental activities, and ensuring she has a nutritious diet for energy to perform at her best. She is grateful for her family's support, which enables her to fulfil her leadership responsibilities.

Megan Dey-van Heerden, Practice Manager at Intercare Castle Gate, suggests empowering your team to support you when you're away, setting clear boundaries, and making time for family, friends, exercise, and hobbies.

Desiré Mathee balances leadership responsibilities with her personal life by being mindful and living in the moment. She focuses on where she is and being present with her thoughts and behaviour.

Rushana Isaacs makes time for herself and her family by engaging in activities like gardening, which relaxes her.