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Meet Siphiwe Ledingwane, the dynamic director of public relations, communications and projects at the Innovative Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa (Ipasa). As an African woman, Ledingwane has faced many challenges, such as being overlooked for positions, but she believes her unwavering resilience is the key to her success.
With over eight years’ experience in the private healthcare, not-for-profit and entrepreneurial sectors, she was a key force in developing the strategic approach of the Black Umbrella, the corporate entities of the Graca Machel Trust, CDE Healthcare Group and the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.
Siphiwe Ledingwane is director of public relations, communications and projects at the Pharmaceutical Association of South Africa (IPASA). Source: Supplied.
What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?
From a young age, I have always believed in the power of effective communication to drive change. Early in my career, I worked in a healthcare organization and quickly realized that this path was more than just fancy brand positioning, it was much more than that.
Ultimately, I will make small changes within the organizations I serve that will have a broader, more significant positive socioeconomic impact. As cliché as it may sound, this isn’t just about me; it’s about the difference and impact one person can make. This realization has guided me throughout my career, leading me to seek out opportunities to be a catalyst for change in my profession.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in your career and how did you overcome it?
I have been overlooked simply because I am a woman, and this advantage in some cases became even smaller when I considered that I am an African woman of color. To overcome these obstacles, I prioritized resilience. I was determined to complete each task with determination and excellence, and ultimately earned my “seat at the table.” However, along the way, I was sometimes faced with the more difficult decision of applying this resilience while still recognizing when I should actively seek new opportunities that better align with my desires.
As a woman, how do you view leadership? What do you think are the key qualities of an effective leader? What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of being a woman?
In my opinion, simply because I am surrounded by amazing female leaders – being female is never a disadvantage, either in my professional life or in my personal life. As leaders, we have the ability to develop, analyze, and execute strategic plans that are inclusive yet focused on the key goals of the organization.
We lead with purpose and a shared vision because your success (however you measure it) can be the catalyst that convinces adolescent girls that being a female leader in a male-dominated industry is possible and that the journey is absolutely worth it.
What initiatives or projects are you most proud of and why do you think they were successful?
From a professional perspective, I am particularly proud to have led an organization in developing and implementing a 10-year milestone. The program encompassed a comprehensive scope of work, strategic connections, and impactful results. It has given me a new perspective on my career.
From a personal perspective, this project was so meaningful because it highlighted how the organization supports business growth. It gave me the opportunity to connect with amazing female entrepreneurs who taught me a valuable lesson: “Women don’t need empowerment (we are already empowered); what we need is an enabling environment that levels the playing field for success.”
I am grateful to the female leaders in various fields and the different African countries who have contributed to my growth and shaped me into who I am today.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to succeed in your industry?
Keep going. It won’t necessarily get easier, but it will become more meaningful, and that’s what life is all about – living a life with purpose.
What does Women’s Month mean to you?
This means celebrating the Ipasa Warriors #WomenInPharma who continue to work hard to make innovative medicines available to all! These women dedicate their time not only to the company (Ipasa’s members), but also to the well-being of all South Africans.
This month is also about recognizing and supporting women who are mothers, sisters, aunts, friends and caregivers who have chosen to create health advocacy organizations to amplify the voices or provide access to health care for their loved ones and others facing similar health conditions.
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