The Reality Behind the Hustle: Women of Impact Share the Untold Truths of Entrepreneurship

On March 18, 2026, the Alumni Relations Office at IIE Rosebank College hosted a powerful Online Women of Impact event, bringing together bold, accomplished women to unpack the realities of leadership, business, and entrepreneurship. While many conversations around success often highlight wins and milestones, this dialogue intentionally shifted the focus toward the lesser-discussed truths, the downsides, sacrifices, and pressures that come with building and sustaining a business.

Among the featured speakers was Mitchell Expert, founder and CEO of Resonate Communications, a sales and entrepreneurship hub dedicated to helping global brands, small businesses, and side hustlers increase revenue through practical tools and skills. Hosted under the umbrella of IIE Rosebank College, a brand of the Independent Institute of Education, the event created a space for honest reflection. Mitchell shared candid insights into the emotional and financial strain that entrepreneurs often face behind the scenes, emphasizing that resilience and adaptability are just as important as strategy.

Also taking the virtual stage was Annah Sekgobela, a passionate businesswoman in logistics and supply chain management, currently pursuing her Honours degree. She reflected on her journey, which began while she was still a student, baking and selling cookies, generating an income of up to R25,000 per annum. This early hustle laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial growth, eventually leading to the opening of a coffee shop and the establishment of Nana’s Catering and Events. Annah highlighted the operational challenges, financial risks, and personal sacrifices that came with scaling her business.

Rounding off the panel was Thato Ramaili, Chief Executive Officer at the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA). With over 15 years of executive leadership experience across accounting, auditing, and real estate in both South Africa and the United States, she brought a strategic leadership perspective to the discussion. Thato spoke about the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership roles, particularly in driving transformation within a complex and competitive sector, noting that leadership often demands resilience, accountability, and difficult decision-making.

The event left a lasting impression on attendees, many of whom described it as both inspiring and grounding. One alumnus shared that the session not only motivated them but also offered a necessary reality check about the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership, expressing a strong desire to attend more events of this nature. Through initiatives like the Women of Impact series, the Alumni Relations Office continues to create meaningful platforms for authentic dialogue, learning, and connection within its alumni community.