What happens when you combine corporate heart with real-world impact? You get Pizza Hut’s game-changing LeadHERship initiative — a bold, purpose-driven program that’s not just changing lives but rewriting the narrative for young women across South Africa.
At the heart of this initiative is EmpowerHER, a dynamic workshop recently hosted at Pizza Hut’s Johannesburg headquarters. Designed to ignite confidence, boost employability, and deliver real tools for career growth, this event brought together over 50 rising stars from the program’s third cohort — and left them inspired, informed, and ready to conquer the workplace.
💬 From Dreams to Drive: Real Women, Real Wins
Two powerhouse alumni from Cohort 2, Lindiwe Ndlovu and Sinethemba Mokopeni, kicked off the session with personal stories that stirred the soul.
Lindiwe, once a quiet young woman with no industry background, shared how LeadHERship helped her unlock confidence, grow her skills, and rise from a call centre job to working in marketing.
Sinethemba’s transformation was just as powerful — her photography studies gave her passion, but the LeadHERship program gave her professional exposure, helping her secure a marketing coordinator role.
Both echoed a shared truth:
“We couldn’t get a job without experience, and couldn’t get experience without a job — until LeadHERship changed everything.”
📄 Crafting a CV That Opens Doors
Nitika Datta, Talent Acquisition Lead at Pizza Hut Africa, led a powerful session on building standout CVs.
She reminded the young women that recruiters spend just five seconds scanning a CV — so every line must shine. Her practical tips included:
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Clear layout with contact info upfront
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LinkedIn profile links and professional photos
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One-page CVs for entry-level roles
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Powerful action words and measurable achievements
Through side-by-side CV comparisons, she showed just how much impact structure, clarity, and confidence can make.
“Your CV is your first impression — make it speak loud and clear about who you are and what you bring.”
⚡ Tech Your Power Back: Digital Tools to Win the Job
Next, Kelsey Tennent, Brand Manager at Pizza Hut Africa, lit the room up with tools that transform the job hunt.
From ChatGPT for crafting personalised CVs and practicing interviews, to Canva for slick templates, LinkedIn for networking, and Job Mail for local opportunities — Kelsey showed how free and accessible platforms can turn the tide.
“The tools are out there — use them to show up strong, connect authentically, and own your career journey.”
💼 Dress the Part, Feel the Power
No career workshop is complete without talking about presence. Enter personal stylist Pippa J, who delivered a fun and fierce session on dressing for success.
Her golden rule? Confidence starts in your closet.
She highlighted how 80% of first impressions are visual and broke down key essentials for the working woman’s starter wardrobe:
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Neutral shoes
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A button-down shirt
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A pencil skirt
“Style isn’t about trends,” she said, “it’s about how you carry yourself into the room.”
🗣️ Food, Mentorship & Fuel for the Future
The session ended with laughter, networking, delicious food, and new headshots for every attendee — each woman walking away not only with knowledge but with renewed belief in her future.
LeadHERship’s founding leaders, Lee-Ann Cullingworth (Marketing Director, Pizza Hut Africa) and Marlene Von Berg (Social Purpose Lead), beamed with pride:
“These young women are giving their all to change their futures,” they said.
“We’re honoured to walk alongside them — and give them the tools to succeed.”
Event host Rirhandzu Manganye, Head of Brand Marketing for Pizza Hut Africa, summed it up best:
“LeadHERship is about more than mentorship. It’s about unlocking potential, one empowered woman at a time.”
🌍 Want to support the movement or sign up?
Visit www.pizzahutleadhership.com to learn more.
