“I dream big, and I live boldly. I don’t think there’s anything that is not possible for me.

I don’t have desperation and anxiety around achieving big things too quickly. I take my time because I know that I can do it.”

Speaking to Nounouche, these are the profound words which Nomndeni Mdakhi shared. 

The entrepreneur, keynote speaker and CEO of Agenda Women has walked an entrepreneurial path which is rooted in impact and problem-solving. 

Impact entrepreneurship 

Born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, Mdakhi’s upbringing contributed to who she is and the kind of work she does today. 

“Both my parents were actually entrepreneurs. But I didn’t realise how that was going to impact me being drawn to entrepreneurship.”

When it was time to choose her career path, Mdakhi decided to pursue Marketing Management. 

“I read what it was in a prospectus, and it kind of connected with what I had seen on Generations. So, TV was also an influence in my journey and that was really just the beginning.” 

Since then, she has spearheaded various entrepreneurial ventures. These include co-founding Fuse Academy, a deejaying school for girls aimed at fostering inclusivity within the entertainment industry. 

She also established a creative agency known as Edits Communications.

Her current brainchild is a female interest multimedia platform, Agenda Women, which is aimed at bringing women together as they learn and grow.

“Anything that you can imagine as a woman’s need, we will solve for. Whether it’s finding the cutest bag to travel with, figuring out how to invest your money or healing your relationship with your mom. We are invested in everything that involves challenges which women face, whether frivolous or deep.” 

Moreover, the Agenda Women founder and CEO shared that impact was of great importance in the business and all it stands for. 

“I’m an impact entrepreneur, so a lot of the work we do really is anchored on the triple bottom line. 

We’re about making sure that we build a business that’s profitable, that prioritises people and also cares about the impact on the planet as we navigate towards creating products.”

A worthwhile journey of resilience 

Looking back on her entrepreneurial journey, Mdakhi views it as one that has pruned her and made her exercise resilience.

“Even as I say it has been difficult, I can honestly tell you that it has been a difficulty that I can manage. One of the things that have helped me become better is just understanding that entrepreneurship is problem-solving.” 

Amidst the many highs, lows and monumental milestones, she views building Agenda Women as a key highlight. 

“I think it’s the business that I was being prepared for. My first business was a deejaying school for girls and my second business was an agency. I always say if those two businesses had a baby, it would be Agenda Women.”

Lessons on success and the ease of boldly forty…

Throughout her life and career, Mdakhi has had multiple opportunities to travel the world and to meet different people. The experiences and encounters have come with valuable lessons. 

“Meeting particularly successful people has made the benchmark of what success is a little bit more accessible. 

It has made me realize that there’s nothing extremely special around success. It’s available for everyone that wants to pursue it.” 

Having recently turned 40, Mdakhi expressed the boldness and ease which has come with this phase of her life. In her books, life does indeed begin at 40. 

“There’s an ease with which I engage with life and its challenges. I think it is because of everything that has happened and how I’ve dealt with it. At this age, I know that I’m capable of facing challenges and overcoming them.”

Family time, rest and a good reset 

On days when she is not in ‘entrepreneurial mode’ or speaking on an impactful stage, Mdakhi can be found watching a good romcom, or spending time with her family. 

“I try to keep my Saturdays as family days. What I also enjoy about my Saturdays is going to watch my son play basketball. I love being a basketball mom,” she shared. 

Mdakhi has also started embracing her love for interior décor, and a portion of her time is spent at furniture shops. 

“If I’m not doing any of those things, I’m at home relaxing and just daydreaming about the business and my life. On Sundays it’s church and just resetting.”

Dream big and live boldly 

This Women’s Month, Mdakhi’s message to women is about the importance of believing in one’s dreams. 

“Dream big. It doesn’t need to be an accessible dream. Regardless of where you are, just never stop dreaming big.”

The keynote speaker also emphasised the essence of living boldly and unapologetically. 

“Live in a way that is audacious. Show up to spaces in a way that embodies big thinking. You’d be surprised at how people receive you.

People gravitate towards those whom they think can do great things, and people who are confident,” she advised. 

Last but certainly not least, she touched on financial autonomy. 

“As women, we need to prioritise our money. You need to have a solid financial plan and that can’t be a man.

Having financial autonomy will give you access to dreaming big and living boldly.