Name: Maryanne

Title: Self-employed

Organisation: Natena Trading

I believe in 7 things to make my dream come true.

1. Self-motivation.

2. Self - discipline

3. Self- control

4. Determination

5. Respect

6. Listen attentively

7. Humility

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Maryanne's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader is very challenging but I know I must always be an example for others to follow. If I am a leader I will not be a boss.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I was a leader when I was in grades 9 and 10. My class appointed me as a class Captain. I tell my class what to do and they do but I do extra work for them to see and follow. Then I went onto the college and became a church representative but I did the same. Then I got to work and got married I got involved in church problems as a leader for the mothers in the church. I teach them God's word but be the doers of the word and not be a leader without characteristics. I want to be a good example in my home for my little kids to see me and follow.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I wake up at 4 am to Pray and at 5 am I make breakfast for my husband because he goes off early to work and at 6 am I make my children's breakfast. Later in the day, I do all the job that I want to do. And in the afternoon at 3-4 pm, I make dinner for the family.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

The recent leadership lessons I've learned are in the church. When my pastor told me or preached about Jesus and his followers. Jesus was a leader in the group of 12 and he took himself into their shoes and showed them the ways they should leave and follow his instructions. That's how I learned to be a good leader wherever I go.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The book that impact my life is the Bible the word of God. I was a good leader because I read so much of God's word and it impacted my life.

Before my anger was like a hot stone ready to burn something but when I read a lot of Bible verses about how I should calm my anger, it helped a lot to cease my anger. Now I am no longer angry but have more peace in my heart.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

My word is this. Be a Leader and not a Boss. A leader leads and does not command.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

As a leader in my time, I can recall while at school my team and I were asked to wash the toilet and everyone was like yuck and I said no, we don't have to say that, we have to start with little dirty things and get good things later. As the leader I started working and they followed me later.