Women are increasingly making inroads in the corporate world, running companies, working in leadership positions and making important decisions for big corporate entities. But according to figures from the Department of Labour, women still hold only 26.5% of top management jobs in South Africa. Nastassha Dooks, Vodacom's Managing Executive for Retentions, has beaten the odds, having forged a meteoric rise from call centre agent at a bank to her current executive position at Vodacom.  

Nastassha shares five key lessons she has learnt to help other women on their career journeys.  

Lesson 1 – Appreciate where you are 

It’s good to know where you’re going, but it’s also important to take in everything you can from your current situation. This is especially true if, like me, you worked a job while studying that wasn’t exactly in your preferred field of work. Even if you’re not gaining the work experience in the area you desire, you could still be learning skills like people development and building a network of connections you may come to need when you eventually get into your field.  

Lesson 2 – Be intentional about your career 

It’s one thing to dream, but if you’re not putting things in place to make your career progress, you’re going nowhere. I learnt this from an ambitious superior while working as an agent at a bank call centre. He groomed me to take over his position, because for him to move up the ladder, he needed someone who could do what he was doing, and he was intentionally preparing me for that purpose. I admired this, but I must add that if you’re not intentional about your own career you become a part of other people’s plans, just as I was in that instance.  

Lesson 3 – Be graceful even when things don’t go your way 

We all know the old mantra “never give up”. But an important factor in making that attitude work is being reflective in defeat. Most ambitious people are A-type personalities. This is the type of person who knows the work they put in will reap the reward they want. 

But the higher up the hierarchy you play, the tougher the competition is, and the hard work won’t always pay off. Don’t be disheartened – it’s not a bad thing, because you can’t grow without failing along the way. But to grow like this, you need to learn from your failures and look within yourself when things don’t go your way. It’s easy to feel victimised when you face criticism, but if it comes from more than one person, look at the comments objectively and work out how you can fix things.  

Lesson 4 – You can have everything… just not at the same time 

We’d all like to have it all; a great career, healthy family life, fit body, and all the rest. And yes, you can have these – just not at the same time. The point is that if you want to excel at your job, you need to sacrifice some things in your personal life. And, if you want to excel at other things, like family life, you’ll have to do the same in terms of your career. Make your choices depending on your life stage and stick to them. Don’t compare yourself to others who are moving forward in their careers. You’ve decided you have different priorities for now and will reach your career goals eventually. 

Lesson 5 – Build valuable networks and ditch the rest  

While many other corporate heads won’t agree with me on this one, I believe it’s possible to “over-network”. The best networks are ones that are beneficial to you and the other person, but this isn’t always the case. Sometimes people share details but have nothing of value to offer one another. When you spend time cultivating these relationships, you’re taking time away from those that are valuable. 

The solution is twofold: First, only seek out people who you know you’ll make valuable connections with and go to places where you’re likely to find them. Second, engage wholeheartedly to be sure it’s worth putting effort into the relationship. If it’s not going to be valuable to you, don’t waste time maintaining contact. 

Bonus lesson – Take your time 

You're going to be 35 anyway. You’re going to be 40 anyway. You're going to be 60 anyway. Don't be in a rush. A degree achieved at age 21 feels the same as a degree achieved at age 27, and you get to celebrate the same thing, which is the achievement of becoming an expert in a particular field. Meanwhile, if you’re making things happen, then you know you’ll get there – in your own time.  

Vodacom prides itself in being an inclusive employer, and a place where people love to work. Think you have what it takes to build a career here? Have a look at Vodacom's career portals to see if there is a position that fits your professional profile.