Judy Sheik, Executive Head of Self-Service and Robotics Enablement at Vodacom, has spent 25 years forging a career that blends innovation, leadership, and personal creativity. She has achieved success in various fields—from excelling in the tech industry to winning multiple culinary competitions. A serial hobbyist and accomplished professional, Judy’s story is one of passion, resilience, and commitment to growth.
In this interview, Judy reflects on the defining moments of her career, offers advice for aspiring women, and shares how her unique experiences have shaped her leadership style at Vodacom.
Can you share anything extraordinary about yourself?
I am multi-faceted and have had the incredible opportunity to cook with Australia's Master Chefs after winning a live cooking competition at Good Food and Wine. I have won numerous cooking competitions and developed my own brand of curry sauces. As a member of the South African Cake Decorators Guild (SACDG), my skills also extend to clothing design and jewellery making.
For 30 years, I have enjoyed riding pillion on a superbike and have a passion for deep-sea fishing. I've hosted online cook-a-longs with over 120 participants and am a serial hobbyist with interests in fusion cooking, baking, and mentoring young women. My creativity shines through in painting and pottery, and I have planned numerous upscale events.
Additionally, I have served as a Hacker coach and judge and am a natural innovator with a deep interest in people and cultures. I am also an accomplished dancer and taught at Arthur Murray in high school for extra cash.
Can you recall a moment that defined who you are today or that defined your professional journey?
Firstly, watching my dad, who had an amazing work ethic and believed that no matter what job you did, you should do it to the best of your ability and success would organically follow. Secondly, having Terryl Underwood as my mentor has played a pivotal role in my development. She always provided insightful feedback that nudged me back onto the path when I veered. There have been too many nuggets of advice she offered that contributed to my achievements to mention individually. I will forever be grateful for that.
What advice would you give to other aspiring women in Vodacom?
Know yourself, understand your super strengths, and leverage them. Raise your hand and take a seat at the table. Be brave — fear of the new is natural but strive to conquer it. No problem is unsolvable. Speak about your achievements with pride; it's not boasting. Everyone is born with immense potential because God is fair. The only boundaries to your potential are those in your mind. Everything is a choice; make it, then own it.
Tell us about your journey at Vodacom?
My journey has spanned 25 years, beginning in the trenches of a call centre. The amazing thing about this company is that it offers every opportunity to grow and design a career for yourself, if you have the drive for it. I’ve held numerous positions, often making parallel moves to build my experience and knowledge. Along the way, I've formed lasting friendships and found some of my most admired mentors at Vodacom. Each year, I set a goal to achieve something new to ensure I add value, and I am proud of the progress I've made so far.
2024
I was a Senior Judge at the University of Johannesburg and Lelapa Hackathon where the focus was on AI (Artificial Intelligence) solutions and Apps for Language. I also coached the Vodacom SA Hackathon team (1st all female team)
2023
I received 2 CEO awards in the categories of Top Digital Transform program and Top Individual award for excellence in IT and Innovation
2022
Developed value in the transform program of R20 million in record time
Negotiated contracts down 30% with R2 million in savings
Won quarter VF (Vodafone) global hero award for SA
2021
Implemented RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and Hackathon that saved R15mill in developing costs
I led the largest digital transformational program in the history of Vodacom, and it was positioned to save the organisation R101 million
I was also a category finalist in Vodacom’s Africa Hackathon (designed and built pilot for Metaverse)
2020
I won the Wits Business PDPA prog of the year - Vodacom board program
2019
I made history when I became the first and only female in the history of Vodacom to win a CEO award for best innovation (RPA sol saved R45mil in 6 months). Additionally, I was recognised as the top talent for 3 consecutive years, and I also won multiple other awards in categories such as best innovator in IT excel etc.
2018
I was selected to participate in the Ascend Leadership signature program
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced as a career woman and how did you overcome them?
Years ago, my resilience was put to the test while reporting to a line manager whose core values conflicted with mine. This was particularly challenging as I thrive on authentic connections in any relationship, which wasn't possible in this case. I concentrated on the tasks at hand, and this situation ultimately helped me grow. I focused on excellence to avoid unnecessary conflicts that affected those around us. Being in this situation taught me a lot about myself and forced me to find ways to work harmoniously with this type of person. Additionally, I learned invaluable lessons on what not to do and how not to treat people, understanding firsthand how it affects them.
Find out more about some of the incredible women who work at Vodacom here.
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