Businesswoman Tanya Lilley, recently named among the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's Top 40 Under 40, credits Grahamstown with her entrepreneurial beginnings.
Businesswoman Tanya Lilley, recently named among the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's Top 40 Under 40, credits Grahamstown with her entrepreneurial beginnings.
The 31-year-old assistant branch manager for recruitment agency, Headhunters, says the award has inspired her to encourage other young professionals to realise their potential.
"As a Grahamstonian at heart, and a Rhodes graduate, it honours me to share this recognition with my roots," Lilley told Grocott's Mail in an email.
"Being exposed to the amazing and talented young human capital present in the Eastern Cape, from entrepreneurs to successful corporate climbers, I was honoured to be considered among those ranks."
"I see myself as a source of talent to assist in growing the local economy, whether home-grown or global, and finding and retaining talent within our Metro. I am excited to encourage other young professionals to realise their role in contributing towards the success of the region."
Lilley said her working life started in the heart of Grahamstown, working in local establishments such as Friends, Evolution, La Galleria and ending off with managing the Trading Store.
While studying for a BA in Industrial Psychology, in 2005, Lilley helped in the research, preparation and establishment of national corporate wear clothing line, SMAT Clothing. In 2008 she joined Headhunters as a consultant.
"My current role offers a platform in which we can make a difference, finding the best people who themselves want to align with my clients' visions and whom I can help find their dream job," Lilley said.
Lilley, formerly Bekker, describes herself as "a wife, mother to Lilo and Stitch – two mad Daschunds – opportunity-maker and –seeker, crazy team-player and talent-finder".
The Top 40 Under 40 is published by the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber and its second edition was launched in early December.
The judging panel included BWA Chair Michelle Brown, Port Elizabeth businesswomen Jane Stevenson, Carol Hall and Lize Hayward, as well as Director of the NMMU Alumni Association Paul Geswindt and Standard Bank’s Mzi Baleni.
The Business Chamber received more than 80 nominations. According to the Business Chamber's website, the young achievers now join the newly-created Top 40 Network, which provides them with access to exclusive networking opportunities, the chance to participate in issues-driven business forums, and the opportunity to give back to their communities through Chamber co-ordinated community projects in 2013.
“These young business achievers are a valuable asset to the Chamber,” says Chamber CEO, Kevin Hustler, in a statement published on their website.
“They are an untapped resource for Nelson Mandela Bay – people with drive and passion, and the skills and expertise to make a measurable difference to the growth and development of our region.”
