Be in the Room

Mindset and Success Collective for Women in Business 

There are two things that truly drive success at ALL levels of careers and business. 

💎 Who you spend your time with 
💎 How you think and see the world 

If you want to challenge the status quo, upgrade your mindset and hang out with the smartest women around....let's chat. 

Learn more about the community here: https://bit.ly/BeintheRoom-LosAngeles

Community Director, Los Angeles 

The Mewes Group

* Created and deployed a compliance framework and an impact analysis assessment to access eligibility 
  for tax credits and facilitated reports to become part of the substantiation package prepared for 
  each client.
* Liaise with corporate and personal advisers to assess enforcement of standards and regulations.
* Deliver compliance and research advisory services to manage the organization's operations 
   effectively 
  .

Head of Compliance & Legal Research

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd

* Oversaw all operations to ensure that company operations/processes complied with the law.
* Contributed to quickly resolving legal issues and facilitating the decisions made by the Board of 
   Directors.
* Drove efforts to ensure proper legal compliance and minimize risk exposure.
* Delivered consultation services to the CEO and other senior corporate officers on a variety of 
   issues.

Head of Legal and Compliance

* Coordinated all duties of the Company Secretary in compliance with the Companies Act, 2008. 
* Developed and managed systems that ensure the company complies with all applicable codes and 
   legal and statutory requirements while executing the decisions made by the Board of Directors.
* Drove efforts in managing correspondence, organizing information, crafting reports, and 
   communicating decisions to relevant company stakeholders.
* Functioned as an expert in offering legal, financial, and strategic advice during and outside 
   meetings.

Group Company Secretary

* Coordinated managerial and advisory services while managing all aspects of reviewing the new 
   governance materials and policies in close collaboration with the Board of Directors.
* Delivered leadership to staff members on legal best practices to exceed organizational goals.
* Upheld effective communication with staff, board members, legal authorities, and relevant 
   stakeholders.
* Liaised with the other departments to ensure on-time delivery of projects within budget constraints.
* Created department status reports tracking a high volume of contracts from initial request via 
  execution.

Senior Manager (Office of the Chairman of the Board of Directors)

* Contributed to overseeing the execution of Group Technology & Commercial-wide strategic 
   initiatives.
* Served as an expert in optimizing line functions by resolving performance issues and mitigating 
   risks.
* Supported Group Executive in overseeing divisions, creating and tracking Group level performance 
   indicators, and verifying deployment of compliance and integrated risk management frameworks.
* Championed efforts in tracking Board and Exco level actions for the Group and GE comprising 
   correspondence and executing projects that cut across the Divisions or involve other parts of 
   Eskom.
* Drove efforts in implementing the Group Technology and Commercial mandate and devising long- 
   term tactical plans for strategic programs to drive financial sustainability.
* Offered guidance on key change initiatives while establishing integration and teamwork in liaison 
   with executives in Eskom and senior managers to achieve Eskom and Group mandate goals.
* Devised and implemented cross-functional strategic projects/topics to accomplish expected results 
   per the established timeframes and budgets.
* Spearheaded all functions linked with aggregating business reporting and managing operational 
   activities across Group Technology, Group Commercial, and Eskom Enterprises.

Senior Manager: Office of the Group Executive, Technology and Commercial

PMA Consultants

Senior Manager: Office of the Chief Commercial Officer, Eskom Holdings SOC Limited – Group Commercial | Specialist: Strategic Projects, Eskom Holdings Limited – Primary Energy Division | Senior Manager: Contracts (Coal, Water, and Gas), Eskom Holdings Limited – Primary Energy Division | Chief Legal Advisor, Eskom Holdings Limited – Generation Primary Energy | Senior Consultant & Key Account Manager, PMA Consulting | Principal Consultant & Director, Suzanne Daniels | Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Mbeki Development Trust for Disabled People | Manager – Western Cape, Global Access Telecommunications Services (Pty) Ltd | Attorney, Suzanne M Daniels Inc (Legal Services Company) | Attorney, Kapdi & Daniels (Legal Services Company) | Attorney, Mayats Inc (General legal practice) | Candidate Attorney, John Riley Attorneys (General legal practice)

ADDITIONAL WORK HISTORY 

A seasoned legal and compliance leader, I am known for navigating complex regulatory landscapes, negotiating high-stakes contracts, and managing large-scale programs. My robust academic foundation, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), has equipped me with the necessary expertise to drive and exceed business goals in fast-paced environments.

I lead a dynamic team of compliance and legal research professionals at The Mewes Group. Together, we deliver the highest standards in legal research and compliance solutions, helping our clients successfully navigate the complex regulatory environment. Additionally, I provide legal support for business owners in estate and business planning, offering innovative legal strategies that safeguard assets and foster long-term business growth.

In line with my commitment to empowering others, I am building a success and mindset collective specifically for women. This venture cultivates an environment where like-minded women can learn, grow, and thrive.

Over the years, I have garnered recognition for my problem-solving and leadership skills:

* Steered Eskom's response to a strike by coal road haulers, mitigating a potential loss of $3.3B, earning me the Chairman’s Award in the category of Excellence.
* Developed standard terms and conditions for supply agreements at Eskom, for which I received the Manager’s Award in the Vision Category.
* Led a proficient team through a complex procurement process for nuclear steam generators valued at $286M.
* Chief of Staff to Group Executive Technology and Commercial, managing operations with total spending of $7.2B at Eskom.

When not strategizing legal solutions or negotiating contracts, I cherish my role as a mother, enjoy hiking, and love embarking on road trips.

I am eager to connect with like-minded professionals and continue my journey of professional growth. Looking forward to our interaction!

Welcome to the inaugural post of Suzanne's Word of the Day! 

The Inspiration Behind the Words:  My fascination with words goes back to my childhood, intricately woven into memories with my gran. She was a primary school teacher and every day, she encouraged me to read a page from the dictionary, instilling in me not just the love for words but their power to shape ideas dreams, and conversations. This daily ritual wasn't just about memorizing; it was about discovery. My gran taught me that language is a bridge to understanding the past, engaging with the present, and imagining the future. 

This passion for words often seeps into my daily life, sometimes unexpectedly. Just  last week, my friend Brian Craig teased me saying "I need a dictionary and Wikipedia just to understand your posts!" It's a humorous reminder of how my gran-inspired vocabulary adventures can baffle even those close to me. 

Brian actually suggested I start this Word of the Day and I hope to bring to it a blend of intellectual curiosity and playful banter. 

TODAY'S WORD: QUIXOTIC 

the word pays tribute to Don Quixote, the dreamer, and hero of Miguel de Cervantes' 17th-century novel. Known for his lofty ideals and impractical endeavors, Don Quixote's quest for chivalric adventure gives us "quixotic", a word that encapsulates the beauty of pursuing noble but unlikely dreams. 

Brian's teasing and my gran's teachings remind us that while some dreams may seem unreachable, it's the pursuit of these dreams that truly matters. 

Now, over to you: What's your quixotic dream? Is there a project, place, a vision that you find wildly idealistic yet irresistibly compelling? Share your dreams in the comments below. Let's embrace our inner  Don Quixote together. 

#thankfulthursday #womeninbusiness #dreambig #donquixote

Suzanne Daniels

I reflect on my unique journey as a single mom during this period. It's a path filled with both challenges and triumphs, unexpected twists, and invaluable lessons learned. This stage of life brings a deeper understanding of resilience, financial independence, and the unbreakable bond between my child and me.

Being a single mom means being the main support system for your child, all while balancing work, personal growth, and the complexities of financial planning. It’s about making every penny count, from saving for college to planning for retirement, all within the framework of a single-income household.

But beyond the logistics and the financial strategies lies the heart of what it means to be a single mom at 54. It's the late-night talks, the shared dreams, and the mutual support. It's watching your child carve their path in the world, knowing you've provided them with the tools to do so. It's about finding strength you didn't know you had and facing fears with courage that surprises even yourself.

This journey has taught me the importance of building a strong financial foundation—not just for me, but for my daughter. It has pushed me to educate myself on financial matters, from investing to estate planning, ensuring that we're both prepared for whatever the future holds.

To my fellow single moms in their fifties, know that you are not alone. Our experiences are unique, yet they unite us. We are navigating these years with grace, strength, and wisdom. Let's continue to support each other, share our stories, and celebrate our successes, both big and small.

As I look ahead, I'm filled with optimism. I see a future where the lessons learned and the love shared pave the way for new adventures and opportunities. Here's to us, to our journey, and to the incredible role we play as single moms. We're not just surviving; we're thriving, and the best is yet to come.

Let's commit to expanding our financial knowledge this month. Share one financial goal you're setting for yourself in the comments below, or if you're seeking advice on how to achieve your financial objectives, feel free to reach out for a consultation. 

#FinancialLiteracyMonth #WomeninBusiness #Parenting #Professionals #Diversity #Inclusion

Suzanne’s Word of the Day: Mirth 

Finding joy in the simple things has always been a guiding light in my life. 

Mirth—in laughter shared with friends, in the chuckle that escapes while watching a favorite sitcom, or the giggles during late-night chats with Emma. It’s a reminder to cherish the moments that bring us pure joy.

📖 Mirth (noun): Amusement, especially as expressed in laughter.

Your Joy: What’s been a recent source of mirth in your life? A joke, a funny video, or perhaps a delightful surprise? 

Share the laughter. Let’s spread the mirth together! 

#Mirth #LaughterIsTheBestMedicine #SuzannesWordOfTheDay #DaretobeaDaniels #womeninbusiness

As we celebrate Financial Literacy Month, let’s remember that financial literacy is more than understanding numbers; it’s about unlocking our potential. 

For those of us navigating the challenges of starting over or transitioning into new roles or countries, like myself, mastering financial concepts is a stepping stone to building a better life for ourselves and our loved ones. It’s never too late to start your financial literacy journey. 

What  step will you take this month to enhance your financial knowledge? 

#NewBeginnings #FinancialEmpowerment #LifelongLearning

Suzanne’s Word of the Day: Quixotic 

In pursuit of a truly quixotic adventure, and perhaps taking the quest for authenticity a bit too literally, I once found myself dating a French guy. 

Ah, the things we do for love… and French pastries! 😜

This chapter of my life was like stepping straight into a whimsical novel, where each moment was driven by passion, idealism, and a dash of culinary ambition. 

Between trying to perfect the art of French pastry and immersing myself in the culture, my kitchen became a battleground of flour, ambition, and the occasional romantic French lesson.

📖 Quixotic (adj.): Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

Though my dreams of becoming a pastry chef might have been as misshapen as my first batch of macarons, this journey taught me the beauty of embracing life’s quixotic quests. 

It wasn’t just about mastering recipes, but about the joy, laughter, and sometimes the sweet chaos of mixing love, life, and a pinch of fanciful dreams together.

Your Turn: Have you ever embarked on a quixotic quest in the name of love, passion, or a dream? 

Did it involve crossing countries, picking up a new skill, or maybe just a leap of faith? 

Share your tales of whimsy and wonder. Let’s toast to the dreamers, the romantics, and the adventurers among us.

Suzanne’s Word of the Day: Panacea 

While we know no single remedy can cure all ills, the concept of a panacea intrigues me. In my life, laughter has been the closest thing to a universal cure, easing stress and drawing people together.

📖 Panacea (noun): A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.

Your Remedy: What’s your panacea? A long walk, a heartfelt conversation, or perhaps diving into a good book? 

Share the remedies that heal, soothe, or solve the challenges in your life. 

#Panacea #UniversalRemedy #SuzannesWordOfTheDay #DaretobeaDaniels #beingsuzanne

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