Leadership Lessons from Theo Sowa and Reeta Roy at WCW Summit

The Women Create Wealth Summit 2025, held in Johannesburg, featured a masterclass in human‑centered leadership presented by Theo Sowa, CEO of the Graça Machel Trust, and Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation. Centered on value‑based leadership, the session highlighted the importance of courage, humility, and surrounding oneself with supportive, inspiring individuals.

Theo Sowa reflected on the influence of mentorship and intergenerational guidance, citing leaders such as Wangarĩ Maathai, Leymah Gbowee, and Mrs Graça Machel as exemplars of values‑driven leadership. She emphasized that true leadership is defined not by titles but by actions and values. Reeta Roy shared her journey from the private sector to civil society, underscoring the importance of collaboration and learning from mistakes. Together they explored the power of values in today’s rapidly changing world, stressing that values must be demonstrated through behavior and actions, not merely spoken.

The conversation also addressed the need to honor lessons from the past, to lead with both head and heart, and to recognize the pivotal role of women in driving change. On the summit’s third day, themed “Advocacy, Action & Celebration,” participants discussed creating enabling environments for women entrepreneurs, crafting inclusive policies, and strengthening networks. These dialogues generated momentum, focusing on collaboration, policy reform, and the collective power of women.

The summit concluded on a high note, expressing gratitude to the women, partners, and allies who contributed to the three‑day event. The Women Create Wealth Summit 2025 aimed to promote women’s economic empowerment and leadership, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Bringing together women from across the continent, the summit provided a platform for networking, knowledge‑sharing, and collaboration, demonstrating that women are not merely participants in change but are leading it, driving momentum, and advocating for policy change and inclusive practices.