#WCW: "Attitude was key to my success working in a male dominated environment"
Dr Prinisha Manda is making her mark with determination and inspired wisdom...
This week, we have the opportunity to highlight yet another successful and inspiring KZN woman.
Dr Prinisha Manda, who is formerly from Pietermaritzburg, took some time out to chat to us about her achievements.
And, of course, her inspiring words of wisdom are exactly the reason we are crushing on her this week.
Read more: #WCW: Authors of 'Journeys' join Carol Ofori in studio to chat about their walks of life and more...
When we asked Prinisha to describe herself to us, she enthusiastically told us that she loves spending time with her family, reading, and considers herself a chai latte addict.
Tell us more about your achievements.
Obtaining my MBA with distinction, getting my PhD doing it part time within two years which usually takes five to seven years. I have presented at an international engineering conference, became a manager at the age of 25, a position previously held mostly by males and recently published my book dedicated in memory to my late dad.
What is it like working in a predominantly male field?
I was lucky being young and coming into the working world, I worked mostly with elderly individuals who I looked up to like father figures and they embraced me as a daughter.
They took me under their wing and taught me everything I know. It also helped that I treated them with respect and never acted as if I knew it all. Attitude was key to my success working in a male dominated environment.
Completing my PhD was a long-awaited dream come true and completing it in such a short time especially being such a difficult field of study - Petroleum Engineering, was the cherry on the top for me.
We noticed that Prinisha holds family and her parents' mentorship in great regard. And we wanted to ask her a little bit about what they have taught her.
What was the one piece of advice that your parents equipped you with that you have held throughout your life?
The best advice my parents gave me - never give up. When one door closes, another door will open. Always move forward and believe in yourself. The world is your oyster.
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Being a woman with a host of achievements, we wanted to get some insight into what her most beloved achievement has been - and we were so happy and humbled to hear her response.
What is your most prized achievement?
My prized achievement is being a mom - my son has taught me strengths that I didn’t know I had and how to deal with fears I didn’t know existed.
What would you like to be remembered for?
I would like to be remembered for my kindness and compassion.
And, finally, we wanted her to share some inspiration, because we all need a pick me up every now and then. A reminder that we too can achieve our goals and live a fulfilled life.
Share an inspiring message that you think women need to hear today...
Seize every opportunity that comes your way and never be afraid. Stay focused, stay determined, stay hopeful, and you will be empowered.
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