Women disruptors in the telecom sector

Charmaine Houvet, the Public Policy and Government Affairs Director for Africa at Cisco Group, has been a trailblazer in the telecom sector for over 24 years. She recently sat down with CNBC Africa's Gugulethu Cele to discuss the launch of Afriel, a mentorship program aimed at empowering young female leaders across the continent. The conversation highlighted the importance of disruptive thinking in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Houvet emphasized how the fourth industrial revolution is reshaping industries, blurring the lines between sectors like agriculture and technology. With technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, and machine learning dominating the conversation, she stressed the need for individuals to adapt and embrace disruptive thinking to stay relevant. In cultivating a culture of disruptive thinking within a corporate giant like Cisco, Houvet pointed out the significance of risk-taking and collaboration. She highlighted a recent collaboration with government officials and young ambassadors to explore how ICT can align with the national development plan and drive tangible impact in communities. Houvet underscored the importance of providing space for employees to take risks and collaborate effectively, essential components for fostering disruptive innovation. The conversation also delved into Houvet's role in mentoring young women and men in the technology space. Through initiatives like the Mentorship Circle and Afriel, she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of tech leaders. Houvet shared a remarkable story of a young artist, Reggie Kamala, who is embarking on a journey from Cape Town to Casablanca on a motorcycle, with the goal of raising funds for disadvantaged students' university fees. By instilling a sense of social responsibility and innovation in these young individuals, Houvet is inspiring a culture of paying it forward and driving meaningful change. Houvet's commitment to fostering disruptive thinking extends beyond formal mentorship programs. She detailed her involvement with Girl Code, a group dedicated to empowering young women in ICT through coding workshops and hackathons. By teaching disadvantaged girls essential skills in technology and design, she is actively working to address the gender gap in the tech industry and create opportunities for underprivileged youth. The conversation also touched on the pivotal role of education in shaping future leaders in technology and science. Houvet underscored the importance of a solid foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for aspiring professionals. She emphasized the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a competitive corporate landscape, highlighting the drive and dedication of young South Africans working towards success. As the tech industry continues to evolve, Houvet's message of empowerment through mentorship, disruptive thinking, and education resonates strongly. By inspiring a new generation of innovators and thought leaders, she is paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. Her passion for supporting young talent and driving meaningful change serves as a beacon of hope for future disruptors in the telecom landscape.