Latest news with #WomenofSubstanceAwards
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Jennifer Reddy's inspiring journey to becoming CEO of the Year 2025 at the AWCA Women of Substance Awards
Post-ceremony, Jennifer Reddy beams with pride as she holds the Private Sector - CEO of the Year 2025 award, a testament to her commitment to leadership and empowerment in the financial sector at the AWCA Women of Substance Awards. Image: Supplied Jennifer Reddy, chief executive officer of Morar Incorporated, has been awarded the Private Sector - CEO of the Year 2025 at the African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) of South Africa's Women of Substance Awards. This prestigious recognition honours women who demonstrate outstanding leadership, influence, and impact in the financial and corporate sectors across the continent. Appointed as CEO of Morar Incorporated in 2022, Reddy leads the firm's national operations across ten offices. Speaking after receiving the award, Reddy said she did not anticipate receiving it so soon in her career. 'I am deeply honoured. My focus has always been on leading with integrity, driving growth, and empowering others.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ This recognition is a humbling affirmation that those efforts are making a meaningful impact, she said. 'Winning this award is incredibly motivating. It validates not only my personal journey but also the collective hard work of everyone at Morar Incorporated. It inspires me to continue pushing boundaries and supporting emerging leaders, especially women, in the profession.' Reddy attributes the key to her success to her resilience, clear vision, and commitment to continuous learning. She champions authentic leadership, cultivating a culture rich in innovation and collaboration. 'Surrounding myself with talented people and prioritising mentorship has also been vital to our collective growth. Above all, my faith in God has been my guiding strength through every challenge and decision.' Reddy expressed her ambition to expand Morar's national and international footprint while enhancing the company's impact through innovation and client-centric solutions. 'I'm also passionate about creating more opportunities for women and emerging leaders to thrive in the financial services industry.' She added that leadership is not just about titles or accolades; it's about creating positive change and inspiring those around you. 'I am grateful for the journey so far and excited about what lies ahead. To anyone facing challenges, remember: within every crisis lies an opportunity.' Reddy encourages other CEOs to fiercely believe in their vision and lead unapologetically. 'Don't wait for permission to step into leadership, own your space and lift others as you rise. Your authentic voice is your greatest asset, and together, we can break barriers and redefine leadership.' Announcing the achievement of its CEO, Morar, which was recognised as one of the KZN Top 20 Businesses last year, stated that the company is 'proud' of Reddy, as under her direction, the proudly black-owned Level 1 BBBEE professional services chartered accountancy and consulting firm has cemented its reputation as a leader in innovative and client-centric financial solutions. With nearly 20 years in the financial services industry, Reddy has held multiple leadership roles and played a pivotal part in expanding the firm's advisory, audit, tax, and forensic capabilities. She holds a CA(SA), RA, MBA (GIBS), and CFE, and has been internationally recognised for her impact, most recently named 'Top CEO of the Year in Financial Solutions' by the International Association of Top Professionals in 2025, said Morar. Reddy also serves on the Allinial Global EMEIA Board and Africa Steering Committee, advocating for global collaboration and inclusivity. 'Her award not only marks a personal milestone but also highlights the growing influence of inclusive leadership in South Africa's corporate landscape,' said Morar. Speaking at the 2024 KZN Top Business Women Initiative last year, where Morar was the principal sponsor, Reddy said after taking the helm of the firm, she underwent rapid learning and had to contend with daily challenges and pressure. As the leader, she bore the ultimate responsibility for all business challenges, encountering every conceivable obstacle.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Liam Neeson remembers ‘brilliant' Barbara Taylor Bradford in memorial message
Northern Ireland actor Liam Neeson has paid tribute to novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford in a message praising her brilliance and elegance read out at her memorial service. The 73-year-old reflected on his role in TV drama A Woman Of Substance, adapted from one of the author's most well-known books, in the note that was read out on his behalf. Taylor Bradford died at the age of 91 on November 24 last year following a short illness, 'and was surrounded by loved ones to the very end', a spokeswoman said at the time. Actors, authors and other notable figures attended the service at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, London, on Thursday. Neeson said in his message: 'In 1984, I had the great honour of playing Blackie O'Neill in the television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman Of Substance, and again in its sequel, Hold The Dream. 'It was a landmark moment — the first television drama series to reach more than 13.8 million viewers on Britain's Channel 4 — and something we were all incredibly proud of. 'But more than the numbers, it was Barbara's vision, her storytelling, and her fierce dedication to her characters that made the work so special. 'She was a force — elegant, brilliant and unstoppable — and I feel deeply privileged to have been part of bringing her words to life.' Human rights lawyer Cherie Blair, wife of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, was also in attendance and reflected on her friendship with the author in a speech. 'I can hardly believe it's been over 20 years since I first met Barbara in New York,' she said. 'Tony and I were attending an event while he was UK Prime Minister. 'Although I can't recall the specifics of the event, I vividly remember meeting Barbara and, of course, her beloved husband, Bob (Robert Bradford). 'Meeting her was such a thrill — not only because I had read her books but also because she was a favourite author of both my mum and grandma. 'Barbara and I instantly connected as Northern girls who had ventured far from our roots, yet never forgot where we came from. 'At the time of our first meeting, Tony had not read any of Barbara's books, but he was so struck by her intelligence, elegance, and charm that he subsequently watched the TV show and read the book. 'Barbara and I stayed in touch, regularly meeting when I was in New York or when she was in London. 'One memory I treasure is attending the Women of Substance Awards with her at the Dorchester in London in 2009. 'The awards were so typical of Barbara — her unwavering support for other women was truly inspiring. She even offered me invaluable advice when I was establishing my own foundation for women. 'Barbara seemed ageless. Whenever we met, she was always engaged, well-informed, feisty and, of course, impeccably dressed. 'She was the epitome of a woman of substance — wise, fun and endlessly inspiring. We will deeply miss her warmth, wisdom and friendship.' The service began with the theme music from A Woman Of Substance and included an address from actress Jenny Seagrove, who played a young Emma Harte in the TV mini-series. In April it was announced that Vera actress Brenda Blethyn will lead a new Channel 4 adaptation of A Woman Of Substance, playing protagonist Emma. The book is a rags-to-riches tale set in the 1900s that follows the life of Yorkshire servant Emma who later heads up a business empire. Taylor Bradford was often labelled 'the grand dame of blockbusters', with her books selling more than 91 million copies and having been published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries. Other TV adaptations of her books included ITV's Act Of Will starring Elizabeth Hurley and Victoria Tennant, and To Be The Best, a sequel to A Woman Of Substance with Lindsay Wagner and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Liam Neeson remembers ‘brilliant' Barbara Taylor Bradford in memorial message
Liam Neeson remembers 'brilliant' Barbara Taylor Bradford in memorial message The 73-year-old reflected on his role in TV drama A Woman Of Substance (Image: © 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved ) Northern Ireland actor Liam Neeson has paid tribute to novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford in a message praising her brilliance and elegance read out at her memorial service. The 73-year-old reflected on his role in TV drama A Woman Of Substance, adapted from one of the author's most well-known books, in the note that was read out on his behalf. Taylor Bradford died at the age of 91 on November 24 last year following a short illness, "and was surrounded by loved ones to the very end", a spokeswoman said at the time. Actors, authors and other notable figures attended the service at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, London, on Thursday. Neeson said in his message: "In 1984, I had the great honour of playing Blackie O'Neill in the television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman Of Substance, and again in its sequel, Hold The Dream. "It was a landmark moment - the first television drama series to reach more than 13.8 million viewers on Britain's Channel 4 - and something we were all incredibly proud of. Article continues below "But more than the numbers, it was Barbara's vision, her storytelling, and her fierce dedication to her characters that made the work so special. "She was a force - elegant, brilliant and unstoppable - and I feel deeply privileged to have been part of bringing her words to life." Human rights lawyer Cherie Blair, wife of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, was also in attendance and reflected on her friendship with the author in a speech. "I can hardly believe it's been over 20 years since I first met Barbara in New York," she said. "Tony and I were attending an event while he was UK Prime Minister. "Although I can't recall the specifics of the event, I vividly remember meeting Barbara and, of course, her beloved husband, Bob (Robert Bradford). "Meeting her was such a thrill - not only because I had read her books but also because she was a favourite author of both my mum and grandma. "Barbara and I instantly connected as Northern girls who had ventured far from our roots, yet never forgot where we came from. "At the time of our first meeting, Tony had not read any of Barbara's books, but he was so struck by her intelligence, elegance, and charm that he subsequently watched the TV show and read the book. "Barbara and I stayed in touch, regularly meeting when I was in New York or when she was in London. "One memory I treasure is attending the Women of Substance Awards with her at the Dorchester in London in 2009. "The awards were so typical of Barbara - her unwavering support for other women was truly inspiring. She even offered me invaluable advice when I was establishing my own foundation for women. "Barbara seemed ageless. Whenever we met, she was always engaged, well-informed, feisty and, of course, impeccably dressed. "She was the epitome of a woman of substance - wise, fun and endlessly inspiring. We will deeply miss her warmth, wisdom and friendship." The service began with the theme music from A Woman Of Substance and included an address from actress Jenny Seagrove, who played a young Emma Harte in the TV mini-series. In April it was announced that Vera actress Brenda Blethyn will lead a new Channel 4 adaptation of A Woman Of Substance, playing protagonist Emma. The book is a rags-to-riches tale set in the 1900s that follows the life of Yorkshire servant Emma who later heads up a business empire. Taylor Bradford was often labelled "the grand dame of blockbusters", with her books selling more than 91 million copies and having been published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries. Article continues below Other TV adaptations of her books included ITV's Act Of Will starring Elizabeth Hurley and Victoria Tennant, and To Be The Best, a sequel to A Woman Of Substance with Lindsay Wagner and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Glasgow Times
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Liam Neeson remembers ‘brilliant' Barbara Taylor Bradford in memorial message
The 73-year-old reflected on his role in TV drama A Woman Of Substance, adapted from one of the author's most well-known books, in the note that was read out on his behalf. Taylor Bradford died at the age of 91 on November 24 last year following a short illness, 'and was surrounded by loved ones to the very end', a spokeswoman said at the time. Author Barbara Taylor Bradford poses for pictures after she received her honour from Queen Elizabeth II (Steve Parsons/PA) Actors, authors and other notable figures attended the service at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, London, on Thursday. Neeson said in his message: 'In 1984, I had the great honour of playing Blackie O'Neill in the television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman Of Substance, and again in its sequel, Hold The Dream. 'It was a landmark moment — the first television drama series to reach more than 13.8 million viewers on Britain's Channel 4 — and something we were all incredibly proud of. 'But more than the numbers, it was Barbara's vision, her storytelling, and her fierce dedication to her characters that made the work so special. 'She was a force — elegant, brilliant and unstoppable — and I feel deeply privileged to have been part of bringing her words to life.' Liam Neeson starred in an adaptation of A Woman With Substance (Ian West/PA) Human rights lawyer Cherie Blair, wife of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, was also in attendance and reflected on her friendship with the author in a speech. 'I can hardly believe it's been over 20 years since I first met Barbara in New York,' she said. 'Tony and I were attending an event while he was UK Prime Minister. 'Although I can't recall the specifics of the event, I vividly remember meeting Barbara and, of course, her beloved husband, Bob (Robert Bradford). 'Meeting her was such a thrill — not only because I had read her books but also because she was a favourite author of both my mum and grandma. 'Barbara and I instantly connected as Northern girls who had ventured far from our roots, yet never forgot where we came from. 'At the time of our first meeting, Tony had not read any of Barbara's books, but he was so struck by her intelligence, elegance, and charm that he subsequently watched the TV show and read the book. 'Barbara and I stayed in touch, regularly meeting when I was in New York or when she was in London. 'One memory I treasure is attending the Women of Substance Awards with her at the Dorchester in London in 2009. 'The awards were so typical of Barbara — her unwavering support for other women was truly inspiring. She even offered me invaluable advice when I was establishing my own foundation for women. 'Barbara seemed ageless. Whenever we met, she was always engaged, well-informed, feisty and, of course, impeccably dressed. 'She was the epitome of a woman of substance — wise, fun and endlessly inspiring. We will deeply miss her warmth, wisdom and friendship.' Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair (Leon Neal/PA) The service began with the theme music from A Woman Of Substance and included an address from actress Jenny Seagrove, who played a young Emma Harte in the TV mini-series. In April it was announced that Vera actress Brenda Blethyn will lead a new Channel 4 adaptation of A Woman Of Substance, playing protagonist Emma. The book is a rags-to-riches tale set in the 1900s that follows the life of Yorkshire servant Emma who later heads up a business empire. Taylor Bradford was often labelled 'the grand dame of blockbusters', with her books selling more than 91 million copies and having been published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries. Other TV adaptations of her books included ITV's Act Of Will starring Elizabeth Hurley and Victoria Tennant, and To Be The Best, a sequel to A Woman Of Substance with Lindsay Wagner and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Liam Neeson remembers ‘brilliant' Barbara Taylor Bradford in memorial message
The 73-year-old reflected on his role in TV drama A Woman Of Substance, adapted from one of the author's most well-known books, in the note that was read out on his behalf. Taylor Bradford died at the age of 91 on November 24 last year following a short illness, 'and was surrounded by loved ones to the very end', a spokeswoman said at the time. Author Barbara Taylor Bradford poses for pictures after she received her honour from Queen Elizabeth II (Steve Parsons/PA) Actors, authors and other notable figures attended the service at St Bride's Church in Fleet Street, London, on Thursday. Neeson said in his message: 'In 1984, I had the great honour of playing Blackie O'Neill in the television adaptation of Barbara Taylor Bradford's A Woman Of Substance, and again in its sequel, Hold The Dream. 'It was a landmark moment — the first television drama series to reach more than 13.8 million viewers on Britain's Channel 4 — and something we were all incredibly proud of. 'But more than the numbers, it was Barbara's vision, her storytelling, and her fierce dedication to her characters that made the work so special. 'She was a force — elegant, brilliant and unstoppable — and I feel deeply privileged to have been part of bringing her words to life.' Liam Neeson starred in an adaptation of A Woman With Substance (Ian West/PA) Human rights lawyer Cherie Blair, wife of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair, was also in attendance and reflected on her friendship with the author in a speech. 'I can hardly believe it's been over 20 years since I first met Barbara in New York,' she said. 'Tony and I were attending an event while he was UK Prime Minister. 'Although I can't recall the specifics of the event, I vividly remember meeting Barbara and, of course, her beloved husband, Bob (Robert Bradford). 'Meeting her was such a thrill — not only because I had read her books but also because she was a favourite author of both my mum and grandma. 'Barbara and I instantly connected as Northern girls who had ventured far from our roots, yet never forgot where we came from. 'At the time of our first meeting, Tony had not read any of Barbara's books, but he was so struck by her intelligence, elegance, and charm that he subsequently watched the TV show and read the book. 'Barbara and I stayed in touch, regularly meeting when I was in New York or when she was in London. 'One memory I treasure is attending the Women of Substance Awards with her at the Dorchester in London in 2009. 'The awards were so typical of Barbara — her unwavering support for other women was truly inspiring. She even offered me invaluable advice when I was establishing my own foundation for women. 'Barbara seemed ageless. Whenever we met, she was always engaged, well-informed, feisty and, of course, impeccably dressed. 'She was the epitome of a woman of substance — wise, fun and endlessly inspiring. We will deeply miss her warmth, wisdom and friendship.' Former prime minister Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie Blair (Leon Neal/PA) The service began with the theme music from A Woman Of Substance and included an address from actress Jenny Seagrove, who played a young Emma Harte in the TV mini-series. In April it was announced that Vera actress Brenda Blethyn will lead a new Channel 4 adaptation of A Woman Of Substance, playing protagonist Emma. The book is a rags-to-riches tale set in the 1900s that follows the life of Yorkshire servant Emma who later heads up a business empire. Taylor Bradford was often labelled 'the grand dame of blockbusters', with her books selling more than 91 million copies and having been published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries. Other TV adaptations of her books included ITV's Act Of Will starring Elizabeth Hurley and Victoria Tennant, and To Be The Best, a sequel to A Woman Of Substance with Lindsay Wagner and Sir Anthony Hopkins.
