This Women's Month, Time Out Johannesburg is delighted to feature Katie Mohamed, a woman who embodies the spirit of courage and innovation. Mohamed has built a career that seamlessly blends entrepreneurship with a deep commitment to social impact. She's a businesswoman who helps brands tell their most compelling stories, an author who shares her own powerful truths, and a change catalyst dedicated to empowering communities.
In this candid interview, she discusses her journey, her driving motivation behind the W-Suite movement to accelerate the presence of women in positions of power, and what it truly means to be a woman shaping the future of Johannesburg.
For those who may not be familiar with your work, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your various roles as a businesswoman, author, and change catalyst?
I am Katie Mohamed, CEO and Founder of BrandFusion, W-Suite, and ChangeHub. My work combines entrepreneurship, storytelling, and impact. As a businesswoman, I partner with brands and organisations to craft stories that connect deeply. In my memoir, Brave, Today, I share the truths I once kept to myself —the lessons, the scars, and the small victories —hoping that my journey will remind others that courage is often found in the moments we least expect. And as a change catalyst, through the ChangeHub Foundation, I work on initiatives that drive social and economic change, empowering communities to own their voice and future.
The W-Suite and Women's Empowerment
You are the founder of W-Suite, a movement aimed at accelerating the presence of women in positions of power. What was the driving force behind creating this platform, and what are its primary goals?
W-Suite was born out of a frustration with seeing incredible women in the shadows of boardrooms and decision-making spaces. The driving force was simple: women deserve visibility, influence, and resources, not just applause. Our goals are to connect, equip, and champion women so that power is not a privilege for a few but a shared responsibility for many.
How does the W-Suite go beyond a traditional network and actively work to "make room for women at the table"?
W-Suite is more than a network; it is a movement. We bring women together across industries and continents to share knowledge, open doors, and create real opportunities. It is a space where ambition is celebrated, leadership is sharpened, and collaboration replaces competition. I started W-Suite because I wanted women to stop asking for permission and start owning the rooms they walk into. Our work is measured not by the size of our events, but by the size of the impact we make in women’s careers and lives. We do not just make room; we redesign the table.
Johannesburg and the City's Women
As a prominent figure in Johannesburg's media and business landscape, what does being a woman in this city mean to you?
Being a woman in Johannesburg is like living in a city that never apologises for its ambition. It is electric, unpredictable, and demanding, much like the women who thrive here. In the media world, it means your voice must be distinct and your message intentional, because attention is a currency here. In business, it means navigating boardrooms where decisions are fast, competition is fierce, and relationships are everything.
Johannesburg demands resilience, but it also rewards authenticity; people can feel when you are real. For me, it is about using my platforms to amplify stories that matter, champion women who are ready to lead, and create opportunities in spaces where they have been too few. This city will test you, but if you meet it with courage, it will also make you unstoppable. It means carrying grit in one hand and grace in the other.
Are there any particular initiatives, communities, or individuals in Joburg that you feel are making a significant impact on women's lives that you would like to highlight?
I am inspired by the work of the GirlCode organisation, which is breaking barriers in tech for young women, and the mentorship work of Basadi in Music, which gives women in the entertainment industry the confidence to own their narratives. They are proof that when women build, they build for everyone.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career in Johannesburg today? What essential skills or mindset should she cultivate?
First, learn to network with purpose; the right relationships in Johannesburg can open doors faster than any CV. Second, sharpen your ability to adapt; this city changes quickly, and so do its opportunities. Third, build financial literacy early; understanding money will help you make smarter career moves. And most importantly, protect your reputation; in both media and business circles here, your credibility is your most valuable currency. Cultivate resilience, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of showing up prepared.
Finally, for a Time Out Johannesburg audience, what is one "must-do" experience in the city that celebrates and embodies the spirit of South African women?
Spend a Saturday morning at Victoria Yards. You will find women-owned art studios, design shops, and food spots that reflect the creativity and courage of Johannesburg’s women. As Maya Angelou said, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” In Joburg, that stand often comes with a side of great coffee.
Also read: Johannesburg for women: Your ultimate guide city guide
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