Andrika Petlele, the only female petrol station owner in the Southern Cape Region, is making waves in the industry with her commitment to mentorship and community leadership.
At the helm of the Engen One Stop in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, emphasises the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, setting clear goals, and backing them with hard work.
Her empathetic and disciplined leadership style has not only transformed her business but also inspired her to empower young women in the region. Now, she wants to mentor young women in the region and share what she has learned.
Andrika describes her leadership style as empathetic, disciplined and community-focused. She is also very hands-on and believes in leading by example and imparting knowledge wherever she can.
“I am passionate about teaching, and that helps me stay resilient even when staff don’t perform as expected,” Petlele says. “I delegate based on people’s natural strengths and focus on building a culture of learning and accountability.
“When staff feel supported and equipped, they rise to the occasion - and that shows in our service delivery.” She said the biggest hurdle she faced after taking control of the Plett fuel station was managing change.
“I knew staff would push back, but I focused on identifying their strengths and giving them a platform to shine. Once people feel heard and empowered, they take pride in their work.”
Original article Breaking barriers: How perseverance shaped a woman petrol station owner’s success
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