Hope Lukoto, Chief Human Resources Officer, BCX

So much has been said about bringing empathy, compassion and nurturing into the workplace, and this rings true when it comes to Hope Lukoto, Chief Human Resources Officer for BCX.

A fervent supporter of gender equality and workplace diversity, Lukoto champions the need for creating opportunities for all employees. Passionate about technology, she spearheads the human resources department’s ongoing application of technologies that allow the company to be nimble in its response to attracting, engaging with, and managing people, while also implementing policies and procedures.

BCX is committed to giving women equal opportunities in the technology sector.

“Broader representation of women in leadership positions has numerous benefits,” says Lukoto. “Women in leadership positions become visible role models, inspiring other women to pursue leadership roles and challenge traditional gender stereotypes. These women can provide mentorship, guidance, and support to other women in their organisations – cultivating, supporting and advancing the next generation of female leadership, which can create more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous communities for everyone. This, for me, is most powerful.”

Lukoto says the valuable leadership qualities women bring to the workplace include a heightened sense of empathy, which allows them to understand and connect with the emotions and experiences of others. This empathy, she says, can foster stronger relationships, build trust, and promote a supportive work environment.

“Women tend to excel in collaboration and teamwork, valuing input from others and seeking consensus in decision-making processes,” continues Lukoto. “This approach can lead to more inclusive and effective solutions, as diverse perspectives are considered. Women are also often skilled communicators, adept at both verbal and nonverbal communication. They may excel in active listening, clear idea articulation, and fostering open dialogue, which can enhance team vibrancy and organisational culture.

“Women may possess strong emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate complex social dynamics, manage conflicts, and inspire others. This emotional intelligence can contribute to effective leadership, as leaders must understand and address team members’ feelings and motivations.”

Lukoto says the top three character attributes she prioritises as a human resources executive are agility, ambition, and empathy. Within her team, she promotes individual development through opportunities to take on meaningful work and contribute to impactful business projects.

“I encourage them to expand their network and request stakeholder feedback, allowing them to broaden their perspective and establish connections with relevant parties. I motivate them to take an active role in steering and shaping strategic projects, enabling them to enhance their influence, acquire new skills, and lead critical work. Additionally, I inspire them to become mentors and coaches for upcoming talent.

“Mentorship and sponsorship play a pivotal role in an individual’s success. We all need trusted advisors who can help us identify and overcome our weaknesses and provide us with feedback to improve our overall performance. Additionally, we require champions who can speak in our absence and influence others to recognise our accomplishments.

“I attribute my success and position today to the fact that people have given me opportunities to showcase my potential. They have recognised certain abilities in me and provided me with the space and guidance to develop them further. I consider every work opportunity as an experiment, a chance to learn and grow. I constantly innovate and challenge myself, stay relevant, adapt to change and transition smoothly across different phases.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with men who are advocates for inclusion and work tirelessly to remove barriers. They invest time in educating themselves to gain a better understanding of how to lead differently, and to reflect before they react. Moving forward, however, we need to continue addressing the ingrained culture of patriarchy and recognise and call out biases and stereotyping,” she concludes.

www.bcx.co.za