After nine years of championing women in traditionally male-dominated industries, MasterDrive highly anticipates Women with Drive – ARRIVE next week. This year’s powerful theme celebrates extraordinary journeys of women reaching significant milestones in their professional endeavours.
The concept of ‘ARRIVAL’ transcends achievement alone. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “It represents pivotal moments when years of dedication meets opportunity, when aspirations transform into tangible reality, and when women step boldly into positions of influence. In 2025, it is about arrival-the culmination of persistent effort and strategic opportunity.”
Two exceptional speakers embodying the spirit of arrival will present at the event. “The keynote address by Castrol’s Head of Southern Africa, Melanie van Straaten, will explore the journey from aspiration to achievement. She is an example how the power of persistence pays off and of the vital importance of creating pathways for other women to succeed.
“The signature address is about women leading the way in banking and finance. Linda Cele, Product Head: Key Accounts and Partnerships at WesBank, will demonstrate how women excel in financial leadership roles. She will illustrate how empowering women through finance creates promising futures in the financial industry by transforming barriers into stepping stones.”
A favourite feature of the event is the panel discussion featuring noteworthy players in the industry. “This year’s theme ‘Breaking through glass ceilings in traditional Industries’ brings together five remarkable women from diverse sectors, each having shattered their own personal battles to arrival.
“Attendees can enjoy the perspectives of leaders from naamsa, AWARE.org, Santam, Sincpoint and a panellist from Dunlop who is celebrating an impressive 20 years in the field. Each panellist will share their unique experiences of ‘arrival’ to leadership positions with invaluable insights into conquering traditional industry challenges.”
A new and exciting feature is the Fireside Chat. “Be part of an intimate conversation with two remarkable women who have overcome significant challenges, yet transformed this into inspiration for others. It is an authentic insight to the resilience, determination, and mindset needed to arrive despite diversity.
“An essential part of arriving at your personal success is overcoming mental barriers that impede progress and success. The lifestyle presentation, from Niki Seberini, is a breathwork demonstration showing how this and small but consistent changes can unlock potential.”
MasterDrive is proud to introduce WesBank as a headline partner. Viaan Jardine, Head of Niche Markets and Hyper Segments, says: “This event is a cornerstone gathering for women in mobility. Over nine years, Women with Drive evolved into more than just an event but a movement celebrating women who refuse to accept limitations and choose to ARRIVE at their destinations of success. We are proud to partner in this initiative.”
Castrol will also be joining as a headline partner to make the event possible. Melanie van Straaten says: “We believe when women drive innovation in mobility, entire industries accelerate forward. Today we celebrate the trailblazers who have navigated uncharted roads to reach extraordinary destinations.”
Women with Drive – ARRIVE promises to be an unforgettable celebration of achievement, resilience, and the unstoppable force of women who have arrived.
