As a seasoned writer and editor, she has become an expert at finding a narrative thread through words and imagery to help draw readers into a piece, be it about inspirational entrepreneurs or big corporate brands.

 

It therefore comes as no surprise that she describes herself as being “a love-letter girl in a text-message world”.

 

In an era of instant messaging, Baradi believes that when sharing honest truths, inspiring passion and expressing ardent love, you need more than a few cryptic words travelling along an invisible superhighway. No. You need impactful and well-thought-out communication.

 

Climbing the corporate ladder with gusto

 

Baradi, who also works as a communication specialist at Engen Petroleum, is an advocate for women enablement – and a good role model, at that, considering her own commitment to succeed.

 

After obtaining her BA Communication degree from the Vanderbijlpark Campus in 2013, she started off her journey in the marketing-communications industry. She worked at PR Worx, Epic PR Group and KPMG in roles such as account manager, account executive and communication specialist.

 

She joined Engen Petroleum in May 2018 while continuing her role at startupAfrica.

 

Baradi explains that she became editor-in-chief of startupAfrica in 2017 while she was still at KPMG. “I was tremendously lucky to have a very supportive manager at the time. Not only did she allow me the freedom to venture into this new opportunity, but she also showered me with business advice while mentoring me.”

 

Celebrating women power

 

A personal highlight is the Pink Power Star Award she received in 2019 in the Team Player category.

 

Pink Power is an empowerment platform dedicated to celebrating and recognising South African women who make a difference in their communities. Baradi’s award acknowledges her desire to teach other young women that there are no limits to their potential.

 

Baradi says she will never forget the look on her mother’s face when she was called up to accept this award.

 

“Honestly, the nomination on its own was enough for me, I didn’t expect anything more,” she remembers, adding that she has dedicated the award to the unwavering passion, tenacity and hard work of her team at startupAfrica.

 

Student life next to the Vaal River

 

As a student at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, Baradi – or Bree as her friends call her – remembers herself being very reserved.

 

“I was quite introverted, so I wasn’t really involved in extramural activities and the varsity’s social scene. But my best memories have got to be the friendships that I made and the times I spent with friends in between classes.”

 

She also recalls having a very heavy academic workload. “I remember people being shocked when I would tell them how many modules I had and I guess you can say that I was academically preoccupied!” laughs Baradi.

 

Her favourite subjects were English, communication and political science.

 

Today, looking back, she would tell her younger self not to be afraid. “I have learnt that life teaches you how to live it, and that it rewards those who live unafraid.”

Baradi Moletsane, editor-in-chief and co-founder of the digital entrepreneurship magazine startupAfrica, knows first-hand the importance of telling a good and compelling story.

NWU & U  |