23/07/2018
I have had many people ask to read the article in the magazine of the pictures I posted recently. In God We Trust,
A Woman’s Foundational Principle Approach In Business
In the rolling hills of Ixopo, a little school, known as Little Flower, has over the years produced many achievers in athletics, academics, music and business. From such an alumni did, Woman Entrepreneur, Claudette Biggar Ramsaran emerge with her eye on achieving her dreams and beyond.
Starting out qualifying as a Chef with a diploma from ML Sultan Technikon, Claudette embarked on her dream career, staying in the industry for more than two years. Although she loved her occupation, the opportunity and security of a corporate bank job influenced her to switch careers to the banking sector.
With an inherent culture of being education driven, Claudette worked hard and studied hard. The long hours of work and added hours of study saw her obtain a Diploma in Business Management, a Diploma in Marketing Management and an Advanced Diploma in Marketing Management. As though all these achievements were not enough, Claudette excelled at work too, earning a Six Sigma Qualification with a White and Yellow belt certification. As would be expected, Claudette rose to level of Workforce Optimisation Manager for the bank and became a recipient of the prestigious corporate Star Award.
Being an achiever, Claudette felt that her banking career was limited. She left Standard Bank in 2016 to venture out in her own business. Investing all her savings three new trucks were rolled out as the first of a new transport and logistics fleet in Claudette’s new company, IGWT (In God We Trust).
Having purchased Freighting trucks, Claudette increased her fleet with a fourth truck in a matter of months. Providing a short to medium to long haul transportation service, IGWT is fast growing and in demand for its “efficiency and customer care”.
Entrepreneurship is rarely easy, especially as a female in a typically male-dominated business world. Everyday became a learning experience. With no ready client base, Claudette and her husband, Colin Ramsaran “walked the streets” to develop a client base and business opportunities. Colin, being a talented and qualified diesel mechanic brought a servicing and maintenance expertise to the business ensuring a fleet that is always roadworthy and ready to deliver.
iHeritage asked Claudette to share her experience and lessons from her business career.
“In a male dominated industry, a woman has to work twice as hard to create confidence. Breaking barriers in such an industry was not easy and often still is a challenge. My dream is to win a few contracts which will ensure long term continuity. I ensure that Service Delivery is optomised – in that way IGWT stands head and shoulders above many similar organizations in the industry.
We ensure our trucks are roadworthy, presented in its best condition at all times and is operated efficiently at all times. We are proud to be an on-time, reliable and responsible service provider.
We are passionate about our staff and drivers. We are a family at IGWT with drivers who are not only committed to delivering on time but who are committed to responsible driving. Our drivers are well rested and well cared for – this ensures a safe service delivery”
Claudette’s advice for woman pursuing business
“Be determined. Care for your support structure – your family, staff and customers – and success will find you.”
