As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 on 8 March, we recognise the remarkable contributions of women like Danise Smit, Customer Experience (CX) Director at RS South Africa. With a career spanning decades, Danise exemplifies the power of perseverance, authenticity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Danise began her career in the 1980s, at a time when opportunities for women in leadership were scarce. Facing systemic biases and industry challenges, she relied on resilience, adaptability, and a passion for continuous learning to forge her path. Since joining RS in 1997, she has grown through key leadership roles in Customer Experience, Logistics, and Sales, always championing professional development and mentorship.
“For me, leadership is about authenticity. I learned that true strength lies in compassion, collaboration, and integrity, qualities that were often undervalued in traditional leadership models. By embracing them, I found my own space where empathy and effectiveness could coexist,” comments Danise.
Throughout her career, Danise has faced and overcome gender-based discrimination, from being excluded from management training opportunities to navigating male-dominated leadership spaces. Instead of conforming, she challenged outdated norms, proving that diverse leadership styles drive business success. “Gender equity must be more than just a policy or a checkbox. It needs to be embedded in the way we work, lead, and make decisions,” she urges.
Her mother, a teacher who persevered through challenges, and a family friend who overcame apartheid-era educational barriers inspired her commitment to empowering others. This passion for fostering talent is evident in how she mentors young professionals at RS, encouraging women to step into leadership with confidence.
RS is committed to building an inclusive workplace where women thrive. The company’s dedication to gender equity is reflected in its leadership structure, with RS Group ranking first in the FTSE 250 for women on boards. Danise has witnessed firsthand how RS supports women in career growth, providing development opportunities, leadership training, and a culture that fosters belonging.
Danise’s message to young women entering the industry is clear: Stay focused and work hard, as success comes from perseverance; be selfless: prioritise collective success, and recognition will follow; be yourself: authenticity is your greatest strength; and lift others up in order to encourage, mentor, and support the women around you.
“A single conversation can either inspire someone to pursue their dreams or discourage them from even trying. Never underestimate the power of encouragement – you might be the reason someone believes in themselves,” says Danise.
“Embrace individual strengths, regardless of gender. Every person – regardless of gender, background, or identity – brings unique skills, perspectives, and creativity to the table. Recognise that diversity creates opportunities. True innovation happens when different voices and ideas are heard and valued. Commit to real action. Meaningful change happens when we actively create space for women to lead, thrive, and shape the future of the industry,” concludes Danise.
