Blogs & Insights From Mama Gold
FROM STARTUP TO SUCCESSION
Startups require STAMINA
S stands for SIGNIFICANCE
Significance means a higher calling. A bigger mission. Many entrepreneurs focus on success. Significance is far deeper.
The Compounding Advantage
I never thought my story mattered, but now I do.
I used to compare myself as a founder to other companies, far larger, friends who employed 2000 people. Why would people want to listen to my story?
But then I realized it was not the size of the company we built, but the significance of the lessons we learned.
Last week I was interviewed by Leanne Manas as an entrepreneur at the book launch of "Compounding Advantage", a remarkable book that is both a mirror and a roadmap for businesses in South Africa.
Rewriting A Different Story
When I walked out of the school gates at the age of eighteen, I never thought I would ever step foot back again.
Some people experienced school as one of the happiest times of their lives. For me, it was anguished and tortured. It was not my proudest era. I was mostly miserable and a mess. Sometimes I acted like the class clown to hide the overwhelming sadness I masked.
“Success” vs Significance
For those who have been following my journey, I want to introduce myself properly. That means being honest. Raw. Unfiltered.
My name is Ali. Some know me as Alleycat. Some as Mama Gold, a name given to me during a Gold TV series that stayed with me. My close friends know me as Jessica, my middle name. Jessica is lighter, freer, more playful. Alison can be serious. Ali is warm, open, and less guarded.
For a long time, I didn’t believe my story mattered. I didn’t believe my voice mattered.
In 2025, I received harsh criticism from family about my visibility. It broke me more than I expected. I retreated for months into silence, into safety, into healing. I had to look myself in the mirror and ask myself whether being visible was worth the cost.
Letting Love In
What a journey we have walked, from when I met you and married you 32 years ago. Our life has become a deepening love story of family, of creativity, of design.
Reflections On A Momentous Year
This was an extraordinary year in many respects. Having just returned from a month in Australia and seeing our daughter so happy and fulfilled as a mother has been our greatest gift. Our grandson - we are biased i know - is utterly enchanting and so calm and peaceful.
Then to celebrate the Creative Stone and the Soul Voice Journey teams on Friday night was a milestone in my life. It symbolized a 27 journey as humble founders. It's been a roller coaster ride.
