Renowned for being sources of innovation and fostering cutting-edge research, universities also serve as hubs for entrepreneurship, providing students and alumni with the resources and support to launch groundbreaking businesses. Alumna, Ofentse Lekwane and Professor Joanna Berry from our Business School demonstrate this innovation and mentorship with their latest collaboration through the Venture Lab.
Ofentse Lekwane, a former tech consultant and Durham University Business School graduate, returned to establish her startup, Wakari. Drawing from her own experiences with disabilities in the corporate world,she created Wakari as an accessibility index to help organisations measure and enhance their progress toward disability inclusion. "Part of my personality is that I've always loved entrepreneurship," Ofentse shares, while also acknowledging the challenges of taking the leap into starting her own business.
Supported by Durham's Venture Lab and mentored by Professor Joanna Berry, Associate Dean of External Engagement, Ofentse further developed Wakari. She also received backing from Innovate UK, the UK government’s innovation agency, which provided funding and networking opportunities. Reflecting on her journey, Ofentse says, "Entrepreneurship can be quite lonely; you have to wear so many hats. But the magic of the [Innovate UK] network is that you’re not alone... it's about give and take."
As a professor of entrepreneurship, Joanna Berry has been instrumental in guiding Ofentse and other aspiring entrepreneurs. She views entrepreneurship as a mindset accessible to all students, not just those in the Business School. Through Durham’s Venture Lab, students and graduates like Ofentse receive personalised support to turn their ideas into successful businesses. "You need to get to know people and get under their skin to find out what they really want " Joanna explains.
Joanna is passionate about mentorship, especially in helping women overcome 'imposter syndrome.' She emphasises the importance of having a supportive figure in the early stages of entrepreneurship: "Self-belief is a tough thing to create for yourself; it's really helpful to have somebody beside you who's saying, ‘I believe in you, I know you can.’"
Ofentse Lekwane and Joanna Berry demonstrate the profound impact universities can have in fostering entrepreneurship. Through Wakari, Ofentse is working to create more inclusive workplaces, while Joanna continues to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the confidence and support needed to succeed.
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