Interview with Lynn Stevens for Women's Month 2024

Lynn was born in District Six while the Group Areas Act was being implemented, and her family was moved from the City (Cape Town) to Lansdowne on the Cape Flats. She completed Primary School in District Six, and then High School on the Flats, where she was fortunate to qualify for a bursary to UCT. In those days (late in the apartheid era), bursaries for black people to attend premium Universities were only granted for subjects like teaching and nursing, and Lynn’s parents would not have been able to fund her and her siblings’ fees by themselves. Lynn qualified as an English and History teacher, but only taught for three months before taking a great ‘leap of faith’ and quitting to pursue a career in Advertising. This suited both her English skill level and her desire for social activism.

After establishing a name for herself in the world of Advertising, Reputation Management and Strategic Communications, Lynn was appointed to the Exco of a large diversified Financial Services business, where she served for over a decade. She now serves as the Chief Brand Officer at a prominent accounting, audit, and advisory firm, where she is also a Partner and sits on the Exco.

She makes time to Chair an NGO Board, and emphasises the importance of giving back to the community, whether it's women, youth, or marginalised communities.

Staying connected and experiencing the richness and diversity of humanity throughout life, seeing the world, and embracing both the good and bad experiences is the kindest you can be to yourself.

We’re our own greatest critics, Lynn notes, and she strongly advocates for coaching, as it allows you to do the ‘mirror’ and ‘shadow’ work, embrace mistakes and be less critical of oneself.

Lynne’s advice to her younger self would be -

Find time to be still, despite the challenges and uncertainties it may represent.
The investment in self is worth it.