We recently interviewed Mamela Luthuli, CEO of Take Note IT. She is a renowned business leader, entrepreneur, founder, and proud owner of Take Note IT, which offers all its clients innovative IT solutions and cyber security services. Her vision is to safeguard all businesses and people by creating a new way of life for everyone out there. She is passionate about mentoring young entrepreneurs to deal with unemployment and other social issues. Mamela wants to bring positive changes for all women and young entrepreneurs to lead a better future for the world.
Early Life And Education
To glimpse Mamela’s early life and educational background, we asked, “Tell us something about you, your early life, and your education?”
She shared, “I grew up in the townships of the Western Cape, Khayelitsha in South Africa, but my strong roots lie in the rural villages of Willowvale in the Eastern Cape. My educational journey has focused on acquiring knowledge and skills that would allow me to make a meaningful impact. I hold a Degree in Public Administration, a Management Development Programme Diploma, MBA from Henley International School, and various Certificates in Communication and Board Leadership courses.
These have provided me with a solid business management and leadership foundation. Additionally, I have completed an Executive course in cyber security from Harvard University, which has equipped me with valuable insights into the ever-evolving field of technology and security. These educational experiences have shaped my professional journey, and I am excited to bring my expertise and passion to contribute to business and technology.”
Presence In The Industry
We wanted to learn more about the presence of Take Note IT in the industry. So we asked, “Tell us about the business and its presence in the GCC?”
Mamela shared, “Take Note IT offers a wide range of services through its three distinct business units: Cybersecurity, IoT early warning solutions, and the Take Note Cyber Excellence Academy. With a strong presence across industries such as insurance, manufacturing, retail, telecom, financial services, pharmaceuticals, government, consumer services, and emerging technology businesses, Take Note IT provides comprehensive solutions to address diverse cyber and infrastructure security needs.
Our expertise spans various industries, including insurance, manufacturing, retail, telecom, financial services, and emerging technology businesses. We understand the unique cybersecurity challenges different sectors face and tailor our solutions accordingly.
Take Note IT has finally established an operation based in Dubai to expand our reach and cater to the growing demand for our services.
This strategic move will enable us to serve the broader GCC area, bringing our cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and expertise to regional businesses. We are excited to enhance our presence in the GCC and contribute to the cybersecurity landscape by ensuring the protection and resilience of our client’s digital infrastructure.”
Visions For The Business
Every business owner has some plans considering their business growth. We asked, “What are some of the growth and expansion plans you have in your pipeline?”
She replied, “Take Note IT is focused on growth and expansion. Plans in our pipeline will strengthen our presence and contribute to increased job creation in the region. The company is focused on expanding its operations in the UAE and the Middle East and serves a broader clientele. This expansion will entrench Take Note IT as a player in the market and create employment opportunities for professionals in the cybersecurity and technology sectors.
Additionally, Take Note IT aims to increase its market share in South Africa and the broader SADEC region, capitalizing on its strong foundation and expertise in cybersecurity, IoT solutions, and the Cyber Excellence Academy. By expanding its reach and customer base in these regions, the company expects to generate further job opportunities and contribute to the growth of the local workforce.”
She continued, “Furthermore, Take Note IT will establish a Cyber Excellence Academy in Dubai. This academy will play a pivotal role in training the new generation of cyber youth, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the digital world. By investing in talent development, the company not only ensures its future growth but also fosters employment prospects for individuals seeking careers in the cybersecurity field.
These growth and expansion plans demonstrate Take Note IT’s commitment to expanding its operations and market reach and contributing to the economic development of the regions it operates in by creating employment opportunities and nurturing local talent.”
Present Year For The Business
The pandemic brought considerable changes in the entire market. We were intrigued to learn about the challenges and other opportunities faced by the company in the current year. We asked, “How has the year been for your company?”
She shared, “The past 3 years have been transformative for Take Note IT, marked by significant growth and adaptation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The global health crisis necessitated enhanced security measures as more people shifted to remote work, influencing our company’s expansion. We responded to the increased demand by providing tailored cybersecurity solutions that addressed the unique challenges of remote work environments. Our expertise in securing virtual networks and implementing effective security protocols has supported organizations in maintaining secure and productive remote operations.
The pandemic also emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity, as cyber threats escalated during this time. Take Note IT proactively strengthened our security offerings, delivering advanced threat intelligence, endpoint protection, and incident response services. We recognized the need for a robust security posture to enable businesses to operate confidently in a digital-first environment. By adapting our services and addressing the evolving security needs of organizations, we have navigated the challenges of the pandemic and continued to grow.”
She continued, “Throughout the year, Take Note IT has embraced opportunities presented by the shift to remote work, positioning ourselves as a trusted partner in providing comprehensive security solutions. We have leveraged our expertise to mitigate risks, maintain continuity, and support organizations thriving in the new normal. As we look ahead, our commitment remains unwavering as we strive to deliver innovative cybersecurity services that adapt to the evolving threat landscape and meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
Available Services
To get an idea about the current offerings of Take Note IT to its clients, we asked, “What does your business offer as per the current competitive market?”
Mamela shared, “In the current competitive market, Take Note IT offers a range of comprehensive cybersecurity and IoT solutions to address the evolving challenges faced by businesses and individuals. We understand that in today’s world, where digital systems play a vital role and cyber threats are constantly evolving; it is essential to stay ahead of the curve and effectively manage these risks.
At Take Note IT, we take pride in our highly skilled and competent staff, who bring extensive expertise and experience. We are ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 compliant, ensuring that our services adhere to the highest quality management and information security standards.”
“Our commitment to diversity is reflected in our team composition, and as a female-owned business, we are dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowerment in the cybersecurity industry.
We also bring private and public sector expertise, enabling us to understand the unique challenges and regulatory requirements faced by organizations in different sectors. This expertise allows us to tailor our solutions to meet each client’s specific needs.
One of our key focuses is creating youth employment opportunities and bridging the skills gap in cybersecurity. Through our Cyber Excellence Academy, we provide comprehensive training and education programs to equip individuals with the critical skills required to thrive in a digital world. By fostering a skilled workforce at a local level, we contribute to the development of a robust cybersecurity ecosystem.” she replied
Effective Teamwork
Building strong bonds and trust among employees encourages them to perform better and enhances productivity. We asked, “What measures do you think employees and organizations can take to build effective teamwork and unity?”
She shared, “Employees and organizations can foster a caring and compassionate culture, invest in employee development, show appreciation and recognition, provide skills training, create a conducive work environment, and embrace diversity and inclusivity. These actions promote collaboration, trust, and a positive work environment, leading to improved teamwork and unity within the organization. This has worked for us at Take Note IT.”
Innovative Ideas For The Business
Focusing on the innovative and creative aspect of the business is equally essential to reaching the heights of success. We asked, “Tell us about the company’s focus and investment in research and innovation.”
Sir replied, “Take Note IT strongly emphasizes research and innovation, recognizing their significance in staying at the forefront of the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Our company is committed to driving technological advancements and developing cutting-edge solutions to address emerging threats and challenges. Here are some critical aspects of our focus and investment in research and innovation:
Building in-house technology: We invest in developing proprietary technology solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients. By making our technology, we ensure flexibility, customization, and the ability to provide robust and effective cybersecurity solutions.
Becoming a global Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): We aspire to expand our reach and impact by becoming an international OEM. This strategic approach allows us to collaborate with partners worldwide, leverage their expertise, and enhance our product offerings to better serve the needs of a diverse client base.
Dedicated Research and Development (R&D) department: We maintain a dedicated R&D department that focuses on exploring new technologies, conducting in-depth research, and staying ahead of emerging cybersecurity trends. This department enables us to continuously innovate, refine our solutions, and address the evolving needs of our clients.
Continuous development: We believe in the importance of constant development to keep pace with the ever-changing threat landscape. Our investment in research and innovation ensures that we stay updated with the latest industry developments, adapt our strategies, and incorporate new techniques and technologies into our solutions.”
Advice For Beginners
“Any tips for startups looking to get onto a similar pathway?”
Mamela shared, “Invest in know-how: Allocate resources towards acquiring knowledge and expertise in your industry. Stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. This investment in knowledge will give you a competitive edge and enable you to deliver high-quality solutions.
Strive to be the best in your trade: Set high standards for your startup and aim to become a leader in your field. Focus on delivering exceptional products or services that outshine your competitors.
Continuously seek ways to improve and differentiate yourself from others in the market.
Be resilient and committed: Starting and growing a successful startup can be challenging. Be prepared to face obstacles, setbacks, and uncertainties. Maintain a resilient mindset and stay committed to your goals and vision, even during tough times. Perseverance is often a critical factor in long-term success.
Competence is critical: Build a team with a strong foundation of competence. Surround yourself with talented individuals with the necessary skills and expertise to drive your startup forward. Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth within your team.
Consistency: Consistency is vital for building trust and credibility with your customers and stakeholders. Consistently deliver on your promises, provide excellent customer service, and maintain a consistent brand image. Establishing a reputation for reliability and quality will contribute to the long-term success of your startup.”
Connect with Mamela Luthuli on LinkedIn.
Find Take Note IT on LinkedIn or visit http://www.takenoteit.co.za/.
