CEO Today Africa Awards

61 www.ceotodaymagazine.com CEO Today Africa Awards 2018 SOUTH AFRICA STAFF COMMENTS Howard Bulkin – Co-Owner Sometimes I find myself thinking of Kay – of her strength and motivation and the amazing way she manages to keep it all together. I see others look at Kay and know that they think these same things about her too. I wonder if she even knows how truly wonderful she is and how much she is admired by those who are lucky enough to be a part of her life… Kay is an Angel Andrew van Wyk – HR Manager It has been a privilege to be a participant in the growth of The Waste Trade Company since the inception of Kay Hardy as the General Manager. In the last 10 years she has raised the profile of the company to such an extent that it is now recognized as a leader within the waste industry. Her personal touch ensures for one of the cleanest, most dynamic and in tune companies within the Eastern Cape as does devotion to spread the message of recycling, particularly to schools. She is more than just the General Manager and Co-Owner of TWTC, she is an influential role player within the waste industry at large. Vicky Porter – Marketing Manager Kay has proven to become one of the most influential people in my life. She always puts her staff’s needs ahead of her own and challenges them to be the best version of themselves. Without Kay’s guidance and motivation, I would not be the dynamic young lady I am today. I am confident, and proud of who I am, and for that I am eternally grateful. Vicky Porter – Marketing Manager, TWTC Johan van Zyl – Accounts Manager My area of expertise requires of me to have a very black and white approach. I have found it refreshing to work with Kay, who is one of the strongest women I have come to know. She prides herself in standing up for not only herself, but for her staff, and will fight for what is right. Striking a balance between being a firm yet nurturing leader is no easy task, yet she seems to have mastered it. KAY HARDY Co-Owner & General Manager of The Waste Trade Company FIRM PROFILE Kay Hardy is the Co-Owner and General Manager of The Waste Trade Company. Her career with TWTC started in 2008 and she has since revolutionized the company culture and internal operations. Kay prides herself in adopting a transformational leadership style, where she creates an environment to inspire employees to reach their full potential. Her modest approach always finds her leading her pack from behind, ensuring for the wellbeing and safety of her employees. Having to be independent from a very young age, Kay developed the emotional intelligence to read and connect with people, which became a valuable resource when she entered the male dominated business world in the early 1980’s. She fulfilled her first management position in 1984 in the hospitality industry. As catering manager of the Port Elizabeth Club, she soon realized that internal service was just as important as external service, and that staff are a key asset and valuable resource – especially against the historical backdrop of South Africa, where very unique situations could only be resolved if you had the support of your staff. Whilst conscientiously climbing her career ladder as Regional Manager of Rebserve Hospitality services – Eastern Cape, Kwazulu Natal, Hospitality and Laundries. She successfully completed her MBA in Management at Wits Business School in 2007, whilst raising her son as a single parent, “the University of Life is kind to those students who persevere and are prepared to climb that steep learning curve.” In 2008 Ms Hardy was appointed General Manager of The Waste Trade Company, where she sprouted her roots. TWTC has since won numerous awards, achieved many milestones, increased its annual turnover and has built a reputation as a leader within the local waste industry. She also serves on the committee for The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa and for Project Nelson Mandela Bay. Kay continues to invest her time and resources in the development and support of her most valuable assets, her staff. “Reflecting on my journey with The Waste Trade Family, I am filled with gratitude. Coping with life’s challenges is a lot less stressful when you have supportive family, friends and colleagues – I thank them for being part and parcel of my success story”. Achievements: • Let’s Talk Waste Conference (2010) • Proudly South African Award (2011) • Business Woman of the Year Finalist (2011) • IWMSA Waste Conference (2012) • The IWMSA Green Revolution Eastern Cape Conference (2013) • The SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees (2014 – 2018) • PETCO Recycling Educator of the Year Award (2014) • Top Green Organisation of the Year Award EC (2014) • Top Green Organisation of the Year Award EC (2016) • PETCO Best Recycling Education Programme (2017) • IWMSA Green is the New Gold Conference (2018) • SJM Flex Environmental Award (2018) • The Herald Christmas Cheer Campaign (2018) www.thewastetradecompany.co.za