“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination and the journey. They are home.” – Anna Quindlen, How Reading Changed My Life

Dr Judy Dlamini published her jaw-dropping first book (“Equal but Different: Women Leaders’ Life Stories: Overcoming Race, Gender & Social Class”) in 2017, using research from her doctoral studies. The book was a bestseller for several weeks, prompting mainstream conversations about women, sexism, racism and business leadership.

In 2019, she published a second book (“The Other Story: A Fireside chat with African Achievers”) to highlight the success stories of prominent African leaders and entrepreneurs from different industries.

This blog post will give you more details about the two books, including where you can buy or borrow Dr Judy Dlamini’s eye-opening books.

1Equal but Different
Book Stores & Libraries
University Libraries
2The Other Story
Book Stores & Libraries
University Libraries
3Dr Judy Dlamini’s Qualifications

Book 1: “Equal but Different: Women Leaders’ Life Stories: Overcoming Race, Gender & Social Class” by Dr Judy Dlamini

  • Length: 223 Pages
  • Date Published: 17 April 2017
  • Publisher: Sifiso Publishers Pty Ltd
  • Editor: Collen Naudé
  • Book Categories: Businesswomen, Women in Leadership, Gender Studies, Racial Studies, Leadership and Women in Business

Available at these book stores and public libraries

University Students can borrow this book at these university libraries

Book Summary

Dr Judy Dlamini’s interest in this area of study is based on her strong belief that people are born equal but different. It is a belief that equity across gender, race, social class and sexual orientation will be attained in her lifetime.

As mentioned earlier, “Equal but Different” is based on Dr Dlamini’s doctoral research studies, which investigated the intersection of race, gender and social class in women leaders’ career progression. The women leaders she studied came up with strategies for gender transformation at a leadership level. The book presents life stories of women leaders in South Africa and abroad and men who believe in gender equality and contributed towards this goal.

The common themes across the life stories of the women who contributed to the book are:

  • A message from family that said ‘’you can be anything that you set your mind to be’’
  • Supportive men who sponsored and mentored them
  • Pursuit of education
  • Determination to succeed
  • “Your initial social class should not determine the person you become”. However, the lower your initial social class is, the harder you have to work to achieve your ambitious dreams

“This book is relevant for people across gender, race and social class who want advice on personal strategies and tactics to succeed; leaders who want to be inclusive with an empowerment agenda for minorities; mentors across gender, corporate and government leaders who are committed to transformation.” writes Dr Dlamini

Book 2: “The Other Story: A Fireside chat with African Achievers” By Dr Judy Dlamini

  • Length: 224 Pages
  • Date Published: 11 February 2019
  • Publisher: Sifiso Publishers Pty Ltd
  • Editor: Collen Naudé
  • Book Categories: Business Leadership, Self-Actualisation, Success, and Entrepreneurship

Available at these book stores and public libraries

University Students can borrow this book at these university libraries

Book Summary

“The Other Story is a fireside chat with African Achievers, men and women of different ages, different backgrounds from different parts of the continent.” writes Dr Judy Dlamini. For this book, she chose leaders who achieved success in their personal capacity and went the extra mile to empower others.

The career paths covered in the book include:

  • Finance – Gloria Serobe and Zanele Mbeki
  • Information Technology – Ali Mufuruki and Kevin Lubega
  • Agribusiness – Nhlanhla Dlamini
  • Health – Dr Peter Matseke
  • Education & Mentorship – Sizwe Nxasana, Fred Swaniker & Mabutho Mthembu
  • Retail -Dr Richard Maponya
  • Retail, Mining & Property – Babatunde Folawiyo
  • A journey from Robben Island to building a business empire – Sakumzi Macozoma

According to Dr Dlamini, “The Other Story” seeks to tell a story of what Africans are capable of – no matter where you find them in the world, no matter what age they are, no matter what gender they are, no matter what qualification they hold, no matter what sector of the economy they operate in.

Dr Judy Dlamini’s Education/ Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Natal
  • Diploma in Occupational Health from University of Free State (UFS)
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of the Witwatersrand
  • Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL) from the University of South Africa (UNISA)
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate from Stanford University
Related Blog Post: 20 Motivational Quotes From Dr Judy Dlamini