South Africa, Oct. 9 -- For those not in the know, this term of endearment was created by members of the Black and Latinx LGBTQI+ community to refer to a matriarchal figure in a chosen family, particularly in the underground ballroom scene.

Leadership style

"I discovered a side of me that I never knew I had, this maternal side, even though I don't have any kids," she says.

For van Niekerk, that nurturing role has shaped her leadership style, allowing her to guide her team with empathy, patience and purpose.

Leadership was the theme at the Heineken Masterclass at the Loeries on Thursday, where industry leaders in media and advertising gathered in Cape Town for an open conversation about what it means to lead effectively in 2025. The se...