Oftentimes, when we hear about the success of someone from a well-off family, the first thing that comes to mind for most of us is privilege. However, this is not the case for Wendy Appelbaum.
Wendy Appelbaum is a successful South African businesswoman who has held significant positions in the business industry. She made the Forbes list for the top 10 female millionaires to watch in Africa and was recognized as Forbes Businesswoman of the Year in 2015. Despite her father, Sir Donald Gordon, being a business mogul and founder of the Liberty Group, Wendy did not have things handed to her. Sir Gordon had two sons who could have taken over the reins, but Wendy proved time and again that she was more than capable in the business world.
Although her dream was initially to become a doctor, Wendy did not gain admission to study medicine. Instead, she pursued psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand, where she also studied economics. Wendy understood that being a woman in the 1970s meant she had to work ten times harder, as societal expectations were limited to traditional roles. When her father offered her a position at Liberty Group, she seized the opportunity and became a force to be reckoned with. Her assertiveness and ability to ask tough questions led to her becoming the Director of Liberty Investors.
In 1994, Wendy co-founded the Women’s Investment Portfolio Holdings, focusing on empowering women from all walks of life, including those from townships and rural areas, by teaching them how to invest. When she moved on to other ventures, she sold her shares to previously disadvantaged women. In 2003, Wendy’s dream of owning a farm came true when she co-owned the wine estate De Morgenzon in Stellenbosch Winelands. Their maiden vintage, a 2005 Chenin Blanc, became the first wine to earn five stars in South Africa’s leading Platter’s Wine Guide. Wendy Appelbaum’s achievements are numerous, and her resilience, hard work, and determination have earned her great respect. Her community contributions demonstrate that kindness and generosity are not tied to wealth, even though she is known for her tough exterior.