WPO | Member of the Moment: Thea Laufs

Thea Laufs

Founding Partner

LTL Group

Johannesburg I Chapter

What inspired you to start your business?

I was retrenched and had no other job oppportunity at the time and my husband and I started the business. Being in a developing country we realized we had to try and build a future for us and our kids and we were fortunate enough to sign a big contract that gave us the opportunity to build a business that today provide lots of work not only for our staff but some of their children is part of our journey now. That is what makes it worth the while to see the families building their future with us

What challenges have you faced as a woman in business?

Navigating the early years in a traditionally male-dominated meat industry presented steep physical and cultural challenges. However, by establishing a reputation for relentless hard work and technical competence, I earned the respect of my peers. I was fortunate to find strong advocates among the men in the field, whose guidance and allyship were instrumental in helping me build a solid foundation.

What lesson have you learned that you can share with other women entrepreneurs?

The most profound lesson I took from those grueling early years is that competence is the ultimate equalizer. I learned that while a male-dominated environment can feel incredibly isolating at first, showing up every day with an undeniable work ethic completely changes the dynamic. It taught me that allyship is built on mutual respect—when the men I worked with saw my dedication to the craft, they became my greatest advocates, teachers, and champions. I walked away knowing that I belonged at the table, not because it was given to me, but because I earned it alongside them

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

Never be to clever to learn from someone else.

In what ways has your membership in WPO impacted your personal or professional life?

Membership in the WPO has been a game-changer, replacing the isolation of executive leadership with a powerful, confidential network of peers who challenge me to step out of the daily fires and strategically scale my business with absolute confidence. However it is still difficult for me to open up completely personally.

Member of the Moment: Thea Laufs