Wendy holds a portfolio of activities, testament to the fact that her life is comprised of diverse experiences that make a difference and add meaning. From corporate employment to social entrepreneurship and sitting on the boards of various companies, Wendy's commitment to bridging the gap between women and the economy is a common thread in all her endeavours.  Wendy has been a social entrepreneur since 1991 after 10 years in corporate marketing of a luxury brand.

Her first business was in Human Resources Development to bridge the gap between management and employees, to optimise the performance of new employees without experience, to prepare young people for a successful career and equip them to thrive in an environment that culturally marginalises people who are different.

In 1994 Wendy pioneered with three other women the founding of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (WIPHOLD) which listed in 1999 on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (de-listed March 2003). This initiative revolutionized the participation of women in the economic landscape of South Africa and was the first women-owned company to be listed. WIPHOLD continues to thrive, contributing significantly towards women claiming their economic power and contributing to the economic growth of the country.

In February 2002 Wendy launched a €13m (R120 million) Private Equity Fund for women-owned proprietary enterprises, another first for South Africa. This initiative was to empower women entrepreneurs with capital and business expertise to grow their companies and improve the contribution of women to economic development.

Wendy is currently chairman of Vendome SA, and recently stepped down as the Chairperson of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the International Marketing Council (IMC) responsible for Brand South Africa.  She is on the Board of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange; a Trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Foundation for the leadership development of young people; a member of the Club of Rome in Europe; a Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg; on the board of the International Institute of Management Development in Switzerland, and also sits on the International Advisory Board of Essec Business School in France.  Wendy is a recipient of two Honorary Doctorates in Commerce for her pioneering contribution to the economic empowerment of women. She is also currently assisting an entrepreneur to start a contagious movement of Entrepreneurship in Africa which will be launched in April 2011.

Wendy is a recipient of many global and local awards for her leadership role.  She is featured regularly in the South African media as one of South Africa’s most powerful women.