In the world of business, the role of women is no longer a supporting one—it is central, dynamic, and transformative. As Tatiana Ellis, a forward-thinking business leader at Westprop Holdings, aptly states, “Women form the backbone of our societies. When empowered, we can provide great and dynamic value to a vision, as we are better equipped to toe the line alongside our male counterparts.”
This powerful insight underscores an essential truth: the future of business and societal progress is intricately tied to the empowerment of women. And nowhere is this truth more evident than in Zimbabwe, where women are stepping up and taking their rightful place in shaping the future.
Tatiana Ellis, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Partner at Westprop Holdings, is more than just a powerhouse in Zimbabwe’s real estate sector. She is an entrepreneur and an advocate for women’s empowerment, challenging traditional norms and championing economic freedom for women entrepreneurs.
Through her leadership, unwavering commitment, and dedication to gender equality, Ellis has built a reputation that stretches far beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. She is not only shaping the skyline of Harare but also shaping the future of women in business.
Born with a drive to achieve and a deep belief in the power of resilience, Tatiana’s career is a testament to the transformative impact of empowering women. Today, she stands as a role model for many, having cultivated a remarkable career across multiple countries, including South Africa, Ukraine, Dubai, and Russia. Her journey continues to inspire countless women striving to break barriers and carve out their place in male-dominated industries.
The Price of Success: Sacrifice and the Commitment to Excellence
Tatiana’s personal journey offers a window into the realities of success in today’s competitive business world. “This is me leaving my office around 7 pm. It happens often. The old saying goes, there’s always a price to be paid for success. Sometimes, there is no work-life balance; sometimes, there is just sacrifice! I think you must be wise and smart enough to know when to make that call.”
For women leaders like Tatiana, success isn’t just about scaling the corporate ladder or meeting quarterly targets. It’s about making sacrifices, dedicating long hours, and navigating the complexities of balancing work with personal life. But the real key to success, as Tatiana wisely points out, is the ability to know when to push forward and when to step back. It’s this wisdom and balance that separates truly successful leaders from the rest.
Tatiana’s journey to success is one of grit and perseverance. A graduate of the Pedagogical University of Education in Russia, her professional career began with a bold leap into the transformation of one of Russia’s most prestigious childcare schools in St. Petersburg. It was here that Tatiana’s leadership and forward-thinking approach to systems transformation were recognized and applauded by peers, parents, and local authorities alike. This early breakthrough in her career marked the beginning of a pattern of leadership roles that would define her professional trajectory. Her ability to manage complex operations, coupled with her deep understanding of human behavior from her background in psychology, made her a natural fit for leadership roles.
Beyond Modern Feminism: Collaboration, Not Competition
Tatiana’s reflections on modern feminism are both insightful and thought-provoking. “We live in a world where modern feminism has become toxic, extreme, and sometimes utterly ridiculous. While the traditional approach has flaws, and women should be supported and afforded equal opportunities as men, veering too far in the opposite direction can also be detrimental to societies, companies, and families. As women, we are not competing with men; we complement them, and they complement us in every aspect. We possess distinct and remarkable abilities and different superpowers. Therefore, we must always collaborate to attain excellence in our lives.”
This perspective offers a refreshing contrast to the polarizing debates often seen around gender equality. Rather than viewing the relationship between men and women as a competition, Tatiana advocates for collaboration—a dynamic where both genders work together, leveraging their unique strengths to drive progress. Women bring distinctive talents and perspectives to the table, but so do men. When these forces align, the result is not just equality, but exponential progress for societies, companies, and families.
Her passion for gender equality is evident in her ongoing efforts to mentor young women entrepreneurs and encourage them to pursue careers in business and leadership. She regularly speaks at events and forums focused on women’s empowerment, offering guidance and insight to women aspiring to break into male-dominated industries.
The Backbone of Society: Empowering Women as Catalysts for Change
One of the most powerful messages from Tatiana’s words is the fundamental role of women in societal development. “Men build societies, and women are always the backbone of those societies. An empowered woman is an incredibly powerful and progressive force for development and transformation. Let us push to empower more women in our societies.”
In Zimbabwe and beyond, the empowerment of women is the key to unlocking greater development. Whether in business, politics, or community leadership, women have the potential to catalyze meaningful change. When women are given the tools to lead, innovate, and inspire, the ripple effects are profound. Empowered women uplift entire communities, create new opportunities, and drive transformation on an unprecedented scale.
Tatiana’s commitment to shaping the future extends beyond her own success. She understands that empowering the next generation of women leaders is one of the most impactful things we can do for the future. “Empowering the next generation of young women leaders is not just a responsibility; it is a profound opportunity to shape a brighter future. Each time we uplift a young woman, we spark a chain reaction of courage, innovation, and change, fostering leaders who will challenge the status quo and transform their communities.”
According to Tatiana, by investing in the education and mentorship of young women, we are not just creating leaders; we are igniting a movement that will continue to gain momentum for generations. The effects of empowering one woman are multiplied as she passes on that knowledge, encouragement, and inspiration to others. It is this cycle of support and empowerment that will create a legacy of strong, confident, and visionary female leaders who will continue to shape and transform our world.
Leading by Example: The Power of Quality and Accountability
Finally, as an executive and leader, Tatiana Ellis emphasizes the importance of quality control and leadership by example. “Quality is not something that you teach or speak about; it’s something that you live out. Every Wednesday, I leave my office and all the boardroom meetings to go onsite and view the work that is being done. Why? Quality control in real time! As an executive and a leader, you can’t only be in the offices and boardrooms making promises to customers about a product that you only know about in theory. You must get down to the process and see how the product comes alive so you can convey its quality and supremacy over the competition more accurately.”
Her hands-on approach to every development, from Pomona City to Millennium Heights, demonstrates her belief in leading by example. This dedication to the process has earned her the respect of her peers and solidified her reputation as a leader who is truly committed to delivering excellence. True leadership requires an understanding of the work on the ground, not just from a theoretical or strategic level. It’s about being present, holding teams accountable, and ensuring that the values and vision of the company are reflected in every aspect of the product or service. Quality, Tatiana shows us, is not just something you talk about—it’s something you live, model, and deliver with integrity.
The future of women in business, especially in Zimbabwe, is bright. As women like Tatiana Ellis continue to rise to leadership positions, they are setting the stage for a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous world. The path forward is clear: empower women, encourage collaboration over competition, invest in the next generation of leaders, and lead by example. When women are empowered, they not only change their own lives—they change the world.
Tatiana’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, both locally and internationally. In Zimbabwe, she was recognized as the Zimbabwe Businesswoman of the Year and was named Female Role Model of the Year at the Southern Africa Startup Awards. These awards, among many others, are a testament to the impact she has had in her field—not only in terms of her professional accomplishments but also in her role as a mentor and advocate for women’s rights.