Lessons in Leadership with South Africa's Lauren Filen

In a world where women remain underrepresented at the executive level, Lauren Filen stands out – not only as a leader who has broken barriers, but also as someone committed to paving the way for others. As Customer Director, Africa at Advantage Group International, Lauren brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping others achieve their full potential.

In this article, she reflects on her career journey, the pivotal lessons she’s learned along the way, and her advice to women ready to confidently step into leadership roles.

Owning My Seat: A Leadership Journey

I never imagined a career in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). After earning my degree in marketing, I briefly considered law. But life had other plans. I stumbled into a brand assistant role at Haleon—and the rest, as they say, is history.

It was a different time. Marketing looked nothing like it does today. E-commerce wasn’t even part of the innovation conversation, and computer access was limited to just one hour a week. I quickly discovered that FMCG was fast-paced, unpredictable, and full of fires to put out—and I loved it. From that point on, I built my career across food, beverage, and personal care, staying within the industry until I joined Advantage in 2023.

My Career Evolution: From Brand Assistant to CEO

I was fortunate to experience significant growth early in my career, rising through various organizations and reaching my goal of becoming Marketing Director at Nampack Tissue at just 33. It was a proud milestone – it reflected years of learning and growing.

Joining PepsiCo expanded my world. I was encouraged to take on roles outside my comfort zone – moving from traditional marketing to leading commercial sales and even overseeing warehouse operations. These experiences helped reshape leadership for me; it wasn’t a straight line, but more of a multidimensional journey.

At 39, I was appointed CEO of Simba, PepsiCo South Africa’s snack division. It was a defining moment—not just for me, but for what it symbolized for women across the region. Becoming CEO wasn’t just about a title—it was about earning the seat, showing what’s possible, and opening the door for others to do the same.

I was leading a multimillion-dollar business and fully aware of the responsibility that came with that—for both the business and its people. Throughout my career, I have always prioritized people. That philosophy didn’t always align with numbers-driven environments, and it wasn’t universally shared, but it’s what shaped me into the leader I am today.

Dylan Piatti, Managing Director, Africa, Advantage Group International, and Lauren Filen, Customer Director, Africa, Advantage Group International, celebrate Norman Goodfellows as the #1 Liquor Distributor in the 2024 Voice of the Supplier in South Africa

The realities of Being CEO 

Being a CEO taught me a lot—but not always in the ways I expected. One of the biggest surprises was how isolating the role can be. As you move up the corporate ladder, you’re surrounded by peers who understand your challenges. But once you reach the top, that dynamics change. Expectations shift. You’re no longer asking for advice—you’re expected to have all the answers.

That’s why it’s essential to surround yourself with people who think differently, who are smarter than you in their own areas, and who aren’t afraid to challenge you. Their strengths—and even their weaknesses—become part of your leadership ecosystem. Building the right team is one of the most important decisions you make as a leader.

Redefining Sucess: Family, Flexibility, and Decisions 

Leading a large organization often comes with travel. At Simba, I was on the road nearly two weeks each month—all while raising two young daughters. Eventually, I reached a crossroads: I needed to choose a path that allowed me to be more present at home.

I made the decision to step away from high-travel executive roles and began leading smaller businesses and startups. This shift gave me the flexibility I needed, while still fulfilling my passion for leadership and mentorship. I also learned that stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away—it means aligning your choices with your own goals, life stage, and long-term vision.

We don’t talk about this enough—especially as women. Too often, scaling back is seen as a lack of ambition. But I believe the true measure of success is living on your own terms. Organizations have a responsibility to support and empower women to make those choices.

Discovering the Power of Networking

Early in my career, like many woman, I believed hard work and good results would naturally lead to success—just like what happens when you are at school.

But I quickly learned that doing a good job isn’t enough. You also have to manage your career—which means being politically aware and building strategic relationships. I learned that the hard way, and I share it so others don’t have to.

Like many women, I saw networking as optional—something I would get to when there was time. But that mindset holds us back. Relationships open doors. Connections create momentum. Strong networks build resilience. For me, networking changed everything.

I have carried this philosophy with me at every stage of my career. Today, I continue to use networking as a tool to foster strong relationships with colleagues and business partners. In my current role, I advise clients on the value of relationships and the importance of cultivating healthy, transparent partnerships to strengthen collaboration and drive mutual business success.

My advice? Make it a habit. Whether it’s a weekly coffee, ten minutes on LinkedIn, or one event a month; whatever works for you, make it non-negotiable. Networking isn’t just about moving up. It’s about support, inspiration, and long-term growth. It’s how we thrive—and help others do the same.

The Industry is Evolving—Is It Enough?

The numbers don’t lie, and they simply are not good enough. In 2000, just two women led Fortune 500 companies. In 2025, that number is ten. Ten out of 500. That’s only 2%. In 25 years, we have added just eight women to the list. That’s not progress, it’s a crisis.

Women can’t keep waiting for a seat at the table. We have to claim it. Build networks. Support each other. We must recognize that environment matters. If you hit a glass ceiling—or find yourself working for a narcissist or a sexist—leave. Don’t shrink to fit outdated structures and don’t waste your energy trying to fix a broken system. Find a place where you’re valued, supported, and given room to thrive.

Creating Space for Women to Lead

One of the proudest moments of my career was launching Simba’s first female talent development program. I later co-founded Women in Conversation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of women leaders in South Africa.

Women in Conversation hosts events that tackle the tough topics, such as toxic femininity, political savvy, and the real dynamics of career growth. We don’t need women at the Boardroom table acting like men – that defeats the purpose of diversity. We need women leading as women, and lifting others as they rise.

A Legacy of Empowerment

I didn’t plan this career—but I showed up, stayed open, and followed what felt right. My journey wasn’t linear. It was shaped by pivots, purpose, and people.

Today, at Advantage, I continue to focus on mentoring others, creating space for honest conversations, and helping the next generation of women leaders rise—with confidence and community behind them.

Leadership doesn’t have to look like the past, and the future is ours to lead.