The call to obedience: a journey of discomfort and fulfilment

Cerita Nagy, Founder: Confident Women in Business

What about women makes you tick?

It’s their resilience, their ability to carry so much - in business, in families, in communities - and still rise with grace and strength. What makes me “tick” is seeing women step into their God-given potential, often after seasons of doubt, fear, or feeling overlooked.

I love witnessing that moment when a woman realises her worth, owns her voice, and starts walking boldly in her calling. It stirs something deep in me, because I know the battles many of us have had to fight to get there. Supporting women, encouraging them and creating spaces where they are loved, seen, heard and celebrated is what fuels me!

Who inspires you and why?

I’m deeply inspired by women who lead with both strength and humility, those who have walked through fire, yet still carry peace, purpose, and faith. But above all, Jesus Christ is my greatest inspiration. His way of leading with love, serving others selflessly, and standing firm in truth, even in the face of opposition, is the model I strive to follow in life and in business.

I’m also inspired by ordinary women, young and old, doing extraordinary things quietly - mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, youth - who keep showing up with courage, grace, and unwavering faith. Their lives remind me that true impact isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s in the daily obedience, the quiet prayers, and the unseen sacrifices!

Prior to doing what you do now, you were in corporate, what made you choose this world you are in now?

I didn’t just choose this world, I was called into it through one of the most humbling seasons of my life. While I was building my business, I made mistakes - some big ones. I got caught up in striving, control, and chasing success the world’s way. Eventually, it brought me to my knees. I almost lost everything. That season broke me, but it also awakened me. It was there, in the middle of the mess, that I realised how much I needed God, not just in my personal life, but in every area, including business.

That was the turning point. I surrendered it all, and slowly, God began to rebuild not just my business, but my identity, my purpose, and my understanding of true success. Confident Women in Business (CWIB) was born out of that very place. It’s not just a ministry or a movement, it’s my testimony. It’s where my business experience, my failures, and my faith collide to create space for women, also young upcoming women in business, to grow, lead, and thrive with God at the centre.

A Confident Women in Business gathering

Being inspired by wanting to create change is selfless. What have been your greatest challenges as a change agent?

One of the greatest challenges has been carrying the vision when others don’t immediately see it or understand it. When you’re building something new, especially something rooted in faith, purpose, and long-term impact, it can feel lonely. There have been seasons where the burden felt heavy, the progress slow, and the resistance real.

Another challenge has been overcoming the internal doubts, wondering if I’m truly equipped or strong enough to lead this movement. The enemy often tries to attack your confidence when you’re walking in your calling. But through every season and every challenge, I’ve learned to lean deeper into God’s strength, not my own. He reminds me often: It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being obedient!

Change takes time, perseverance, and faith. While it’s not always easy, it’s always worth it when you see lives transformed, women awakened, and communities impacted.

What keeps you going?

It’s the calling - knowing deep in my spirit that this is what I was created to do. What keeps me going is the reminder that it’s not about me, it’s about the women whose lives are being changed, the prayers being answered, and the legacies being rewritten.

Every message I receive from a woman who says, “This gave me hope,” or “I finally see my worth,” fuels me. I’ve seen God move in powerful ways - through the brokenness, through the victories, through the quiet obedience - and that keeps me anchored. Even on the hard days, I hold onto the truth that if God called me to this, He will sustain me in it. And ultimately, it’s His faithfulness, not my strength, that carries me forward.

The call to obedience always forces us out of our comfort zone. You are quite reserved, but through your calling, you’ve had to step out and take the lead. What have you learned about yourself from this experience?

This journey has stretched me in ways I never imagined. I’ve always been more reserved - never the one to seek the spotlight or want to speak in front of people. In fact, I struggled a lot with confidence in the beginning. I questioned if I was the right person for this calling, and I often felt safer behind the scenes.

But obedience has a way of pulling you into places where your comfort can’t carry you - only God can. Through this process, I’ve learned that vulnerability is not weakness. Being authentic, honest, and true to who I am, have become one of my greatest strengths. I don't need to perform or pretend. God uses me as I am, and that has been incredibly freeing!

I’ve discovered a quiet confidence, not rooted in personality, but in purpose. Each time I step out, even with trembling knees, He meets me there. And I’ve learned that obedience may feel costly, but it always brings transformation, not just for others, but for me too.

On the path to becoming the best versions of ourselves, there’s a lot we need to learn, unlearn, or heal from. What have these been for you?

This journey has required me to unlearn the belief that I have to have it all together to be worthy or effective. I had to unlearn striving, perfectionism, and the pressure to prove myself, especially in business. I had to learn how to rest in God’s grace, how to lead from a place of authenticity, and how to be okay with vulnerability and not having all the answers. That was hard for me, because I’ve always been driven.

I’ve also had to heal from disappointments, failure, fear of rejection, and the pain of comparison. Those silent battles almost stole my voice and my confidence. But in the process, I discovered that healing doesn’t mean hiding your past, it means letting God use it.

The path to becoming the best version of myself has meant surrendering control, embracing growth, and trusting that who I’m becoming in Christ is far greater than who I thought I had to be.

How have you navigated your healing journey?

My healing journey has been layered, slow, raw, and deeply personal. It wasn’t a once-off moment, but a continual process of allowing God to touch the parts of my life I had buried, ignored, or tried to handle on my own. I had to face the pain of past mistakes, disappointment, and the pressure to be strong for everyone else - all while running a business and answering a calling I didn’t always feel qualified for.

There were moments where I felt broken, ashamed, and stuck. But God, in His grace, met me right there.

Through prayer, community, God’s Word, and moments of stillness with Him, I started to unravel the lies I believed about myself and replace them with His truth. I also had to give myself permission to rest, to feel, and to ask for help, something I didn’t do easily at first.

What I’ve learned is that healing doesn’t disqualify you, it equips you. It makes you more compassionate, more real, more effective. And today, I lead from a place of wholeness-in-progress, knowing that my story, my scars, and my surrender are part of what God is using to bring healing to others.

Someone out there knows they are called for something else other than what they are doing now, but they are afraid to make a move. What’s your advice to them?

I’ve been there, knowing deep down that God was calling me into something more, something different, but feeling afraid, unqualified, and unsure of how it would all work out. My advice is this: Don’t ignore the stirring in your heart. That’s often where purpose begins!

Fear is real, but it’s not a reason to stay stuck.

You don’t need to have it all figured out, you just need to take the next obedient step. God never calls us without equipping us. He doesn’t need your perfection, He needs your yes.

Start small if you have to, but start. Pray. Surrender. Surround yourself with people who speak life and faith over you. And most of all, trust that if God placed the calling in you, He will walk with you every step of the way. The discomfort of staying where you don’t belong will eventually become greater than the fear of stepping into where you do.

Your future is on the other side of obedience.

With everything you’ve experienced and have seen, what would you say is your super power?

My superpower is perseverance fuelled by faith. I’ve faced setbacks, doubts, and moments when giving up seemed easier, but what keeps me moving forward is the deep conviction that God is guiding every step. I don’t rely on my own strength, I rely on His.

Alongside perseverance, I believe my authenticity is a gift. Being real about my struggles and vulnerabilities has allowed me to connect deeply with others, inspire trust, and create spaces where women feel safe to grow and lead. Together, faith-driven perseverance and authentic leadership are what empower me to keep making an impact, no matter the challenges.

Reflecting on the year thus far, what are you most grateful for?

Reflecting on the year so far, I’m most grateful for God’s faithfulness in every season, in the growth, the highs and the lows. Through challenges, He has been my constant anchor and source of strength.

I’m also deeply thankful for the community of women around me, those who walk alongside, encourage, challenge, and inspire me to keep growing and pressing forward.

Lastly, I’m grateful for the opportunity to see lives transformed, to witness women stepping into their calling with courage and faith. Knowing that I get to play a small part in that journey fills my heart with joy and purpose.

What’s your message to women?

To every woman reading this: you are fearfully and wonderfully made, created with purpose and destiny. Don’t let fear, doubt, or the world’s expectations define who you are or what you can achieve. Your story, your voice, and your faith matter deeply!

Step into your calling boldly, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. Remember, growth happens outside your comfort zone, and God equips those He calls. Lean into Him, trust the process, and surround yourself with a community that uplifts and supports you!

You were made to impact, to lead, and to shine, so rise with courage, walk in your truth, and never underestimate the power of a woman who knows who she is in Christ!

What are you working on right now?

Right now, I’m focused on growing CWIB, building stronger programs and opportunities that empower women to lead with faith and confidence in their businesses and personal lives. We’re branching out into new areas, including hosting the CWIB Expo in the Western Cape this September, which will be a wonderful opportunity for women entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, network, and grow in their faith and professional skills.

Alongside that, we’re developing new mentorship initiatives, planning impactful events, and creating resources to support women’s spiritual and business growth. I’m also investing in my own leadership development so I can serve this community even more effectively. It’s an exciting season of expansion, connection, and new possibilities!

---

If you've been inspired and encouraged, connect with Cerita here:

E-mail:  info@confidentwomeninbusiness.co.za

Website: www.confidentwomeninbusiness.co.za

Social Media Handles:

• Instagram: @confidentwib and @ceritanagy

• Facebook: Confident Women in Business and Cerita Nagy

• LinkedIn: Confident Women in Business and Cerita Nagy