Leaders

Chairman Women in Business Forum and Incoming Vice President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Describe yourself in 30 words

I am a passionate, confident, soulful and fearless human being who is a proud mother of a twenty one year old man, Senuran. I live my dream daily and earn a living by fulfilling my personal purpose in life.

What is your idea of perfect joy?

Living my dream. My idea of perfect joy is watching my level headed and responsible son grow and flourish in his chosen career as a sportsman, a cricketer. To see the youth take a constructive stand in building their future and that of our beloved country.

My highest level of fulfilment is achieved when we (my associates, clients, WIB committee and I) can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Which historic character do you most identify with?

Dr Rohihlahla Nelson Mandela. Tate is an inspiration to the world. Whilst being human, he displayed an outstanding range of personal qualities, humility, challenged oppression, openly expressed love and admiration, showed compassion, ability to forgive with sincerity, powerful leadership with dignity, inner strength and soul that surpasses that of a normal human being. He united the nation, was selfless and has left behind a legacy that will be remembered to eternity - a role model to the world and generations to come.

What do you consider as your biggest extravagance?

Living my dream is my biggest extravagance. To be the decision maker in my business, earning the respect of clients and the freedom to design and implement products and services to not only earn me a living and create more sustainable entrepreneurs, trainers of entrepreneurs, leaders and managers, but most importantly, to add significant value to the lives of people.

Which words do you most overuse?

"Absolutely!" and "We CAN do this"!

What is your ultimate disappointment?

Is when people "stand knee deep in the river of opportunity" but let it pass by. We are becoming a complacent nation with high expectations and a culture of limited or no delivery. The blatant greed displayed by many civil servants challenges our country's constitution in various ways, increases and perpetuates poverty.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My son who inspires me everyday with his dedication to his passion (Cricket) and consistent hard work balancing provincial sport with academia. His focus is admirable.

Where is your most favourite place in the world?

Home!!! Having travelled and worked extensively abroad, there is certainly no place better than home - South Africa.

Which talent would you like to have?

A Latin American dancing talent (a graceful and relaxing art) and the talent of boundless creativity.

What is your current state of mind?

Busy but focussed!! Energised and inspired by my learning journey in the Maritime Industry whilst assisting the Ethekwini Maritime Cluster to establish a Maritime Incubator, the first in South Africa and the fourth in the world.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

First and foremost, my favourite holiday destination is the sanctuary of my home. Belgium and the United States where good friends reside.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My son Senuran. Living my purpose with "soul". The opportunity to travel extensively, learn, share and add value to the lives of entrepreneurs and leaders.

What do you fear most?

Nothing! If you really insist . Snakes, geckhos and lizards.

I don't believe that even GOD should be feared. GODLINESS must be sought, nurtured and respected - not feared. To be true to myself, whatever I do must come from within and not fear.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

An Angel, so that I will have the collective and supernatural power to eradicate poverty, greed and selfishness. This appears to be beyond the reach of human beings in this era for the collective, coordinated approach is very limited and sporadic.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family and memories.

Where would you like to live?

In South Africa!

What is your favourite occupation?

I am currently in my favourite occupation. I design and implement training and development models and interventions that impact on the lives of people, facilitate optimal potential using a variety of methodologies with conventional, modern and alternate approaches. Contributing to employment creation and poverty reduction holistically.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Learn to say NO, rest more, spend more quality time with my son and family and take more holidays.

Who are your favourite authors?

Ben and Rosamund Zander who wrote "The Art of Possibility"; Anthony Robbins who wrote amongst others "Unleash the Giant Within"; Ricardo Siemler who wrote "Maverick" and Dr Mamphele Ramphele who wrote "Conversations with My Sons and Daughters".

Who are your real life heroes?

Two significant women who raised me, both, my late mother and grandmother who inspired us to rise above, turn the other cheek in adversity, live the truth against all odds, stand up for the truth and most importantly to see the opportunity in each hurdle. They quietly displayed strength, courage and fortitude through their life journey and taught us significant life lessons not only with the spoken word.

What do you dislike most in life?

The hurdles and challenges faced by entrepreneurs despite the "facilitating economic environment".

What is your motto?

"Doves don't fly where Eagles Soar"! "Celebrate your success and stand strong when adversity hits, for when the storm clouds come in, the eagles soar while the small birds take cover. The size of a Shark is determined by the size of its Tank -"What is the size of your Tank?" "Never Give up" "True COURAGE is when the impact of your COURAGEOUS ACTIONS exceed your FEARS"! - Thuli Madonsela.