MARK TAYLOR believes that his career has been characterised by 'thinking big' and having the perseverance to ensure that his plans, which are often innovative, reach fruition Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Mark Taylor MARK TAYLOR believes that his career has been characterised by 'thinking big' and having the perseverance to ensure that his plans, which are often innovative, reach fruition Success is dependent on the team that you build around you MARK TAYLOR believes that his career has been characterised by 'thinking big' and having the perseverance to ensure that his plans, which are often innovative, reach fruition. He has spent the last 30 years in the property development industry; starting off small in the residential sector and then progressing to catalytic type developments like Simbithi Eco Estate in Ballito. The eLan Property Group was founded in 1997 and has become a leader in real estate marketing and sales, sales of hospitality investment projects and more recently has diversified into other investment opportunities. Zululand Tree Lodge in Hluhluwe, the first venture undertaken, was a R12 million development. Taylor's desire to innovate was apparent in the Riverside Hotel, which became a sectional title hotel. This was a first for South Africa and has been the country's most profitable sectional title hotel and a true eLan success story. Taylor commented, "The pioneering and innovative approach does not always pay off, staying ahead of the curve is not always clever, as one is constantly meeting new obstacles, which have not been dealt with before." His determination to 'make a difference by doing things differently' is very apparent in the Blythedale Coastal Estate. An important part of this project has been in obtaining community buy-in, which has well illustrated Taylor's perseverance. "This development has taken 19 years of planning and community negotiation to come to fruition and is now going from strength to strength and will be a great success story." Our success is based on not just selling off pieces of land but we have created a concept for family living. Blythedale Coastal Estate is the most forward-thinking development in South Africa. "The emphasis is on fibre connectivity, frictionless access, green technology solutions, and most importantly, it is a community-based development." Taylor added that creating jobs and promoting small businesses is in important in driving his projects. "We aim to contribute significantly to the local population groups." Taylor commented, "Success is dependent on the team that you build around you. Each individual is often better than you at what they do, and it is important to give them the responsibility and freedom as well as the authority to do what they do best." His current mission is to grow the eLan Property Group brand. He says, "Exciting things are happening. I intend to work smarter not harder and use the experiences that I have had to be more productive and proactive." He added that the commencement of deals and putting everything together is something that he has continually enjoyed and that he is currently exploring opportunities for development in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Mauritius. Through the efforts of the eLan Group in exploring the potential overseas property investment market, and in particular the UK, South African Properties Overseas Marketing Association (SAPOMA) has become a reality. SAPOMA is administered and coordinated by eLan Marketing, and through its overseas division, eLan International, the Association will represent those developers and allied professional organisations who have the vision and urge to become part of the world global trading scene. Taylor says that his family have been crucial to him throughout his career and provide him a lot of support. This support has allowed him to continue in his various endeavours, while often facing stress and dealing with the challenges that accompany property development projects. "If you persevere through all the issues, you will be successful." Although works takes a lot of his time, he does try to include time for travel with his family and opportunities where he can relax by spending time skiing or fishing.

Frikkie Brooks has a long history, as well as much experience in strategic and spatial planning as well as development facilitation in the public sector Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Frikkie Brooks Frikkie Brooks has a long history, as well as much experience in strategic and spatial planning as well as development facilitation in the public sector Staying true to yourself and living your values is essential Frikkie Brooks has a long history, as well as much experience in strategic and spatial planning as well as development facilitation in the public sector. Brooks qualified as a geography teacher after completing a BA (Ed) at the University of Pretoria in 1978. He then went on to complete a BA (Hons), with a Masters in Geography and Development Studies, University of Pretoria, 1980 - 1981, and a B Ed (Hons) with a Masters in Management, University of Pretoria, 1987 – 1989. His 40-year career in the government sector include being the former: • Acting Head of Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZN) • Acting Director-General of KZN Province • Deputy Director-General: Strategic Management in the KZN Office of the Premier • Head of Secretariat for the KZN Provincial Planning Commission In his role at the KZN Provincial Planning Commission, Brooks was responsible for overseeing the establishment of the new provincial growth and development strategy and plans for the province. In addition to the strategy’s development he was responsible for getting it institutionalised and implemented. Brooks is now the director of Brooks Facilitation Services. Of his decision to establish his own agency he explains, “Although I had to retire from Government, it wasn’t quite time for me to retire in the true sense of retirement.” Brooks Facilitation Services focuses on guiding business, civil society and/or government entities to develop clear strategies to achieve corporate or project specific goals. This guidance is provided through structured engagements aimed at developing win-win solutions. He says, “One realises that strategies and plans only make a difference when they are translated into projects. Therefore, the facilitation service that I have established is really to help facilitate large scale catalytic projects and to get them to be implemented as quickly as possible. Those are the projects that will make a difference to the lives of the eleven million people who live in this province.” “There are some strict criteria that I have laid down for myself and what I get involved in and what I won’t get involved in. Five projects that I am involved in have the potential to develop almost 50 000 jobs in the province. Although the challenges are huge you know that the projects out there have the potential to really deliver something at the end of the day that can make a difference.” In speaking of his achievements Brooks reflects that he always likes to think that there is room for improvement. “I am not the type of person who likes to say I have done my best, personally I always think I could do more,” he explains. His motivation to achieve has been inspired by the many of the people who have come across his way over the years. However, he says that his family – who have always supported me and provided structure are really important to him. In addition, the people who are striving to make a difference in communities in which he works are hugely inspirational. In order to succeed in this line of work he says, I have had successes and I think that staying true to yourself and living your values is essential. If you want people to respect you then you have to respect others and that does not just mean respecting your superiors or your principals but it also means respecting the people that you are working with. If you do not treat them with respect you will not receive respect and if there is no mutual respect between you and whoever you work with you will not succeed.” Brooks added, “I think that one of the things that I am most proud of is that in my 40 years of government service it’s not that I have not taken any bribes, its more that I was never offered any. People knew from the way that I operated that would be an absolute no-go area.” In his free time Brooks is an avid gardener. “I am a geographer by training, so nature is where I find myself at home. I like to relax in the garden, it does get my mind into all sorts of other gears.”

 "My own experience as a competitor has always given me the drive and insight to create events from an athlete's perspective. It guides my decisions on the right events to stage, and the various avenues to pursue in my business." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Damian Bradley "My own experience as a competitor has always given me the drive and insight to create events from an athlete's perspective. It guides my decisions on the right events to stage, and the various avenues to pursue in my business." Never one to settle in his comfort zone DAMIAN BRADLEY has always been an entrepreneur. As a schoolboy at boarding school, he earned money cutting hair and running an after-hours tuck shop, so it was no surprise that he opted to start his own business at only 26 years of age. Never one to settle in his comfort zone, after school, Bradley opted to study business management at what is now the Durban University of Technology. Then, in 1995, when South Africa was riding the crest of the Rugby World Cup wave, he was inspired to do a course in sports management for business. After this, he went on to study marketing. After finishing his studies in Cape Town, Bradley decided it was time to travel. When he needed to earn a living in the United Kingdom, he found a position at a law firm. Not exactly what he'd planned as a career move, but he stayed there for two years before returning to Durban to take up a corporate regional marketing position. This rich and varied experience has stood him in good stead in running a sports management company. And in 2004, when he found himself retrenched after a corporate restructure, Bradley decided it was time to start B-Active Sports, with a plan for a single sporting event as his starting point. Before long, Bradley had grown his portfolio to running 20 small events a year, but he realised that it made better business sense to focus on the more successful events, with potential to grow. Building on these allowed him to build on economies of scale, growing his priority events in terms of participants, profitability and reputation. A pivotal point in the growth of B-Active Sports was in 2011, when the company secured its first major corporate sponsorship. This not only provided a new revenue stream, but also opened the door for future growth. But while this marks a career highlight, Bradley gets a great sense of accomplishment from watching competitors in his events grow in skill and competitiveness over time, with several having started as novices and growing into international, professional athletes. As Bradley points out, he and his team have managed to combine their work with their passion, so it's easy to love their jobs and deliver with commitment and dedication. Bradley's focus is on his clients, the athletes they serve, and his team. Damian's leadership style is collaborative. Teamwork is important to him and while recognising his role in creating the company vision and the energy to make it happen, he believes in leading from beside his colleagues. "B-Active Sports is a small company. My goal is to grow the team in terms of confidence and competence. I ensure my staff feel secure in their jobs, but at the same time I keep pushing them to develop themselves. I believe this gives them a powerful sense of purpose and job satisfaction. And that's good for them - and for the business." "Right now, I see potential in events outside of our traditional area of strength, and we'll be looking to expand into new areas." Unsurprisingly, Bradley is a keen sportsman. Before starting B-Active sports, he had been a committed athlete for eight years, competing in triathlon events at national level. This formed his approach to his events. "My own experience as a competitor has always given me the drive and insight to create events from an athlete's perspective. It guides my decisions on the right events to stage, and the various avenues to pursue in my business." While no longer competing at national level, he is still very active with a great love of surfing, mountain biking and road and trail running. Bradley is also a dedicated father of two (his seven year-old daughter and five year-old son), and rates getting married ten years ago as one of the best decisions he's ever made.

MANHAR PARSHOTAM is the founder, a shareholder and a director of Dragon Protection Services Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Manhar Parshotam MANHAR PARSHOTAM is the founder, a shareholder and a director of Dragon Protection Services In the joy of others lies our own MANHAR PARSHOTAM is the founder, a shareholder and a director of Dragon Protection Services, which was established in 1996. He is adept at multitasking and takes responsibility for many aspects of the business’s functioning from operations to finance. Manhar grew up in Durban and attended Burnwood Secondary School in Sydenham. After he completed his schooling, Parshotam spent two years studying for a degree in engineering until he switched to a BCom degree. Parshotam reflected that his dream had been to become a pilot, but his parents had wanted him to study for a profession. During his university years, he was a voluntary policeman and subsequently served as a police reservist for 15 years. Manhar’s explains that his career in the security field ‘happened by accident’. In the 1990s he worked parttime in security during the South African Amnesty process, which boosted his interest in the field. In addition, he believes that this experience helped him gain a better understanding of general life skills, which a school education alone does not provide. Whilst working in security during a huge petrol strike, a chance encounter changed his life’s direction. A medical doctor approached him and gave him his business card, asking Manhar to give him a call as he had an opportunity for him. Manhar was requested to perform a security assessment of one of the doctor’s buildings. Following this assessment, he was offered the security contract for the building. Manhar explained, “Both sides were completely honest with each other. They were prepared to give me a chance and understood that I had no experience.” The doctor mentored and carried him financially for three months. “I did not have a bank account and I had never handled a cheque in my life. I had no cash to pay my staff. This was a huge learning curve,” explains Manhar. In his final year of BCom, Manhar had to make a choice to either complete his studies or go full time into business. “This decision was hard as there were more cons than pros and was based on the opportunity to train ex-soldiers in security so that they could be reintegrated back into society and obtain jobs.” After much deliberation Manhar left university and the business grew from there. “I had no office and had to work out of my car. I would use the Telkom telephone box at the local garage as my office line, even paying a garage attendant to answer the phone for me after hours. Once cell phones were introduced, life became a lot easier.” Apart from learning about financial management, the administration of 50 employees, as well as the need to meet the registration requirements of the security board, were early business challenges. Another challenge Manhar faced was his youth. “It was often difficult to convince people that I was capable of doing the job and I had to ‘do a lot’ to be given opportunities.” In addition, he said, “At that time there were few security specialists and the security profession was very much looked down upon in the society that I lived, which at times I found difficult to cope with.” Running a 24-hour business took its toll, as Manhar often went to bed late and had to cope with very little sleep. This continued for a few years until he was able to employ a manager to assist with the business operations. Some of the highlights of his career included seeing Fidel Castro and Muammar Gaddafi in person. A standout moment was watching Nelson Mandela arrive at the Durban ICC. “I got to see an icon – there was an aura about him which gave me goose bumps,” said Manhar. During 2001 Manhar was provided the opportunity by the South African Government to attend internationally recognised protection training courses in the United Kingdom and the United States. On his return to South Africa, he re-evaluated his career and entered the finance sector. However, after a three-year sabbatical he returned to the security business. Of his choice he explains, “This is my passion and keeps me happy.” Reflecting on his journey, Manhar commented, “There is only one word that I can use to describe my career – perseverance.” Manhar commented that the security business is a hard industry, which requires strong leadership. However, he says, “I never ask anyone to do anything that I cannot do myself. It is important to be fair and set rules and boundaries, which you must follow yourself to earn respect.” In his down time, Manhar enjoys competitive shooting as well as spending time with his family. “They help you relax, keep you calm and put a smile on my face.” He concluded, “Be happy, do what you love. If you love what you are doing, then every day is a holiday.”

Specialist healthcare consultant. Karen HowardKaren Howard founded ASI KZN in December 2023. She explained, “It’s in the financial services sector, where I work as a specialist healthcare consultant. Up Up Specialist healthcare consultant. Price No Cost Duration 30 minutes Assessment < Back EXPLORE FURTHER Navigating Medical Aids ASI KZN specialises in healthcare consulting. “We assist members by sitting down with them to choose the right option for their medical needs and financial situations,” Karen explains. “Medical schemes can be complex, with options such as income-based plans, hospital plans, and new-generation products that come with savings accounts, thresholds, and above-threshold benefits. Most people don’t fully understand how these plans work and often end up on the most expensive option for years, which is a complete waste of money.” Your Business Guru Karen Howard “a brilliant read”

Kerri Adlam Art and Creative Director

"We pride ourselves in continually striving for excellence and in ensuring that our food is interesting, local and relevant, but most importantly, being steadfastly mindful of our footprint on the environment by adhering to strict QMS and ISO practices. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Merrill King "We pride ourselves in continually striving for excellence and in ensuring that our food is interesting, local and relevant, but most importantly, being steadfastly mindful of our footprint on the environment by adhering to strict QMS and ISO practices. Collaborating for success MERRILL KING, joint MD of Capitol Caterers, has had a 36-year career in the food industry. King, when having to decide on a career path, followed in her brother's footsteps who was working in the hospitality industry, and was lured by the 'romance' of working in the kitchen. She qualified as a chef through the trainee programme at the Royal Hotel in Durban. This culinary background has served her well, providing King with a thorough knowledge of food preparation and service. She has served as Group Executive Chef for a period of ten years at Capitol Caterers. However, together with joint MD Russell Nzimande, King now focuses on the business side of managing Capitol Caterers' daily operations. Headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, Capitol Caterers was founded in 1993 by her husband Giles who in the current role as chairman, still plays an active role in the business. The company is currently entering its 26th year of service and caters for clients in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Free State, Gauteng as well as in Eswatini. King says that much of her time is spent travelling to the regional offices to ensure that these operations are well supported. In addition, she values the relationships that she has developed with her staff and she strives to understand their needs and ensure that they are happy. "We favour a collaborative style of leadership and obtain input from all divisions when decisions are to be made. Within the catering environment, all of our staff play important roles. While wages may motivate some staff members, supporting our staff so that they are happy means that all our clients are happy too," commented King. Capitol Caterers has over 100 clients in different sectors. These range from the education and health sectors, to the commercial and the retirement sectors. "The catering business is hard work. In order to meet these varied sector needs, a standardised approach or menu is not possible. We have to ensure that our menus are within our clients' vastly different needs and budgets." In addition, Capitol Caterers not only keeps up with food trends but ensures that all the food that is prepared in their kitchens is nutritious and fulfils a wide range of dietary needs while being beautifully presented. "We pride ourselves in continually striving for excellence and in ensuring that our food is interesting, local and relevant, but most importantly, being steadfastly mindful of our footprint on the environment by adhering to strict QMS and ISO practices."In order to ensure that the staff are skilled, Capitol Caterers has registered Midlands Hospitality Academy (MHA), which is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and CATHSSETA. Staff empowerment has been promoted through the company's Workers Trust. In an empowerment deal initiated in 2003, the beneficiaries have grown to 570 and now boast a 49% share in Capitol Caterers. King commented that in addition to empowering staff, the company needed to continually make its presence known in the marketplace through active marketing campaigns. In order to obtain some life balance, King enjoys spending time in the gym, paddling or running to stay fit and 'to ensure a flow of endorphins'. She is a competitive canoeist who has won several age-category gold medals in the Dusi and Fish River Marathons as well as a silver medal with partner, Sonja Bohnsack, at the World Marathon Canoeing Championships in Pietermaritzburg in 2017. She hopes to complete her 16th Dusi in 2020. King has also competed in running events including two Comrades Marathons and five Two Oceans ultra-marathons. King was the first woman to hold the position of president of Canoeing South Africa, which she occupied from 2008-2010. She is a long-serving board member of the South African Confederation of Sport and Olympic Committee (SASCOC). Whenever possible, King enjoys relaxing with her husband, their three children and grandson.

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Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa’s first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban’s Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Ashok Sewnarain Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa’s first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban’s Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. “Humbleness takes you everywhere. Arrogance will take you nowhere.” Ashok Sewnarain is the owner of South Africa's first privately owned safe deposit vaults, IBV International Bank Vaults which is located in Durban's Gateway Mall and in Sandton, Johannesburg. Sewnarain was born in Mayville, an Indian designated area in apartheid South Africa. His father ran a small, often struggling, estate agency and taught his son to never give up. When Sewnarain took over the family business, he injected new ideas into it, expanding into the hotel and hospitality industry as the barriers put up by apartheid were dismantled. "It was around 2004 when I overheard a bank teller saying that there is a long waiting list of people who wanted to put their valuables in the bank's vault. I jokingly said that I will open my own vault," Sewnarain says with a wry smile. Sewnarain began to seriously think about opening a vault. He did extensive research, which took him to other countries to look at how the vaults are constructed, the finance involved, security features and a host of other things. He found that there is substantial demand for such sophisticated facilities. In May 2005, Sewnarain opened the first private vault, in Umhlanga's Gateway Mall. "We choose the best malls and prime spots for our vaults. Our first site was selected because of its proximity to significant business and residential developments in KwaZulu-Natal. Also, the layout of the Gateway complex facilitates International Bank Vaults' strict security standards." "It's a risk to have a safe at home because many people have access to your home. We offer a solution, and peace of mind. We add value to the country in a sense that people can safely keep their gold and other assets in the country instead of sending them offshore." International Bank Vaults offers safety deposit boxes in modern-day fortresses. The vaults are built to international standards and specifications, complete with steel-reinforced concrete and protected by a sophisticated, multitiered security system. They are monitored by trained professionals and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Sewnarain subscribes to the philosophy that says one should persevere and be determined to pursue his dreams in whatever business that one chooses. He says, "Business is full of risk and challenges that we must confront on a daily basis." He added that he had had many failures in his business career, but all had made him more knowledgeable and humble. However, Sewnarain says, "You must be bold and have courage to launch business ventures with honesty and respect for staff, customers, suppliers and service providers." " Life is about dreaming big. Dream to make a million dollars, rather than a million rand. The most successful people in the world dream big. It's free. It has no boundaries and borders," he explained. International Bank Vaults' customers have special, reserved parking close to the facilities and many of them drive exotic cars. The IBV Supercar Club has spun off from the vault business; has a membership of more than 700 super-rich car owners and is recognised as one of the world's leading supercar clubs. Sewnarain is its founder, leading patron and chairman. The members of the club often raise funds for charity. In 2014, they won the Guinness world record for raising R1 million for Child Welfare of South Africa in record time. The club has also partnered with the United Nations Children's Fund Unicef in raising money for charity. Sewnarain commented that he tries to create a balance between good business and profit through providing community and social support. This balance is achieved by promoting a spirit of social entrepreneurship, which he believes is an important aspect that every business leader should adopt in their own enterprises. He concluded, "The more that you give the more that you get."

VIP Invitation The Launch KZN Top Business Leaders And The Grand Opening of The IBV Privé The Launch IBV Privé and KZN Top Business are thrilled to invite you to a remarkable evening for the launch of the eagerly awaited KZN Top Business Leaders' Coffee Table Book. This book honors the remarkable accomplishments and inspiring narratives of KwaZulu-Natal's lively business community. Additionally, we will be introducing the exquisite IBV Privé, a unique venue that redefines elegance and exclusivity. Black tie dress code Date: Wednesday, 27 November Time: 6:00 p.m. Venue: IBV Privé, 13 Twilight Dr, Umhlanga Ridge, Umhlanga Get ready for a night of incredible entertainment, delectable food, and unmatched networking opportunities with KZN's top business icons. We can't wait to share this special occasion with you! RSVP First name* Last name* Email* Company name* Guest - name and surname Phone Register