< Back Cox Yeats As a national law firm, Cox Yeats is well positioned and able to render a range of legal services across provincial borders, regardless of location Cox Yeats The BLOG Read all about it READ MORE

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< Back Karen Hammond Group Head of People at the Meridian Group Karen Hammond says that family is the heartbeat of everything she does. “I’m married to a wonderful husband, Trevor, and we have two incredible children,” she reflects, her voice warm and full of affection. “They are my anchor, my joy, and my constant inspiration.” Today, Karen serves as Group Head of People at the Meridian Group, a company she describes with pride and conviction. “Meridian is more than a business,” she explains. “We exist to make brands thrive, to nurture our people, and to give back to our communities. We provide services like merchandising, sales, data analytics, and in-store execution to help Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMC) brands thrive and increase sales. When a customer walks into a store and finds exactly what they need, that’s not just business, that is the human touch behind every shelf and every smile. That is what makes our work meaningful.” Her role, she says, is more than a career, it is a calling. “This aligns so deeply with who I am and what I value,” Karen reflects. “At Meridian, we are not just building a company; we are cultivating a culture where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.” She lights up when speaking of her team. “Our merchandisers are extraordinary,” she says with pride. “When you next visit a store, look for Meridian. They are the absolute best in the business.” A JOURNEY WOVEN WITH GROWTH AND GRATITUDE Karen’s career spans over 25 years in human resources, with 15 of those in senior leadership. “I was headhunted for this position, it felt like a blessing,” she recalls.Her professional path has been rich and diverse, beginning at Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), University of KwaZulu-Natal, PwC, Nedbank, moving to Dimension Data, then Sun International, and now into Meridian, each step reinforcing her belief that people are at the heart of every great organisation. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “If you treat your people well, they will take care of your business.” It is this people-first approach that has earned her admiration across industries and shaped her leadership philosophy. Interestingly, human resources was not her original plan. “I dreamed of becoming a nurse,” she says with a laugh, “but I quickly realised I could not handle the sight of blood. My love for people guided me into human resources instead, and I have never looked back.” A HEART FOR COMMUNITY Karen’s vision extends far beyond boardrooms and business meetings. She dreams of one day opening a centre for the homeless, a haven offering warm meals, safe beds, and skills development opportunities. “I want to give people the tools to create opportunities for themselves,” she says with quiet determination. “Cooking, sewing, basic computer skills, these are simple things that can change a life. I believe I will achieve this one day.” Her spirit of empowerment is already reflected in Meridian Group’s community partnerships, including initiatives with the Restory Foundation and eDeaf Empower and Employ. “Through these programmes, we provide learnerships and practical experience to young people, many of whom have now become permanent members of the Meridian family. It is something I am deeply proud of.” FAITH, FAMILY, AND MENTORSHIP Faith and family remain Karen’s anchors. “My inspiration comes from God, from my husband, children and extended family and friends. They remind me daily to give my best in everything I do.” She also pays tribute to the mentors who shaped her journey, particularly Vangeli Chiliza, former human resources director at the Durban ICC. “He believed in me when I was still very new to human resources,” she reflects. “His guidance and belief in my potential changed the trajectory of my career. I carry that gratitude with me always." TURNING CHALLENGES INTO TRIUMPHS Karen’s life has not been without its challenges. In 2019, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a moment that tested every ounce of her resilience. “Hearing the word cancer changes everything,” she says softly. “But I realised that if I allowed fear to control me, I couldn’t continue uplifting others the way I wanted to.” With courage, faith, and optimism, she faced the battle head-on and won. “I focused on healing and on positivity,” she says. “Today, I am a survivor. I am living proof that challenges can become triumphs, you can overcome them, and I did.” A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT Recognition has followed her throughout her career, including the ‘Natural Born Winner’ Award at Nedbank for transforming people strategy and boosting morale, yet humility defines her approach. “Accolades are wonderful, but for me, the real reward is seeing people grow,” she says. “When someone finds their confidence, lands their dream job, or discovers their purpose, that’s what truly fulfills me.” To young women building their careers, Karen offers timeless advice: “Do not let anyone else define who you are. You define yourself. Let your beauty shine from within. Be fearless. Be unstoppable.” LOOKING AHEAD As she looks toward the future, Karen’s dreams are rooted in simplicity and purpose. “I want to continue making a difference, but also to spend time with my family, travel, and enjoy the simple things,” she says. “The sea restores me. Long walks on the beach and time with loved ones, that is what nourishes my soul. Those are life’s true treasures.” With a soft smile, she reflects on her journey, one shaped by purpose, faith, and a genuine love for people. “My life has been guided by those three things,” she says. “And that, to me, is everything.” Previous Next

< Back Noeline Rajbally Director and Co-founder of African Sugar Logistics Noeline Rajbally is the director and co-founder of African Sugar Logistics. She has spent the past 17 years building this successful business alongside her husband, while simultaneously uplifting the communities around her. She explained, “When we went into business, it was a leap of faith for Rajesh and I. It was about giving our kids a better life and a shot at a brighter future. But that soon evolved into why did we take this leap of faith? And that came with the very purposeful intentions of growing people, a staff first approach, reaching out to disadvantaged communities and schools, and doing greater purposeful work.” As such the Mindfulness Academy is one of Noeline’s proudest achievements. It is a platform she established a few years ago with the goal to ‘elevate, educate and empower women and children’. It serves as the corporate social investment arm of African Sugar Logistics. Through this platform, she has helped countless individuals find confidence and direction and has enriched many lives. Noeline’s work extends beyond business. She is the co-founder of Her Story Circle, a women’s group that creates space for women to share their journeys and inspire one another, as well as creates a space for cross generational conversations. The Her Story Circle motto is: ‘You will always have a seat at our table’. Recently, she and her husband launched Unalome, a bespoke wedding and functions venue on KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast. The name Unalome translates to ‘the path to enlightenment’, a phrase that reflects her approach to life and leadership. DETERMINATION AND COURAGE For Noeline, success has not been an easy road. “Success can be defined in many ways, but it did not come without struggle,” she reflects. “I think that my faith in God and belief in myself changed a lot of narratives.” She has always dreamed of living in a world that is inclusive and full of opportunity, not only for herself but for future generations. “Although I might not live to see that in this lifetime, I have faith that it’s one step at a time. I do my part in making the world a better place through the initiatives that I run and through the various public platforms that I’m involved in as a public figure.” Her leadership philosophy is centred on people. “I think being a people-focused business is what’s important to us. We lead with integrity and we strive for excellence.” Investing in her team has always been a top priority in running a successful business. She added that leading by example and teaching people soft skills, such as to be empathetic and kind and to reach out to those around them to make a difference is critical, especially in the fast evolving world that we live in. A SOURCE OF PURPOSE Her achievements extend beyond the boardroom. In 2023, she entered Mrs South Africa and was placed as the First Princess, a title that brought her into the national spotlight. The following year, she represented the country at the Mrs Globe International competition, where she placed in the Top 20 and walked away with the Motivator of the Year and Mountain Top awards. Yet, she insists that her greatest achievement is her family. “I have three lovely kids. I love being a wife and I love taking care of my two fur babies. That gives me more satisfaction when it comes to achievement.” Noeline’s journey, however, has not been without hardship. In 2023, she faced one of her most difficult challenges when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It was obviously shock and horror. And there’s never a convenient time to hear those words,” she recalls. The diagnosis arrived just two weeks before the Mrs South Africa finals. “Everything was very overwhelming because the spotlight was on me. But I had a great medical team. Support is so important from your family and the people around you and I feel that without my faith and that support it would have been a very different experience for me." Rather than viewing her illness as a setback, Noeline transformed it into a source of purpose. “It has given me leverage to create a platform where I am an advocate for early detection of cancer. I’ve spoken on many platforms internationally and locally.” Her resilience and positivity continue to inspire many. When asked what advice she would give to young women, her response is both profound and practical. “Like Simon Sinek would say, find your why. It’s your guiding compass and that North Star.” She encourages women to dream boldly. “As a young woman, I recall myself dreaming the grandest dreams. And it’s okay to dream those dreams because when I look back and if I told people that I dreamed this dream, I think I would be laughed at because at that stage it would seem impossible. But young women with dreams become women with vision. So never stop dreaming.”Her philosophy on failure is equally inspiring. “Failure happens all the time. It is not a full stop. It can be a pause, but it should be your jet fuel for your comeback.” THE POWER OF GRATITUDE Today, Noeline pursues her purpose with humility and gratitude. “I want to leave a legacy that is iconic that is worth every generation that comes after me saying, ‘I’m proud of that woman’. For her, legacy is not about wealth or awards. “It’s about being a kind and trusting human being who’s been compassionate, especially in this day and age, where sometimes it is difficult.” Noeline concludes with advice that defines her approach to life: “Concentrating on your health, your mindset and your well-being should be on top of your list. I’m such a big advocate for self-development, self love and self-care. When that mindset is achieved, it just makes life better, more enjoyable and more peaceful.” Previous Next