< Back Busi Dlamini General Manager for MTN KwaZulu-Natal Region In the fast-paced world of telecommunications, few leaders embody the spirit of resilience, empathy, and transformative vision quite like Busisiwe ‘Busi’ Dlamini. As the general manager for MTN’s KwaZulu-Natal region, Busi’s journey from humble beginnings to the helm of one of South Africa’s most dynamic regions is a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose-driven leadership. Busi has also been recently elected as the deputy president of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Her rise to leadership has been marked by a desire to create a better life for her family. “My inspiration comes from wanting to change my situation. Growing up, I saw many men and women struggle to make ends meet,” she shared. My mom was a machinist around the Durban factories,” she recalled. “She worked in many factories. She couldn’t afford much.” Circumstances led Busi to be adopted by her great aunt during her teenage years, a pivotal moment that exposed her to new possibilities and inspired her to dream bigger. “That changed my life because I got to see people who were doing better in life than where I came from.” Busi added, “That inspired me. I wanted to do better, I wanted more,” she recalls. Despite financial constraints that prevented her from attending university immediately after school, Busi’s determination never wavered. She entered the workforce straight out of high school, driven by a desire to uplift her family and break generational cycles of hardship. “My journey has been filled with resilience, hope, and big dreams. I wanted more for myself and my family, and I think I’ve managed to change our lives for the better,” she says. Her mother never witnessed her success, but Busi remains deeply connected to her roots. “It’s sad that my mom is no longer here to see it, but everything that has brought us here has achieved the goal of making my family proud and breaking generational curses,” she said. “Seeing everyone thrive has been the ultimate reward. BUILDING A CAREER Busi’s professional journey began in earnest at Vodacom, where she spent twelve formative years honing her skills and building a reputation for excellence. In 2018, she joined MTN as head of enterprise for KwaZulu-Natal, quickly distinguishing herself as a results-driven leader with a knack for inspiring teams. After five years of exceptional performance, Busi was promoted to general manager, a role she describes as akin to being the CEO of the region. She now oversees a diverse portfolio, including consumer and enterprise business units, network monetisation, finance, and human resources. Her holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the business operates in harmony, driving sustainable growth and innovation. What sets Busi apart is her distinctive leadership style, grounded in empathy and a genuine commitment to people’s development. “As a woman, I bring empathy to my environment,” she explains. “People often think that to lead, women must act like men. We don’t. There’s a place for women both inside and outside the boardroom. Empathy and putting people first have helped me because people thrive in spaces where they feel seen and valued.” This human-centred approach has yielded remarkable results. In 2021, under Busi’s stewardship, MTN KwaZulu-Natal was named Region of the Year across all MTN regions in South Africa – a testament to her ability to galvanise teams and deliver outstanding performance. Many of her team members have gone on to become top professionals in their fields, a source of immense pride for Busi. “I’ve had a hand in growth, and that’s been one of my greatest achievements,” she says. Outside the corporate sphere, Busi’s greatest achievement is deeply personal: raising her younger sister who was 13 when their mother passed. “I had just gotten married at the time, and I became a parent before I even knew how to be one. Today she’s 32 and seeing the woman she has become makes me incredibly proud.” CHAMPIONING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Busi’s ambitions extend beyond her current role. She envisions herself leading a country operation, such as MTN Nigeria or Zambia, and is passionate about advancing gender diversity in the ICT sector. “I often find myself as the only woman in the boardroom,” she notes. “You have to decide whether to hold back or to be yourself. I realised that people must accept me as I am. I’m direct, straightforward, and I love taking on challenges. The world wasn’t always ready for that kind of woman, but I think we’re changing that narrative.” She is a vocal advocate for inclusive progress, emphasising the importance of collaboration between men and women. “As women, we have been given opportunities, but we must also take men along. We cannot leave the boy child behind,” she asserts. “Men and women are not the same. We are differently abled. The trick is in balancing the two, recognising where each excels, and creating a better world through that balance.” Busi’s advice to aspiring leaders is shaped by her own journey. “Be patient. Everything that is meant for you will come, no matter the time. Don’t be hard on yourself. Run your own race, not someone else’s. Everything aligns at the perfect time,” she counsels. Balancing a demanding career with motherhood has taught her the importance of self-care and support systems. “There’s no such thing as having it all,” she says candidly. “In the background, there’s always mayhem. I try to spend as much time as I can with my children. I ask for help when I need it. My husband is very supportive. But I also take time alone to realign my thoughts, even if it’s just ten or fifteen minutes.” RESTORING COMMUNITY AND CULTURE For Busi, leadership is not just about business results, it’s about restoring a sense of community and shared purpose. “Today’s society has become too isolated,” she observes. “We need to rebuild our communities and our culture. Culture is a powerful tool for raising children and shaping good citizens. We must start building those communities again where we can rely on one another and look after both the older and younger generations.” Previous Next

< Back Shelley Ainsworth Conveyancer, Attorney and Owner of Ainsworth Attorneys Shelley Ainsworth is a conveyancer and attorney who, fourteen years ago, made the bold decision to leave the security of full-time employment to start her own practice, Ainsworth Attorneys. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, her firm has grown from a small home office into a thriving boutique conveyancing and property law practice with three branches, eight qualified attorneys, several candidate attorneys, and dedicated support staff. Reflecting on her journey, Shelley shares, “In those early days, I was the messenger, the tea lady, the receptionist, the bookkeeper, and the attorney. As time went on, I was fortunate that we grew into the position we are in today.” PERSONALISED SERVICE When Shelley first set out on her own, she had a clear mission to change the way conveyancing was being practised. “In larger practices, files were often handed over to paralegals, and clients had very little to no interaction with the attorneys themselves,” she explains. “I wanted to change that and ensure that clients had maximum contact with the attorney.” At Ainsworth Attorneys, every transfer is handled by an attorney. “We are not just pushing paper,” she says. “We come into clients’ lives at an important milestone. Buying or selling a property is always significant, and I wanted to make sure we recognised that by responding to each client in a highly personalised and empathetic way.” Her empathy-driven philosophy has become the hallmark of her firm. “Someone might be buying their first home, or perhaps downsizing due to financial stress,” Shelley explains. “Others could be going through a divorce or selling through an estate transfer after losing a loved one. It is often an emotional experience, so we meet people where they are.” Her approach is grounded in a family tradition of service. “For my sins, I come from a long line of lawyers,” she says with a smile. “My dad was an attorney in KwaZulu-Natal for over 40 years, one of the longest standing in the legal scene, and my mom was also a qualified lawyer who lectured labour law at Mangosuthu Tech during apartheid. They both saw law as a means to serve the public. I constantly keep them in mind and use them as a benchmark for my own conduct.” CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE As her business expanded, Shelley’s role evolved from hands-on involvement in every task to leading a talented and inspired team. “Even as we have grown, every part of the firm still has a small piece of me in it. But now I am fortunate to work with what I like to call a team of magicians. They make magic happen in the lives of our clients every day.” Cultivating a healthy, supportive workplace culture where people felt psychologically safe is central to Shelley’s leadership. “When people feel valued and supported, they are able to reach their full potential.” This commitment has paid off. Ainsworth Attorneys was recently recognised as a finalist in the Caxton Reader’s Choice Awards, earning second place in the Best Law Firm category. Shelley explains, “The winner was a national company with a national footprint, so for a homegrown KwaZulu-Natal practice like ours to achieve that was incredibly meaningful.” Her drive for excellence extends into her personal pursuits.“I have recently completed two Comrades Marathons back-to-back,” she shares proudly. “I managed to achieve a Bill Rowan Sub 9 Comrades, which was a huge milestone for me.” Running, she says, has taught her about perseverance, grit and humility. “It is a great leveller, and along that long road between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, you meet people from all walks of life. I always say any able-bodied person should attempt one Comrades if they can, because it truly is a uniquely human experience.” LESSONS FROM THE LONG RUN Shelley’s business journey has had its challenges. “Cash flow is always an issue when you are starting out or experiencing rapid growth,” she says. “They say growth sucks cash, and that is true. In more recent years, as we have stabilised, competition has intensified, but we remain committed to earning work through trust, integrity, and consistent service excellence.” Despite this, Shelley remains resolute: “Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to know your core values and make every decision with those in mind. That way, you maintain your integrity and stay true to yourself even in challenging times.” She also speaks passionately about the unique strengths women bring to leadership. “Dr Stacy Sims once said, ‘Women are not small men,’ and it is true. You need to lean into your uniqueness as a woman and own the strength and perspective that come with it.” For Shelley, balance is not about perfection but perspective. “You absolutely can have it all,” she insists. “You can be a wife if you choose to be, a mother if you choose to be, and have a successful and fulfilling career. You might not have it all in equal measure at the same time, and that is okay. Some seasons will demand more of you than others. Be gentle with yourself and know that every season passes.” Looking ahead, Shelley hopes to continue growing Ainsworth Attorneys as a trusted name in KwaZulu-Natal while expanding into international markets. “I would love to bring legal work to South African shores and have global players recognise the value of our legal graduates,” she says. “There is incredible talent here that deserves recognition.” Above all, she believes in preserving her energy and wellbeing to sustain her business over the long term. “I once read that businesses do not fail when the owner runs out of cash; they fail when the owner runs out of energy. It is so true,” she reflects. “You have to guard your energy, your mental health and your physical health. For me, that means prioritising my family and friends, and of course, running remains my biggest stress relief.” Previous Next

< Back Anuka Brown Quality and Technical Manager at Packaging World Anuka Brown is the quality and technical manager at Packaging World, a leading manufacturer of flexible packaging based in Pinetown. “From Woolworths’ chips packets and snack wrappers to coffee pouches and washing powder bags, Packaging World’s products are part of everyday life,” explains Anuka. Anuka’s passion for packaging began unexpectedly. After studying chemical engineering at the University of Cape Town, she realised that chemistry was a better it. In 2002, while eight months pregnant and struggling to find employment, she accepted a job at a small packaging company in Pietermaritzburg. “I started when my daughter was two weeks old.” What began as a halfday job quickly grew into a full-time career. “By that time, the packaging bug bit. There was nothing else that could fulfil me the way it did. The smell of solvent, the colour on film, the lamination, every day was something new.” Over the past 23 years, Anuka has gained experience in almost every aspect of the industry, from printing and lamination to extrusion and end-use manufacturing. She has worked at the only BOPP manufacturing line in South Africa at SRF Flexipak, spent time at Kellogg’s as an end user, and eventually found her way back to the heart of the packaging process. Her broad experience has given her not only technical expertise but also a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity that go into every design. PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE Today, Anuka’s greatest passion lies in education and mentorship. “My biggest dream has been to leave a legacy,” she explains. So much so, that she is now a mentor for the one year diploma students at the Institute of Packaging as well as is developing a curriculum for lamination, bagging and pouching and slitting with Printing SA so ‘we can have more infeed of students into our packaging plants’. “It’s not about the products I’ve done or the projects I’ve worked on, but my legacy is in the people that I have trained along the way.” Through mentorship programmes, she takes students from universities such as Durban University of Technology, offering them invaluable hands-on experience. “I am now giving them my time and putting my knowledge onto paper so that they don’t lose the experience that I’ve gained over the 23 years. To see people that I have trained excel is one of my biggest accomplishments.” Anuka also acknowledges the mentors who shaped her career. “I know everybody says it’s about women, but we forget about the men along the way that taught us. I was very lucky to have very strong mentors in the men that taught me. They always told me, you need to leave a legacy. You cannot hold your knowledge close to your heart.” Her technical accomplishments are also impressive. “We did the first holographic print on polyester for Omo,” she recalls fondly. “It didn’t actually make it to the market, but it was so much fun.” Another achievement that she is particularly proud of is winning ‘Gold’ at the SRF Problem Solving Protocols global competition while at SRF. This award reflects her skill in total quality management and problem-solving techniques, which are a great passion of hers. More recently, Packaging World won eight FTASA Flexographic Print Excellence Awards, including six golds and two silver. “From last year winning one, to this year winning eight, was absolutely fantastic. It puts us on the map. It shows that we are driving innovation and we are driving customer satisfaction.” THE ROAD AHEAD Despite her achievements, Anuka is candid about the challenges she has faced as a woman in a male dominated industry. “When I first got into a management position and was sitting around a boardroom full of men, it was so easy to tell the only female in the room, can you make the coffee? Can you take the minutes?” she recalls. “Eventually you get used to the boardroom dynamic and you start pushing back a little bit.” Today, she leads with confidence and encourages young women to do the same. “Believe in yourself. You belong in every room you walk into. Whether you are wearing stilettos or safety shoes, you have the right to be where you are.” Her message to women entering technical fields is one of empowerment and solidarity. “If you see somebody’s crown falling, straighten it up and help them walk on. It’s not going to benefit anybody to put anyone else down. Be strong, be confident, and pick yourself up when you fall down.” After more than two decades of edication, Anuka is looking forward to a new phase in her life. “I started as an ink technician working strange hours of the morning, getting called out at 2:00 in the morning. I’ve earned my stripes. It’s time for me to now give back.” Her goal is to create pathways for more women to enter the packaging field. “As it is, my lab is full of women. I want to get more women into the field. I want to give them a chance to see who they really are.” A recent health scare forced her to reflect on balance. “I just had a hysterectomy eight weeks ago,” she says. “During her recovery, she had time to reassess her priorities. “It’s a time to think about work-life balance, about family balance. That 20 days at home showed me how much time I missed with my family. It’s time to reshuffle.” She credits her female boss for providing crucial support. “It’s very nice to have a female boss because they understand what a woman is going through. She helped me reflect and see how to balance my work life and my home life together.” Her advice to others is heartfelt and hard-won. “You need to stop. You need to listen to your body. You need to make time for your kids. The world is not going to stop if you are not there. Let go, teach, transfer your skill, and reflect.” As she looks ahead, Anuka’s mission remains clear. “Ladies out there, show us who you are. Life’s about having fun. You spend more time at work than you do at home. Whatever you do, do it with a good heart, do it with good intentions. Be fair and be fierce, but do not be nasty.” Previous Next

Transport and trucking tends to be a male dominated field, but that hasn't stopped Sharon Butler from developing Expressway into a successful logistics company together with the KZN D&H Deliveries, with seven depots and 90 trucks across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. And as she says, there's no reason why women can't run a successful transport businessSharon ButlerTransport and trucking tends to be a male dominated field, but that hasn't stopped Sharon Butler from developing Expressway into a successful logistics company together with the KZN D&H Deliveries, with seven depots and 90 trucks across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. And as she says, there's no reason why women can't run a successful transport businessTransport and trucking tends to be a male dominated field, but that hasn't stopped Sharon Butler from developing Expressway into a successful logistics company together with the KZN D&H Deliveries, with seven depots and 90 trucks across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. And as she says, there's no reason why women can't run a successful transport business. "Women have stepped up to the plate over the last 20 years, and several successful transport companies are run by women. It's a tough industry, especially right now with the attacks on truck drivers, but men face the exact the same struggles that we do. Success boils down to hard work, perseverance and believing in yourself." Trained as a secretary, Sharon found her entrepreneurial spirit as a young mother. She'd loved her secretarial job but once her son Ross was born, she didn't want to go back to work. Instead, she created a business from home - a fresh vegetable pack house. Buying produce straight from the market, she developed a range of convenience packs; cleaned, sliced and packaged vegetables for coleslaw, soups, stir-fries and a large microwave range. Now commonplace, this was a new concept and it wasn't long before she was supplying hypermarkets and supermarkets in Howick, Hilton, Pietermaritzburg and throughout Durban. Building a new business After a chance meeting with Darryl Ouzman, who owns D&H Deliveries, Sharon changed course going to work for him as a sales rep. Spotting business opportunities in Gauteng, she negotiated a partnership and moved her ambition in business to Johannesburg to focus on growing the business for their new company, Expressway. Finding a niche in the market, Expressway's key business is offering Johannesburg logistics companies access to a broad KwaZulu-Natal footprint. "There are plenty of transport businesses that don't have their own infrastructure in KZN," says Sharon. "And this is where we succeeded, partnering with them and ensuring Expressway provides their clients and efficient and reliable delivery service in KZN. Expressway is a third-party wholesale carrier." Sharon's role includes managing the marketing, finance, insurance and administration, while Darryl and his team handle the operations and fleet. "I wouldn't be here today without Darryl," says Sharon. "He's a brilliant business partner and we work very well together." Inspired by many people, her administration manager in Johannesburg stands out. "Erika Venter is a little dynamo. She's full of ambition and fastidious about deadlines, scheduling and filling trucks. She has the same values and drive as I do, and her loyalty and commitment are inspiring, as a woman in a tough business." Focused on her goals Sharon is clearly proud of her achievements, and the way they've grown the business, but there's no doubt that it's taken a lot of work. "No, I don't really have a life-work balance," she admits. "I spend a lot more time at work than I do at play, but it takes a lot to build and maintain a business. So, I'm proud of what I've achieved and I'm lucky to have a very supportive family, which has helped me along the way. But it takes focus and perseverance." A strong believer in goals, Sharon points out that this has helped her focus. "I have a good work ethic, and I've always strived to set a good example for my son Ross, who also works in the business, and show him the value of hard work and perseverance. I've also aimed to build a business that might create opportunities for him one day too, and hopefully I've achieved that." Sharon works with a life coach, Lynne McNamara, who she credits with giving her the confidence to chase her goals. "I've always set goals, but she has held me accountable and challenged me. She has also had a very calming effect on me when needed, which was very comforting. I believe that when you're prepared to push the boundaries, the sky is the limit. And I've proved to myself that I can do things I never really thought possible. I truly value her advice." Another new beginning? A farm girl at heart, Sharon can't wait to get back to her home in the KZN Midlands after a week in Johannesburg. But it's not just to relax and recharge. Always the entrepreneur, she'd spotted that berries were becoming a growth area in the fresh fruit market and planted 2 000 gooseberry seedlings in her rather large three hectare property at the beginning of the year. "After a little research I learnt that gooseberries are hardy and they don't need tunnels. Basically, you're growing weeds!" she laughs. But this is more than just a weekend hobby. Despite the intervening years since she'd had her vegetable pack house, Sharon managed to reconnect with some of her old contacts who offered useful advice and her first crop yielded 3 000 punnets . Sharon focused on the fresh fruit while her mother made gooseberry jam - that rapidly sold out in farmers markets and wholesalers in KZN. "But this isn't a once-off," she says, pointing out that her second crop is due in November. "Maybe I've discovered my exit plan," she smiles. Cheryl Govender CHERYL GOVENDER is the founder and owner of The Cake House in Pietermaritzburg. She is a qualified chef and professional cake artist. The Cake House has become a leading provider of designer cakes including engineered life-size cakes. Cheryl's exceptional cakes, each a masterpiece, have been featured in magazines and on television, and The Cake House is recognised as a leader in new age sugarcraft. Cheryl is inspired by successful bakeries and cake artists. She explains, "This is a tough industry and requires not only talent, but a business mind, people skills, market insight, tenacity, and continuous learning and growth." One of her biggest inspirations is Buddy Valastro, an American baker who is the star of the reality television series 'Cake Boss'. Be clear about what must be achieved Cheryl believes she got to where she is now and reached her goals by being clear about what she needed to achieve and why she needed to achieve them. She says her career started when she was fourteen when she was handed down decorating tools that her sister no longer needed. "Although I was a real tomboy, beating the boys at their own games in the streets, I did girly stuff when I went home, like playing with cake decorating tools and my dolls," she laughed. Cheryl learned about sugar art by reading books from the municipal library and often left the kitchen in a mess after experimenting. Her Consumer Studies teacher recognised Cheryl's talent; arranged for her to attend a cake decorating course, and gave her a toolset, which she treasures to this day. This teacher, now a retired school principal, adopted Cheryl as a daughter, helped her to believe in herself, and became her mentor to this day. Cheryl won a Consumer Studies Inter School Award in matric due to her passion for cake decorating, but at that time she considered it a hobby, not a career. After a year at college, Cheryl married and became a mother. She joined the corporate world but kept on making decorated cakes as a hobby to supplement her income. When her son was two years old, Cheryl entered and won the Pietermaritzburg Royal Show sugarcraft competition. This led to her teaching sugarcraft on a part-time basis at the now FET College in Northdale, something she continued passionately for 25 years. This Cheryl said, was fulfilling: "empowering women has always been close to my heart". Focus on one thing and do it well Cheryl gained wide experience in the corporate world, including ten years in shipping and international travel, before she started her own export business. This business crashed during the worldwide financial crisis of 2008 and she "fell back on her hands", starting a food catering business that also provided cakes. Cheryl made a few designer cakes assuming there was little market for these due to the high prices, but word of her quality and expertise spread and orders increased. A traumatic divorce, the demands of being involved in catering, wedding décor, training and making cakes at the same time, made her realise that she needed to streamline her activities. In 2012 she decided to focus on one thing only and do it well and opened The Cake House. Cheryl, a single mom had herself, her mother's assistance, two children, and a house. As she had lost her vehicle, Cheryl went everywhere in running shoes while carrying cake ingredients and other items in a backpack. Nothing was handed to her; she had no money and could not get a bank loan. Cheryl understood the risks involved but her faith and trust in God helped her. She managed to buy all her industrial baking equipment from a helpful appliance store on a three-month cash basis. Her business remains debt-free to this day. Business skills are unrelated to gender In Cheryl's view, women and men need the same business approach, as the skills required for a successful business are unrelated to gender. "Tenacity, hard work, honesty, patience and endurance are equally required from men and women." She does, however, concede that women face more challenges. She has had to face abuse, being a mother, and a divorce. Achieving a work-life balance boils down to discipline for Cheryl. "It is necessary to make time for your family and yourself, and also to rest, but not working can be scary for a business owner with much to do," she says. "I've had to learn to set boundaries, say no, and cut myself off from work when it's time to relax and unwind." Gardening, time with her family and puppies, and doing things outside of the business help create a balance. Brand ambassador Cheryl is happy with what she has accomplished thus far and readily give others credit. Without her mother, she could not have set up The Cake House. Without the help of her husband Alan, her family, and staff members, she would not have been able to grow the business. She feels honoured having recently being appointed a brand ambassador with royal status, for Rolkem Colours, one of the world's largest food colourant providers. While Cheryl is satisfied with the place she has reached, she is not comfortable about remaining there. Cheryl dreams of making the province proud of The Cake House as a tourism attraction. With a growing support structure in place, she is prepared to take risks within her means and take the business to the next level. Back

He says that during his 18 years as a professional engineer he has been fortunate to have strong mentors. Collett said, "They guided and assisted me during difficult career decisions and also kept emphasizing the importance of getting involved with voluntary organisations that enhance society." Subscribe Home KZN Leaders Up Up Dominic Collett He says that during his 18 years as a professional engineer he has been fortunate to have strong mentors. Collett said, "They guided and assisted me during difficult career decisions and also kept emphasizing the importance of getting involved with voluntary organisations that enhance society." It is important to make a difference and add value to society. DOMINIC COLLETT is a professional engineer whose career has been driven by the desire to participate in initiatives that enhance society. Collett matriculated from Beachwood High School in Durban North, followed by a series of qualifications at the then Technikon Natal (now DUT), which led to a Bachelor's Degree in Technology in Civil Engineering. He says that during his 18 years as a professional engineer he has been fortunate to have strong mentors. Collett said, "They guided and assisted me during difficult career decisions and also kept emphasizing the importance of getting involved with voluntary organisations that enhance society." Consequently, in the early years of his career, Collett became a member of the Young Professionals Forum of the South African Institute of Civil Engineers, which he enjoyed. In the spirit of giving back to the community, he has been involved with the iLembe Chamber of Commerce Tourism and Industry from its inception and currently sits on its Board as treasurer. Collett worked through his training years for Bradford Conning and Partners (BCP) and after a short stint of two years with BKS returned to BCP Engineers where, at 35 years old, was invited to join the Board of Directors of BCP Engineers. BCP than merged with SSI which is now Royal HaskoningDHV. He says that his main strengths came from the support of the mentors and the teams that he has worked together with on many successful and exciting projects. Collett commented that a noteworthy project was supervising the initial Tongaat Hulett La Lucia Ridge design and development in 1991. He says that seeing the sugar cane fields evolve and the infrastructure taking shape was very fulfilling. Collett says, "Time, cost and people are the key inputs to successful projects. I enjoy motivating a team to work efficiently. Without motivated teams, it is impossible to achieve success and I would think my strength lies in being able to motivate people and allow them to achieve their personal goals. When team members feel comfortable approaching you with difficult issues, these can be resolved at an early stage before they become a crisis." He added that his leadership style is that of respect and honesty. As a project director, the challenge is always to provide the engineering services required with an often limited budget to have a maximum impact for the community. "It is important to look at the big picture, which guides conversations and allows the team to slow down and assess what is required before attending to the details. On top of budget constraints, we now find ourselves in a position where we have limited water and energy resources. The challenge is to design projects in a way that takes advantage of the available resources but not in a manner that is detrimental to the environment and other stakeholders." He added that he obtains joy in delivering cutting edge technology to engineering solutions. "I have been fortunate to have private sector clients that have the same vision and a highlight of my career has been that I have been able to work with many of these forward thinking clients that value development which is innovative." Collett's passion for development is in keeping with Royal HaskoningDHV's ethos, which is to enhance society together through new technologies, engineering innovation and human spirit. A current project that is giving him much enjoyment is the Blythedale Coastal Resort development, which embraces global innovative trends. Collett and his team are able to offer a number of solutions to the resource limitations that the homeowners would have faced using gas reticulation, a desalination plant, solar energy, and grey water recycling among other innovations. Collett says, "I enjoy the support of a wonderful family." He has been married for 19 years and has two sons. In his free time, he plays the double bass in the Durban City Orchestra and sails a Flying Fifteen.