< Back Kristina Wallengren Next THINK is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people suffering from tuberculosis (TB) and HIV THINK is a registered non-profit organisation dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people suffering from tuberculosis (TB) and HIV. Consequently, THINK undertakes clinical research, training and health systems improvement with impact both locally and globally. Kristina declares, "As the director of THINK, I often say that I am the cheerleader. We are a big team of people working together to achieve results. My job is to support my team's effective functioning. For example, obtain funding for our work, write grant applications, meet with stakeholders, conduct site visits, as well as establish systems in the organisation to make sure we are able to reach the desired impact." A career change THINK's story starts with Kristina's desire to make a difference in the world and the thought that she was doing that too slowly. "My background is as a scientist in molecular biology, and I felt that I was saving the world one dust-particle at a time." The road from these beginnings to establishing THINK was long winded with a lot of interludes. "After working for ten years as a basic scientist, I had a career change. I wanted to see more impact in the work that I was doing, so I went back to school and studied international health - specifically epidemiology and public health. This enabled me to move to South Africa, and eventually to start THINK seven years ago," she explained. Kristina says that she has been inspired by many people along her life journey. After completing her PHD in molecular biology, Kristina's supervisor, world-renowned Professor Hans Rosling, encouraged her to study at Harvard and truly inspired her to make a difference in the public health field through data. Kristina had saved up money to go sailing for six months from Panama across the Pacific Ocean and her acceptance to Harvard arrived while she was in the Galapagos Islands. However, Kristina said, "I wasn't ready at that time to stop the adventure that I had started." She postponed taking up the offer at Harvard, a prospect which was also nerve wrecking, as she was concerned about how she was going to finance her studies. "However, I was able earn money through sailing a yacht from New Zealand to Alaska, which paid $100 a day that I could mostly save towards financing my studies. The sailing journey was really important in my career and became one of the most interesting door-openers to give me opportunities that I wouldn't have had otherwise." Working in Africa One of Kristina's supervisors at Harvard, Professor Megan Murray, really inspired her career further. "She sent me to work in Africa and gave me the opportunity to set up research at a hospital in Pietermaritzburg and to go for it all on my own. The trust and confidence, from her, was amazing and something that I try to replicate in my dealings with other people." THINK started its first clinical trial in 2013 at Durban Medical Centre with a small research team providing treatment to 12 patients. Since then, THINK has created over 300 job opportunities and provided care for over 140 000 patients in eThekwini. Three new TB drugs, the first since the 1950s, have been developed and THINK is contributing to establishing their best use and bringing them to the market. Furthermore, THINK has conducted research to improve care for drug resistant TB by reducing treatment duration from two years to nine months, which has now been adopted as standard of care in South Africa. THINK isn't resting on its laurels but is working on reducing it even further to six months. "I am amazed at what has been accomplished by THINK as a team, and thankful for the part that I have played. I find it very difficult to take credit for myself. I could never have thought about the things that we are doing at THINK on my own. There has been an organic growth of the organisation and the individuals within have made it into what it is." Purpose finds you The advice that Kristina would give to people is to follow your interests, and your passion will develop itself. "When you follow your interest, you develop a flair and move into a space where you are able to thrive and shine. Through that way, purpose finds you and you are able to make a difference." In reflecting on the role of women in business, Kristina says that she does not think that women need to have a different approach to business to men. "I think that every individual needs to have an approach to business that is reflective of themselves and should be authentic. We need to all strive to learn more. To experiment more, to develop ourselves more. There is not one formula that fits all. We are all different. The most important thing to me is being authentic and true to yourself. When you bring yourself with you into every space you go, there is hardly any energy expense because you don't have to play different characters." Continue to do more good In the future Kristina would love to take her children sailing for an extended period of time to let them experience the awe of the world, and allow self-reflection being removed from the business of our daily lives. She would also want to see THINK sustainable and continue to make an impact in people's lives with the ethos that it was founded on. "I would like for THINK to be a place where people can be their best selves and generate more of the good stuff that we are already doing," she concluded. Previous Next

< Back Aldine Dallas Next Her passion and determination is unmistakable. "So many people are wounded or completely broken; perhaps from physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or being dismissed as worthless or unimportant, often from as far back as childhood ALDINE DALLAS is living her best life. Three months shy of 50, she has risen above adversity to achieve significant success, and is devoted to helping others transform their lives from the inside out, her motto: Turning hearts not heads. Her passion and determination is unmistakable. "So many people are wounded or completely broken; perhaps from physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or being dismissed as worthless or unimportant, often from as far back as childhood. They don't recognise their value and find it hard to have a positive view of themselves or their lives, bringing negativity into their personal and professional relationships. It's my vision to help these people heal their lives and build wholesome, happy and respectful connections. And it starts with building a healthy relationship with themselves." From the outside Aldine's life looked amazing. By the time she'd finished primary school she was a seasoned television performer, having danced on a show for eight years and starred in numerous commercials and had generated an income from modelling from the age of six. She was also an academic, head prefect and a top sports achiever. She studied public relations and found a great job in advertising straight out of college. Her career blossomed across operations and new business development and she landed her first directorship and shareholding at 28. "But I was an over-achiever and had never dealt with my childhood brokenness, and I had taken on too much too quickly." With life and work pressure escalating, depression set in. Her marriage ended after only two years and a downward spiral ensued. After 10 years and many poor judgement calls, she found herself stuck in a violent relationship and hit rock bottom. But she didn't give up. She walked away from her career, moved to Durban from Johannesburg and went into a rehabilitation facility to start the inward journey of healing, and began a new chapter of her life. The best you Aldine explains: "I finally built a healthy, nurturing relationship with myself. Through self-exploration, learning from counsellors and coaches and connecting with God, my transformation was dramatic. I realised I could make a difference and in 2008 my journey to help others began. My vision was to take what I'd learnt about brokenness; the importance of forgiveness and being accountable, to encourage people who are hurting to stand up with boldness and courage and step into healing and wholeness." One of her projects was a workshop for female inmates at Westville Prison. "I have a special passion for broken women, as I can identify easily with them." Aldine points out that there are many reasons that women end up in prison, but that childhood trauma, a lack of self-respect and unhealthy relationships like co-dependency are often a common thread. Aldine has run her digital marketing agency for many years and is also a qualified life coach. "I help clients become their best selves, and my deep desire was to do this on a bigger scale." She launched her production company and developed, Over 40 and Fabulous, a reality TV show as a platform to help others nationally and potentially, even globally. "My vision for Over 40 and Fabulous is to neutralise gender, cultural and racial tension. Our commitment is to turn hearts, not heads. We have a team of experts to help our participants holistically to overcome issues that have held them back. We'll guide them into wholeness and help them establish a strong identity, and an authenticity in how they present themselves, so they can pursue healthy relationships. And if they're single we'll even help match them with potential partners, who will be coached as well. I want to uplift and change South Africa one person at a time!" Inspired by Oprah Winfrey and Steve Harvey, Aldine describes how they overcame poverty and childhood abuse and chose not to buy into negativity. "They rose above adversity and went on to become two of the most powerful people in the media world. They have given a voice to the broken and underprivileged, investing emotionally, spiritually and financially into the lives of others. My mission is to invest love and time, and whatever resources I can amass, into the lives of South Africans." Finding the balance Unconvinced by the concept of work-life balance, Aldine points out that work is an important part of life, not a separate entity. "You need to find a balance in your life, and for me that includes attending to my digital marketing clients, consulting with my lifecoaching mentees, working on the production of Over 40 and Fabulous, exercising, salsa dancing, writing books and relaxing with friends and family. Balance is important, but I don't compartmentalise my life, I prefer to take a holistic approach." She mentions her 2007 book. "I highlighted that if life is a rocket ship, then every engine has to be equally and consistently fuelled." Referring to areas such as finance, health and fitness, family and parenting, nutrition, emotions, personal character, spirituality, love, career, intellect and education, social, quality of life and life vision, she advises, "Focus energy in each of these areas and your rocket ship will soar to incredible heights!" Hang in there Asked what advice she'd give her younger self, Aldine is positive. "Well done on hanging in so magnificently. You got up each time you were knocked down and I am so incredibly proud of you. Never be ashamed of your past - there's way more to you than that, you are defined by who you have become. Be resilient and always remember that adversity doesn't have to hold you back, in fact it strengthens and propels you onward and upward." Previous Next

Specialist healthcare consultant. Karen Howard founded ASI KZN in December 2023. She explained, “It’s in the financial services sector, where I work as a specialist healthcare consultant. Read More Real estate Chris Tyson, the chief executive officer of Tyson Properties, has had a longstanding relationship with the real estate industry, beginning long before he took the helm of his company in 2015. His connection to the field traces back to his childhood, where his first exposure came from sitting in the car while his mother conducted show houses. This early experience sparked a lifelong interest in real estate and laid the foundation for his career. Read More PEO (Professional Employer Organisation) David White who is the CEO of DRG Outsourcing has long been inspired by the dynamic nature of working with people. He says, “I dedicate my time to ensuring that I clearly articulate the purpose and desired outcomes each business wishes to achieve.” Read More HR Consulting, Labor and Employment Law, and Payroll Services Johan van Deventer is a dynamic and dedicated individual with broad-based human resources knowledge and management skills. He is able to apply knowledge of organisational systems, structures, policies and procedures to achieve results. Johan is a firm believer of business development and professional relationships. Read More Business Coaching Trevor Clark is a seasoned business coach with a strong background in marketing, sales, and leadership. After completing his studies in Switzerland and earning diplomas in marketing and business management in South Africa, he began his career at ABSA in 1993. He went on to hold key roles in the engineering sector and at Babcock, where he led national initiatives. Trevor gained international experience in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, where he co-owned and managed a successful brand consultancy. In 2009, he returned to South Africa, becoming a certified ActionCOACH. He was named South African Rookie Coach of the Year (2010) and ranked among the Global Top 100 Coaches (2012). Known for his practical strategies and passion for business growth, Trevor helps clients improve in key areas of time, team, and money. He’s also an avid sportsman and proud father of two. Read More Executive, career, life and mental health coaching Jacquie Bhana, after following a successful career spanning over 30 years in the corporate world, and after much thought about her future goals, has recently started her own business initiatives. She commented, “I wanted flexibility with my time, to dance to my own drumbeat, and to make an impact beyond the gates of a single organisation.” Her primary business, Jacquie Bhana Consulting, focuses on coaching and mentoring of leaders Read More Trust Closures: A Game-Changer for Trust Brian Payne's unplanned career in tax consulting evolved through pivotal experiences, leading him to establish Think Tax, a firm focused on corporate clients and high-net-worth individuals, while emphasizing team motivation, resilience, and the value of kindness. Read More Accounting, providing precise financial information and reporting to business leaders. Heather Flack is the impassioned business leader of Flair Accounting, a boutique accounting practice Read More Marketing & Networking Grant Adlam has had over 35 years in the communication sector. Much of this time has been involved in promoting the businesses, brands and people of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. He is the CEO of KZN Top Business and the driving force behind KZN Top business Portfolio, KZN leaders, KZN Brand DNA, KZN Women in Business and KZN Business Sense. Read More KZN Top Business Gurus

< Back Palesa Phili Next DCCI represents the business community. As CEO, Palesa oversees the organisation, ensuring good governance and that the Chamber fulfils its mandate which is to look after its members, who are mostly from the business community of the Durban region PALESA PHILI became the CEO of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) after a very successful corporate career. This included being in an executive role with a computer company looking after the organisation's services in the southern, eastern and central regions of Africa, being the executive head for Vodacom Business in KZN and then the regional head for MTN. DCCI represents the business community. As CEO, Palesa oversees the organisation, ensuring good governance and that the Chamber fulfils its mandate which is to look after its members, who are mostly from the business community of the Durban region. The Durban Chamber identifies government policy relevant to organised business in Durban by amplifying core issues that impact on business with short, medium - and long-term perspectives. At the heart of this unit are industry-specific forums and area forums (Western, Northern, Southern, and Central) that engage on a monthly or bi-quarterly base. "Our forums provide the coal face of interaction between our members and the Durban Chamber. This is where we get city officials and provincial policy makers to interact with our members in terms of any plans that are being put in place as well as business opportunities that are available," says Palesa. Advocacy is central to the role the Chamber plays and partnership approaches to complex and problematic issues affecting business are promoted. The Chamber's extensive networks also connect members both with local and international organisations. Success is inspirational Palesa attributes her success and where she is today to her Christian faith, hard work, and dedication. Numerous people assisted her along the way and she has had a number of different mentors for different aspects of her career and life who have helped her. Success inspires Palesa. She adds, "One does not want to be around something that is negative or does not work." Successful people across the country and across the world attract her attention; what they are doing attracts and inspires her. "I try to see what I can do personally, in my own way, to add to the betterment of my city, my province, my country, and the world at large." Keep your eye on the ball, the rules for women are different "Women definitely need to approach business differently to men," says Palesa. And thinks the existence of "The Boy's Club out there" cannot be denied and that women cannot fit into the club. "As a woman, typically, as you grow in your career, as you go higher, you become more of a loner as there are very few women up there." Palesa adds that males are still in the majority at the top of the corporate world and that the rules for women are very different. "As a woman, you need to be clear about your objectives, why you are where you are and what it is that you want to achieve." Palesa says one of her mentors told her that one is at work to do work, not to make friends, and you need to make sure the job gets done. Her advice to women is, "When you encounter corporate politics, it is important to keep your eye on the ball, understand the rules are different for you as a woman, and then you should be fine." As she is a wife and the mother of two boys, achieving a work life balance is not easy for Palesa. She says she is too busy to attend social gatherings like "breakfasts for moms" and is too busy for tasks like personally dropping her boys off at school. This results in her not knowing many of the moms, but Palesa is fortunate that her husband helps with most of the parental tasks. Her support structure is important to her. "Without their assistance, I would not be able to do everything I need to do and achieve a work-life balance," she adds. Looking back at herself when she was younger, Palesa would advise herself not to take things at face value but to analyse these and ensure that she makes the right decisions. She explains that she would react spontaneously when she was young so she would tell herself to listen more before making decisions. There is much more to achieve Compared to what she would still like to accomplish, Palesa does not think that she has achieved much. If she looks back at her corporate background, Palesa says what she did was mostly target driven to make profits for an organisation. Her involvement with the Chamber does, however, give her a greater purpose and this enables her to achieve more of what she wants to achieve. It enables her to make a difference and impact on many people. Palesa explains, "I always had a thing in me, even when growing up, to give back. In everything I do I try and give back in my own small way. I would like to look back in five years from now and say this is the number of jobs I helped to create, and this is the number of entrepreneurs I have assisted to grow and get where they are." She adds she would like to see measurable growth, and only once she gets there would she be happy with what she has achieved. Previous Next

< Back Marlene Powell Next Eleven years ago, Marlene Powell become ActionCOACH's first woman business coach in South Africa. Marlene says she reached a crossroad in her life. After 27 years of working in the financial sector of the corporate world, she realised she was been hold back from her family and her quality of life was poor, even though she was been taking care of financially Eleven years ago, Marlene Powell become ActionCOACH's first woman business coach in South Africa. Marlene says she reached a crossroad in her life. After 27 years of working in the financial sector of the corporate world, she realised she was been hold back from her family and her quality of life was poor, even though she was been taking care of financially. "I felt that the corporate world was only interested in getting the best out of me but was not fulfilling me as a human being. I felt like a human doing. I realised that there was more to life than doing things for everyone else and not for me." Recognising that she'd reached a ceiling in her position and as a woman in a male dominant environment, there was no further opportunities, Marlene left her job. She explained that she loved entrepreneur and author, Brad Sugars, the founder of ActionCOACH's vision and saw the possibilities in becoming a franchisee. As the first woman ActionCOACH franchisee in South Africa, and with more than 10 000+ coaching hours, Marlene is a specialist in her field. She is a certified business coach, providing help, advice, coaching and mentoring services to small and medium sized businesses. "I guide my clients to implement simple and practical tools into their businesses, which will allow their businesses to create more money and time for themselves so that they can enjoy the finer things in life," explains Marlene. Marlene believes she is living her dream, and has strong support from her husband Geoff, and son Dylan, who encouraged her to turn her ambition into a reality. Marlene's personal brand is defined by precision in all that she does, so it is not surprising that the Westville based franchise has consistently been placed in the Top 100 in the world. She attributes her success to discipline and consistency. "I have continued to focus on the positives; the vision and my purpose on why I became a coach. Significantly, Marlene says success revolves around the word action. "We literally took a pact to take ACTION and help our clients to do the same. Results must be forthcoming or else what's the point?" I hold my clients accountable for their results and just like a sports coach, push them to perform at optimal levels." Marlene has turned people's businesses around - achieving between 46% to in excess of 100% growth. "Clients have more than tripled their bottom line in a recessionary economy; won entrepreneurial awards; developed exit strategies; taken time out with their families and found the financial freedom to pursue what really matters." Marlene is inspired by her clients' results, especially when she sees them reaping the rewards of their hard work and knowing their businesses are taking care of them. "Instead of their business controlling them, they have taken back control of their business. That's what does it for me!" Marlene has made it to the 4% Club (The 4% who survive ten years in business) of which she is very proud. Being her own first client, she has proved that the ActionCOACH system does work despite trying times. She has endured two 'recessions', sold an intangible product at a premium price and worked with businesses who are dealing with their own challenges. "These past 11 years have moulded me into who I am today. I know that I've found my purpose, which is to give back to budding entrepreneurs and to provide platforms to impart my knowledge and skills to prepare them for the big wild world of business. They too can be part of the 4% Club, which I would like to believe will increase from 4% to 10% in 10 years." She added that the meaning of success is very different for each entrepreneur. In particular, men and women have different approaches to business success. "Having worked with both men and women entre-preneurs, they each bring different strengths to business. I strongly believe that there is place for everyone to make a success. I always say that women wear their 'balls' on their chest. One thing that stands out is the maternal instinct of moms and the longing to be with their children, which I don't see as prominently in fathers. That is almost always the number one priority for women, to free up their time so they can be a mom to their children." Marlene also strongly believes that she can coach more business owners to enjoy quality of life by spending more time on themselves, their family and friends, which will in turn improve relationships and marriages. She added that she has used the ActionCOACH methodology to achieve her own work-life balance. "My business provides me with time and money to have work-life balance and it allows me flexibility. I can choose when I work, who I work with and what I do - that for me is a true business. I can choose to turn the tap on/up/down depending on my dreams, goals and my bucket list." In giving advice to her younger self, Marlene would say, "Dream and believe anything is possible. Don't compare yourself to anyone else, as you are the only one in the world who is you (nobody has your ID number, so nobody can be you!). Don't let anyone or anything stand in your way and get out of your own way. It's got nothing to do with you what other people think and do." Previous Next

< Back Brigitte Turner Next BRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business. BRIGITTE TURNER is head of Harvey World Travel Highway. When Brigitte bought Harvey World Travel Highway 18 years ago, she'd never worked in the travel industry. In fact, she'd built a highly successful corporate career in property development and was managing director of a major national property organisation. Despite the demands of her corporate position, Brigitte was a natural entrepreneur and already owned three other companies when a friend mentioned that there might be an interesting opportunity in a small travel business. Having thrived in the male dominated property development industry, Brigitte doesn't believe that women need to take a different approach to men to their careers. "Yes, women are still frequently discriminated against, particularly when it comes to salaries in corporates, but women have more opportunities that ever before. Instead of being daunted by your situation," she says, "you need to trust in yourself, believe that there are opportunities because you have something to offer, and be yourself." She credits her talented and committed team for their huge contribution, and takes guidance from Richard Branson, her "ultimate entrepreneur", in setting high targets for herself. Branson says he never sets a target unless it really frustrates him, and Brigitte agrees that without aiming high, you'll never reach great heights. Making business success meaningful "I'm definitely proud of what I've achieved, but I'm certainly not at the end of my career yet," she points out. "There's so much to be done - and not enough time to do it." Inspired by Branson's philanthropic commitment as well as his business acumen, and by Mother Theresa's service to her community, Brigitte knows that everyone can make a difference. "I only wish I could be even half as selfless as Mother Theresa," she laughs. Business success has allowed Brigette to make a greater contribution to society. As a business, Harvey World Travel Highway supports community events and helps with fundraising projects, but Brigitte feels that this is only part of it. Over the years she's served on the boards of several charities and gives of her time and business skills too. She's particularly committed to her church's social transformation project and headed a business forum to develop business skills for emerging entrepreneurs. "The business forum started as a workshop for three or four entrepreneurs each meeting, and rapidly grew to over 150 people every week, with formal training courses." But Brigitte didn't just set up the business forum, she trained entrepreneurs herself, spending many a Monday evening in Kwadabeka and Lamontville. She's particularly fulfilled by the real success stories that started in these workshops, and one in particular made a real mark. "Mandisa Sithole, who owns the craft shop at King Shaka International Airport, had a small beading business and a big dream. And I'm so honoured to have been a small part of her journey." Brigitte has recently joined Rotary, and notes that, like everything else in life, the more you give, the more you get back. Living a well-rounded life With running a demanding business, her family commitments and community work, it can't be easy to do it all, but Brigitte is adamant that you need balance. "My circle of life includes family, friends, spirituality, career, finances, health and love life, and everything needs to be in balance for my life to work," she says. "If one element is out of balance, I feel it across all aspects of my life. And I need my community work as much as I need my exercise." Needless to say, life is not always perfect, and Brigitte points out that a difficult divorce a few years ago took its toll and she felt she was in a slump across every element. But true to her belief that our time on earth is limited and we need to use it well, she soon got herself back on track. "Whenever I feel things aren't going as well as they should, I take a good look at my wheel of life, pray to God for guidance, and figure out which area I need to deal with. And it works for me." Be kind When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Brigitte says it's the same advice she gives her three children today. "Be kind and be generous, stick to your values, pray often and remember that ethics matter. If you follow this simple dictum, it will stand you in good stead, and you'll always be able to look people in the eye." Previous Next

< Back Nashikta Authar Angadh Next NASHIKTA AUTHAR ANGADH is a Partner in KPMG and heads up the Business Resilience and Continuity Services unit of South Africa NASHIKTA AUTHAR ANGADH is a Partner in KPMG and heads up the Business Resilience and Continuity Services unit of South Africa. Her function can be summarised as preparing clients for planned and unplanned disasters. She involves herself with organisations at a deep level to understand their critical processes and the potential risks they face to develop a "fit for purpose recovery strategy" to be used in the event of a disaster. When Nashikta was thrown into the deep end to take the reins in leading Business Resilience for KPMG she began by "rolling up her sleeves, embracing the books, and soaking up and entrenching herself in the information". Along the way, she gained critical insights into client practices. A mentor, "her North Star" offered valuable support and advice. She also learned from her team that supported her. Ultimately, things came together, and she became recognised as a leading expert in her field, progressing in the firm to where she is today. An inspiration Nashikta finds inspiration in books, videos and in various people, including her selfless and elegant mom. Her dad is, however, her main source of inspiration. He did not finish school and his limited financial means made starting a business difficult. Additionally, he had serious health issues, but he overcame the odds and made a success of life. "Looking past his business success, he is an amazing soul," she says, one who changed many people's lives. His belief, "service to man is service to God" became her belief too, allowing her to balance her accomplishments with remembering who she is and where she comes from. Deal with internal barriers To demonstrate the difference between men and women in business, Nashikta uses a recent event. She was in a boardroom with "powerful men and women from across SA". The tea lady walked in and placed a tea tray on the table between a gentleman and a lady. The lady glared at the tray in a way that suggested she thought serving tea would reduce her power in the room. However, the gentleman got up and cheerfully served the tea. This incident made Nashikta realise that: "as women, we need to deal with the internal barriers we create for ourselves that prevent us from being what we can be and doing what we need to do. Women need to be bold enough to make the tea without worrying what everyone thinks and what their opinions are." Historically, there were many challenges between men and women, however businesses have progressed and created numerous platforms for women, which should be embraced. A work-life balance requires structure Nashikta has an excellent support structure which contributes hugely to her work-life balance; both her mother and mother-in-law look after her son when she is travelling, allowing her to focus on work. The KPMG work environment is very flexible, making it easier to get things done anywhere and at any time. She makes sure not to diddle-daddle and focuses on business during business hours, so work in her personal time is unnecessary. Nashikta is grateful for her wonderful husband who takes charge with chores around the house and is a hands on Dad. He has been her pillar of strength and encourages her to grab on to opportunities, even if it results in added pressure on himself. She quips, "If all else fails, just pray for energy, tolerance, patience, and guidance to be a good parent, because that is the most important aspect of a work-life balance." Practical spirituality Her spiritual background is very important to Nashikta. She belongs to the Sri Sathya Sai organisation which is based on five human values: "truth, love, nonviolence, right conduct, and peace". She tries to live by these in everything she does. Nashikta sustained serious injuries in a vehicle accident during 2013. Spinal surgery prevented permanent paralysis, but she was confined to her bed for three months and had to learn to regain movement and walk during a long, difficult recovery. She says her spirituality carried her during this tough time and made her appreciate life. When KPMG experienced difficulties in recent years she felt alarmed but did not leave and tried to demonstrate the five values as a leader. She believes leadership is tested during challenging circumstances, not when everything seems good. Authentic self She is happy with what she has achieved and proud of winning the Business Continuity Institute's 2019 award for "Business Continuity Institute, Africa, Resilience and Continuity Specialist". She is hoping for further success in the global category. Being involved in developing continuity strategies for businesses and government departments, Nashikta says the "philanthropist in her" wants to take this a step further and develop a strategy for South Africa. She explains: "If the country is faced with something similar to a 9/11 attack or escalated xenophobic attacks, SA has to be ready and I want to make sure that we are." The advice Nashikta would give her younger self is not to shy away from shining and be confident in her strengths. Being diligent and assiduous, she stood out at primary school, making her unpopular with some kids. She then held back to avoid attracting attention during high school. But at university and with her career, Nashikta says, "I decided to just be my authentic self. This allowed me to excel and get to where I am." Previous Next

ECA Consulting Up Home Up Latest News ECA Consulting VISION ECA Consulting aims to balance development, social responsibility and environmental protection through education and practical solutions. We promote environmental responsibility as a strategic advantage and strive to add measurable value while operating with integrity, independence and sustainability. MISSION ECA Consulting delivers professional, accurate and independent environmental consulting that meets and exceeds compliance standards. We adhere to EAPASA and SACNASP ethical codes, providing advice aligned with national legislation and global best practice for responsible, sustainable decision-making. PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICES Established in KwaZulu-Natal in 2011, ECA Consulting is a specialist environmental assessment practice providing professional environmental advisory services across South Africa. The firm was founded on the belief that environmental practice sits at the intersection of science, law and community. More than a technical discipline, it is fundamentally about responsible decision-making that balances development with environmental stewardship. ECA Consulting believes the profession demands sound judgement, ethical leadership and a genuine commitment to protecting the people and ecosystems affected by development. Today, the company assists public and private sector clients in meeting their obligations under South Africa’s environmental regulatory framework and operates across all nine provinces. The Team ECA Consulting is led by Leena Ackbar, a Pr.Sci.Nat. and EAPASA Registered Environmental Assessment Practitioner. She is supported by Manogrie Chetty, operations director, Co-EAP and ISO 14001 lead auditor, who oversees project delivery and quality assurance across the firm’s portfolio. The company employs a team of seven environmental professionals, ranging from learnerships and internships through to senior practitioners. This in-house expertise is complemented by a trusted network of more than 15 specialist firms that provide additional technical support on a project-by-project basis. Services ECA Consulting provides a suite of environmental services that includes environmental impact assess-ments, water use licence applications, environmental control officer services, Section 24G rectification applications, environmental management programme drafting, and compliance monitoring. The firm also pioneers the integration of AI-assisted tools into its workflows, including screening, site sensitivity verification, and document automation, to improve efficiency without compromising regulatory rigour. At its core, ECA Consulting recognises that the environment encompasses far more than land, air and water. It includes biodiversity, heritage, infrastructure and the communities that depend on them. The firm’s role is to ensure that development proceeds responsibly, transparently and with full accountability for its environmental and social impacts. Clients and Industries ECA Consulting is currently leading environmental approval processes for several major infrastructure and energy projects across South Africa, including developments that support national energy security and facilitate the sustainable expansion of local and international trade through KwaZulu-Natal. The firm’s client portfolio spans the public and private sectors and includes projects in port and coastal infrastructure, energy, mining, transport and municipal water services. Clients include Transnet National Ports Authority, Transnet Pipelines, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), eThekwini Municipality, SANRAL, Dube TradePort Corporation, Eskom and numerous private developers. ECA Consulting is also proud to serve as the environ-mental professional on one of only twelve nationally significant infrastructure projects reporting directly to the Presidency. Achievements Leena Ackbar received the EAPASA Leading EAP Award in both 2024 and 2025, recognising her leadership within the environmental assessment profession. In 2025, she authored South Africa’s first Responsible AI Use Guideline for Environmental Assessment Practitioners, helping establish an ethical framework for the use of artificial intelligence in environmental decision-making. Building on this leadership, ECA Consulting hosts an EAPASA-accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD) webinar series on the application of AI in Environmental Impact Assessments. Since its launch in 2024, the programme has trained nearly 100 environmental professionals while contributing original research to the profession. The company has also received significant industry recognition, including: The inaugural Council for the Built Environment (CBE) Award for Best Environmental Practice supporting candidate professional registration. International recognition as Best Environmental Practice from both Prime Awards (Dubai) and Global Livewire. ECA Consulting has acted as Lead Environmental Assessment Practitioner on almost 100 Environmental Impact Assessments throughout South Africa. Beyond its commercial work, the company serves as sustainability specialist for the Masjid360 community initiative, on a pro bono basis. One of ECA Consulting’s proudest achievements is its commitment to developing future environmental professionals. Every graduate receives structured mentoring and practical training under the personal guidance of Leena Ackbar. The company is a partner of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, hosting final-year students for Workplace Integrated Learning (WIL). Looking Ahead Innovation, professional development and social impact remain central to ECA Consulting’s long-term vision. The company is currently developing an AI-powered environmental platform, scheduled for launch in late 2026, which will make AI-assisted environ-mental assessment tools accessible to practitioners across South Africa. CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE Physical Address: 66 Vausedale Road, Northdene, Durban, 4093 Tel: +27 (0)84 265 6000 E-mail: leena@ecaconsulting.co.za Website: www.ecaconsulting.co.za Leaders Profile Latest News Company News Blog Keep up with the latest trends and insights. Check out our blog today! Read More Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Candice Padayachee Next CANDICE PADAYACHEE is the forensic director for KPMG. She maintains primary responsibility and oversight of the Forensic Division in the Durban region, leading a multi-disciplinary team and engaging the firm's key clients. CANDICE PADAYACHEE is the forensic director for KPMG. She maintains primary responsibility and oversight of the Forensic Division in the Durban region, leading a multi-disciplinary team and engaging the firm's key clients. Candice is an admitted attorney of the High Court, and holds a master's degree in Advanced Labour Law (Cum Laude) from the University of KwaZulu- Natal (Pietermaritzburg). She was raised in Pietermaritzburg and began her career as an associate at a leading KwaZulu-Natal law firm, but was soon drawn to forensics. This interest was fuelled primarily by her passion for seeking justice and ensuring that as a country and as a community, ethics and right practice remain in place. Her view is that "fraud, bribery and corruption severely impact peoples' lives." She added, "It is so rewarding that the work KPMG Forensic does, actively infiltrates these economic crimes." Candice particularly specialises in fraud risk management, forensic investigations, compliance management, and litigation support. "I am fully competent in the investigation process throughout the phases of preliminary considerations, planning, and gathering of information, analysis, reporting and closing. This includes the concept of embedding forensic technology in investigations." She provides holistic management solutions to clients in the public and private sectors. Candice has a proven track record with business development and an established client portfolio, having assisted various organisations in a manner consistent with regulatory requirements and the organisation's business needs. A passion for seeking the truth Getting to where Candice is in her career involved a combination of things inside as well as outside her control. She remarks, "Clichéd as it may sound, my career required lots of hard work and sacrifices, both on my part and that of my family." Candice says that she has benefitted from the support of people around her, especially from her husband and two children, her parents, wider family and friends who have been the biggest supporters in her career progression. She adds that 'tremendous colleagues and mentors at KPMG' encouraged her to pursue her dreams, and they also gave her the feedback she needed to develop her strengths and focus on the things that are important to her. Candice recognises the contribution of her team in achieving positive results. She believes that success in forensic requires a passion for seeking the truth and an objective mind to get the relevant facts. An inspired leader Candice feels inspired by many people. Firstly, her grandmother, a professional nurse who made many personal sacrifices to assist those around her. She illustrated that, in the end, there was great reward in one's dedication to willingly assist others. This encouraged Candice's passion and desire to study further and in her wanting to assist people for the greater good. Secondly, Candice is inspired by her female professional colleagues, especially the former director of Forensic at KPMG, who became her mentor. She demonstrated the place and need for a strong female leader, according to Candice. "She could lead with strength and fierceness, but also with kindness and compassion. She was dedicated to the growth of young leaders." And this, in turn, inspires Candice to help develop young leaders. She says that women often need a different approach to men to be successful in business, as they have different dynamics and relations to deal with. "As a woman you need to work hard, focus on the contribution you bring to the table, make sure you raise your voice when you need to be heard. Being a woman, being a mother and being a wife bring different challenges in business." Work-life balance requires structures Achieving a work-life balance is interesting for Candice. "It has become a buzz word in a busy world, yet means different things to different people", she remarks. For her, to achieve such balance requires a conscientious focus on structure. Together with her husband, they have set boundaries for family time. Her two young children require her attention after her workday and have a full homework schedule. She says it is important to set hours aside for her family and make sure that she is fully present during that time. Family holidays are important and help create good memories that are essential for the children to have. Candice is proud that her children know her as a working mother, and she hopes that her example will help them believe that they can aspire to be anything that they are passionate about. Live to fulfil a purpose If she could, Candice would advise her younger self to believe more in her own abilities and "tune out the self-doubt". She would also assure herself that, "You already have everything you need in you", and that God is with her and ready to take her on journeys she could not even imagine. Candice is pleased by her accomplishments but admits that she looks back with some disbelief at times. She wants to continue to live in a motivated way that fulfils her purpose in life. At a personal level she wants to grow her leadership abilities, grow in the firm, and grow as a person in every way. "I feel that I am still young, that most of my journey still lies ahead and there are exciting things to come," she concludes. Previous Next

< Back Tanya Bailey Next Tanya has a vested interest in SA, which goes beyond building a successful career for herself. The way she conceptualises 'successful' is driven by commitment to inclusivity, evidenced by her business network which mobilises and develops local talent and skills to benefit the broader South African community, including its wildlife TANYA BAILEY is the vision behind, "Working with materials made from recycled banner fabric and recycled South African bottles - 100% South African, and traceable to source - to make colourful, beautiful Uzwelo bags." Tanya has a vested interest in SA, which goes beyond building a successful career for herself. The way she conceptualises 'successful' is driven by commitment to inclusivity, evidenced by her business network which mobilises and develops local talent and skills to benefit the broader South African community, including its wildlife. Tanya sums up Uzwelo's ethos saying, "the stories behind our bags and the people who make them are what drive us every single day to do a better job, to create new ideas, new bags, new projects, involving new people." New life to waste Uzwelo gives new life to waste by recycling, reusing and redesigning excess fabrics destined for landfill. Apart from developing local skills and creating jobs, Uzwelo donates funds to 'The Bateleurs Organisation', pilots who donate their time and wings to worthy conservation causes. Donations have assisted returning stranded penguins to the sea and flying back a seal who, having had one too many encounters with sharks, chose land over sea as its preferred habitat! Uzwelo products include reusable shopping bags, and school bags with built-in ponchos, which are donated in partnership with corporate SA at various events to rural children walking long distances to and from school. As well as removing barriers to education, a school bag is a prized personal possession. Corporates invited to physically participate in the gifting often experience the handover as life changing; their involvement transcends the usual 'just another CSI box to tick', or donation to an anonymous charity. Offering products which South Africans are invited to invest in challenges them to be intentional in their spending, raising questions not only around 'what' they're investing in, but also 'why', 'how' and 'who'. Reusable shopping bags facilitate a constructive public response to SA's plastic crisis. After years in the working world, Tanya's passion for sustainability has motivated her purposeful approach to her youngest venture, Uzwelo. She describes a chequered working past, backed by a BCom degree, which she acknowledges has stood her in good stead, a means to an end for her youthful travels and later business enterprises. Social and environmental conscience Describing herself as a Jack of all trades, Tanya remembers never having a sense of truly completing anything properly while work hopping between cities. After completing an interior design course in London, she imported and sold decorative goods in SA, but increasingly sustainability as a global issue has provided the context for her Uzwelo Bags, harnessing Tanya's business and creative skills while simultaneously surfacing her social and environmental conscience. Creating a work-life balance is something Tanya feels she hasn't achieved yet, although she's striving towards this. She observes, "When any business is new, you know you have to give it your all, so you really focus, hours can become days which become months, which can become years." She's grounded in her belief, though, that family always comes first. Having two high-needs premature babies was a compelling reminder of this and much as she is committed to her business, this is never at the expense of meeting her (now teenage) children's needs. Compassion Tanya identifies her mother, having moved with pioneering spirit from continent to continent several times while acquiring new languages each time, as her inspiration. Her children who, despite their not insignificant health challenges continue to meet each day with a good attitude. Tanya is their champion, saying: "They inspire me to go out and be the best I can be; also showing them that we are compassionate is the biggest kindness we can have for this world. They teach compassion all the time... and inspire me to continue to do the work that I do." The name 'Uzwelo' means, in essence, compassion. Although happy with where Uzwelo is now, Tanya states that she is committed to accomplishing more. "If you feel that you've stopped learning what's the point? You're never going to stop learning! You may think you know everything, but you never do." She explains how every day in her workplace is for her a learning opportunity, with staff who show her a new way, a better way to do something, or learning through simply becoming aware of how something may be perceived from a culturally-different perspective from her own. She'd like Uzwelo to continue to embrace all people from all walks of life. Do women need to approach work differently from men in order to achieve the same success? Tanya's answer is an emphatic 'yes'. Although she ventures that it may be changing now, she cites the gendered inequality in pay and need for women to take a break when having their children, seldom re-entering the economic sphere at the same level, as making it harder for women than men. "I do think that it's harder - women push harder, fight harder, persevere, possibly harder, than most men had to in the same positions. But I do feel positive about the future, that we're moving in the right direction ..." Tanya's advice for her younger self, who felt pressured because her peers seemed to know exactly what they wanted to be/do while she had no idea, would be: "I'd be kinder, and more gentle on myself," rather than judgemental because she hadn't yet found her path and say, "Don't worry about it so much, it'll come together, just keep going." Previous Next