Firdose Abdool Razak-Moola

Firdose Abdool Razak-Moola is the founder and director of KZN Advisory Centre and the face of the organisation. “We provide counselling, support, assessments and therapy to all ages, genders and groups,” she explains warmly. “As a mental health practitioner, social worker in private practice, play therapist, family therapist and life coach, Firdose has made it her mission to create a safe and professional space for individuals and families to find balance, understanding and growth. She explains, “We aim to support people wherever they are in their life journey.”

SHAPED BY EXPERIENCE
Firdose’s journey into leadership began early in her career. “I reached a management role at about the age
of 27,” she recalls. “From there I became an executive director of a non-profit organisation, and then I knew it
was time to open my own private practice.” Today, that practice has grown into a respected centre that serves the KwaZulu-Natal community and beyond.

Firdose’s work at KZN Advisory Centre often involves delicate and emotionally charged cases. “We work with
a lot of divorce matters, contact disputes and child assessments,” she explains. “Our goal is to ensure that
every decision and recommendation is made in the best interest of the child, always taking into account
mental capacity and their psychosocial emotional wellbeing.”

While her current focus lies in therapy and assessment, Firdose’s long-term dream is far more expansive. “I
would love to see an umbrella body for my company that brings together psychologists, lawyers, advocates,
social workers and mental health practitioners,” she shares. “Right now, everyone is scattered in private
practice. I want to create a medical centre where clients can find all services under one roof, under the KZN
Advisory Centre (KZNAC). That is my vision."

What inspires her most, however, is not awards or accolades but the people she meets along the way. “It may sound a little clichéd, but it really is the people I meet – my support system, my family, my husband,
my friends and colleagues and of course, the Almighty.

Inspiration comes in many forms. The gratitude you receive from others teaches you every day.”

A LEGACY OF SERVICE
Firdose’s humility belies a string of impressive achievements. “I have been honoured with several recognitions over the years,” she admits. “I received the KZN Woman of Wonder Award, the SA Heroine Awards twice in a row, and I was listed in the 40 Under 40. Her company also recently was awarded the second-best therapy centre in KwaZulu-Natal for 2025.

Each accolade is meaningful, but Firdose insists that the real reward lies in community impact. “The best
part is knowing that people out there are the ones nominating and recognising you. It tells me I am doing
something right, that I am creating hope.”

The people she serves often face immense personal challenges. “Many wear masks,” she says. “You do
not always know what someone is going through. A simple act of kindness, a smile, can change a
person’s life.” This empathy is deeply personal. Firdose lives with systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune condition that she has managed for over 25 years. “If you look at me, you might not realise I have lupus,” she reflects. “I always explain it as my body having a party that I am not invited to. I do not see it as a challenge. I see the condition as something to overcome. You have to listen to your body and respect its limits. If I am tired, I pause, reflect and then get going again.”

Her resilience and perseverance, she believes, is what makes her a better practitioner and leader. “Stress
is a huge factor in health, and I teach others what I practise myself. Firdose added, “Balance, mindfulness
and gratitude are essential in sustaining both mental and physical wellbeing.”

BALANCE AND PURPOSE
As work-life balance is essential for Firdose she makes time to unwind in simple ways such as reading, enjoying a cappuccino or indulging in a favourite treat. “If you ever see me eating waffles or donuts, you will know I am having one of those days,” she laughs. “Comfort food and solitude help me reset.”

She also cherishes family time and moments of stillness. “I enjoy spa days and quiet evenings. You have to find that ‘me time’ to reflect and refocus. When I leave work, I leave it at work. Boundaries are crucial if you want to keep moving forward.”

This sense of balance feeds into her philosophy of living with gratitude. “You need to practise contentment,” she says. “Whether your cup is half empty or half full, the real joy lies in being grateful that you have a cup and you can always refill it.”

Firdose’s message to young people is one of confidence. “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Women are taking on more leadership roles than ever before. My advice is simple. Do not say no to opportunities. Give it your best shot. Be the person that you see yourself. Don’t let anybody put you down and face your fears, that’s most important.”

She often tells her clients and mentees not to be overwhelmed by the big picture. “Do not look at the whole staircase. Take it one step at a time. Pause, breathe, and before you know it, you will reach the top.”
Firdose added, “We all need to lift each other up.” She says, “It is not a race. We should form a sisterhood, a
community that supports one another. Everyone is fighting a battle you cannot see, so practice kindness.
A small act can have a profound effect.”

At the heart of Firdose’s message lies a profound belief in the power of compassion. “Be kind, be content and have faith, be resilient and persevere.” She concludes, “Surround yourself with good people, whether they are family, friends or mentors, because success is never a solo journey. It is built on the love and encouragement of those who walk beside you."