Page 125 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

CINDY NORCOTT

indy Norcott is the chief executive officer growth as a remote working hub. “South Africans become more discerning about who and what I say
of her own specialist recruitment agency, are highly regarded for their work ethic,” she adds, yes to,” she says, highlighting her recent efforts to
Pro Talent, which celebrated its 30th noting that with the arbitrage of foreign currencies prioritise and manage her time more effectively.
Canniversary in March. Cindy attended to the Rand, our citizens are affordable and value-
the University of Natal, Durban, where she pursued for-money employees. “I am particularly excited Cindy believes that open communication is
a social science degree, majoring in marketing, that we are placing South Africans in remote roles, essential for team morale. “I try to spend time
economics, and industrial psychology. “I then started where they get to work from the comfort of their with them and get to know them,” she explains.
my honours degree in industrial psychology and own homes, earning money from international Cindy fosters a positive work environment through
also studied business coaching,” Cindy shares. Her companies and then spending that money in our regular meetings, incentives, and celebrations of
academic path laid a foundation for her varied country,” she explains. special occasions. She is also a strong proponent
and impactful career, equipping her with both the of transparent and prompt conflict resolution. “I
theoretical grounding and practical skills that she Starting and running the Robin Hood Foundation believe it is important to share the spoils when we
would later apply in the recruitment industry. is the accomplishment that Cindy is the proudest do well and to celebrate any special occasion,” Cindy
of. “The Robin Hood Foundation is a part of my says, noting that a leader’s vulnerability can be an
Cindy’s career began as a recruitment consultant at DNA, and not a day goes by that I am not involved asset in building a cohesive team.
a small agency in Durban. “I loved it,” she reflects. in it,” she shares. Through the foundation, Cindy
After two years in the role, her entrepreneurial and her team have made a significant impact in GOAL-DIRECTED
spirit took flight, and she decided to open her own KwaZulu-Natal by building crèches, organising
agency. This decision marked the beginning of a entrepreneurial conferences, providing food Cindy’s inspiration stems from her desire to achieve
career built on both her passion for recruitment and relief, and supporting schools through initiatives her own goals. “I am a high achiever, and I am very
her commitment to supporting others in finding like the Sarmie Army, which delivers sandwiches goal-directed,” she says. Every year, Cindy sets
meaningful employment. to underprivileged students. “Our charity gets measurable goals across all aspects of her life,
no guaranteed funding, and I consider it a huge reviewing them weekly to maintain focus. “I find
Cindy says her current role involves strategy, achievement that we can carry out these projects it very motivational to achieve stretch goals. I am
management, marketing, and client liaison. Along- and manage to fund them through creative never without goals,” she adds. Cindy lives by the
side her responsibilities at Pro Talent, Cindy serves fundraising methods,” Cindy notes proudly. mantra, “Action is the antidote to despair,” using her
as the chairperson of the Robin Hood Foundation, ambitious spirit to create momentum in both her
a KwaZulu-Natal-based non-profit organisation she BE YOUR OWN HERO personal and professional life.
founded nearly 20 years ago. Her work with the
foundation involves daily strategic and operational A piece of advice that has profoundly shaped Cindy has high hopes for the future of KwaZulu-
commitments. Cindy is also a motivational speaker, Cindy’s journey is, “Nobody is coming to save you. Natal. “I believe that our province is bursting with
delivering around sixty inspirational talks each year Be your own hero.” This philosophy has driven her potential,” she says. Cindy foresees significant
at various conferences and corporate events. determination and proactive approach. “I am a growth in the property, tourism, and manufacturing
dreamer-doer,” she explains. Cindy attributes much sectors. She encourages local business people to
EMOTIONALLY INVESTED of her success to her ability to combine creativity with take more calculated risks and to have renewed faith
a strong action-oriented mindset. She emphasises in KwaZulu-Natal’s potential. “The people in KZN are
Cindy feels emotionally invested in South Africa’s the importance of self-belief and explains that her friendly, resilient, humble, and hard-working,” Cindy
economic development. “I believe that if the confidence has had a contagious effect on those notes, expressing her belief that the province can
economy thrives, people’s lives are changed for around her. “Others see my self-belief, and they then reach new heights in the coming years.
the better. Economic growth drives everything,” believe in me too,” she adds.
she says. For Cindy, each successful placement at Cindy lives by the motto, “Nobody became poor by
Pro Talent represents a life transformed. “When For Cindy, balancing multiple roles has been one of giving.” She believes in making the world a better
we make a permanent placement, we ring the bell her greatest challenges. “As a wife, mother of two, place and feels that everyone has a unique gift to
and everyone applauds because we have changed business owner, author, business coach, charity share. “I try to do something good for someone
another life. I believe that the more people we can head, and motivational speaker, I have constantly in need every single day,” she says. Cindy remains
place into a new job or a better-paying job, the felt too busy,” she confides. Cindy’s inability to committed to creating hope in KwaZulu-Natal and
more we can impact the economy,” she explains. say no added to this burden, leaving her with an tirelessly works through both her business and her
Cindy is particularly inspired about South Africa’s overfilled schedule. “In the past five years, I have charity to make a positive impact.
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