Page 141 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

PALESA PHILI

alesa Phili is the chief executive officer of the but I always felt that something was missing.” She which required me to liaise with provincial law
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explains, “In a corporate environment, the focus is enforcement to reassure our members,” she says.
a role she has held for the past six years. In on the company’s objectives − chasing numbers and
P this capacity, she has overseen significant managing teams with a specific business emphasis. On a personal level, she finds motherhood, particularly
developments and challenges, working to improve However, I’ve always felt the need to do something raising teenagers, to be incredibly challenging. To
the business environment in Durban and the broader that could have a more significant impact on society.” overcome these personal challenges, she seeks advice
KwaZulu-Natal region. and support from other mothers who have gone
“When the Chamber approached me to become their through similar experiences.
Palesa has a life story marked by both challenges and CEO, I was both humbled and excited,” Palesa says.
resilience. She shares with a touch of humour, “I was She saw the opportunity to make the meaningful Motivating a team in the face of conflicts and ob-
born quite a while ago − my kids like to joke that I was difference she had always aspired to, creating a stacles is a significant part of Palesa’s role. She
born in the year BC! So, I’ll leave you guessing about lasting impact. acknowledges, “It’s very challenging, especially
my exact age, as a lady never reveals it.” considering the daily issues we face that affect the
SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS business community and us directly.” Despite these
Palesa’s childhood was far from easy. She recalls, “My challenges, Palesa is blessed with a committed team
mother became ill when I was around nine years Palesa Phili is proud of both her personal and that shares her passion for ensuring businesses thrive.
old, and I lost my father at a young age as well. I was professional achievements. On a personal level,
raised by various family members, and by the time I she expresses gratitude for her family, stating, “I’m She believes that trust and communication are key
was 18, my mother had been sick for about ten years incredibly proud of being a mother, wife, aunt, to maintaining team motivation. “I believe in
before she unfortunately passed away.” Despite these daughter-in-law, and sister. I’m grateful to God for my trusting my team and giving them the autonomy
hardships, her mother instilled in her the values of family and the life we share, and I’m excited about to do their jobs,” she says. Palesa also maintains a
hard work and humility – principles that have guided the future we’re building together.” clear management system where she meets with
Palesa throughout her journey. each team member one-on-one every week. These
Professionally, she takes pride in the progress the meetings are not only to check on their professional
In terms of education, Palesa holds a diploma in Durban Chamber has made under her leadership. progress but also to connect on a personal level. “This
business information systems, an advanced business “Today, the Chamber has become the only one in approach helps me stay connected with my team and
management programme certificate, and a master’s the country with a direct working relationship with ensures we’re all aligned in our goals,” she explains.
in business administration from the University of the Presidency. Palesa highlights this as a significant
Johannesburg. achievement, adding, “Recently, we met with the BALANCED AND PRINCIPLED
president of the country for the third time, addressing
TRUE CALLING the challenges facing our city and province. The Palesa draws inspiration from success and the
positive achievements of others. She explains, “I am
establishment of a presidential working group is
Palesa says that her first formal job was with Epsidon something I believe will help us address the key deeply inspired by success. When someone comes
Technologies, now known as Forst Technology. issues and revitalise our city.” to me and shares that they’ve started a company
Her role was technical, and she recalls, “My role or achieved something significant, it absolutely
involved assembling the PCs, loading software, and Palesa reflects on the best advice she’s received, excites and inspires me.” She finds humility in
troubleshooting before they were sold to dealers.” which came during a course on emotional intelli- these moments, saying, “These are the kind of
However, she soon realised that the technical field gence at Hewlett-Packard. At the time, she was things that really humble me, but they also inspire
might not be her true calling. beginning to manage people and was given a piece me. It’s incredible to see people out there who
of advice by a psychologist, Eva Hurley: “You can’t are doing good, wanting to do more good things,
Within a few months, her boss observed her control what others do or say, but you can control and improving themselves. That’s what drives my
potential and suggested a transition into sales. how you respond.” This advice has been invaluable inspiration in everything I see and do.”
Palesa embraced this opportunity and moved into in both her personal and professional life, helping
a sales role, where she thrived. This marked the her navigate various challenges and interactions. Palesa lives by the principles of honesty, integrity,
beginning of her journey in the business world, and humility which she asserts are three non-
leading to her role as CEO of the Durban Chamber. ADVICE AND SUPPORT negotiable things that she lives by to lead a
balanced and principled life. Palesa is also teaching
Reflecting on her journey, she notes, “If you look at Challenges are a constant in Palesa’s life, both pro- her children that these are important things you
my background, it’s all out there on LinkedIn. I’ve fessionally and personally. “Just recently, I dealt need to live by. Additionally, her Christian faith play
worked for different corporates and companies, with a major concern from one of our members, a significant role in guiding her life and decisions.
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