Page 163 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

ASHOK SEWNARAIN

shok Sewnarain serves as the chairman by the long waitlist for Standard Bank vault key is resilience and the ability to learn and
of IBV International Vaults Group, a services. grow from setbacks,” he said. His approach to
global leader in exclusive vault services. business involves not just focusing on wins,
A Born in Mayville and educated at “I identified a gap in the market where people but also finding value in losses and using those
Burnwood High School in Sydenham, Ashok’s needed secure, high-end vaults, and banks experiences to become stronger.
journey to entrepreneurship began early. His first weren’t meeting that demand,” Ashok explained.
job was working alongside his father in the family’s Since then, IBV has grown into an international Leadership is central to Ashok’s philosophy,
real estate business. While doing this, Ashok brand with nine branches, including the most and he highlights the importance of clear
attended university at night to pursue a bachelor exclusive vaults in London and Dubai. “It’s been communication with his team. “Any team needs
of accounting degree. However, after six months, 20 years, and the business continues to grow by leadership, direction, and a shared vision. It’s vital
balancing work, studies, and his relationship with filling a market need and offering exceptional to keep the team motivated by ensuring they
his girlfriend proved too challenging, and he services,” he added. understand the destination,” he said. By fostering
a sense of purpose and unity, Ashok ensures his
made the difficult decision to leave university.
LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENTS team stays aligned and driven toward success.
“I had to choose between continuing university,
Among his many career milestones, Ashok cites
working for my dad, or breaking up with my VISION FOR THE FUTURE
negotiating with Barclays Bank to acquire half
girlfriend. I chose the easiest option,” Ashok
of their branch in Mayfair, London, to develop a Ashok’s family is his greatest source of inspiration.
explained. Despite leaving school, his time spent
vault as a particularly significant achievement. “My wife, children, and grandson motivate me
learning from his father provided him with
“Securing a vault in Mayfair, the most prestigious every day,” he shared. He believes that health,
valuable insights into the property business.
location in London, was a huge challenge, family, and spirituality are the cornerstones of life,
However, Ashok’s ambitions extended beyond but one of the most rewarding,” he recalled. while business remains a project. This mindset
the family business, and he soon set out to Another notable accomplishment was IBV being keeps him grounded and focused on what truly
create his own path, launching Randall’s Finance recognised by the Guinness World Records for matters, despite his professional success.
Brokers which was a small operation with just hosting the IBV Supercar Club Charity Parade.
one desk and three chairs. Here, he offered Looking ahead, Ashok is optimistic about the
Yet for Ashok, every small victory is just as im- future of business in KwaZulu-Natal. “The oppor-
financial services to businesses and private
property developers, marking the beginning of portant. “Business is a constant challenge, but tunities here are incredible, and despite the
his entrepreneurial journey. with each challenge comes achievement,” he economic challenges, I believe that with the right
emphasised. His father’s advice to be courageous approach, businesses in KwaZulu-Natal have
BUSINESS ACUMEN AND GROWTH and to keep business simple has remained a a bright future,” he said. He views the region as
guiding principle throughout his journey. a land of opportunity and is excited about the
Reflecting on his career, Ashok recalls starting
potential for growth and development.
Randall’s Finance Brokers at just 24 years old. AN ONGOING JOURNEY OF LEADERSHIP
From there, he moved into some property devel- Ashok’s personal motto, “Fear no one, respect
opment and later expanded into the hotel Ashok believes that the constant challenge of everyone”, reflects his approach to life and business.
industry, launching the Bayside Hotels group. business growth and development is one of It underscores his belief in the importance of
His business drive eventually led him to estab- the biggest hurdles any entrepreneur faces. courage, humility, and respect as essential qualities
lish IBV International Vaults in 2004, inspired “Challenges come at you constantly, but the for success.

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