Page 53 - KZN Top Business LEADERS-eBook

MARK GOUNDER

ark Gounder, chief executive officer we think about it, with four people per household, is everything,” he says. “It’s not about money; it’s
of Hulamin, a prominent JSE listed we’re positively impacting around 10,000 people, about having strong family values.”
company based in Pietermaritzburg, not to mention our local suppliers and the broader
Mcredits much of his success to his Pietermaritzburg community,” he notes. “How many OVERCOMING CHALLENGES WITH
upbringing. He proudly describes himself as “a people can say they get to go to work, make a real DETERMINATION
testament to the saying that it takes a village to difference in people’s lives, and get paid for it?” Mark acknowledges that one of the biggest hurdles
raise a child.” Reflecting on his early years, Mark people face, is the temptation to adopt a victim
says, “I was fortunate to grow up in an environment Mark believes that success comes from cultivating mentality. “It’s easy to find excuses for why you
a culture of empowerment and accountability.
where people genuinely supported my growth. can’t achieve something,” he explains. “It took me 15
“Leadership is about making bold decisions and
This culture of care helped shape my career and
being prepared to deal with the consequences, but years of part time studying to become a chartered
allows me to give back in meaningful ways.”
always having a plan,” he asserts. “With the right plan, accountant, and there were plenty of reasons to
Mark’s journey has been guided by two core anything is possible.” give up along the way. Anything is possible - you
principles: “First, no matter your circumstances, just have to stay committed to your dream.”
Honesty and authenticity are also at the heart of
respect is paramount. Second, avoid a victim Mark has been fortunate to have many mentors
mindset – always believe that you have the power Mark’s leadership style. “People think leadership throughout his life, from his parents to his first
to improve.” For him, personal growth is not starts when you walk into the office, but you’re a manager. “It wouldn’t be fair to name just one
measured by wealth but by purpose. “I believe we leader all the time – it’s about being yourself,” he says. – they’ve all had a profound impact on me,” he
all have a unique purpose on this earth. For me, Mark values open communication, taking time to reflects. He draws inspiration from Formula 1,
it’s clear: I was born to create value for others,” listen and share his own experiences. He emphasises particularly the precision and teamwork in pit
he shares. This belief fuels his desire to positively the importance of collaboration: “Leadership isn’t just stops. “No problem is too big if you have the right
impact the lives of those around him, both at work about giving orders. It’s about taking people along team around you,” he believes.
and in his community. with you on the journey.”

Due to financial challenges, Mark couldn’t pursue For Mark, empowering his team means fostering A VISION FOR KWAZULU-NATAL
full-time studies. “I didn’t have the means to study a culture of accountability. “If you want to be Looking ahead, Mark is passionate about fostering
full-time,” he recalls. “I started my career as an empowered, you need to accept the responsibility collaboration to improve KwaZulu-Natal. “Business
apprentice at Pep Stores, where I learned the basics that comes with it. You must take ownership of both leaders need to come together and take collective
of entrepreneurship and leadership at just 19, while the successes and the challenges, and always have a responsibility for making KZN better,” he says. As
others my age were still in university.” plan to keep improving.” Hulamin is the largest employer in Pietermaritzburg,
he sees the company playing a key role in creating a
Mark’s first opportunity in the finance field was as a LESSONS IN RESPECT AND PERSEVERANCE culture of growth and value creation.
cost clerk at Illovo Sugar in 1995, the same company
where his father worked for 36 years. “I was thrilled. Mark’s father imparted valuable wisdom that still DREAM BIG, STAY TRUE
I had an office, a phone, a computer, and they even guides him today: “He taught me that no matter
what you achieve in life, you must always respect
covered my further education,” he explains. Within Mark’s personal motto is grounded in trust, respect,
others,” says Mark. Another key lesson was the power
five years, he earned his BCom degree in Financial and the power of believing in yourself. “You can’t lead
Management, Accounting, and Tax and advanced of believing in your dreams: “If you can dream it, you or be successful without trust, and trust goes hand in
into a management accountant role, progressing can achieve it.” hand with respect,” he says. He also believes that no
through three positions during that time. When asked about his greatest achievement, Mark dream is too big if you have the right mindset: “Chase
your dream, surround yourself with the right people,
doesn’t hesitate: “Meeting my wife is the best thing
LEADING HULAMIN WITH A VISION and most importantly, believe in yourself.”
that ever happened to me. She has been my rock,
Mark commented that he sees his role as an standing by me through every challenge.” Together, In closing, Mark shares a reminder about life’s brevity:
opportunity to create value for Hulamin’s over they have two sons, forming a close-knit family that “There are two certainties in life – you will die, and
2500 people and the surrounding community. “If reflects Mark’s values of respect and support. “Family you will pay taxes. So why not live life to the fullest?”
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