Page 33 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Shaleen Govender

Head of the KwaZulu-Natal Division of children that shows them it is possible to be a leader in greatest challenge has been navigating the expectation
SW360 and Founder of LIPT business and still lead with love at home.” that women must ‘choose’ between career and family.
I have chosen to integrate instead of separate, and that
Shaleen is clear about her children being her greatest integration has become my strength,” she notes.
haleen Govender leads the KwaZulu-Natal inspiration. “They remind me that leadership is ultimately
S division of SW360, South Africa’s leading about creating futures, where possibilities are limitless, Another challenge has been building authority in
provider of compliance and data intelligence and where balance between work, family, and passion is male-dominated spaces. “I see these challenges as
solutions. “Through our trusted platforms, SearchWorks not a compromise but a design.” opportunities. They have allowed me to show that
and VOCA, we empower businesses to reduce risk, leadership is not defined by gender, it is defined by vision,
embrace transparency and make confident decisions in She also looks to women leaders globally. “I am inspired resilience and authenticity.”
a rapidly evolving world,” she explains. by women leaders who challenge stereotypes, build
sustainable companies, and embrace holistic leadership. Shaleen shares clear advice for the next generation.
Beyond her corporate role, she is the founder of LIPT, a They remind me that true leadership balances profit, “Do not be afraid to step boldly into rooms where you
brand that began as a home patisserie and has grown people and planet.” may feel unprepared. Growth begins there,” she says.
into a franchise concept. LIPT now includes mobile food “Remember that you do not have to choose between
trucks serving artisanal creations at fairs and events. “Most MEANINGFUL ENTERPRISES your roles. You can be a leader, entrepreneur, mother,
importantly, I am a wife, mother of two, and chairperson Shaleen is proud of the influence she has had on both and change-maker all at once if you design your systems
of my children’s school governing body. These roles keep her ventures. Her many accomplishments reflect the wisely. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, lean
me grounded, strengthen my resilience, and remind depth and range of her leadership. “At SW360, my focus into mentorship, and never underestimate the power of
me that leadership is most powerful when it balances has been on strengthening our presence in KwaZulu- your own voice. Above all, lead with integrity and build
business growth with family and community impact.” Natal, building trust with our clients, and showing that for the long term, not just the short term.”
compliance and data intelligence can drive business
THE JOURNEY TO LEADERSHIP growth,” she explains. Her efforts have helped cement LOOKING AHEAD
Shaleen describes her journey as one built on courage, SW360’s footprint in the province through valued Shaleen’s ambitions remain strong. “With SW360,
systems thinking, and adaptability. “I’ve learned to relationships in the compliance and intelligence sector. my goal is to keep expanding our impact in KZN and
integrate, not separate, the different parts of my life,” she “With LIPT, I have taken a personal passion and beyond, helping businesses harness data intelligence to
says. “Whether growing a technology solution brand like developed it into a business model that has the build trust and transparency. With LIPT, I eventually want
SW360, building an entrepreneurial venture like LIPT, or potential to scale nationally. It proves that small ideas to scale it to a sustainable restaurant group, bringing
guiding education as a school leader, I have treated every can become meaningful enterprises.” What began as a innovation, culture and sustainability into the dining
challenge as part of a larger ecosystem.” experience,” she says.
home-based patisserie has now grown into a franchise
She believes her success stems from curiosity and and mobile food venture with strong prospects for “Personally, I aspire to mentor and empower the next
resilience. “By staying curious, resilient, and committed expansion across the country. generation of women leaders, showing them that it is
to innovation with purpose, I’ve been able to turn Her philosophy is rooted in “innovation, empowerment possible to balance ambition with purpose and family
opportunities into long-term growth while never losing and sustainability,” where ideas are transformed into with vision.”
sight of the people and communities I serve.”
structures that enable others to thrive. Balance, for Shaleen, is about alignment, not sacrifice. “I
Her dream has always been about legacy. “My biggest Beyond Shaleen’s career, she has shown that mother- create rhythms rather than compartments, giving my
dream has always been to create impact that outlives hood and business success can strengthen one another. full presence to whichever role I am in, whether it is the
me. For me, success is not about recognition, but about Her service as chairperson of her children’s school boardroom, my business kitchen, or a school event,” she
building sustainable businesses and communities where governing body reflects her commitment to community explains.
people are empowered to grow,” Shaleen explains.
development. She is also proud to be recognised as one She finds strength in her family. Shaleen concludes,
“At SW360, that means helping businesses operate with of KwaZulu-Natal’s top women leaders. “Balance also comes from my family, who ground me,
confidence and transparency. At LIPT, it means creating a and from my work, which excites me. When passion and
brand that celebrates culture, creativity, and accessibility. LEAD WITH INTEGRITY purpose align, balance stops being something you chase,
On a personal level, my dream is to leave a legacy for my For Shaleen, challenges have become strengths. “My it becomes something you live.”

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