Page 59 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Revona Naidoo

Director at LexisNexis South Africa the business, learning how processes affect customers. Revona urges women to take ownership. “Don’t wait for
“Our customers sit close to my heart. Keeping them at someone to create a role. Create it yourself. You might
the centre of everything we do strengthens not just a not have the title, the pay, or the reward. Create it, own
evona Naidoo, director at LexisNexis South business however but leadership.” it, run with it.”
R Africa, non-executive director at Reed
Exhibitions and head of Sales Tools and Rejection and self-doubt were frequent companions.
Governance for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, is “I was turned down many times for opportunities,” she INTENTIONAL LIVING
Looking ahead, “Revona is set on becoming a CEO. I know
a woman who has carved her path with grit, grace, and an recalls. “You’ve got to prove yourself again and again,
I have what it takes – tenacity, perseverance, an insatiable
unwavering belief in possibility. Her journey to leadership which breaks you as a person.” Revona added, “However,
hunger to grow and help the youth of this country to find
has been anything but conventional. “There were lots driving results speaks for itself, and eventually all your
employment. I believe in lifelong learning; my learning
of ups and downs,” she reflects. “But persistency and hard work is seen and heard.”
perseverance drove me to success.” index is my edge. To lead effectively, you must keep
Significantly, she didn’t give up. “You persevere. You evolving, stay curious, and never stop investing in yourself.”
She began her career as a payroll consultant, but her speak up. You disrupt – professionally, respectfully –
compass was always set toward something greater. Guided even when it’s not welcomed. But it’s heard. Once I got On balance, Revona is intentional. “There’s no middle
by the mantra: ‘Courageous curiosity and performance the opportunity, the sky was the limit.” ground. Equilibrium comes from intentional living. Be
with purpose’, Revona rose from entry-level to the present in the moment. Give 100% at work, 100% to your
boardroom. “My goal in life, was always to one day be in a Her resilience paid off. Tasked with leading a sales kids, and 100% to yourself – even if that means waking up
boardroom to promote inclusivity and diversity,” she says. team despite her human resources background, at 4 a.m. Making time for yourself is essential.”
she transformed a retention-focused business. “It
At LexisNexis, Revona found more than a workplace was daunting,” she says. “But I introduced a new Revona’s story is a beacon for women navigating their own
– she found a mission. “We are a leading provider of sales element using existing resources. In addition, I paths. Her journey teaches us that leadership is not about
legal and regulatory content and technology solutions, redesigned the Customer Success operating model titles – it’s about impact, courage, and authenticity. She
committed to advancing the rule of law across the to support sales and together that delivered high reminds us that setbacks are setups for comebacks, and
African continent. As part of the global RELX Group performance growth.” that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
LexisNexis empowers professionals through trusted She encourages women to embrace their voices, even
information and intelligent platforms,” she explains. But BELIEVE IN YOUR WORTH when they tremble. “Speak up, even if your voice shakes,”
for her, it’s about impact. “I wake up knowing I get to Mentorship and support networks are central to she says. “Your ideas matter. Your presence matters.
make a difference in someone’s life.”
Revona’s success. “Mentors are important, but so are You matter.”
LEADING WITH COURAGE, PURPOSE, AND HEART supporters who grow with you and cheer you on,” she Her leadership style is rooted in empathy and empower-
says. “Support structures are just as vital as someone
Her leadership goes beyond transformation, it’s about creating an opportunity for you.” ment. She believes in lifting others as she climbs,
purpose. I am deeply committed to driving change, not creating inclusive spaces where women feel seen, heard,
just in communities around me but for everyone who Her daughter is now her guiding light. “She’s taught me and valued. “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest,”
believes in the power of possibility. For me it’s about patience and empathy,” Revona says. “I want to pave the she says. “It’s about listening deeply, understanding
creating spaces where people can rise, business thrive and way for her to aspire to greatness without limitations.” fully, and opening doors for others to rise.”
South Africa can grow into her full potential.
Her advice to young women is to be bold and use Revona’s legacy is one of transformation – not just within
One of her proudest achievements is the creation of an your voice: “Take risks early. Be visible. Speak from your her organisation, but within the hearts of those she inspires.
employee share trust. “My goal was equality,” she says. heart. Believe in your worth, even when others don’t She is proof that with courage, curiosity, and commitment,
“To ensure every individual, regardless of demographic, see it. Lead with integrity, listen deeply, and never women can break barriers and build bridges.
qualifies for equal opportunity. And we’ve done that.” underestimate the power of your voice.
To every woman reading her story, Revona offers this: “You
Revona’s path wasn’t without resistance. “Not everyone Challenges will shape you, not define you. Stay curious, are enough. You are capable. You are powerful. Don’t wait
is a supporter of you,” she admits. “You’re spoken over, stay kind, and always lift others as you rise. Your journey for permission to lead. Step into your greatness and own
your voice at the table is frowned upon.” Her response? is yours – own it with courage, grace, and unwavering your journey. Remember to be kind to yourself. You are the
Stay engaged. She immersed herself in different areas of self-respect. Be a continuous learner”. CEO of your own brand.”

− 61 −