Page 7 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

F irdose Abdool Razak-Moola

Founder and Director of KZN Advisory What inspires her most, however, is not awards or BALANCE AND PURPOSE
Centre accolades but the people she meets along the way. As work-life balance is essential for Firdose she makes
“It may sound a little clichéd, but it really is the people time to unwind in simple ways such as reading, enjoying
I meet – my support system, my family, my husband,
irdose Abdool Razak-Moola is the founder my friends and colleagues and of course, the Almighty. a cappuccino or indulging in a favourite treat. “If you
F and director of KZN Advisory Centre and Inspiration comes in many forms. The gratitude you ever see me eating waffles or donuts, you will know
the face of the organisation. “We provide I am having one of those days,” she laughs. “Comfort
counselling, support, assessments and therapy to all receive from others teaches you every day.” food and solitude help me reset.”
ages, genders and groups,” she explains warmly. “As A LEGACY OF SERVICE She also cherishes family time and moments of stillness.
a mental health practitioner, social worker in private
Firdose’s humility belies a string of impressive achieve- “I enjoy spa days and quiet evenings. You have to find
practice, play therapist, family therapist and life coach, that ‘me time’ to reflect and refocus. When I leave work,
ments. “I have been honoured with several recognitions
Firdose has made it her mission to create a safe and I leave it at work. Boundaries are crucial if you want to
professional space for individuals and families to find over the years,” she admits. “I received the KZN Woman keep moving forward.”
of Wonder Award, the SA Heroine Awards twice in a row,
balance, understanding and growth. She explains,
“We aim to support people wherever they are in their and I was listed in the 40 Under 40. Her company also This sense of balance feeds into her philosophy of living
recently was awarded the second-best therapy centre
life journey.” with gratitude. “You need to practise contentment,” she
in KwaZulu-Natal for 2025. says. “Whether your cup is half empty or half full, the real
SHAPED BY EXPERIENCE Each accolade is meaningful, but Firdose insists that joy lies in being grateful that you have a cup and you
can always refill it.”
Firdose’s journey into leadership began early in her the real reward lies in community impact. “The best
career. “I reached a management role at about the age part is knowing that people out there are the ones Firdose’s message to young people is one of confidence.
of 27,” she recalls. “From there I became an executive nominating and recognising you. It tells me I am doing “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. Women
director of a non-profit organisation, and then I knew it something right, that I am creating hope.” are taking on more leadership roles than ever before. My
was time to open my own private practice.” Today, that advice is simple. Do not say no to opportunities. Give
The people she serves often face immense personal
practice has grown into a respected centre that serves challenges. “Many wear masks,” she says. “You do it your best shot. Be the person that you see yourself.
the KwaZulu-Natal community and beyond. Don’t let anybody put you down and face your fears,
not always know what someone is going through. that’s most important.”
Firdose’s work at KZN Advisory Centre often involves A simple act of kindness, a smile, can change a
person’s life.”
delicate and emotionally charged cases. “We work with She often tells her clients and mentees not to be
a lot of divorce matters, contact disputes and child This empathy is deeply personal. Firdose lives with overwhelmed by the big picture. “Do not look at
assessments,” she explains. “Our goal is to ensure that systemic lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune the whole staircase. Take it one step at a time. Pause,
every decision and recommendation is made in the condition that she has managed for over 25 years. “If breathe, and before you know it, you will reach the top.”
best interest of the child, always taking into account you look at me, you might not realise I have lupus,” she Firdose added, “We all need to lift each other up.” She
mental capacity and their psychosocial emotional reflects. “I always explain it as my body having a party says, “It is not a race. We should form a sisterhood, a
wellbeing.” that I am not invited to. I do not see it as a challenge. I community that supports one another. Everyone is
see the condition as something to overcome. You have fighting a battle you cannot see, so practice kindness.
While her current focus lies in therapy and assessment,
to listen to your body and respect its limits. If I am A small act can have a profound effect.”
Firdose’s long-term dream is far more expansive. “I tired, I pause, reflect and then get going again.”
would love to see an umbrella body for my company At the heart of Firdose’s message lies a profound belief
that brings together psychologists, lawyers, advocates, Her resilience and perseverance, she believes, is what in the power of compassion. “Be kind, be content and
social workers and mental health practitioners,” she makes her a better practitioner and leader. “Stress have faith, be resilient and persevere.” She concludes,
shares. “Right now, everyone is scattered in private is a huge factor in health, and I teach others what I “Surround yourself with good people, whether they are
practice. I want to create a medical centre where clients practise myself. Firdose added, “Balance, mindfulness family, friends or mentors, because success is never a
can find all services under one roof, under the KZN and gratitude are essential in sustaining both mental solo journey. It is built on the love and encouragement
Advisory Centre (KZNAC). That is my vision.” and physical wellbeing.” of those who walk beside you.”

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