Page 13 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

Don’t put your makeup on and be someone you’re not.

Be you, even if it is crazy and outgoing – I think that’s cool.

stepping into a new field without that support was a “Her question was a powerful reminder that, despite the
Co-Founder,
challenge. However, her mother, Barbie Rowe, (Barbara challenges I’ve faced, I am standing strong. I realised in
Lance Klusener Exclusives and Friends
Constance Rowe) remains her biggest inspiration. “She that moment that my resilience and perseverance are
taught me from a young age that you don’t have to inspiring others. That woman was amazed by my strength,
anine De Jesus has built an extraordinary career in rely on people; you can do it yourself,” Janine recalls. It and it reinforced for me that not everyone can overcome
South Africa’s real estate industry, a path she began was her mother who nurtured her confidence, enrolling the hardships I had to endure—but I did.”
Jat the age of 21 as a Principal. As the co-founder
of Lance Klusener Exclusives and Friends, Janine’s her in speech and drama classes to combat shyness Moments like these remind me of the importance of
journey has been shaped by personal challenges and and even encouraging her to pursue modelling, an standing tall and being a source of strength for others.
professional triumphs. She reflects on her introduction experience that helped shape Janine into the poised Even if you don’t know someone personally, always stand
to real estate, inspired by her father, saying, “Once you and confident leader she is today. by their truth. Supporting others, regardless of familiarity,
get into real estate, it’s like a bug. It just bites you. And One of the greatest hurdles Janine has faced in her career is a powerful act of kindness and strength.”
you’re just taken by it.” was a malicious cyberbullying campaign. “Everything
I did, they put horrible things on social media,” Janine Her drive to inspire others has extended to mentoring
Janine’s passion, however, transcends just property women in the business. Janine has watched many
sales. She found her true calling in developing people, reveals. While this deeply affected her emotionally and women struggle or fail, and she stands as a beacon of
recruiting, and growing companies. “I’ve always been a impacted her business, she stood firm and refused to support. “Watching how women particularly have failed
natural-born CEO,” she says. Her leadership has been be broken. “It taught me how to stand up,” she explains. or been hurt... as a life coach and motivational speaker, I
instrumental in transforming the real estate landscape, “Cyberbullying affects so many women CEOs, young believe you always have to be learning-based,” she says.
especially with the introduction of the NQF 4 and NQF children, and business individuals. There’s a need to Her advice to young women is simple: “Believe in yourself.
5 qualifications, which she embraced as a necessary step address this.” Don’t be afraid of hard work, and don’t be afraid of taking
in professionalising the industry. “There was a need for Janine has used the experience as an opportunity to a risk.”
property practitioners to be looked after,” Janine explains, advocate against cyberbullying, especially among young
which led her to become not only a real estate expert but people. “I’ve started doing talks at schools, helping Janine is equally enthusiastic about community involve-
also a life coach and motivational speaker. individuals deal with how to overcome cyberbullying and ment and is an active fundraiser for poverty relief.
Janine’s leadership at Lance Klusener Exclusives and how to deal with it,” she shares. Holistic Approach
Friends is fuelled by a passion to empower others, For Janine, the most important lesson she has learned
especially young people and those transitioning from through her journey is to “stand in your truth.” As she Her successes have been acknowledged through awards,
professional sports to new careers. Partnering with South puts it, “As long as you know your truth, you’re OK. Let such as the Second Princess in the Mrs KZN competition
African cricket icon Lance Klusener, she has created a VIP AI create things, let people say things, but the people and numerous accolades for her communication skills
real estate brand that offers training and coaching for that know you and value you will stand by you.” She and leadership.
former athletes, helping them find success in business. added, “It’s crucial for women to stand up for each other. One of Janine’s dreams is to build the largest real estate
“We are taking them in, and I am training, coaching, and People will always talk, but your truth is what matters.” brand in South Africa and to have over one hundred
growing them to be in their own business under the Janine acknowledges how heart breaking it can be property practitioners. She envisions her company as a
Lance Klusener Exclusive brand,” she says. powerhouse in the industry, fuelled by her determination
when people judge you based on rumours or false
Do It Yourself accusations, but she has learned to rise above it. and ability to overcome obstacles.

Janine acknowledges the personal losses she faced along Empowering Others Janine’s philosophy is grounded in authenticity. “Don’t
the way, especially the death of both her parents in 2018, One of the proudest moments of Janine’s journey was put your makeup on and be someone you’re not. Be
just four months apart. “Lots of blood, sweat, and tears when she was approached by a woman after one of her you, even if it is crazy and outgoing — I think that’s
went into this journey,” she says, highlighting the per- cool.” Of note her holistic approach to life and work
severance needed to thrive in the industry. motivational talks who asked, “How are you still alive is what sets her apart. She finds balance in spending
after everything you’ve been through, especially the quality time with her blended family of five children and
He father was a business partner and as a woman CEO cyberbullying?” a supportive husband.

Janine DE JESUS | 11