Page 33 - KZN Top Business Women - eBook 2023

Our generation needs to do something

for the next generation.

dominated, and Priya found herself as the only female look for new ways to advance one’s career, rather than
Chief Financial Officer, Sumitomo
member on the board. This did not deter her as she accepting limitations.
Rubber South Africa
discovered that she brought a unique perspective to Priya explained, “Letting go of that dream was quite big,
the environment, and saw the opportunity to make
riya Govind is a chartered accountant and currently a difference. but when I did that, what it did was to open up other
the chief financial officer (CFO) of Sumitomo Rubber opportunities for me and the Smiths’ advertisement was
P South Africa (“Sumitomo”), which manufactures It was during this time that she decided to pursue emailed to me. I think the universe was responding to
Dunlop tyres and employs approximately 1 500 people. an MBA with a focus on manufacturing, thus further that ‘letting go’ which allowed me to create space for a
The manufacturing facility is located in Ladysmith which enhancing her credentials in the sector. This decision new dream.”
provides a significant source of income and stability to opened more opportunities for her and, in 2021, she
the town. was appointed to the national executive committee Future goals and aspirations
of NAACAM, the industry body for the automotive
The taste for business combined with an entrepreneurial component sector. In 2022, she was sought out for the Looking ahead, Priya has a clear vision of her future. She
spirit was instilled by Priya’s parents. aims to continue and develop within the automotive
role of CFO at Sumitomo.
She says that her career started informally, as a young In her role as CFO at Sumitomo, Priya has made sector. Her long-term aspiration is to become a business
owner in the sector, all whilst uplifting others and
girl, in her Dad’s pharmacy. After school and on significant contributions. One of her key achievements showing them what is possible.
Saturdays, Priya and her brothers, would often work has been redirecting the focus of management
in the pharmacy packing shelves, helping customers, toward financial independence and sustainability. By Priya’s goals are not limited to her own success; she
calculating change and cashing up. Priya added, “I got simplifying complex financial concepts, rallying teams envisions a future where more women can access
to see first-hand both the joys and challenges of being a of people to work towards common goals and creating opportunities in various industries and where gender
small business owner.” She was further motivated by her a clear path toward financial independence, she has is no longer a limitation. Priya looks to a quote from
mother who ran her own successful import business. Eleanor Roosevelt for inspiration, “The future belongs to
been instrumental in transforming the company’s
With this taste for business, Priya pursued a Bachelor of financial standing. those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
Commerce degree at the University of Natal, which laid Priya added, “As long as you are dreaming, there is hope.
the groundwork for her career in finance. However, it Creating a better future So, don’t ever let go of your dreams. And if you do have
was her subsequent entry into the auditing profession Priya looks to her children for inspiration and recognises to let go of your dreams, as I have along the way, re-
that catapulted her into a world of possibilities. dream and reimagine your future and then pursue it.”
that “our generation needs to do something for the next
In 2001, Priya began her professional journey at generation.” One way in which Priya intends to improve Maintaining a work-life balance is crucial for Priya’s well-
PricewaterhouseCoopers as a trainee accountant. Over the world for the next generation is by promoting being. She has a supportive spouse who takes on his fair
the years, she worked her way up through the ranks, diversity and inclusion. “We’ve got to make sure that the share of domestic responsibilities. She values relaxation
eventually achieving the position of associate director. world is big enough for all genders and that inspires me, to manage the challenges of her professional life. This
After spending five years in the position of associate not just to create pathways for women but to find ways includes spending time with family and friends, enjoying
director, she began reevaluating her career goals and of growing the ‘pie’ so that everyone can participate in spa treatments, and trying to do at least 10 minutes of
started looking at alternate career options. it,” she says. guided meditation in the mornings. Priya explained, “I
think when your day starts off on the right note, you
One of the challenges Priya encountered in her career was
Embracing the challenge know it limits the levels of stress that you will experience.”
the need to let go of her long-held dream and aspiration
In 2016, Priya took a bold step by transitioning into the to become an audit partner. Priya had encountered the Priya said that she is looking forward to getting to know
automotive sector. She joined Smiths Manufacturing, invisible glass ceiling. Whilst not explicitly stated, she other KZN Top Business Women, and finding ways to
a subsidiary of Metair Investments Limited, as their sensed its presence and recognised the need to reframe support each other and learn. In the process she hopes
financial/IT director. It was a significant career shift and her own view of the world and her purpose within to, “Spark new opportunities and pathways, collectively
not without its challenges. The manufacturing industry it. Priya remained optimistic as she knew that these and individually, for the common purpose of building a
at the time, like many others, was predominantly male challenges could be converted into opportunities to better future for all.”

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