Page 29 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

When you’re put in a really difficult position, you have two choices:

sink or swim.

and new-generation products that come with savings Karen asserts. “Most firms in this industry treat you as a
Founder,
accounts, thresholds, and above-threshold benefits. Most number, but we genuinely care. I’ve had clients call me at
ASI KZN
people don’t fully understand how these plans work and all hours, sometimes in the middle of the night, because
often end up on the most expensive option for years, they need urgent help.”
aren Howard founded ASI KZN in December 2023. She which is a complete waste of money.”
explained, “It’s in the financial services sector, where I Karen is determined to use her platform to create
Kwork as a specialist healthcare consultant. However, Her personal experiences have profoundly shaped her opportunities. “We’re actively seeking interns and mentor
she says first and foremost, she is a mum to three children, professional approach. “I learned the hard way when my young people to grow within the business. Our company
consisting of a 29-year-old son teaching in Hong Kong and daughter was born with an undiagnosed birth defect; has been a leader in promoting diversity, being the first
two daughters aged 23 and 21. congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH),” she shares. “She black economic empowered financial services company in
was rushed into ICU and required life-saving surgery. It was the country. We’re a family, and it doesn’t matter where you
Raised in East London on the Wild Coast, Karen fondly recalls, a challenging time, but it made me a more compassionate come from or what language you speak. We’re all working
“It’s the most beautiful place in the world, my therapy. My consultant. I can look people in the eye and say, ‘You never together for the benefit of our members.”
sister still lives there, so we visit as often as we can.” Her know what’s around the corner. You could face a serious
career took her from East London to Johannesburg, where illness or a major accident, so make sure you’re covered for Her passion extends to helping other women achieve
she studied, ventured into marketing, and then zigzagged the unexpected as best you can.’ I’m blessed to have my financial independence. “I’ve been a single mum for 14
between education and corporate roles. years without any external support, I’ve had no choice but
daughter, and she’s a constant reminder of the importance
Karen joined the first Montessori primary school in the of having the right medical cover.” to make it work. It’s crucial for women, particularly those
who have gone through divorce, to build wealth and
country, but when the school faced financial difficulties, she Karen shared how a woman named Dawn Ireland had move forward with dignity and confidence,” she says. “Our
joined the corporate world. Karen’s teaching experience been a significant source of motivation for her. Dawn company’s motto is ‘Build Wealth and Change Lives’, and
led her to a role with a medical scheme administrator, founded Cherubs, a support group for parents of children I want to ensure that motto resonates with women who
where she initially looked after corporate clients. She then with CDH, after losing her own son to the condition. have faced adversity.”
moved to another medical scheme and was eventually Despite this loss, she has dedicated her life to raising
headhunted by a financial services company. “I absolutely funds for research and training doctors worldwide on Karen’s future goals are clear: “I want to grow ASI KZN
hated it,” she admits. “I started my own company how to care for CDH babies. to become the leading financial services company in
because I felt there were gaps in the services provided. KwaZulu-Natal.”
The executives were being catered for, but nobody was Karen admires Dawn’s resilience, saying, “When you’re put
helping the people on the shop floor, who were left to in a really difficult position, you have two choices: sink or Living the Dream
figure everything out on their own.” swim. Like her, I’ve chosen to swim—and I put my heart Reflecting on her journey, Karen says, “For young women
into it.”
Her path to entrepreneurship was not without challenges. following my path, I’d say, find a mentor. It’s much better
“I’ve made some fundamentally terrible business decisions Challenges and Triumphs to learn from someone else’s experiences than your own
along the way,” Karen confesses, “but I’ve learned from mistakes. You also need grit and determination to succeed
them. It’s cost a small fortune, but that’s how you grow. Running a business has not been easy. “I’ve gone into in business, especially as a woman. Don’t be afraid to stand
I was fortunate to meet ASI Financial Services about two business in all the wrong ways, been far too trusting, and up for yourself, never stop learning and always maintain
years ago, and we joined forces. I became the first female partnered with the wrong people, without performing your financial independence.”
partner at ASI, but I certainly won’t be the last.” due diligence or protecting myself legally,” Karen admits. “I For Karen, life is not all about work. “It’s important to find
receive great support from two remarkable women, Nicole
Navigating Medical Aids Raats and Patricia Nzimande, who have been invaluable.” balance, especially in the corporate world, where the
pressure can be intense,” she explains. “If you don’t take
ASI KZN specialises in healthcare consulting. “We assist ASI KZN’s services and partnerships extend beyond time for yourself, it will affect your health.” She enjoys
members by sitting down with them to choose the right medical aid to include financial planning, employee painting, riding horses, and supporting her children’s
option for their medical needs and financial situations,” benefits, wealth creation, short-term insurance and even sporting activities. “I’m a country girl at heart,” she says.
Karen explains. “Medical schemes can be complex, with non-financial services such as fibre solutions and solar “We live in the countryside, and a walk in nature always
options such as income-based plans, hospital plans, power. “We’re not just another financial services company,” recharges my soul.”

Karen HOWARD | 27