Page 47 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

I live by the principle of doing good,

even when no one is watching.

The Power of Relationships At the Do More Foundation, Iris is especially proud of two
Partnership Manager, flagship programmes that embody her commitment to
Do More Foundation For Iris, her greatest professional achievement is not a single empowerment and inclusivity. The first is the Township
project or accolade, but the relationships she has built and Economy Programme, which supports young women
ris Naidoo is the partnership manager for the Do More sustained over the years. “Forging strong relationships in business from impoverished communities. “This
Foundation, a non-profit organisation established by RCL and keeping them is something I’m incredibly proud of,” programme helps these women professionalise their
IFoods. “I have always been passionate about people and she notes. “Whether it’s with municipalities, government businesses, grow, employ more people, and most
connecting with them,” she reflects. “So it felt natural to bodies, or the non-profit sector, relationships are the importantly, realise their own value,” she explains. The
pursue public relations and communication science,” she backbone of any successful initiative.” initiative not only empowers individual women but also
explains. “After my studies, I entered the non-profit sector, strengthens township economies, which Iris describes as
which aligned perfectly with my desire to connect with Iris added that she believes that the key to success, “the lifeblood of our society.”
people and make a tangible difference.” whether in the corporate or non-profit world, lies in
building strong, meaningful connections. “It’s through The second programme, Do More Play, focuses on inclusivity
Growing up in a family dedicated to community work, these relationships that we can deliver the work we aim by training disabled youth to make wooden toys for young
Iris feels her personal and professional lives are deeply to do in communities,” she explains. “Maintaining these children’s cognitive development. “This is such an amazing
intertwined. “Community work is part of who I am,” she relationships over time has been essential to making a programme,” Iris says with pride. “It provides disabled youth
says. Her early experience placed her at a non-profit long-lasting impact.” with an income, but more than that, it gives them a skill
where she learned the fundamentals of community However, the challenges of the work can often be and a sense of purpose. We’ve heard so often from the
development and the challenges faced by impoverished participants how much this has changed their lives.”
areas. From there, she transitioned into corporate social overwhelming, especially when faced with the vast needs
investment roles, ensuring her focus remained steadfast: in the communities she serves. “The need in our country Balancing Work and Life
making a positive impact wherever she served. “I always is immense,” Iris admits. “It can be daunting at times, and Despite her demanding role, Iris ensures she takes time
believe we should leave a place better than we found people often ask how I’ve managed to do this for 22 for herself and her family. “When I have time off, I love to
it, and that’s been my driving force for over 22 years,” years. But for me, it’s about knowing that every little bit cook and spend time with my family,” she shares. “Fun and
Iris adds. counts.” She draws strength from the metaphor of the ‘one
starfish at a time’ story, reminding herself that even small family are my two big passions.” As a mother of two, family
Iris attributes much of her motivation and inspiration acts of kindness can make a difference. “Yes, the need is is a constant source of strength and energy for her. “My
to her faith and family. “My family is my moral compass. overwhelming, but if we each do our part, even if it’s just family fuels me, and cooking is one of the ways I relax and
My faith teaches me to do good, even when no one’s one act of kindness, we can make an impact.” connect with them.”
watching, and that truly drives me forward.” This personal Iris also offers advice to young women entering the non-
ethos guides her work, where she strives to empower The inequalities in South Africa, particularly the lack of access profit or corporate sectors. “Let’s not compete with one
and inspire others to perform small acts of kindness. Iris to quality education, are barriers that Iris is determined to another,” she urges. “It’s easy to fall into competition,
shares, “I live by the principle of doing good, even when address. “Poverty creates such stark lines of inequality,” she especially when recognition and affirmation are limited in
no one is watching.” says. “But we persevere, doing what we can, knowing that our space. But instead, we should support each other.” She
even the smallest actions count towards a bigger goal.”
thinks that there is room for everyone to succeed, a belief
Consequently, Iris has spent her career focused on
building brighter futures for young children, specifically Inspiring Others she sums up with a simple yet powerful motto: “There’s
those aged 0 to 5. “Our goal is to provide these children Looking ahead, Iris remains focused on inspiring others always room for one more at the table.”
with the best possible start to life through various to do good, both in their personal lives and through their Iris’s message is clear: by empowering others, supporting
initiatives that focus on early childhood development. organisations. “My goal is to continue motivating people to one another, and doing small acts of kindness, we can
These programmes are designed to support vulnerable look within themselves and ask how they can do more— all contribute to making the world a better place. “That’s
children, particularly in underserved communities, how they can inspire others to do small acts of kindness,” what I stand for,” she concludes. “Empowering and
ensuring they have access to the resources and she says. “If each one of us does one small act, this world will inspiring people to do good, no matter how small the act
opportunities they need to thrive.” be a better place.” may seem.”

Iris NAIDOO | 45