Page 49 - KZN Top Business Women 2024

Business is like riding a wave — you have ups and downs. The key

is to stay resilient, adapt, and keep moving forward. It takes a thick skin

and innovative thinking, but there’s always a way through.

grandfather after her mother’s early passing, Noeleen adapt, and keep moving forward. It takes a thick skin and
Principal and Owner,
Ingwe Property Group learned the value of determination and resilience. Her innovative thinking, but there’s always a way through.”
grandfather’s story of immigrating to South Africa as
a nine-year-old boy further fuels her drive to create a One of the toughest periods in her career was the 2008
oeleen Naidoo, principal and owner of Ingwe financial crisis. “I was on holiday when I got a call from the
legacy. “Their lives have taught me that no matter how
Property Group, has built a career defined by hard office saying the banks had stopped lending 90% loans;
you start, it’s what you do with the journey that counts.”
N work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the maximum was now 80%. I remember thinking, ‘Who
people. Leading a company that has thrived for 25 years, Perseverance, Change, and Impact has a 20% deposit lying around?’” Though the industry
with its head office in Pinetown and satellite branches in was in turmoil, Noeleen stayed resolute. “It was a tough
Noeleen’s likens her success to standing at the edge of time, but here we are, years later. In those moments,
Winston Park and Umhlanga, Noeleen’s vision has helped
the Red Sea, with no choice but to move forward. “There you have to focus on the positives. Homeownership is
the business grow and adapt in an evolving industry.
was no turning back. I had to persevere,” she says, adding something people should never put off if they can help it,
Life moved quickly for Noeleen—marriage and mother- that “Change is the only constant.” One of the most and we encouraged our clients to keep moving forward.”
hood came early, leaving little room to pursue personal notable shifts has been the formalisation of the industry,
dreams. However, she reflects that her greatest sense of with the introduction of qualifications like the NQF4. Noeleen’s drive extends to her community. “We’re not just
fulfilment now comes not only from realising her own Noeleen views these developments positively, as they selling homes, we’re making a difference in people’s lives,
goals but also from helping others achieve theirs. ensure that agents are well-trained and take their careers and that’s reflected in how we engage with the world
seriously. “You can’t just wing it anymore; you need to around us.” For her, being a business owner is about
Her entry into real estate was unplanned. After leaving come prepared to work, learn, and grow.” making a meaningful impact. “That’s my greatest joy and
school, she joined the workforce out of necessity, driven proudest achievement—knowing I’ve helped change
by the need to earn a living. “I spent time in the hospitality Her commitment to mentorship is evident in her focus people’s lives, whether through the homes we sell or the
industry and financial institutions before realising my on training. “As the industry becomes more formalised, community work we do.”
passion for people. Real estate became the platform it’s essential that agents are skilled and knowledgeable.
where I could fulfil that purpose,” she explains. That’s why I’ve prioritised training at Ingwe Property Her hands-on approach during crises, including floods,
Group. Our agents are lifelong learners, and I take pandemics, or social unrest, reflects her belief in
Noeleen has seen her business grow from serving responsibility for ensuring they are well-prepared for the leadership through action. “We don’t wait for others to
the affordable housing market to accommodating a challenges they’ll face.” step in. We get out there and do what needs to be done.”
diverse range of clients, from first-time homeowners to
high-end property investors. “Ingwe Property Group is Noeleen has made it her mission to provide oppor- With franchising on the horizon for Ingwe Property
confident in our ability to provide exceptional service,” tunities for young people, especially school leavers Group, Noeleen believes her company is poised for
says Noeleen. seeking a way into the workforce. “Our company’s greater success. “I believe we have something special
slogan is ‘making a difference,’ and we live by that every to offer,” she says. In addition, Ingwe’s licensed training
Over the years, she has mastered various aspects of the day,” she says proudly. academy now offers qualifications in real estate, which
real estate business, from contracts to marketing, and Noeleen hopes will attract young people and bring more
from paper-based systems to the digital era. Recently, she Her approach to leadership is deeply relational. She diversity into the industry. She is passionate about playing
completed an entrepreneurship course with the Gordon fosters strong bonds within her team, encouraging open a pivotal role in ensuring that change. Noeleen envisions
Institute of Business Science (GIBS), focusing on financial communication and mutual support. “Real estate is a a more dynamic real estate sector, moving away from the
and business management. In line with her passion for tough industry,” she admits. “We spur each other on, and traditional image of it being a career for retirees.
people and mentorship, she is also pursuing life coaching we grow stronger together.”
and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Despite her numerous commitments, Noeleen finds
Like any entrepreneur, Noeleen understands that time for personal interests, particularly her faith and
Reflecting on her journey, Noeleen credits her family, business comes with its share of challenges as nothing fitness. “I’m an energy bunny!” she laughs, sharing
particularly her late mother, as her greatest inspiration. is guaranteed. However, she views challenges as that she rises at 4 a.m. to fit in her workout routine, a
“My mother always said, ‘Hard work will never kill you,’ opportunities for growth. “Business is like riding a wave— testament to the vitality and enthusiasm she brings to
and she lived by that belief.” Raised by her aunts and you have ups and downs. The key is to stay resilient, all areas of her life.

Noeleen NAIDOO | 47