Bethel ‘Michelle’ Jewlal, Director at LifeLine Zululand – Learning through transformation

Tell us a bit about yourself

We are a family of five; my husband, Nolen; daughter, Leela-Rose; and two fur babies, Willemina and Thandi. I’m at the helm of LifeLine Zululand as Director.
People may have different views and opinions of me. I am not perfect and have fallen a few times along the way, but I accept the version of me that I am right now. I am realistic. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and work toe-to-toe with anyone. I’m always willing to learn and grow.

What do you think makes a successful leader?

Living a conscious, present, mindful and deliberate life of awareness – of the self and others – and bringing this into all aspects of daily life.

What is your favourite thing about being a woman?

We can change our minds several times and still be right! As women, we are resilient and rely on transformation and change to keep pushing the.

Do you draw professional inspiration from other women?

I don’t rely on one source of inspiration. I observe and seek internal transformation and development regularly, so I tap into many channels such as online, books, movies and cartoons. The foundations and values inculcated in me have come from women with little-to-no education in simple occupations. These include my mum, Roselyn; grandmas Mrs Varden and Mrs Perumal; and a host of aunties. I’m a proud of their influence in my life. Not forgetting my teachers from school and current acquaintances. Each one brings a different dynamic to my life.

On hard days, what motivates you to get up and start your day?

On tough days, I remind myself that I am enough, I have come this far with so little, and I can still rise as I’m learning about myself daily.

On your best days, who do you want standing next to you?

My family, especially Nolen and Leela-Rose, as they have stood by me through the toughest times.

Tell us about the past year and what you did to overcome Covid-19 related challenges

It was an exceptional year which required extraordinary leadership. It entailed of me to grasp the situation and implement new regulations and protocols – while prioritising employee welfare. At an organisational level, we had to intensify hygiene levels, making sure that all employees were equipped with PPE. We had to find a way to carry on with our regular operations, but with less person-to-person interaction. I had to maintain and strengthen the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of our employees – this we did by remotely hosting internal staff wellness days and an online employee awards’ ceremony. We are proud that the organisation achieved zero Covid-19 fatalities to date.

What is the best and worst decision you’ve ever made?

Worst: For reasons beyond my control, I was unable to complete my studies and have two incomplete degrees in business and finance.
Twenty years later, I started a new degree and, boom – success at last! I qualified as a social worker two years ago.

Best: It’s a conscious decision to authentically be me all the time, the best that I can be. In doing this, I am able to live more freely and holistically in my environment and it allows others to understand me better.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Transformation is necessary, as change is the only thing that keeps us moving forward – but sometimes we move one step back to take a leap forward. Keep evolving, transforming and growing into better versions of yourself! Know that, as an individual and as a woman, you are a born leader. How do you maintain, develop and enhance this aspect?

Learn, cultivate and aspire to the art of leadership in every aspect of your life, irrespective of your rank at work, school, church, temple or home.