“Like smiling, laughter is a gift that multiplies when shared.”

Natasha Govender

Tell us briefly about who you are?

My name is Natasha Govender, and I am the Executive Assistant to the VPO of Hillside.

What do you think makes a successful leader – in particular, women leaders?

A successful leader in my view is able to listen with an intent of understanding in order to appreciate people’s differences, and therefore can advise wisely and criticise constructively. They need to be backed up 100% by their one up in order to effectively lead with confidence. You have to manage your time properly, as people that you lead will do as you do. Lastly, a mentor is someone who helps you improve and become the best version of yourself.

What is your favourite thing about being a woman?

Being a woman is an immense blessing. We have enduring patience and inner strength; we sacrifice and devote ourselves to numerous duties at home and at work. We have inexhaustible love, we encourage and praise, we comfort and care and we give generously. We have an innate ability to offer comfort, heal those who are hurting, and we know how to be unselfish.

Do you draw professional inspiration from other women? Who inspires you?

I draw inspiration from many women. However, I’ve found Dr Cindy Trimm (author, keynote speaker, and former senator of Bermuda) to be an impactful and thought-provoking leader, who I enjoy taking inspiration from.

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

The fact that I am blessed with another day to make a difference and be purposefully engaged in life wherever I may be, gives me motivation to have a ‘mind over mattress’ experience.

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

Anyone who has a positive attitude and is filled with humour. A good laugh is therapeutic and also helps to regain perspective.

Tell us about the past year and what you did to overcome COVID-19-related challenges (in your professional and personal life)?

I feel privileged to work for a company that chooses to prioritise keeping the employees safe, and that led to the implementation of various precautionary measures being made available to the employees. In my personal life, it was harder to change things having to think twice about hugging my family, limiting visits and keeping to ourselves. Disconnecting and rethinking how we do things was stressful at first, but we soon knew how to behave, and keeping to our bubble kept us safe.

We are focusing on strong women in this feature. Please tell us about a life/professional event that has made you strong?

There were a few personal challenges this year that broke me beyond what I thought I could manage, but rising up and above that pain was redeeming. The support and care from others in those painful moments also made a huge difference in regaining my strength.

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

My best decision professionally was to pursue selfdevelopment by studying. It’s led me to take on new challenges and gives me a sense of purpose in life.

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

Design your life to bring joy as it spills over to the teams you lead and makes you more open to help others. And remember, like smiling, laughter is a gift that multiplies when shared.