By Shumirai Chimombe
“It is my approach and objective to create meaningful workspaces and inspire as many people along the way as possible.”
Navlika Ratangee, Managing Director of Lyra Southern Africa (formerly (ICAS), prides herself with a wealth of experience in human capital management, behavioural risk, change management, and organisational strategy. A GIBS MBA graduate and clinical psychologist, her focus is very much centred around mental health in the workplace. She is committed to empowering women through her much sought after awareness talks and mentoring, addressing issues such as gender-based violence, pay gaps, and holistic wellbeing. She is a guest lecturer at GIBS and has contributed to multiple publications on workplace mental health.
Over the years Lyra SA has been recognised as a Top Gender Empowered Company under her leadership, receiving numerous accolades including being the winner of the Top Women in Business for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 2022, winner of the Top Women in Business: Health and Pharmaceuticals 2023, and she was also named as one of Africa’s Top 10 Leaders to Follow in 2024.
In her latest achievement, she received the prestigious Haley Fletcher Top Women Business Leader of the Year 2024 sponsored by Standard Bank. Recognised widely as one of South Africa’s most distinguished celebrations of women’s leadership and excellence, the awards ceremony was held on 4 December 2024 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
Her growth trajectory to the top
Starting at ICAS as a telephone clinician, Navlika progressed through various leadership roles over 15 years, ultimately becoming Managing Director. During her tenure, she led the company through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic supporting over 600 corporate clients and nearly 2 million lives in South Africa.
An advocate for women’s leadership, Navlika was recognised by McKinsey & Company for the WomEnpower event and she actively mentors future female leaders.
With Navlika at the helm, Lyra Southern Africa grew its corporate client base from 942 in 2021 to 1129 in 2023; and the company’s revenue grew from approximately R193 million in 2020 to R292 million in 2024.
Changing the face of executive wellbeing
Lyra Southern Africa is changing the narrative around executive wellbeing. Their holistic Corporate Athlete Support Programme offers a comprehensive, distinctive, and tailored package for senior leadership in companies. The programme focuses on enhancing the balance within physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual health, while providing the support needed to ensure sustainability in the executives’ individual growth. The final touch added by the programme is to ensure that individual growth is demonstrated within the overall wellbeing of the organisation.
Cultivating a culture of gender empowerment
“At Lyra Southern Africa, our vision for gender empowerment is to cultivate a culture where gender equity is the norm. We are committed to empowering every team member to reach their full potential, irrespective of gender, while actively promoting awareness and championing gender equity in our external engagements,” explains Navlika.
“Our company culture is rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, challenging the status quo wherever we can influence and drive change. Starting with the tone we set internally, we extend our mission outward to create meaningful impact. Through a commitment to education, economic independence, leadership opportunities, and equal representation, we foster an environment where every voice is valued, talents are celebrated, and everyone is free to contribute to a flourishing, equitable future.”
Lyra SA’s culture of women advancement: shows in their impressive employee representation – with 74.49% of the staff being women, 75% of the Board, and a proudly all-women Exco.
“I am dedicated to empowering women to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals. By providing mentorship, resources, and a supportive community, I help them build confidence and develop essential skills. I am part of Jasiri Angels, an angel investor programme that invests in, guides and supports women entrepreneurs and early-stage startups that benefit society. I am part of YPO Women’s Global Network. It has been proposed that I will take on being the Africa representative for Health on this forum. Together, we create pathways to success, ensuring we elevate, support and empower women in business.”
Championing mental health in the workplace
Navlika spearheaded the inaugural Lyra /GIBS Mental Health in the Workplace Conference to drive real change in mental health at work. The highly successful event was attended by 95 delegates.
“The theme of mental health in the workplace wasn’t just a title – it was a living, breathing narrative that threaded through every conversation,” she says.
Ronald Abvajee, CEO and Founder of Healthy Living Consulting has nothing but words of praise for Navlika’s leadership and passion.
“She is not just a leader by title but a leader by action. Navlika embodies what it means to consciously and mindfully champion mental health in the workplace. She has built a culture at Lyra where individuals can thrive – and that thriving doesn’t stop at her own team. It extends to the client organisations and beyond, to communities across South Africa. Navlika’s leadership is about rolling up her sleeves, being in the trenches with her team, and driving both business and social impact. With her giving heart and sharp mind, she exemplifies what true leadership is in today’s world – one that resonates not only with high performance but also with deep, authentic care for people. She’s crafted an environment where giving, thriving, and excellence coexist in perfect harmony.”
