By Koketso Mamabolo
“I didn’t set out to build a career in governance – it was more something I discovered along the way,” says Parmi Natesan, the youngest ever CEO of the Institute of Directors SA (IoDSA) and its first CEO of colour.
“I always knew I had a strong aptitude for finance and business, so it was natural for me to pursue my CA(SA). During my time at an audit firm, I was exposed to governance in the technical department, and that was where the spark was lit. But the real passion came when I joined the IoDSA 15 years ago as a Senior Governance Specialist.”
She says that being a part of the IoDSA gave her vital learning experiences, access to networks and exposure to structures like the King Committee. Indra Nooyi, the business executive is a particular inspiration for Parmi. The former CEO of PepsiCo almost doubled the multinationals revenue in her 11 years there and implemented a “Performance with Purpose” vision.
Parmi admires how Indra Nooyi showed that you can be both compassionate and tough.
“Her ability to combine high performance with authenticity and care is something I admire and try to emulate with my own leadership.”
Parmi is passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders and is a valuable mentor to young women in the organisation. Having introduced new company values and improved the financial results of the IoDSA, she has also driven significant investment in training and development, while also being instrumental in the implementation of ESD, employment equity programmes and employee wellness initiatives.
The IoDSA’s demographic profile reflects the excellent work being done to ensure the organisation prioritises recruitment of women and people of colour at all levels.
While she didn’t plan for it, the multiple award-winning Chartered Accountant and Chartered Director has become one of the country’s leading voices for transformation and has written and spoken extensively on empowerment.
Her advocacy is particularly important in a time when the global conversation around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging have shifted. In the South African context, that conversation has to be viewed with our history in mind.
“What has changed is that diversity is no longer seen just as a compliance exercise – it’s recognised as a driver of better decision-making, innovation and long-term sustainability,” says Parmi.
Read the full story in the 20th edition of Standard Bank Top Women Leaders
