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How to achieve work/life balance: A journey of leadership and advocacy

Meet Parmi Natesan, a Chartered Accountant and a dynamic force in corporate governance. Originally from a small town in the Eastern Cape, Parmi’s journey began with humble beginnings. She proudly shares that she was the first in her family to graduate from university, earning both a bachelor’s and an honours degree. Starting her career in articles, she qualified as a CA, marking the beginning of a transformative journey.

Parmi is not just a Chartered Accountant; she’s a corporate governance specialist who has authored numerous articles and papers and regularly speaks at conferences and events. In addition to her CA title, she holds the Chartered Director(SA) designation and has served on numerous boards.

Representing the IoDSA on various forums and committees, including the King Committee of South Africa, the Integrated Reporting Committee of South Africa, the 30% Club, and the Global Network of Director Institutes, Parmi is deeply involved in shaping governance standards.

Her stellar career has earned her accolades, including a Rising Star alumni award from Nelson Mandela University and recognition as one of Destiny magazine’s top 40 African women under the age of 40. Recently, she was honoured as a Global Woman Achiever at the World Women Leadership Congress, along with receiving an Ethical Leadership Award from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Parmi’s journey is impressive, but she’s not stopping there. As a woman of remarkable achievements, she is setting her sights higher than ever, promising more to come in her outstanding career.

Motivated to broaden her influence, Parmi aspires to shape South Africa’s business landscape further as a non-executive director. With a passion for making a difference, extensive knowledge, and a proven track record, she is positioned to leave an indelible mark on the corporate world.

While dedicated to her career, Parmi prioritises leading a well-balanced life and striving for excellence in everything she does.

Multi-faceted career: CEO, CA, mom, ethical leader and corporate governance champion

As the CEO of The Institute of Directors in South Africa, Parmi Natesan isn’t just a corporate governance specialist; she’s also a chartered director and a chartered accountant, SA. 

Beyond her professional accolades, Parmi is a mother of two teenagers, a role that keeps her incredibly busy.

Reflecting on the multifaceted nature of being a chartered accountant, Parmi emphasises that her current role surpasses conventional expectations. Her journey has shattered stereotypes and redefined the narrative of what a CA can achieve.

In her role as a corporate governance advocate, Parmi champions ethical and effective leadership, addressing the challenges faced by many corporations and the country at large. Leading The Institute of Directors as its CEO, she not only became the youngest but also the first CEO of colour, a significant milestone to set an example for young women.

Parmi believes in the power of hard work, emphasising the importance of daily effort. Beyond qualifications and knowledge, she highlights the significance of emotional intelligence (EQ) and gaining practical experience, encouraging young professionals to recognize the continuous journey crucial for success in the business world.

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Challenges

It is hard to accept that this remarkable woman, the winner of a Rising Star alumni award from Nelson Mandela University, had to overcome significant challenges of being underestimated, being a female of colour as well as a female ‘with a youthful appearance’. However, with a belief in herself and in her goals, she shares that “this was a challenge I overcame by consistently proving my worth and competence at every opportunity.”

Personal successes

Parmi’s list of accolades is nothing short of impressive. Reflecting her dedication and commitment to making a difference also earned her the highly commended achiever for Top Women Business Leader of the Year 2023 sponsored by Standard Bank.

And while this remarkable woman’s  journey is one of leadership, advocacy, and breaking barriers, she is not stopping here. She wants to continue to inspire others’ and to leave the world with good, capable people who will make a difference.

Parmi believes that women do not have to choose between having a busy career and a family. “You can successfully juggle both. The key is time management and preparation.  I manage to juggle a lot  on a daily basis due to being organised and using time wisely.”

“I am a great example to other young women on successfully balancing work and home/family responsibilities. I am a very involved CEO and mother; I actively participate in developing the next generation of leaders. As a leader, I try to motivate and inspire people to achieve more than they ever imagined they could, whether they are members of my staff, my kids, or just other women in general.”

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