admin Women in top leadership roles are pivotal catalysts in driving inclusivity and diversity, confronting entrenched systemic biases and challenges pervasive in modern workplaces. Despite advancements in various sectors, the realm of corporate governance remains marked by a persistent gender imbalance. Parmi Natesan emerges as a formidable force challenging this status quo, advocating vigorously for gender equality within this domain. Her unwavering commitment to empowerment and representation underscores a transformative vision for a more equitable and inclusive corporate landscape, setting a precedent for future generations of women leaders.
Serving as the esteemed Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA), Parmi Natesan is a distinguished figure in the realm of corporate governance. With an illustrious career spanning over 13 years at the IoDSA in various roles, Natesan’s profound expertise and leadership have been instrumental in driving the organisation’s mission towards promoting excellence in directorship and governance standards across South Africa.
The Foundation of a Leader
“As leaders, we have a responsibility to empower others and shape a future defined by integrity and inclusivity”
-Prof. Parmi Natesan
From her humble beginnings in a small Eastern Cape town to becoming the CEO of IoDSA, Parmi’s journey to leadership has been an eventful one. Watching her parents’ effort and tenacity to overcome financial and other challenges, grounded her in the ethos of hard work and determination. These early lessons in perseverance paid off when she graduated from high school with an A aggregate, securing a bursary to pursue higher education. As a Chartered Accountant (SA), Parmi holds a BCom Honours degree from the prestigious Nelson Mandela University. Her academic journey is marked by a streak of excellence, obtaining straight distinctions in her first university year and graduating with her BCom cum laude. This academic prowess laid the groundwork for her career, highlighting her capacity for dedication and excellence.
Her professional ascent began at one of the big 4 audit firms, where her remarkable performance set her apart. After serving articles and working as an audit manager, she moved to the firm’s technical department where her affinity for corporate governance began. After 8 years there, she joined the IoDSA, where she rapidly climbed the ranks, from a Governance Specialist – to Executive: Centre for Corporate Governance – to the youngest ever and first person of colour to become CEO of the organisation. During this time, she also earned the coveted Chartered Director (SA) designation, joining a small pool of high accomplished directors. This remarkable trajectory is a reflection of Natesan’s unparalleled expertise, visionary leadership, and the deep respect she commands within the corporate governance arena. Parmi’s experience extends beyond the IoDSA. She has also served on the boards of notable entities such as PPS Holdings Trust and Alviva Holdings, and contributes her governance acumen as the first female Chair at St Peters College. Most recently, she was appointed Adjust Associate Professor at the Free State University Faculty of Economic Sciences.
Leading the IoDSA
As the sole SAQA-registered professional body for directors in South Africa, the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) is dedicated to fostering excellence in corporate governance and directorship. Through ownership of the King Reports and advocacy for sound governance practices, the IoDSA endeavours to cultivate Better Directors, Better Boards, and ultimately Better Business outcomes. Primarily functioning as a membership organisation, IoDSA also offers tailored corporate services designed to enhance governance understanding and application. With a robust portfolio including training, board performance evaluations, and governance advisory services, IoDSA has established itself as a trusted resource for over 50,000 directors and professionals, delivering practical solutions to drive organisational success. The pinnacle of the IoDSA’s offering, ofcourse, is the two SAQA-registered director designations Certified Director and Chartered Director (SA).
Parmi’s strategic acumen and leadership at IoDSA have been instrumental in driving the organisation’s growth and performance. Under her watch, the organisation has witnessed significant growth, achieving record-breaking financial and non-financial results, recently marking the highest in its 60-year history. Parmi’s adept management has also led to IoDSA winning the Integrated Reporting Award in the NPO category for three years in a row, cementing its position as a leader in governance excellence. This amongst a large number of other awards to date.
Empowerment through Governance
Natesan’s influence extends far beyond her executive duties. As a renowned corporate governance specialist, she has penned numerous articles and papers, significantly contributing to the public dialogue on empowerment and leadership. Natesan’s voice resonates across various critical platforms and committees, including the King Committee of South Africa and the Global Network of Director Institutes, advocating for good corporate governance i.e. ethical and effective leadership. She has advocated for pivotal changes in how corporate governance is viewed and implemented, particularly regarding gender diversity on boards at various conferences and events. Her efforts in this domain are particularly notable, with her active involvement in the 30% Club, which campaigns for increased female representation on boards.
Celebrating a Pioneering Journey
“Be humble and be authentically you – no matter how much success you attain in your career and life, stay true to your values and don’t forget where you came from”
– Prof. Parmi Natesan
Parmi’s leadership and contributions have not only garnered her widespread recognition, including the prestigious Rising Star alumni award from Nelson Mandela University that celebrated her early promise and impact. Destiny magazine further acknowledged her influence by naming her among the top 40 African women under 40, a testament to her significant strides in her field. She was also named as a finalist for Businesswoman of the Year in the Top Women Awards. As a pivotal figure shaping the future of governance in South Africa and beyond, Parmi was awarded the Global Woman Achiever title at the 2022 World Women Leadership Congress. The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) recognised her ethical leadership by awarding her a Difference Maker title. Additionally, she was a finalist in the global Women of Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) awards. Most recently, her excellence was celebrated with a Gauteng Women of Wonder award, cementing her status as a transformative leader and an inspiration to many. She was also highly commended for Businesswoman of the Year in 2023. Additionally, Parmi’s expertise in the field is highly sought after and she has been frequently called upon to judge competitions/awards like the Top Empowerment Awards and the Gender Mainstreaming Awards. Her governance insights have made her a preferred media consultant and an advocate for Unite for Mzansi, showcasing her commitment to ethical leadership and anti-corruption efforts in South Africa.
Championing Inclusivity and Diversity
Despite the significant strides Natesan has made, she remains acutely aware of the barriers that women face in the business world. Old-school perceptions and unconscious biases persist, hindering progress towards true gender equality and inclusion in corporate leadership. Natesan’s response to these challenges is both pragmatic and deeply personal. “As an active member of the Steering Committee of the 30% Club which advocates for more women on boards, I fight the fight for inclusivity everyday,” asserts Parmi. She has also hosted tables at the leaderswalk sessions aimed at mentoring young women directly, offering guidance and support. Parmi also co-launched a global conference on women in governance, collaborating with other Institutes of Directors worldwide, and frequently speaks on the importance of gender diversity in the workplace and boardrooms at major conferences. With these endeavours, she actively contributes to dismantling these barriers, advocating for a more inclusive and equitable business environment.
A Hands-on Leadership Approach
Parmi believes that her purpose is to leave the world with good, capable people who will make a difference. “I am a very involved CEO and a very involved 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.” Her leadership style is defined by her proactive and strategic approach, ensuring her organisation not only stays competitive but also leads the market. She rigorously analyses the competitive landscape, engaging in market scanning and detailed competitor analysis to fully understand the environment in which her organisation operates. This enables her to effectively showcase her organisation’s unique value proposition, highlighting niche competitive advantages that distinguish her offerings from the rest.
To keep pace with the ever-evolving industry trends, Parmi taps into the power of social media, especially LinkedIn, as a vital source for the latest developments. Her dedication to growth and learning further extends to participating in webinars and conferences, enriching her knowledge and expanding her network. By actively participating in events, soliciting feedback through surveys, and personally addressing member feedback, she fosters a culture of openness and responsiveness among the IoDSA members. This direct involvement keeps her attuned to the community’s pulse, reinforcing her commitment to excellence and innovation.
Championing Compassionate Leadership
During the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, Parmi’s leadership stood out for its compassion and resilience. Faced with tough decisions, she prioritised the well-being of her employees, ensuring they felt supported and valued every step of the way. By lending a listening ear and a comforting shoulder, she embodied the essence of empathetic leadership. Her dedication and professionalism shone through the difficult organogram restructuring process, proving her commitment to both the organisation and its people. Parmi’s inspirational approach has not only guided her team through turbulent times but also highlighted the profound impact of compassionate leadership.
Balancing Work and Life
As a firm believer in the “We can do it all” philosophy, Parmi asserts, “Women don’t have to choose between having a demanding career and a family life; you can successfully juggle both. A key is time management. I manage to juggle a lot on a daily basis due to being organised and using time wisely. In this way, I wish to serve as an inspiration for other women.” Parmi embodies the essence of work-life balance, demonstrating that a fulfilling life extends beyond career achievements. Actively participating in her two teenage children’s lives, she exemplifies the commitment to family amidst a demanding professional schedule. Parmi also prioritises her well-being, embracing a holistic approach to health. Daily outdoor walks ensure she meets her cardio goals, providing not just physical benefits but a moment of tranquillity and reflection. Additionally, her weekly Pilates sessions are a testament to her dedication to maintaining strength and flexibility.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Aspirants
Parmi’s guidance for the next generations, particularly young women of colour, is both profound and practical. “Work hard, put in the blood, sweat, and tears necessary, always give your best,” says Parmi. She also advocates for authenticity and humility, stressing that success should never overshadow one’s roots or values. “Be humble and be authentically you – no matter how much success you attain in your career and life, stay true to your values and don’t forget where you came from,” concludes Parmi.
Continuous learning and self-development are the cornerstones of success for Parmi. She encourages aspiring professionals to seek out mentors or coaches as invaluable resources for guidance, support, and perspective. Understanding that each individual’s journey is distinct, she advises on the importance of setting clear personal priorities and goals. This personalised approach allows business people to navigate their paths with confidence and purpose, ensuring their success is not just measured by their achievements but also by their personal growth and integrity.
A Visionary for the Future
When asked about her future plans, Parmi’s vision is quite clear: Making an even bigger impact on governance and directorship in South Africa. As a forward-thinking leader, Parmi already has initiatives in mind to improve governance. She wants to continue advocating for a licence to practise to directors, further professionalising the role and ensuring that directors are not just appointed but are qualified, ethical and committed to excellence in governance.
Despite her already impressive career, Parmi aspires to expand her influence within the non-executive director domain, confident in her ability to contribute significantly to South African corporations. Her ambition is rooted in a deep-seated desire to effect substantial improvements in corporate governance and combat corruption, a pressing issue that plagues the nation.
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