Xtraordinary Woman of the Month
What has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
My spirituality has been my solid rock throughout my life. My family as well as my mentors, have been my source of strength through the years as I was building my career, they have been my encouragement, criticism and celebrating my successes.
It is poison that will affect your children. Get good men (yes they do exist) involved in your children’s lives. They need both men and women and the good news is that the man doesn’t have to be their biological father (even though that is the ideal).
What advice would you give your younger self?
WOW, definitely to take more risks and not to be afraid of failure and living someone else’s dreams to get approval. The biggest lessons come from when we thought we will never make it because we lack self belief and confidence and WAAAAALA!!!! We grow, so be still! And watch this space.
Contact Info:
Read More
Koo Govender is the first female CEO of global brand experience agency, VWV Group. VWV is a global brand experience agency, which specialises in creating and igniting experiences that change perceptions and inspire action. They were the company behind the 2010 Fifa World Cup opening and closing ceremonies and the MTV Africa Video Music Awards. Koo is set to shake up brand experience on the continent and has been actively involved in the broadcasting and media industry for 22 years. Her passion for Women Empowerment and Mentorship has been fulfilled by developing and launching the VWV Group CSI initiative, Phakama Women’s Academy.
Please tell us a little more about yourself and your journey thus far.
After graduating from Business management in Durban, I moved to Johannesburg for better career opportunities. I have always aspired to be a successful woman in business. I started by career journey with MNet in 1991 until 2013. My last job title was Corporate and Communications Director. My highlights at the Multichoice Group, was a career acceleration to a Director position and learning to be an inspirational leader. Also developing, implementing and marketing various brand channels at the Multichoice Group.
I won various awards with my team for excellent marketing campaigns, which included the Loeries and Promax awards. I was finalist in 2012 for Most Influential Women in Media by the CEO magazine. I was the first Chairwomen for Promax SA. I have various speaker engagements for Marketing , Leadership and Women in Leadership related topics. I sit on business and NGO boards. I am extremely passionate about Women Empowerment and mentor young women. I am now currently the Group CEO for VWV Group.
Please tell us a little more about Phakama Women’s Academy.
The Phakama Women’s academy is a VWV Group’s CSI project. We equip university students with corporate readiness skills. Every year we go to 3 higher learning institutions, we select on average 30 students to take part in the academy. We select young women with an academic average of 60% and who are passionate about women empowerment and paying it forward. Phakama is in its second year of implementation and we graduating 32 young women on the 02 July. http://www.phakama.org
What would you say is the secret to your success?
Firstly, being authentic, staying focused on your goals. You will face a lot of challenges and obstacles however, always be resilient and overcome with endurance. You must always learn from your failures, as they are experiences that will assist you with your next challenge or obstacle.
What are your top 3 business tips?
Be prepared with content; Set yourself apart with consistent delivery and high performance
Make a tangible difference and add value contribution
Identify people you should partner with to achieve or accomplish your results.