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Leaders

Leaders

Date: 2015-05-01
Please can you state your full name and status:

Farzanah Mall

Director: KPMG and

National President: Businesswomen's Association of South Africa

Describe yourself in 30 words:

Hardworking, Passionate about development in SA, love my work and supporting businesses in their growth strategies. Believe in creating equal opportunity for all. Set high standards, I'm kind and care.

What is your idea of perfect joy?

Perfect joy is to paint on weekends, spend time with my daughter, family and friends, read a good book and travel.

Which historic character do you most identify with?

There are many. Martin Luther King - "I have a dream"Coco Chanel, an orphan who became a brilliant businesswomen "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." And Mother Theresa "We can do no great things, only small things with great love". I appreciate a mix of great qualities from different leaders.

What do you consider as your biggest extravagance?

Wow, for a woman it varies. Right now I'm renovating my home and I love home décor. Clothing, I buy based on a uniform system. I'm more practical, in terms of buy what I need.

Which words do you most overuse?

Generally it will be inspirational words. My teams, I tell them, "to push boundaries and explore their capabilities and thinking. Success is also a team sport. Take risks, it's OK to make mistakes. Forgive yourself. SMILE"

What is your ultimate disappointment?

I believe every experience is valuable as it helps shape our life choices. I have no regrets. When things don't work out sometimes the way I'd hope, I believe a better path will open and I trust GOD.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My daughter. Her laughter, joy and stories light up my life.

Where is your most favourite place in the world?

My home. It's peaceful, quiet and serene. I also love nature, gardens, parks, mountains and the beach.

Which talent would you like to have?

I would have liked to study great artists more and have had the time to practise different paint techniques. It is beautiful when you can see the world through colour.

What is your current state of mind?

I'm happy, inspired, content, fun loving and busy with multiple projects.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Istanbul Turkey. I love the culture, history and food.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

The lives we impact through the various projects I do via the BWA and KPMG. Becoming a director at KPMG and taking over as President of the BWA have both been important. My passion is understanding critical success factors for high performing economies, and both these roles allow me to work in different sectors and industries, help optimise businesses and empower others.

What do you fear most?

Cockroaches and spiders..lol. On a serious note, it would be not spending enough quality time and special moments with the people I care about most.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

Myself. The form we come back in doesn't matter. It's the choices we make that shape our lives.

What is your most treasured possession?

My grandmother's ring, which my mom gave me. I treasure beautiful life experiences, antiques and items with sentimental value.

Where would you like to live?

South Africa. Its home.

What is your favourite occupation?

Exactly what I am doing every day.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I can be a perfectionist. To be more patient, sometimes stop and relax. It's something I'm learning over time.

Who are your favourite authors?

Elif Shafak - Forty Rules of Love, Robin Sharma - The leader who had no title.

Who are your real life heroes?

My parents and grandparents. Their love, faith and simple belief in me, gave me wings.

What do you dislike most in life?

I feel sad when I see the level of poverty and desperation in certain communities. Where people do not have access to adequate healthcare, education or a decent home. I dislike inequality, discrimination in any form, greed and selfishness.

What is your motto?

Live each day fully, with inner contentment, kindness and care for others.