Jenna Govender advocates for spaces where people can show up as themselves, while driving innovation, collaboration, and resilience. She believes that leading is meant to be about making others feel seen, heard and capable. She also challenges the outdated notion that leadership must be domineering, instead that reliance on empathy, patience and purpose is equally powerful.
Jenna also happens to be the first female, first black and youngest Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the 133-year-old South African Sugar Millers’ Association. She is an attorney by qualification, a Professional Director and has spent the last 15 years in the South African sugar industry. Her historic appointment marked a turning point in South Africa, signalling a shift toward greater inclusivity and diversity within leadership roles.
A trailblazer in transformation, she is deeply committed to building a sustainable and inclusive future and she intends to make a difference in the world by bringing more kindness into everyday by shifting the narrative on what it means to be a CEO.
Passionate about empowering women and reshaping traditional leadership descriptions, Jenna recently launched her flagship empowerment programme, “Conversations with Future CEOs” which is a platform designed to inspire and equip the next generation of inclusive leaders. Jenna’s aim is to ensure that everyone that she meets on this journey stays true to their authentic self and unlocks their full potential.