Previous experience: I completed my matric and then studied Bsc Industrial Manufacturing at Lincoln University in the UK. I also obtained an MBA from the University of Derby in the UK. My first job after my degree was with South African Breweries as a Brewer. I worked for them for 3 years and then moved back to the UK and worked for Business Link (UK) as Enterprise Development Officer for a government funded enterprise development agency.

I then set up my own wholesale business which I ran for eight years. I moved back to South Africa early 2010 and was employed in June 2010 as Enterprise Development Manager by Shanduka Black Umbrellas.

Age: Over 30

Family: I have my mother who lives in Limpopo and two kids: son, Lesedi (14yrs old) and daughter, Nosipho (13 yrs old). I also have two younger twin sisters.

The thing I like most about myself: I like the fact that I am outgoing and I am comfortable in the company of individuals from various backgrounds and levels of power. This I accredit to the fact that I am well travelled and have experienced various cultures from around the world.

The thing I like least about myself: Sometimes I can act impulsively and usually have regrets afterwards.

My favourite hobbies: Travel, reading biographies, scuba diving, cinema

A quote that inspires you: "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." (T.S. Eliot)

What do you love most about what you do? I have worked in the challenging world of Small Enterprise Development in both the UK and South Africa and I have found out that both have similar challenges. In both I dealt with entrepreneurs from economically challenged communities who are trying to make a mark in their communities. What I love most about my job is seeing crisis prone and vulnerable small companies emerge as successful companies with the help of my input. I also enjoy networking with many people in the Enterprise Development field.

What music are you listening to? Old Motown classics by great artists such as Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Barry White, etc, and new stars such as Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey-ray and Alicia Keys.

What book are you currently reading? I have a passion for biographies of self-starters and business guidance material. At the moment I am reading the biography of Wangari Maathai titled: ‘Maathai, Wangari, Unbowed : a memoir.’ Maathai Wangari is an inspiring and courageous woman and the winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace. She is internationally recognised for her persistent struggle for democracy, human rights and environmental conservation. She has addressed the UN on several occasions and spoke on behalf of women at special sessions of the General Assembly for the five-year review of the earth summit.

Who is your greatest icon? My late grandmother, Lefentse Ledwaba, who is also my namesake. She single handedly brought up eight children and 25 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren in desperately poor conditions. She was one of the unsung heroes of South Africa and one of the strongest and dependable individual that I know and I would have wished that her 92yrs on this earth were easy.