Heather McDade: A Journey of Innovation, Leadership, and Care

Modena Design Centres Durban: Pioneering Design Solutions

Heather McDade serves as the Managing Director of Modena Design Centres Durban, a company positioned at the forefront of the design solutions industry. Modena delivers advanced software and technology services to clients throughout Africa. As Heather explains, “We are the only Autodesk Platinum Partner in Africa. Autodesk is the largest computer-aided design (CAD) software development company in the world. We sell software solutions to architects and engineers, we train, we implement the software, and we do a lot of reality capture, including 3D scanning and underground scanning.”

A Career Shaped by Innovation

Heather’s professional journey began in the 1970s as an electrical draughtsman with the electricity department. She recalls, “In those days we were all very much on the drawing board, using pens and traditional drafting tools. As technology started to gain momentum, we began working with AutoCAD, which was the first piece of design software that Autodesk developed.” As her career progressed, Heather joined companies focused on digitising paper drawings and experienced the transformation from traditional two-dimensional designs to data-driven modelling.

She notes, “Now a line no longer just represents a wall. You can actually draw a wall that has content and data attached to it. Building Information Modelling, or BIM, is incredible. It is an aggregator that allows all disciplines in the design process to work in a coordinated way. Everything is coordinated in a 3D model, so all the clash detection and technical information is resolved before you break ground. The amounts of efficiency and cost saving just by using the proper software and working in a coordinated environment are huge.”

People at the Heart of Business

Heather emphasises that people remain central to her business philosophy. “My biggest dream is people. People are my passion, and I want them to succeed,” she says. Modena’s team of thirty-four staff members includes architects and engineers with genuine industry experience, reflecting Heather’s commitment to building a knowledgeable and dedicated workforce.

She values the organisation’s culture of care and accountability: “They call me Mama Modena at the office. I’m the nurturer. I make sure everyone is happy and feels acknowledged, but people are still accountable. I’m not a pushover, everyone is expected to work hard and take accountability, and we hold them to that. It is about balance. I have a wonderful business partner, Clive, who is the sales director and he makes sure everyone conforms.”

A human resources consultant works closely with Heather and Clive, often using their partnership as an example of balanced leadership and complementing skill sets within the company.

Building from Humble Beginnings

Heather’s entrepreneurial journey began in her own lounge with just one salesperson. She reflects, “Slowly we took an office, then a bigger office, and the staff grew. Now we have just bought a beautiful property. Looking back, the journey has been my greatest achievement. I have been very blessed to have people to walk that journey with me.”

Like many in the software industry, Modena has faced challenges, particularly around currency fluctuations, as software is purchased in dollars. Heather shares, “We buy our software in dollars, so there have always been challenges in balancing financial realities with people’s needs. But the hard work pays off. It is about tenacity, holding down and taking one day at a time.” She acknowledges that staff challenges are part of the business reality, but perseverance and commitment have helped her overcome these obstacles.

A Passion for Education

Education is a cornerstone of Heather’s professional mission. She explains, “I am very passionate about education. We work with engineering graphics and design colleges and universities, training students on the technology. Many graduates come out of tertiary education with technical knowledge but not the technological skills to back it up. We help bridge that gap.”

Modena has partnered with organisations such as the Sasol Foundation to extend training opportunities and support the development of future industry professionals.

Supportive Network and Personal Resilience

When asked for advice, Heather underscores the value of a supportive network: “You cannot do it alone. I have an external network of beautiful friends who I share with often. It is not always easy but lean on those who can help and support you, and in doing so, you support them as well.”

Heather’s growth as a leader has been shaped by her personal resilience. “I am a single mum, and I have been for 36 years. That has inspired me to make sure I am always giving back, because in hard times people came into my life to support me. It is about giving that back.” She also shares, “I am also a Christian, and God is very important in our business. He has blessed us enormously and sits at the forefront of our business.”

Although retirement is approaching, Heather remains active and forward-looking. “I have just opened a branch in Zambia, which is a big and exciting challenge. My focus is on making sure the business is stable so that when I step out one day, I leave behind a legacy for the future.”

Beyond her business activities, Heather is intentional about finding balance in her life. She enjoys painting, especially oil painting workshops in the mountains, attending live shows, and staying active. “I am intentional about not sitting at home. I am a busy lady,” she says.

Legacy of Leadership

Heather McDade’s journey is defined by persistence, innovation, and care. She has built a successful business that delivers state-of-the-art solutions to industries while maintaining a steadfast focus on people. As she reflects, “The way I have made an impact in business is through nurturing. I want people to feel acknowledged and empowered, and I have been blessed to have an incredible team walk this journey with me.”