Heather McDade

Heather McDade is the managing director of Modena Design Centres Durban. The company operates in the design solutions space, offering advanced software and technology services to industries across Africa. Heather explained, “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 career began in the 1970s as an electrical draughtsman with the electricity department. She
recalled, “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.” Over time, Heather moved into companies that were
digitising paper drawings, and she witnessed the shift from two-dimensional design to a world rich with
data-driven modelling. Heather expanded, “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.”

For Heather, people remain at the heart of her business. “My biggest dream is people. People are my passion, and I want them to succeed,” she said. Modena employs a team of thirty-four staff members, including architects and engineers with real industry experience.

Heather values the culture of care and accountability within the organisation. “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.”

Heather added that they have an human resources consultant who works closely with them, and she
often uses Clive and her as an example of balance in leadership, because they really complement each other.

BUILDING FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Heather started the business in her own lounge with just one salesperson. She reflected, “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 with currency fluctuations. “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 added, “While I’ve got a wonderful staff, we’ve had challenges with staff, and I think that’s the reality in business. It’s nothing new.”

A PASSION FOR EDUCATION
Education is one of Heather’s strongest commitments. She explained, “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 collaborated with institutions such as the Sasol Foundation to expand training opportunities and support the next generation of industry professionals.

SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
When asked what advice she would give to others, Heather highlights the importance 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.”

Her growth as a leader has also been shaped by 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 added, “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 on the horizon, Heather is not slowing down. “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 business, Heather has been very intentional
about finding balance in her life and has cultivated a passion for painting. She explained, “I go on beautiful
oil painting workshops in the mountains, and I love the oil medium. I also enjoy live shows and being out and
about. I am intentional about not sitting at home. I am a busy lady.”

LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Heather’s journey is a story of persistence, innovation and care. She has built a thriving business that
supports industries with cutting-edge solutions while remaining firmly rooted in her belief in people. As she
put it, “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."