Revona Govender

Revona Naidoo, director at LexisNexis South Africa, non-executive director at Reed Exhibitions and head of Sales Tools and Governance for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, is a woman who has carved her path with grit, grace, and an unwavering belief in possibility. Her journey to leadership has been anything but conventional. “There were lots of ups and downs,” she reflects. “But persistency and perseverance drove me to success.”

She began her career as a payroll consultant, but her compass was always set toward something greater. Guided by the mantra: ‘Courageous curiosity and performance with purpose’, Revona rose from entry-level to the boardroom. “My goal in life, was always to one day be in a boardroom to promote inclusivity and diversity,” she says. At LexisNexis, Revona found more than a workplace – she found a mission. “We are a leading provider of legal and regulatory content and technology solutions, committed to advancing the rule of law across the African continent. As part of the global RELX Group LexisNexis empowers professionals through trusted information and intelligent platforms,” she explains. But for her, it’s about impact. “I wake up knowing I get to make a difference in someone’s life.”

LEADING WITH COURAGE, PURPOSE, AND HEART
Her leadership goes beyond transformation, it’s about purpose. I am deeply committed to driving change, not just in communities around me but for everyone who believes in the power of possibility. For me it’s about creating spaces where people can rise, business thrive and South Africa can grow into her full potential. One of her proudest achievements is the creation of an employee share trust. “My goal was equality,” she says. “To ensure every individual, regardless of demographic, qualifies for equal opportunity. And we’ve done that.”

Revona’s path wasn’t without resistance. “Not everyone is a supporter of you,” she admits. “You’re spoken over, your voice at the table is frowned upon.” Her response? Stay engaged. She immersed herself in different areas of the business, learning how processes affect customers.

“Our customers sit close to my heart. Keeping them at the centre of everything we do strengthens not just a
business however but leadership.” Rejection and self-doubt were frequent companions. “I was turned down many times for opportunities,” she recalls. “You’ve got to prove yourself again and again, which breaks you as a person.” Revona added, “However, driving results speaks for itself, and eventually all your hard work is seen and heard.”

Significantly, she didn’t give up. “You persevere. You speak up. You disrupt – professionally, respectfully –
even when it’s not welcomed. But it’s heard. Once I got the opportunity, the sky was the limit.” Her resilience paid off. Tasked with leading a sales team despite her human resources background, she transformed a retention-focused business. “It was daunting,” she says. “But I introduced a new sales element using existing resources. In addition, I redesigned the Customer Success operating model to support sales and together that delivered high performance growth.”

BELIEVE IN YOUR WORTH
Mentorship and support networks are central to Revona’s success. “Mentors are important, but so are
supporters who grow with you and cheer you on,” she says. “Support structures are just as vital as someone
creating an opportunity for you.” Her daughter is now her guiding light. “She’s taught me patience and empathy,” Revona says. “I want to pave the way for her to aspire to greatness without limitations.”

Her advice to young women is to be bold and use your voice: “Take risks early. Be visible. Speak from your
heart. Believe in your worth, even when others don’t see it. Lead with integrity, listen deeply, and never
underestimate the power of your voice. Challenges will shape you, not define you. Stay curious, stay kind, and always lift others as you rise. Your journey is yours – own it with courage, grace, and unwavering
self-respect. Be a continuous learner” Revona urges women to take ownership. “Don’t wait for someone to create a role. Create it yourself. You might not have the title, the pay, or the reward. Create it, own
it, run with it.”

INTENTIONAL LIVING
Looking ahead, “Revona is set on becoming a CEO. I know I have what it takes – tenacity, perseverance, an insatiable hunger to grow and help the youth of this country to find employment. I believe in lifelong learning; my learning index is my edge. To lead effectively, you must keep evolving, stay curious, and never stop investing in yourself.” On balance, Revona is intentional. “There’s no middle ground. Equilibrium comes from intentional living. Be present in the moment. Give 100% at work, 100% to your kids, and 100% to yourself – even if that means waking up at 4 a.m. Making time for yourself is essential.”

Revona’s story is a beacon for women navigating their own paths. Her journey teaches us that leadership is not about titles – it’s about impact, courage, and authenticity. She reminds us that setbacks are setups for comebacks, and that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. She encourages women to embrace their voices, even when they tremble. “Speak up, even if your voice shakes,” she says. “Your ideas matter. Your presence matters. You matter.”

Her leadership style is rooted in empathy and empowerment. She believes in lifting others as she climbs,
creating inclusive spaces where women feel seen, heard, and valued. “Leadership isn’t about being the loudest,” she says. “It’s about listening deeply, understanding fully, and opening doors for others to rise.”
Revona’s legacy is one of transformation – not just within her organisation, but within the hearts of those she inspires.

She is proof that with courage, curiosity, and commitment, women can break barriers and build bridges.
To every woman reading her story, Revona offers this: “You are enough. You are capable. You are powerful. Don’t wait for permission to lead. Step into your greatness and own your journey. Remember to be kind to yourself. You are the CEO of your own brand."