Revona Naidoo: A Journey of Leadership, Courage, and Impact

Introduction

Revona Naidoo, currently serving as a 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, exemplifies a career defined by grit, grace, and an unwavering belief in possibility. Her journey to leadership has been marked by resilience and determination, embracing both the challenges and triumphs along the way. “There were lots of ups and downs,” she reflects, “but persistency and perseverance drove me to success.”

Early Career and Aspiration

Beginning her career as a payroll consultant, Revona was always driven by a vision for greater impact. Guided by her mantra, “Courageous curiosity and performance with purpose,” she steadily ascended from entry-level positions to the boardroom. Her lifelong goal was to occupy a seat at the table where she could champion inclusivity and diversity. At LexisNexis, Revona found both a workplace and a mission. She describes LexisNexis as a leading provider of legal and regulatory content and technology solutions, dedicated to advancing the rule of law across Africa and empowering professionals through trusted information and intelligent platforms. For Revona, the work is deeply personal: “I wake up knowing I get to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Leading with Courage, Purpose, and Heart

Revona’s leadership philosophy extends beyond mere transformation; it is firmly rooted in purpose. She is committed to driving meaningful change for communities and individuals who believe in the power of possibility. Her focus is on creating environments where people can flourish, businesses can thrive, and South Africa can reach its full potential. Among her proudest achievements is the establishment of an employee share trust, designed to promote equality and ensure that every individual, regardless of demographic, has access to equal opportunity.

Her path was not without obstacles. Revona candidly acknowledges that not everyone was supportive: “You’re spoken over, your voice at the table is frowned upon.” Nevertheless, she remained actively engaged, immersing herself in various areas of the business and developing a deep understanding of how processes impact customers. Revona emphasises the importance of keeping customers at the centre of operations, as it strengthens both business and leadership.

Rejection and self-doubt were frequent companions throughout her journey. She faced multiple setbacks and was often required to prove herself repeatedly. Yet, she persisted, knowing that delivering results would eventually allow her hard work to be recognised. Her resilience saw her through challenging transitions, such as leading a sales team despite her human resources background. By introducing a new sales element and redesigning the Customer Success operating model, she drove high-performance growth within the organisation.

Believing in Your Worth

Mentorship and robust support networks have played an essential role in Revona’s success. She underscores the importance of both mentors and supporters who grow with you and celebrate your achievements. For Revona, support structures are just as vital as opportunities created by others. She draws inspiration from her daughter, who has taught her patience and empathy, and hopes to pave the way for her to aspire to greatness without limitations.

Revona’s advice to young women is clear: be bold, use your voice, and take risks early. She encourages women to be visible, speak from the heart, and believe in their worth even in the face of doubt. Leading with integrity, listening deeply, and never underestimating the power of one’s voice are essential. She reminds women that challenges shape but do not define them, and urges them to remain curious, kind, and supportive of others. Revona champions the idea of taking ownership—creating roles rather than waiting for them to be offered. Even without the title, pay, or reward, she encourages women to create, own, and pursue opportunities.

Intentional Living and Future Aspirations

Looking to the future, Revona is determined to become a CEO, confident in her tenacity, perseverance, and desire to help the youth of South Africa find employment. She advocates lifelong learning as her competitive edge, emphasising the importance of continual evolution and self-investment for effective leadership. Revona maintains equilibrium through intentional living, giving her all to work, family, and herself—sometimes starting her day as early as 4 a.m. She believes that making time for oneself is essential for balance.

Legacy and Inspiration

Revona’s story serves as a beacon for women charting their own paths. She teaches that leadership is defined not by titles, but by impact, courage, and authenticity. Setbacks are seen as opportunities for growth, and every challenge is a chance to learn and evolve. She encourages women to embrace their voices, even when it feels daunting, reinforcing that their ideas and presence matter.

Her leadership style is grounded in empathy and empowerment, with a focus on elevating others and creating inclusive spaces where women are seen, heard, and valued. For Revona, leadership is not about being the loudest; it is about listening deeply, understanding fully, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Her legacy is one of transformation—impacting not only her organisation but also inspiring those around her.

Revona Naidoo stands as proof that with courage, curiosity, and commitment, women can break barriers and forge new paths. To every woman reading her story, she offers a message of encouragement: “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.”