By Ashok Ramsarup :: As the Fourth Industrial Revolution takes the world by storm in the 21^st century, the empowerment of women is also taking centre stage globally in various spheres of life. Mrs Commonwealth South Africa 2018 finalist and Thought Thinker – Marlene Govender – has been nominated for the “Leaders Without Borders Award for Global Excellence” given to global influencer’s, business mogul, community leaders, and enterprise builders in different sectors.

45-year-old Govender is one of the 250 participants from over 30 countries that will be in the forefront at the international business summit taking the centre stage under the theme “Business Beyond Borders – Building a Global Network for Strategic Partnership” in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in April.

The former Durbanite who is a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) graduate, will be representing the country and continent as a panellist focusing on partnership, investment, disruption and strategies on the cusp of a transformation in a number of disciplines, including learning and skills development, financial sector, agribusiness and renewable energy.

Govender said: “Growing one’s business locally and internationally develops new revenue streams that add momentum to the operation, and it should feel like a natural extension rather than a leap in the dark.

“Emerging technology and trade platforms can help address the perceived risk, access to information on how to expand overseas and implementing initial enquiries can all be done across multiple devices.”

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution is swiftly changing the way we live, work and relate to one another. Our modus operandi in the work place will need rapid changes to stay afloat during the new challenges in the new century,” said Govender.

She obtained her MBA from the University of KwaZulu-Natal after resigning from her lucrative position as General Manager, Marketing, Sales and Events at the Durban International Convention Centre in 2017.

Currently, Govender, who is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Market Masters International, spearheaded a programme in search of solutions to South Africa and Africa’s quadruple challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and skills development.  She is now considering a part-time doctoral study with the main focus on Marketing Neuroscience and Consumer Psychology.

Govender admitted that Market Masters International had been created to benefit several stakeholders in the business eco-system in the continent with the conceptualisation and design of strategic marketing solutions that could assist in alleviating challenges facing business, government and society and academia whilst assisting in creating socio-economic wealth for South Africa and other developing countries on the African continent.

She said: “The experience obtained from the high level “Business Beyond Borders” programme will help me to offer assistance to young entrepreneurs and various stakeholders in the various value chains globally.

“Bridging the gap between academia, industry and government through innovation, improved communication, strategic marketing solutions with improved planning, implementation and control will create a solid foundation for a trajectory going forward,” Govender added.

Govender gained over 15 years’ experience at the Durban ICC in the port city and the knowledge from the MBA program together with business tourism experience, puts her in good stead and an important stakeholder relationship. Govender made it abundantly clear those collaborative solutions that would assist in addressing global challenges facing economic development for struggling countries whilst leaving long-term sustainable benefits for the future generation.

Ashok Ramsarup is award-winning senior journalist of South Africa