Member Profile: Sharon Naidoo

What time do you usually wake up on weekends?

7am

How do you spend the first hour of your day?

Coffee, Coffee, Coffee!

What sparked your interest in finance?

I was born into a family of entrepreneurs and academics, which naturally sparked my interest in finance.

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments?

• Successfully led a $450M M&A deal between Kellogg’s and Tolaram Group in Nigeria.
• Appointed General Manager for East, West, Central, and Sub-Equatorial Africa, overseeing operations for both Kellogg’s and Pringles.
• Awarded CFO of the Year for Transformation in 2023.
• Spearheaded the implementation of a Shared Services Centre (SSC) model for AstraZeneca across Africa.
• Led a major logistics restructuring project, transitioning Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals to an outsourced model for improved efficiency.
• Navigated the COVID-19 crisis without restructuring teams, while maintaining a healthy profit margin and operational stability.
• Served as CFO across multiple organizations – each role shaping my leadership, strategy, and resilience.

How do you handle professional challenges?

I stay loyal to the P&L – because when decisions are anchored in financial integrity, the outcome is usually right. I rely on facts, not emotion, and ensure every decision is informed by accurate data. I also make a point of actively listening to diverse perspectives and taking time to reflect before acting. This combination helps me lead with clarity and fairness, even in complex situations.

What future goals are you excited about?

I’m excited to navigate the UK and European markets—gaining a deeper understanding of consumers, customers, and competitors in these regions. It’s a new landscape with fresh challenges, and I’m looking forward to expanding my strategic and commercial insight on a global scale.

Have you had any international or different cultural experiences in your career?

Yes – I recently emigrated to England, which has added a new dimension to my international experience. Prior to that, I spent significant time working in Nigeria and Kenya. I also work for an American company, so navigating the dynamics between English, American, and African business cultures has been both challenging and enriching. It’s given me a broader perspective on leadership, communication, and market expectations across regions.

What key skills should a newly qualified accountant develop on their path to becoming a CFO?
The ability to constantly learn and stay curious.

How do you balance your personal and professional life?

I believe in focusing on deliverables, not the clock. There are 24 hours in a day – and as long as the work gets done, I’m satisfied. I don’t see life in compartments; it’s an ecosystem where personal and professional priorities coexist. Just like being a mum, the CFO role is a 24-hour job. Flexibility and mutual understanding are key for sustainable balance.

What are your interests outside of work?

I write a personal blog, love travelling, and am passionate about coaching and making a positive impact on people’s lives. I also enjoy everyday chores – cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors in nature.

How do you contribute to the development of others in your field?

I’m an active member of CFO.SA and regularly contribute thought pieces. I coach and mentor others, often using storytelling through my blog. I also speak at industry summits and conferences, sharing real-world insights with aspiring finance professionals.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CFO?

Be authentic. Lead from the heart and make decisions that align with your values. There will be moments where doing the right thing feels like it costs you career progress – especially when holding the line on accountability – but integrity always pays off in the long run.

What’s your favourite quote or mantra?

#BeYou

Share your favourite leadership lesson.

Start slow, finish fast. It’s about setting a strong foundation before accelerating execution.

What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your business bio?

I write a blog! It’s my creative outlet and way of connecting with others through real stories.

What’s your favorite non-business app on your phone?

Facebook – it’s where I stay connected with friends and family, and occasionally share my writing.

If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be?

Unlimited patience. It would make navigating complex people dynamics a lot smoother.

What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays?

Focusing on the end goal. Keeping the bigger picture in mind helps me push through when energy dips.

If you could relive one day from your professional career, which day would it be and why?

The day I signed the biggest deal of my career! A defining milestone I’ll always be proud of.