Women in Industry - Talbot

Micole Martens

Is a director at Talbot and leads the Laboratory, a leading commercial environmental testing laboratory with an extensive footprint across Africa. Born on June 28, 1985, in Gauteng, South Africa, she holds a BSc Honours in Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology. Marten's management style is collaborative, customer-focused and dedicated to empowering others. Her personal best achievement is mastering the art of juggling a career while parenting two energetic boys, maintaining the illusion of having
it all together, one coffee spill and bedtime story at a time. She admires Bear Grylls for his ability to push boundaries with extreme challenges and maintain a positive mindset regardless of the obstacles. Her life philosophy is to do the things you fear the most. To other women leaders in the South African business community, Martens encourages embracing challenges as opportunities to drive innovation, empowering others by harnessing their strengths and nurturing both career and family.

Wendy Phumo

Is the sales consultant at Talbot. Born in Soweto, Wendy Phumo has always aspired to address South Africa's social and environmental challenges. She holds a diploma in Public Relations and a postgraduate diploma in Brand Management. Phumo's professional journey in the water industry began early in her career, where her educational background naturally led her to focus on marketing and sales. These experiences have underscored the indispensable value of water, driving her passion and commitment as a sales consultant. Throughout her career, Phumo has experienced significant growth and development, gaining exposure to both the technical and commercial aspects of the business. She is eager to continue learning and expand her expertise. As she looks to the future, Phumo remains dedicated to advancing water awareness and conservation.

Theasha Naidoo

Is a Process Engineer at Talbot, an environmental consulting firm. Born on May 23, 1995, in Durban, she holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering from UKZN. Naidoo’s leadership style is inspired by Canadian writer Robin Sharma's concept of "lead without a title," emphasising leadership through influence. Her most notable achievement is pitching on behalf of her team at Wetskills in 2023, where she presented an innovative solution to tackle water scarcity in South Africa. This high-stakes environment reinforced her passion for environmental sustainability and showcased her ability to collaborate effectively for impactful outcomes. Naidoo admires Chanel CEO Leena Nair for her pioneering leadership in diversity and inclusion. Nair's journey as an engineer who shattered glass ceilings and empowered women in the industry inspires Naidoo to pursue resilience and visionary change. Her life philosophy is encapsulated by Nike's slogan "Just Do It," which motivates her to seize opportunities and embrace diverse experiences for personal growth.

Perina Bridgmohan

Is the COO of Talbot, where she plays a key role in integrating the company's operations. She focuses on efficiency and ensures seamless collaboration, turning strategic visions into practical outcomes. Born on December 17, 1984, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu- Natal, Bridgmohan holds a Masters in Biochemistry from UKZN. Her management style is inclusive, encouraging collaboration and valuing diverse perspectives. She creates an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, empowering her team to make decisions and solve critical problems. This approach not only enhances their problem- solving skills but also builds their confidence and independence. Her greatest personal achievement is becoming COO while balancing life and family responsibilities. She admires former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and wishes to meet her to gain insights into leadership, team management, and balancing family and work. Bridgmohan's life philosophy centres around integrity, resilience and empowerment. She believes true success comes from uplifting and mentoring others, creating positive change, and balancing personal and professional life. Passionate about mentoring, especially women, she drives these principles daily, inspiring others while pursuing her own growth and success.

www.talbot.co.za