Meet the Woman Behind the Simbithi Brand

Every successful business has people working behind the scenes whose influence extends far beyond their job title. They are the culture builders, the storytellers and the leaders who shape how organisations are experienced every day. This Women's Month, Simbithi Eco-Estate & Country Club celebrates one of those women: Brand Manager Jodi Chetty, whose journey from community journalist to brand custodian demonstrates that leadership is not always about commanding the loudest voice in the room, but about using it to bring people together.

Jodi's career path was anything but conventional. Although she once dreamed of becoming a paediatrician, it was her love of language, storytelling and people that ultimately defined her future. After spending eight years as a community journalist, she took what she describes as a "giant leap of faith" by joining Simbithi in 2015 without any formal experience in marketing or branding. What she did bring was an unwavering belief that words have the power to connect people. Nearly a decade later, that philosophy continues to shape one of the North Coast's most recognisable residential brands. 

An Unconventional Journey into Leadership

Jodi often reflects on the irony that, throughout her school years, she was known as the child who "talked too much". What was once viewed as a weakness has become one of her greatest professional strengths.

Her years in journalism taught her to approach every person and every situation with curiosity rather than assumption. One assignment, covering a makeshift community gym built from donated and improvised equipment, became a defining moment in her career. Expecting very little, she instead discovered an inspiring story of resilience and determination that reminded her there is always value in listening before forming an opinion. That lesson continues to shape her approach to leadership, communication and brand building today. 

Building a Brand That Feels Like Home

For Jodi, branding has never been about logos or advertising campaigns. It is about creating a sense of belonging.

She often speaks about "The Simbithi Story", describing every resident and family as contributing another chapter to the estate's ongoing journey. Whether communicating environmental initiatives, celebrating community milestones or helping bring events to life, her role is to translate the vision of the estate into stories that resonate with residents and strengthen their connection to the community.

This people-first approach has helped reinforce Simbithi's position as one of South Africa's leading eco-estates. While the facilities, natural surroundings and lifestyle offering continue to evolve, Jodi believes the true strength of the brand lies in the people who bring it to life every day. 

Among her proudest moments was helping bring Simbithi's 15th birthday celebrations to life. What began as a simple idea grew into a three-day festival that united residents of all ages. Watching generations come together confirmed what the team had always hoped Simbithi would become: far more than an estate, but a community where people genuinely feel at home.

Leading with Kindness

As a woman in management, Jodi has developed a leadership philosophy grounded in empathy, authenticity and kindness. She believes confidence is something that grows through experience rather than something people are simply born with, and that resilience is not about being relentlessly hard on yourself but about recognising that your best will look different from one day to the next.

Earlier in her career, she often questioned whether her age and experience were enough. Today, she understands that leadership does not require sounding like someone else. Instead, it comes from trusting your own perspective and creating space for others to do the same.

She credits much of that growth to the women who shaped her journey, particularly her mother, Beverley van Wyk, whose resilience and encouragement taught her to dream beyond perceived limitations, and marketing professional Cheryl Peters, whose confidence and professionalism demonstrated that strong leadership can be both compassionate and authentic. 

Finding Your Voice

As Women's Month celebrates the achievements of women across every industry, Jodi hopes more women recognise the value of their own voice and never allow others to define what they are capable of achieving.

Her advice is simple but powerful: believe in yourself, embrace your individuality and never allow anyone to make you feel less than you are.

It is fitting advice from someone whose career has been built on helping others feel seen, heard and connected. From a young girl who once believed she talked too much to the woman entrusted with shaping the voice of one of South Africa's leading eco-estates, Jodi Chetty's journey is a reminder that some of the most influential leaders are not those who speak the loudest, but those who use their words to make others feel they belong.

Featured image: Chris Allan Photo