Riana Olivier

During the past 20+ years I have founded and developed multiple businesses. I have worked independently as well as in collaboration with partners and venture capitalists to develop, improve and grow businesses in various industries, including the services industry, agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. My involvement in these projects included the development of business structures, financial and marketing strategies, and operational processes.   As a SAIPA registered accountant, I specialise in the financial side of the business. 

I spent nine of these years as the founder and owner of an accounting and tax practice where I assisted many small and medium enterprises. I was deeply involved with 17 businesses providing services and/or coaching in the attempt to save or improve the business. 

Sadly, I met many entrepreneurs who came to see an accountant in a desperate attempt to save their business. I have first-hand experience of the challenges that business owners face, for which the solutions cannot be found in a textbook.  The immense responsibility you feel for your employees, doubts in your ability to make the best decisions, and loneliness.  I struggled to find someone to be my sounding board and to keep me accountable on the targets I set for myself and my team.  The constant challenges of deadlines and personnel challenges ruled my life. 

It was only when my little girl asked my “Mom, if you have time, can you please buy me an eraser for school?” that I realised what an effect my busy work life had on my children. 

I now have a strict work-life balance. I enjoy spending time with my family while surrounded by nature. But I will never be fully fulfilled without working alongside successful entrepreneurs, being part of the process to make people and businesses successful.  Whatever that may mean for them.