Education Channel Manager
Julie Govender
“I broke free.”
Me in a single word: Resilient.
I grew up during apartheid, in a community filled with struggles. We had little, but a deep sense of togetherness and hope. Our little village raised many children into successful young people. My anthem growing up was Queen’s I Want To Break Free but I didn’t want to leave behind the people, or the values I was raised on.
Eventually we did break free, gaining equal rights and opportunities. I married my high school sweetheart, started a family and moved to Joburg at 21.
At home, I love to cook a spicy, well-balanced curry. I’d love to spend more free time doing charity work, with babies and young people. And right now I’m reading Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez. After living through a pandemic, I can understand some of the challenges.
Who would my desert island survivor-mate be? No one in my circle; none of us can keep a braai fire lit!
People say I’m a good at listening. What I’d like to be good at is painting or drawing but sadly, my stick figures wouldn’t fetch anything as an NFT. Load Shedding and traffic really annoy me.
My desk drawer snack? Pickles.
And my bucket list? If it involves an airplane, culture and, of course, food, you don’t need to ask me twice.
It’s been a privilege to watch the birth of Learning Curve and see our ‘baby’ grow up. We’re like a clan – we stick together. I’ve known at least half the team for more than a decade, and seen them start families and raise kids. We have great customers, academic clients who are easy-going and understanding, and a team that’s edgy and fun.
I think our society needs more kindness, empathy and acceptance. And for a long time I’ve also believed we need a 4-day work week, which I’m sure could be just as productive as five.
