From Trials to Triumph: Nompilo Gumede on Living Beyond the Balance Sheet

At Elevate Finance Partners, we believe success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about purpose, vision, and impact. In our “From Trials to Triumph” series, we spotlight women who are courageously redefining leadership and legacy.

This week, we had the privilege of sitting down with Nompilo Gumede—accountant, entrepreneur, CEO, and mother—whose story beautifully demonstrates what it means to live holistically, guided by faith and an unwavering commitment to empowering others.

Through every chapter of her journey—from leaving a 15-year corporate career to empowering women across South Africa—Nompilo has remained deeply rooted in her values. Her path has not been without trials, but in her words and work, you’ll find a consistent thread of resilience, wisdom, and unwavering obedience to her calling.

Below is our full conversation, rich with authenticity and heart, followed by key takeaways that we hope will inspire your own journey of purpose and potential.

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Q&A with Nompilo Gumede

For those who may be meeting you for the first time—who is Nompilo Gumede?

I’m an accountant by profession, entrepreneur, mentor at the National Youth Development Agency, business coach, and advocate for women’s empowerment. I registered Cava Africa in 2019 as a company selling African print hoodies, sweaters, and t-shirts. Two years ago, after 15 years in corporate, I went full-time into my own business offering accounting, tax, and business consultancy to small businesses.

In 2022, I was appointed as CEO of Women in Business—a platform focused on mentorship, collaboration, and networking for women. My leadership includes organizing events that empower women and celebrate their professional and personal growth.

What matters most to me is helping to unlock potential, particularly for women and youth.

Can you walk us through your journey with Cava Solutions? What were some defining moments that shaped your path to where you are today?

When I was in corporate, I always believed that there was more for me as the daughter of the Most High. After joining Women in Business in 2020, I started getting exposed to career coaching. I invested R12,000 in learning and it paid off with a R5,000 increase after tax. I was encouraged, and my employer invested another R12,000 for me to attend executive coaching that helped me figure out my strengths, my core values, my critical success factors—and then I started developing my vision from there. It involves what I get to do on a daily basis now.

Many women face unique challenges stepping into entrepreneurship. What were some of the biggest obstacles you encountered, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest obstacle was making sales in order to keep the business sustainable. I had to be intentional about building relationships so that people would trust my services. Once I got a few happy customers, they saw the value and became my brand ambassadors. My personal weakness was invoicing—because I love helping people, I sometimes struggled to charge appropriately for my services.

How has your faith guided you in business? Could you share how your relationship with God has influenced your business decisions and financial choices?

I would not be where I am if it was not for the grace of God. When God spoke to me in terms of what I needed to do, I needed to be obedient. Even now, every move that I make is inspired by the Holy Spirit. Financially, He guides me on where to get the money from and where to spend it.

Financial stewardship is vital for both home and business. What principles of wise money management have helped you build stability in both areas?

God always provides and He will provide. He will never let the righteous be forsaken. Obedience in terms of giving tithes and offering is foundational to my financial stewardship.

As a wife, mother, and businesswoman, how do you structure your day? What rhythms or routines help you show up fully in each role?

I have a structure in place and work on routine. After dropping my kids at school, I go to the office and leave in time to pick up my kids from school. I’m happy to be able to attend my kids’ sporting activities without having to worry about being back at the office. I have a supportive team at the office and a helper at home. I always cook for my husband. I can safely say that I’m living a somewhat balanced and fulfilled life.

Many women wrestle with the pressure to “do it all.” How do you balance your professional goals with nurturing your family and caring for yourself?

I plan and I say no to what is not aligning with my purpose. I let the Holy Spirit guide me. It’s not very easy to balance it all. There are times when there are work deadlines that need to be attended to, so one goes the extra mile. Sometimes family needs me more, and then I avail myself accordingly.

How do you create space for spiritual nourishment in your day-to-day life? What does spending time with God look like in your current season?

I listen to the Bible in the morning and go for a prayer walk in the mornings (if the weather allows) and pray before I start my day. I’m also intentional with important fellowship meetings like prayer and home cell. I’m intentional about reading the Bible for my kids in the evenings and praying with them. As parents, that is a responsibility we cannot delegate to anyone else.

What systems or support networks have been most helpful in managing your home and business? Are there tools or people you lean on to help things run smoothly?

I have teams and systems in place. For Cava Solutions, there’s a manager running the office and I do training and check the work before it goes to the client.

Motherhood and marriage come with their own set of blessings and challenges. How have these roles shaped your leadership style or business outlook?

I’m soft at heart and being a mom has made me a more compassionate leader. After 13 years of marriage, I’m still learning and it is a ministry that cannot thrive without God’s involvement.

How have your personal experiences as a wife and mother informed your business journey—and vice versa? Any lessons that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Don’t take things personally. Sometimes people project their feelings on you. Life is a journey that is meant to be enjoyed. Continuous learning every step of the way. Knowledge is power.

Looking back, how have your personal values shaped your definition of success? What does “success” look like to you now as a woman of faith, family, and purpose?

Success is living God’s purpose for our lives to the best of our ability in this generation.

What encouragement would you offer to women who feel called to build something impactful—yet overwhelmed by all they carry?

Take it one step at a time.

Pray about the strategy to put the plan into action.

Network and associate with people who have similar vision—you will also realize it is possible.

Get a mentor or a coach or both.

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Key Takeaways from Nompilo’s Journey

Purpose leads, profit follows. Nompilo’s story reminds us that when we pursue purpose with intention, sustainable success naturally follows.

Faith is a strategic foundation. Her spiritual discipline fuels her decision-making, daily routines, and financial stewardship—proving that faith and business strategy work hand in hand.

Build intentional support systems. From operational teams to mentors to family helpers—success requires building wisely with others who share your vision.

Say yes to balance, no to burnout. Structured days, aligned choices, and prioritizing what truly matters is how she thrives without sacrificing what’s most important.

Mentorship is a multiplier. From being coached to becoming a coach herself, Nompilo proves that empowered women empower others—creating ripple effects of transformation.

Obedience over comfort. Her willingness to leave corporate security for divine calling demonstrates that our greatest growth often requires stepping beyond our comfort zones.

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Conclusion

Nompilo Gumede’s journey is a masterclass in integrating faith, finance, and family. Her courage to leave comfort zones, her obedience to divine instruction, and her unshakable belief in others—especially women and youth—make her an inspiring figure for anyone navigating the complex but beautiful terrain of purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

At Elevate Finance Partners, we celebrate stories like Nompilo’s because they illuminate what it means to build not just a business, but a life of meaning. May her words empower you to take your next bold step—with grace, strategy, and faith.