Purpose, and Empowerment in Business Advisory
Lu Khani, the founder of Business Navigators, is a testament to the power of adaptability, a passion for learning, and the pursuit of purpose in the realm of business advisory and accounting. Born and raised in Zimbabwe before moving to South Africa for further education and the beginning of his professional journey, Lu’s life is a rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped his approach to business and life. With half of his life spent in Zimbabwe and the other half in South Africa, primarily in Cape Town, Lu’s story is one of diverse cultural and professional experiences that culminate in his current life in Nelson, New Zealand.
Lu’s professional journey is marked by significant accomplishments, including working with top global accounting firms such as BDO and Grant Thornton, and later as the in-house tax manager for Africa’s largest law firm, ENSafrica. This experience not only honed his expertise in auditing, tax advisory, and corporate tax but also imbued him with a broad spectrum of business advisory skills. “Working for these larger firms exposed me to multimillion-dollar companies, which was both humbling and exciting at the same time,” Lu reflects on his career in South Africa.
The decision to move to Nelson was driven by family considerations and a desire for a supportive environment to raise a family. Despite thriving professionally in Cape Town, Lu and his wife, drawn by her roots in Nelson, decided to relocate. “It was a matter of coming to gain the bigger picture, which was made up of family support and a beautiful place to raise a family” Lu shares. This transition was not without its challenges, as it meant resetting professionally and adapting to a new environment.
Upon arriving in Nelson, Lu initially found the city to feel very small compared to Cape Town. However, over time, the lifestyle and community in Nelson won him over. “I can’t imagine living anywhere else in New Zealand other than Nelson,” he says, reflecting on his journey to acclimatise to the city. This change of heart underscores Lu’s ability to adapt and find value in new experiences.
The inception of Business Navigators came during the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that could have deterred many. Instead, Lu saw it as an opportunity to finally realise his long-held ambition. “I’ve always known one day I would have my own business,” Lu says. The firm’s mission is to empower SMEs with strategic advice and tailor-made solutions, helping business owners not just achieve but surpass their goals.
Lu’s approach to business is deeply personal and relational. He believes in the power of understanding and empathy in fostering strong client relationships. “Seeing the light bulb moments from clients – that’s my favourite thing about the business,” he admits. This philosophy extends beyond professional services, as Lu incorporates the client’s personal values and lifestyle goals into their business model, ensuring a harmonious balance between work and personal life.
Lu’s passion for his work is matched by his love for family, competitive hockey, and his spiritual life. These elements form the cornerstone of his personal well-being and reflect in his approach to business. In Nelson, he enjoys the community and outdoor activities, though he humorously notes the potential for more action-packed family entertainment to enjoy with the kids. “I used to love the rides as a kid”.
In today’s digital age, Lu appreciates the importance of online connectivity in business. “while the in person contact is the best approach, I love the ability to be able to work on projects or interact with people and not necessarily have to be in the same workspace,” he states, highlighting the benefits of remote working and digital communication tools in servicing clients across New Zealand.
For those seeking the expertise and personalised service that Lu Khani and Business Navigators offer, he is easily reachable through a call or the firm’s website. This accessibility and responsiveness are key to the firm’s client service approach.
Lu Khani’s journey from Zimbabwe and South Africa to Nelson, New Zealand, is a story of embracing change, pursuing purpose, and the power of family and community. Through Business Navigators, he continues to impact the SME landscape by offering strategic, empathetic, and value-driven advisory services, underpinned by a wealth of global experience and a deep understanding of the local business environment.
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Lu is a one of a kind champion. In business, sport and life.
Thanks so much for the kind words and support, Anton.