For Alisha Lalbeharie, 27, building a healthcare business is about creating a lasting impact in people’s lives. What began as a fascination with the human body evolved into a passion for podiatry — a field in which science, preventative care and quality of life intersect. Alisha launched Foot Motion Podiatry in 2020, which has since expanded to three branches across Northern KZN, providing much-needed care to communities often overlooked. A recognised entrepreneur and award-winning healthcare professional, Alisha balances her clinical role with the challenges of business leadership. She has a special interest in diabetic foot care and recently completed a postgraduate diploma in metabolic medicine. Beyond the clinic, Alisha is passionate about education and access. As the KwaZulu-Natal Chair of the Podiatry Association of South Africa, she advocates for better foot health policies and supports fellow podiatrists. Through her wellness agency, she also runs corporate health events and mobile clinics, bringing preventative healthcare to workplaces and underserved communities. She believes success comes from betting on yourself, embracing the uncomfortable and building organisations that uplift others.
I look up to a number of people who have shaped my mindset and inspired different parts of my journey. First and foremost, my mum has been my biggest role model. Watching her work hard, remain grounded and always put family first taught me the value of resilience, compassion and determination. She’s the reason I believe in giving my all, even when things get tough. From an entrepreneurial perspective, I deeply admire people such as Emma Grede, Steven Bartlett and Leila Hormozi and her husband, Alex Hormozi. Emma Grede’s confidence, vision and ability to break boundaries in business — especially as a woman of colour — is incredibly inspiring. Steven Bartlett’s transparency about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and his focus on purpose over profit, resonates with me. Leila Hormozi, with her strategic mindset and no-nonsense approach to scaling businesses, has taught me the importance of systems, leadership and long-term thinking. These mentors — both personal and public — have shown me that success is not just about talent or opportunity, but about discipline, authenticity and staying true to your mission. They’ve helped shape how I lead, build and dream big while staying grounded in service.