UJ Alumni Impumelelo Magazine Edition 16

Achievements Established Foot Motion Podiatry in 2020, immediately after graduation. Originally a solo practice in Ladysmith, it has since expanded into three branches across northern KwaZulu-Natal, with monthly services in Newcastle and Estcourt, improving access to quality foot care in underserved communities Founded a wellness agency that coordinates corporate wellness events, mobile health clinics and monthly onsite wellness days– merging clinical expertise with preventative health strategies on a national level Recognised as an award-winning podiatrist and entrepreneur, highlighting the value of perseverance, innovation and patient-centred care Mentors 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.

Profile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/azharaisakoor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azhar_sakoor/ At just 29, Azhar Aziz-Ismail has carved a reputation as one of the legal profession’s most dynamic young leaders who blends law, technology and leadership to drive change. While his path once pointed toward journalism, a humanitarian aid mission abroad ignited his passion for law as a tool for human rights and social change. Azhar is a knowledge manager at global law firm Baker McKenzie, where he spearheads legal innovation, champions the responsible use of generative AI, and ensures legal knowledge is accessible and effective. His work sits at the intersection of law, technology and strategy. In 2023, Azhar made history as the youngest chairperson of the Johannesburg Attorneys Association, where he led digital transformation to bridge the legal sector’s digital divide. His influence extends through his faculty role at the Legal Technology & Innovation Institute, where he teaches AI and legal chatbots, and as an ambassador for the South African AI Association. A director of Constellation 150, Azhar also drives education initiatives, including robotics training for teachers in under-resourced schools. Qualifications • LLB in Law, University of Johannesburg • Certificate in Compliance Management, University of Johannesburg Achievements Elected chairperson of the Johannesburg Attorneys Association (JAA) at 28 – the youngest in the organisation’s 81-year history Led the JAA’s digital transformation, balancing innovation with respect for its longstanding heritage Rapid career progression from candidate attorney to knowledge manager at international firms Clyde & Co and Baker McKenzie Faculty member at the Legal Technology and Innovation Institute, teaching AI, legal chatbots and digital transformation Certified Generative AI Expert™ and Ambassador for the South African AI Association, promoting legal tech adoption and awareness Founder of LawChat, a platform that supported students with academic resources, CV writing and job preparation Completed executive programmes at Oxford’s Saïd Business School and the McKinsey Forward Programme Director at Constellation 150, contributing to legal innovation and strategy Led pro bono and community outreach programmes at Clyde & Co, advancing access to justice and professional development

Azhar Aziz-Ismail

“YESTERDAY I WAS CLEVER, SO I WANTED TO CHANGE THE WORLD. TODAY I AM WISE, SO I AM CHANGING MYSELF”– RUMI

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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO

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