By Aerusha Jenal Lalbahadur
Thirty-three year old go getter, Trishan Govender, hopes to one day become an internationally renowned motivational speaker who is able to reach people on various platforms. With a passion for motivating and inspiring people, Govender is a strong believer in understanding and helping those around her. With aspirations of living abroad and motivating people in a global stage, she says that one should never forget where they come from when that have “made it in life”. To find out more about Govender and her passion for making the world a better place, the Phoenix Tabloid recently sat down with her on the couch so that she can tell us more about herself.
Phoenix Tabloid (PT): Tell us a bit about yourself?
Trishan Govender (TG): I am Trishan Govender, 33 years old. I am a training officer by profession and an accredited facilitator and assessor. I am a motivational speaker on multiple platforms and an upcoming voice over artist as well as an RJ on Impressions 94.3FM. I love singing and dancing, travelling, exploring and finding new adventures. The most favourite part of being me is the heart that I have. I love to love. I love to take care of others, helping others, encouraging others, motivating, and inspiring people globally. I will not entertain fake, unkind and or disrespectful people.
PT: Tell us about your family and what are some of your favourite parts of being among them?
TG: My immediate family consist of four people namely my mom, dad, brother and I. My brother is married with two beautiful girls. I live with my parents and I have to say these past few years have been so incredible. Spending time with my parents has indeed strengthened our relationship and allowed for us to become closer. Knowing everything we have been through, I am so grateful we are still together and I strongly believe the best is yet to come, for us. God has been so good to us.
PT: Where did you attend high school and did you enjoy it?
TG: I matriculated in 2006. I did enjoy my schooling years, there were good, bad and ugly times during that season of my life.
PT: What are your plans for the future?
TG: My dream is to become a known motivational speaker on multiple platforms. I have already started working on it by posting motivational videos on TikTok as well as sharing motivational and inspirational talks on radio via Impressions 94.5 FM. I also see myself living abroad with my family and working as a motivational speaker, mentor and coach. I want to help people globally, to be part of organisations that build homes for families and schools for children, organisations that help educate people on how to work towards making their lives better. I say all this, however I will submit to the plan and purpose God intended for my life, as I walk on my journey.
PT: What drew you into the world of music and being a RJ?
TG: I have been singing since the age of nine. Music is something I truly love and enjoy. In the recent years I have heard people say to me, strangers included, that I should try radio because my voice is sultry, they can listen to me all day and that I come across as bold and confident. So, I decided to take a shot. I am loving the experience so far. I also completed a Voice Over Booth Camp with South African Voice Over Academy because that is something I also want to get into.
PT: When did you first decide to become a RJ?
TG: I have been thinking about it and working towards it for some time. When the opportunity presented itself with Impressions 94.3 FM, I accepted with open arms. The RJ journey officially started in June 2022.
PT: When was your first gig as RJ and was it all that you had hoped for?
TG: My first show was at the end of June on Impressions 94.3 FM, The Gospel Hour with Trish Govender. I was more nervous about the technical side of things not the speaking because I love talking. The experience was incredible. I was and still am so grateful for this radio opportunity.
PT: If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
TG: Sarah Jakes Roberts (TD Jakes Daughter), she has a story to tell and I would love to have a conversation with her about how she overcame the bad and ugly times. Seeing the women, she has become, the lives that are being changed by her story and her God given gifts, I am always in awe. I aspire to walk in my purpose like that, bold, strong and courageous irrespective of my past mistakes and circumstances.
PT: What’s your take on bullying in schools and what do you think should be done to curb this?
TG: Bullying is unkind and unfair. However, for the most part it is also not the fault of the person doing the bullying because I believe there is always an underlying issue that needs to be addressed and healed. The “bully” needs to get help and love. With all of that being said, we need more people who are willing to help these kids become better.
PT: What are you passionate about?
TG: Motivating and Inspiring people is something I am definitely passionate about, I make sure I do it as often as possible.
PT: In light of the current crisis with Eskom, what’s your take on load shedding and how has it been affecting you?
TG: Load shedding has definitely made daily living uncomfortable. Your shower and meal prep times have to be scheduled, among other things. I am hoping for the best in this regard though, for better decisions to be made by the people in power.
PT: What is one thing you would like other people to be more aware of and why?
TG: I would love it, if people stop looking down on others because of their status. Don’t forget where you came from when you have “made it in life”. There is always a reason why you are where you are right now and why you went through what you went through in life and most of the time it is to help others in similar situations. I want people to become more aware of others by helping, teaching, motivating, inspiring, educating, sharing stories so that we can help make this world a better place.
PT: Apart from being on radio and being a motivational speaker, what else are you best known for?
TG: My go getter spirit, consistent positive energy, broad smile, loud laugh and craziness (the good kind). I have been told many times that I bring life to the party and that my energy enters a room before I do. People also describe me as a confident, God fearing, creative, reliable, philanthropic, independent, compassionate and career-oriented woman.
PT: What music are you into?
TG: I listen to Gospel all day every day. I enjoy Maverick City, Tasha Cobbs, Lauren Daigle and few others. It keeps me calm and helps me through the hard days. However, I do listen to R&B, 80’s and 90’s classics occasionally. I was recently introduced to African music which I am enjoying very much.
PT: What do you do during your free time?
TG: I serve at church, spending time with family is a must. I also listen to music, watch movies and depending on where I am, I enjoy walking and praying on the beach. “Me Time” is something I ensure I have, as often as possible because it is important for me to reflect, get refreshed and stay in readiness for the opportunities to come.
PT: What is your advice for people who want to make their dream a reality?
TG: Firstly, remember that you are designed, destined and made for greatness and that you are God’s masterpiece. I believe, if that foundation is solid you can achieve anything. Work hard, work smart, maintain discipline and dedication. Consistency is key. Write down your plans, dreams, visions and attach pictures to it. Look at it every day, pray about it, asking God to direct you accordingly and work towards it daily. You will attract what you give regard to. Winners make things happen, losers let things happen. Surround yourself with people who want similar things, people who can push you to become better, who are not uncomfortable telling you where are need to improve, people who can pray with you, business plan with you. This is very important, because you become the company you keep. I believe in you and know without a doubt that you can make your dreams a reality. Don’t expect it to be easy.
PT: Lastly, if you had a choice, South Africa or overseas?
TG: I love South Africa, but I would choose overseas because I have had the opportunity to live in USA and China. My experiences in both countries were incredible. My final destination would be USA.
