Joseph Haydn, the “Father of the Symphony,” had a knack for keeping his audience engaged. During the premiere of his Surprise Symphony, he noticed the crowd nodding off during the gentle second movement. Rather than letting them drift into slumber, Haydn inserted a sudden, loud chord – enough to make everyone sit upright and pay attention. It was a playful yet brilliant move, showcasing his understanding of his audience and his ability to adapt his art to the moment. Like Haydn’s unexpected chord, Lee-Ann Venter has figured out how to bring focus and innovation to her work, keeping even the most complex situations from losing their rhythm.
Lee-Ann grew up in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, where her tight-knit family instilled in her a deep sense of trust and encouragement. As an only child, her parents were her greatest mentors, guiding her to follow her passions and trust her instincts. This foundation of support has allowed her to experiment and thrive in her role as a Dispute Resolution Official.
While her love for law began at an early age, Lee-Ann’s passion for music also played a significant role in shaping her approach to problem-solving. A violinist who enjoys playing in community orchestras, she learned from the likes of Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saëns, and Haydn that success is about precision, collaboration, and knowing when to surprise your audience. Whether performing a symphony or resolving a dispute, Lee-Ann approaches her work with the same discipline and creativity that her favourite composers brought to their craft.
Her path to CEO began when an alumni staff member from North-West University shared an advertisement for a position. The opportunity to litigate daily and the organisation’s professionalism drew her in. At CEO, Lee-Ann finds resonance in the commitment to tailored solutions and transparent communication with members. Like Haydn’s understanding of his audience, she values the importance of listening to the unique needs of every member and responding in ways that ensure they feel both supported and heard.
Friends and colleagues describe Lee-Ann as a quiet listener, someone who approaches challenges with calm focus and a touch of ingenuity. Her proudest accomplishment – being admitted as an attorney – stands as a testament to her perseverance and dedication to mastering her craft. Her vision for the future is clear: to excel as a Dispute Resolution Official while continuing to bring harmony to the often chaotic world of labour disputes.
In her downtime, Lee-Ann enjoys balancing her love of music with more adventurous pursuits like rock climbing. Whether scaling a tricky overhang or fine-tuning her violin, she finds joy in every challenge, knowing that, like in music, the right balance between structure and spontaneity can create something extraordinary.
For Lee-Ann, Haydn’s playful approach to the Surprise Symphony offers a perfect metaphor for her own life and work: blending focus, adaptability, and the occasional creative twist to ensure every situation ends on a high note.