As we celebrate Women’s Month, we’re proud to spotlight the remarkable woman who started it all — not just because she leads the company, but because of how she leads it.
At CHECK YOUR DRIVER, we believe that leadership isn’t defined by titles, but by action, integrity, and impact. And there’s no better example of that than our founder and Managing Director, Leigh Johannsen.
From Red Bull to Risk Management
Leigh’s career path has been anything but conventional — and that’s exactly what makes her story so inspiring. From her early days as a Red Bull marketing promoter (yes, the car with the big can on top!) to becoming a qualified teacher, dive instructor, chef, and fraud investigator, every chapter of her journey has shaped her into the agile, values-driven leader she is today.
In 2016, with a vision to bring transparency to the world of driver verification, Leigh founded CHECK YOUR DRIVER. What started as a niche service quickly evolved into a nationally trusted verification partner, serving over 150 countries and working with the majority of South Africa’s leading insurance firms and logistics providers.
The Mission: Truth, Safety, and Trust
Leigh didn’t just build a business — she built a purpose-led brand that puts transparency and accountability first. Under her leadership, CHECK YOUR DRIVER has helped uncover thousands of fake licenses and protected countless operators and insurers from costly claims and legal exposure.
With Leigh at the helm, the company lives by a simple but powerful mantra:
“Do the right thing, even if no one is watching.”
It’s this ethos that drives the business — and has earned the trust of brokers, transporters, and HR leaders alike.
A Female Founder Making Her Mark
In an industry dominated by technical processes and compliance, Leigh brings something rare: heart.
“She’s a powerhouse,” says one long-time client. “But what makes Leigh different is that she really cares. About her work. About her team. And about the people behind every check.”
And that’s evident in how she runs her business. With only a small core team, Leigh is hands-on in every aspect of operations. From managing complex international verifications to guiding clients through CCMA hearings when fraud is uncovered — she’s not just a founder, she’s an active force behind every report.
The Road Ahead
Now in its 10th year, CHECK YOUR DRIVER continues to grow under Leigh’s leadership. And while she’s proud of what the business has achieved, she’s even more excited about the future.
“Everything we do is about building a more transparent world,” says Leigh. “Because when you work with truth, you protect people — and that’s something worth showing up for every day.”
This Women’s Month, we celebrate Leigh and every woman who leads with courage, conviction, and care.
Let’s continue to build a world where women’s contributions are recognised, supported, and celebrated — in business and beyond.
