One conversation at a time: How George Mahlakgane redefines financial advice

From the outside, he’s a smartly dressed man in a crisp suit, tie, and a red handkerchief neatly tucked into his top pocket. But behind this polished presence is a man who built his 25-year career the same way he built his client base – one conversation at a time.

George Mahlakgane, Franchise Principal and Financial Adviser at Consult Flora Park in Polokwane, has a journey in financial services that is a story of resilience, growth, and deep purpose. He started at the bottom as a young claims clerk at the then short-term insurer, Mutual & Federal. Very quickly, he realised something many professionals take years to learn: this industry isn’t about selling, it’s about serving. Those early years taught him that people trust you with their most important assets only when they feel seen, heard, and supported. That lesson became the foundation of his career.

As he moved into advisory roles, George took ownership of his growth. He spoke to people everywhere he went. He listened first, learned continuously, and built relationships long before he built a client book. With every milestone, from retaining long-standing clients to winning multiple top adviser awards, his belief was reinforced: long-term success is built on relationships, not transactions.

In November 2017, George joined Consult, drawn to a business whose purpose aligned perfectly with his own: “We consult to build and protect our clients’ dreams.” The Consult model gave him the independence he wanted, the support he needed, and the space to grow into a top-performing adviser and now a leading Franchise Principal. “Consult gave me the freedom to pursue my own dreams while helping clients realise theirs,” he says.

At Consult, George embraces the heart of the advice philosophy: understanding people first. He doesn’t arrive with solutions; he arrives with questions. By taking the time to understand each client’s goals, fears, family reality, and future plans, he is able to give personalised advice that truly benefits their lives. Whether he’s helping a young professional take their first investment step or supporting a family through a major life event, to him, every interaction is an opportunity to build or protect someone’s dream.

One of the moments that reminded him why this work matters came when a client’s home burnt down. From guiding the family through the claim process to seeing them return to a restored home, George calls it “a reminder of why service matters.” It was more than insurance; it was about protecting a family’s future and giving them peace of mind when they needed it most. Another proud moment came when a boy from the community approached him on behalf of his local school rugby team, confident that George would find a solution. He sponsored their rugby kit, a small but powerful reflection of the trust and relationships he has built in his community.

Joining Consult also enabled George to grow a thriving business that empowers others. Several of his top-performing advisers started their journeys under his mentorship, inspired by his excellence, attention to detail, and genuine care. His role as a Franchise Principal has become a way of multiplying impact. “I enjoy my work, and the rest follows,” he shares.

He has also found meaningful ways to honour his clients: golf days for top clients, Women’s Day celebrations, and ongoing mentorship for young referrals. For George, consulting is not an appointment in the diary; it’s a relationship. And every interaction should leave someone better than before.

Looking back over his 25year career, George is proud of the lives he touched, dreams he has helped build and protect, and the boundaries he pushed. As the first black adviser to win multiple Invictus Awards at Consult, he sees his achievements not as a trophy cabinet, but as proof that opportunity, discipline, and service can open doors for anyone.

His message to aspiring advisers is simple and powerful: “Follow your passion, commit to the people you serve, and focus on making a difference. When you put people first, success will find you.”

Looking ahead, George remains grounded in Consult’s purpose and inspired by what lies ahead. He aims to expand his vision globally while staying true to the principles that shaped him - service, relationships, and building holistic generational impact. Through Consult, he has created a platform where he can fulfil his own dreams while helping others achieve theirs.

His story is proof that when passion and purpose meet, possibilities are limitless.