FAnews is proud to share with you the wisdom of ordinary women who have made a great impact in the financial services industry. They are women of excellence, who faced and conquered many challenges and obstacles to get where they are today. These women are living proof that perseverance, discipline and hard work will produce results in the end. We called for nominations from the industry, and we were overwhelmed by responses from people who recognise the difference so many women are making in the industry. It was an extremely difficult choice to select only a few from all the exceptional nominees, but it is encouraging to know that the effort and contribution of many women are indeed noticed and appreciated.
Caroline da Silva, Head: Portfolio Management, Santam
Are women being accepted into higher management levels?
Definitely. The numbers of women in senior management do not reflect the demographics of the industry, but there is a real focus in correcting this. There seems to be a genuine acceptance that women bring something different to the business, qualities that compliment those brought into the business by their male counterparts and that diversity is essential. Women in the past have probably been their own worst enemy. Have you ever watched how men network, support one another, lobby each other into positions, share knowledge and skills? Women have been taught that there are limited positions available and are afraid to lobby or network other women in case it limits their own opportunities. One reason why I love this industry is the growing awareness that there are no limits.
Dalene Allen, Director: Altrisk
Advise for young women who are starting out?
Have confidence in your abilities. Capitalise on your strengths and never hesitate to ask for help. As you climb the corporate ladder you will be able to influence the ethos of the environment. It takes a lot of courage to say NO, but be prepared to be flexible. And, have lots of fun!
What motivates you?
The challenge of proving that it can be done!
What do you do to relax?
Spending time with my family and going holiday often. It rejuvenates me, so that I can cope with the stresses of work.
Ursula Torr, Product Manager: Old Mutual Greenlight
What are your long-term professional goals?
Actuaries are supposed to be long-term thinkers but what I mostly want is to keep growing. I like discovering new areas of interest, hence the move into a more marketing, creative side of Old Mutual's business. I like working with brilliant, passionate people, committed to excellence. I need to believe I'm doing something that has value. I love trying crazy ideas, and succeeding in shaping the future.
How do you spend free time?
I enjoy being with friends, having a glass of wine and sorting out the world's problems! I'm a reader, eater and wanna-be artist so life is always full of colour, taste and variety.
Audrey Mothupi, Executive and Head of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs: Liberty Life
How can you be assertive without being aggressive?
It's all about passion! If you believe in what you do and feel passionate enough to ensure you understand the facts and challenges, you can influence change without being aggressive. It is also critical to create partnerships with all stakeholders to challenge and provide a different perspective without being aggressive.
What would you like to contribute to the industry?
We need to rebuild consumer confidence and invest in consumer education is key.
What is your favourite book?
The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. It's witty, engaging and takes one into a different zone.
Lize Lambrects, CEO: Sanlam Personal Finance
Who are your role models?
My role model is my mother, a wonderful human being who always inspired and encouraged me to be the best I can be. I have also learnt a lot from many people for which I am grateful.
What are your views on the many changes in the industry?
I believe these changes are in line with a changing business and are to the benefit of all concerned. It is in the interests of all players to support the changes.
What has been your most significant personal achievement?
Raising a wonderful daughter with the help of a very supportive husband, who also believes that the sky is the limit.
Lisa Gibbon, MD: Medscheme Financial Services
Are men from Mars and women from Venus?
"I believe women and men do approach business and personal relationships differently, however people skills are not gender specific, but more personality based, so women aren't necessarily better, just different. Women tend to pick their fights better than men, though – we can be accommodating on the less important stuff, but dig our heels in when it really matters!"
Leadership style and long-term professional goals:
My leadership style is informal and I believe a collaborative approach gets results. My focus is to grow Medscheme Financial Services into a formidable player - a challenge with many personal growth opportunities. I'd like to leave a legacy of having played a significant role in the company.
Susan Calitz, Investment Consultant: Metropolitan
What are your professional goals and successes?
In my last three years to retirement, my goal is to qualify as a Top of the Table, Million Dollar Round Table member. I have qualified for the past two years a definite career highlight!
What do you consider your strengths to be?
Definitely my passion for dealing with my clients in a professional an honest manner. I believe in my company and the products they offer. Commitment, discipline and hard work make me a successful businesswoman. Excellent client service and honesty work for me.
What industry initiatives are necessary to assist women in the corporate world?
I suggest a forum for women in the industry to get together, network and be motivated.
Margaret Massie, Executive Head: People and Brand, Santam
Describe your leadership style.
I like to be involved. I believe in including people in conceptualising and decision-making. I'm demanding of people, but I'm happy to roll up my sleeves and get involved if necessary.
What keeps you awake at night?
My goal is to always deliver the best and when I think I could have done something better it tends to keep me awake at night. The responsibility of leadership is one which I do not take lightly.
Some advice for young women starting out?
Be true to who you are. What makes you unique is your ability to think different, look different, lead differently and ultimately add something unique to the team. Live up to your own strengths.
Kate Moodley, General Manager: Momentum Distribution Services
What career advice would you give to anyone starting now?
It is vital that you thoroughly enjoy what you are doing. Get a good education and develop a career plan, so you work towards that goal daily and never become complacent.
What would you like to contribute to the industry?
I believe one of my key contributions is to "re-engineer" the role of the marketing adviser to be a true business partner to the client. I am passionate about corporate financial planning, which is what my doctorate is based on. I strongly believe this presents a huge opportunity for insurers and clients need to be educated about the risks when starting up a business.
Lindi Dlamini, Divisional Director - Risk Benefits and Premium Administration: Liberty Life
Life Philosophy:
I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection, excellence we can all strive for but perfection is God's business. I live to make the space I occupy a better place.
What keeps me motivated?
I am motivated by making a difference in a client's life, by being part of a massive wave of change in the industry, by being part of tangible transformation in terms of race and gender. Industry initiatives to assist women in the corporate world. A fundamental change in conscious and unconscious perceptions of women and their roles is required. Our worth, potential and mobility must be recognised.
Christelle Fourie, National Manager - Home Division: MUA Insurance Company
What motivates you?
The endless opportunities offered by our industry. Ours is an industry that thrives on entrepreneurial spirit. Those who have started their own successful businesses – underwriting agencies, portfolio managers, brokers or even insurance companies – inspire me most. With ambition and intelligence, the sky is definitely the limit in this industry.
What are your views on the many changes in the industry?
The FAIS Act was the best thing we could ever have asked for - we are now working in an industry entirely focused on education and skills development. It brought an element of professionalism, which is greatly benefiting the industry and making it more powerful.
Darlene Hoffman, Operations Manager: Health & Accident
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a nurse! I did actually spend three years of my life on this vocation subsequent to which, I went an entirely different route and attained a commercial degree.
What provides you with the most satisfaction in your work?
Putting energy and commitment into the growth and development of the business and facilitating the achievement of the goals of all of our stakeholders.
What CD is in your car and what do you do to relax?
The CD in my car is Marc Antony. For relaxation I play average golf, am passionate about skiing and enjoy power walking.
Bridget Mokwena, HR Director: Assupol Life
Women are still not well represented in top management – will this change?
Companies should adopt a proactive approach to identify, coach and position female leaders. It is our collective responsibility to empower more female leaders through a conscious, planned and ongoing process. Then there is definitely hope for positive change.
What has been your most significant professional achievement?
My appointment as CEO of Prosperity Life and chairperson of Cornerstone Administrators is not only a professional highlight, but also shows it is possible for women to succeed.
Advice to other women starting to climb the corporate ladder?
Embrace the challenge!
Marilise Croeser, Senior Underwriter: Safari & Tourism Insurance Brokers
Obstacles I have overcome and my most significant professional achievement:
I have, unfortunately, found recognition and acceptance hard to come by, in that often less competent persons have been promoted to senior positions. Invariably it has been left to me to sort out their problems, and get the client's portfolio back into line. However, the upside of this is that I have been tasked with the management and underwriting of our two most important and complicated accounts, attending client meetings, where my input is appreciated.
We would like to thank our three panel members who assisted us in choosing the fourteen featured women: Gerhard Joubert (LOA), Refilwe Moletsane (SAIA) and Duncan Buchanan (SAFSIA President).
Many more women are quietly making a difference in the industry. We would like to acknowlege and salute all the exceptional women who were nominated by their colleagues and whose contributions are being recognised, perhaps not on these pages, but in the hearts and minds of those whose lives they touch every day:
Aneline Rhoda (Old Mutual), Angela Mhlango (Compass Insurance), Annatjie Gaggiano (Old Mutual), Athene Van Mazijk (AON), Bronwen de Kock (Praesidio Risk Managers), Candice Paine (Glacier by Sanlam), Carla Elliott (SATIB), Chantel Munro (Global Alliance,Ghana), Charmaine Groves (Old Mutual), Charmaine Scott (SBIB), Desiree Patridge (Safsia), Di Turpin (ACI), Dorea Ozrovech (Sanlam), Dudu Nyamane (Old Mutual), Edite Texeira-McKinon (Assistant Ombud) Freda du Toit (SDT and Silverbridge), Gladys Wilford (Homeplus Brokers), Hilary Wilton (FSB Board), Jeanne Masson (Sanlam), Lara Wild (Glenrand MIB), Lee-Ann Dobresco (Hollard), Lizelle Nel (Sanlam), Lungi Xaba (Old Mutual), Magda Koval (Interglobal), Masekele Ntene (Nestlife), Molly Govender (AON), Noa Kraut (Assistant Ombud), Penny Randall (Ace Insurance), Susan van Staden (Sanlam), Teresa Gomes-Maduro (Marsh SA), Tetiwe Jawuna (SAFSIA and Standard Bank), Valerie Hayter (Lireas Holdings) and Yolande Lambert (SATIB).
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