How did you get into the financial industry?

I started my journey in financial services as an Investment Consultant through Investec Asset Management’s Graduate Recruitment Programme. I soon after became an Implementation Analyst, implementing trades for their trading team. I have since assumed various roles within the industry, from Investment Analysis to Business Development, and I am currently an Investment Specialist at Allan Gray.

What challenges have you faced in your career path?

Initially, the main challenge was recognising that only I can determine my career path and that there isn’t a one size fits all solution as we all have to embark on our own individual journeys. Most recently, the main challenge has been finding a sustainable balance between a demanding career and being a present wife and mother.

Please share any past or recent achievements?

There isn’t one particular achievement I would like to share, but having been in the industry for 14 years, there is a lot to be said about thriving in a high performance and predominantly male environment. I am most proud of being able to guide and support a number of young women and men in their own career paths; sharing my experiences and learnings with them has been most fulfilling.

What are the factors you attribute to your success?

I definitely think resilience, persistence and tenacity have played a key role in getting to where I am today. Another integral part has been networking – an Ubuntu is saying that declares that “I am because of others” – talking to and leaning on others who have come before me has been fundamental to my growth.

What advice would you give women wanting to enter the industry?

There is a broad spectrum of opportunities within the financial services industry that can range from financial planning on one end to portfolio management on the other. My advice would be to research and find out exactly which path you want to take – what it is you are most passionate about and then focus your energy on that. Also, important to know that it’s ok to change your mind as you grow – a career path is not necessarily one smooth road that leads to a destination called success.

Favourite quote or motivational saying?

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” – Maya Angelo

Anything else you would like to share?

I believe that it’s important to lift as you rise; it is an all-encompassing philosophy that I try to live my life by. I definitely have not achieved what I have so far solely from my own efforts but also through others who have identified that ‘something’ in me and encouraged me to step out into the sunshine.