Page 53 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Lesedi Metsoamere

Regional Executive for Private Wealth A strong advocate for women in business, Lesedi is the data, but it’s about how we use that information to
Banking at Absa Group deeply committed to mentoring young professionals. be most impactful.”
“One thing that’s quite important to me is creating space
for women to be successful,” she explained. “I’ve been She also leads Absa’s national Young Professionals
esedi Metsoamere serves as the regional very intentional about mentoring young women who are segment, which is a committee supporting the transition
L executive for Private Wealth Banking at Absa still coming up within the financial services industry.” of students into the professional world. “We introduced

Group, overseeing both the KwaZulu-Natal
12 months of free banking for final-year students,” she
and Mpumalanga provinces. Her professional career in She recalled with pride helping one of her mentees secure explained. In addition, the programme offers education
banking began when she was just 19 years old, while her dream job. “We started from scratch, fixing her CV, doing on money matters. “It’s been fulfilling to see young
still completing her studies. mock interviews, and she got the job. It was such a fulfilling doctors, accountants, and lawyers grow with us over
feeling.” Lesedi continues to mentor and coach others, time.”
Reflecting on her beginnings, she said, “There was sharing her story and her insights on leadership, confidence,
a financial institution recruiting from our university, and self-presentation. “I lift people as I rise,” she said. “That’s Lesedi acknowledges that her journey has not been
looking for students to join and work. That’s when I very important to me.” Lesedi would like to know that when without challenges. “There’s no substitute for hard work,”
started working.” From the outset, Lesedi was drawn to she moves on in her career, people are better off than before. she stated. “You have to put in the hours.”
the world of finance. However, her early career revolved
around client experience and relationship building. “I HER MOTHER’S JOURNEY As a young black woman in leadership, she has faced bias
think that’s where the bug bit in terms of what I wanted and doubt. “Sometimes you have to over-deliver to prove
to do,” she shared. “It was the satisfaction of making a Lesedi draws immense inspiration from her mother, you belong at the table. Being young, being a woman,
client’s day that really started me off.” whose resilience and determination shaped her outlook. being black – these are all factors, but delivery silences
“My mother grew up in Alex and didn’t have money to them.” While Lesedi is often the only woman in the
Over the years, Lesedi worked across various areas of go to university,” Lesedi shared. “She started working in room, she believes that women bring a unique strength
banking, including client relationships, wealth and a restaurant, mopping floors and washing dishes, then to leadership. “They call us emotional beings, but our
investment management. Her journey into leadership later became a waitress.” emotions are our superpower. They allow us to lead with
began at a previous employer, where she spent six years empathy and impact.”
managing private banking divisions before joining Absa Through saving her tips, her mother put herself through
two and a half years ago. “I look after a team of about school, becoming a teacher of higher-grade mathematics Lesedi encourages others to take charge of their own
45 people,” she said proudly. “We are here to really just and biology. She left the teaching profession after what careers and work hard. “Nobody else is responsible
make our clients’ dreams come true.” she believed had been an impactful career. She later for your career but you,” she advised. “Put your hand
retrained as a computer programmer and went on to lead up for opportunities and let your results speak for you.
Helping people in general is Lesedi’s passion. “I believe the successful implementation of computer systems across I’ve rarely applied for roles in the traditional way. I go
it is essential to demonstrate genuine empathy towards various institutions, primarily within the banking sector. directly to the head of the department and say, ‘I am
customers, both personally and through your team, to the person for this job – what do I need to do to get it?’”
ensure a positive and consistent customer experience.” “I don’t know how she did that,” Lesedi admitted. “She
showed us that excellence is the expectation. When you Despite her demanding role, Lesedi understands the
DRIVEN BY EXCELLENCE are born of a woman like that, you can’t be anything but importance of rest. “There’s no such thing as perfect
excellent and have to set the standard for generations balance, we live in a service environment,” she said with
Ambition and a desire to lead have always been central
to Lesedi’s character. “Growing up, my biggest dream to come.” Her mother’s influence is evident across the a smile. “Some days are 90-10, some 60-40, others 50-50.”
was always to be at the top of anything. I always family. “One sister is a biochemist and my youngest sister She makes time to recharge by enjoying the ocean. “I love
wanted to excel,” she admitted. “I love being in the has just been admitted as an attorney,” she said. “We are the beach. I take walks, spend time in the water, and just
boardroom and making decisions – not just for the all driven to excel because of the woman who raised us.” breathe. You have to take a break – otherwise your body
team but for our clients as well.” will take it for you.”
BEYOND THE NUMBERS
Her leadership philosophy is grounded in purpose. While Lesedi’s role is grounded in financial performance, As she looks to the future, Lesedi remains focused on her
“For me, it’s really about how you lead an organisation her focus extends to meaningful impact. “I love numbers, ultimate goal. “C-suite,” she said simply. “Whether it’s as
with impact,” she said. “When people look back, I want but I also have a heart,” she remarked. “Numbers give us CEO of a major corporate or my own company, that’s the
them to say I’ve changed their lives in a positive way.” big chair I want and I’m going to achieve it.”

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