Page 69 - KZN Top Business Women 2019 eBook

Be kind to yourself. Spend more time discovering your purpose, your

passions and what makes you happy.

Head of Retail and Business Banking in KZN, Victoria also singles out Raisibe Morathi, CFO of Victoria, “and corporate South Africa is missing out
of Standard Bank Nedbank. “Raisibe has played a critical role in my on what they have to offer. I’m proud of what I’ve
personal growth and in my career development. accomplished. I’ve come a long way as a woman
ICTORIA NGWENYA credits her father for She’s been very instrumental as a mentor and has executive in banking. But the road remains hard and
his role in her success. “From an early age, taken a keen interest in me and selflessly guided long, and there’s a lot more that needs to be done;
Vmy father instilled in me an appreciation me up the corporate ladder.” women are still under-represented at executive
of the value of a great education and a strong Since joining Standard Bank, Victoria says she’s also level in most corporates globally. We need to lift
work ethic. I wouldn’t be where I am today without very fortunate to work with a very inspiring leader, each other up and be deliberate about getting
having either of these and, of course, lots of luck.” more women into executive seats. That’s how we’ll
Imraan Noorbhai. “He’s taken a very hands-on
As head of Retail and Business Banking in KwaZulu- approach to immerse me in the retail business. My make the biggest change.”
Natal, Victoria is responsible for overseeing previous experience is in corporate and investment When asked about work-life balance, Victoria shakes
operations across the personal and business banking, and retail banking is quite different – this her head. “That’s the biggest myth ever for a woman.”
banking segments including the bank’s extensive is a people business and it is driven by volume. It’s But she also points out that she’s extremely lucky to
branch network, ATMs, private banking suites and fantastic and a great privilege to work with Imraan have a supportive partner whose also her biggest
small and medium enterprises. It’s been a journey, who has a wealth of knowledge in this business.” cheerleader and a very active and involved parent.
and she’s had to work hard to earn her stripes in Invest in yourself and your career “Without him, I wouldn’t be able to work the long
the corporate world, but she’s had some impressive hours and do all the travelling my job requires of me.”
role models. “Admittedly, it’s been a great help and A firm believer in continually investing in yourself Victoria is also fortunate to have a great support
source of inspiration to have phenomenal leadership and your career, Victoria is inspired by phenomenal structure in the form of family and friends who are
in banking today.” women. “Women have always been marginalised,
and we need to work a lot harder to earn our always ready to step in when they’re needed. “So no,
Changing the narrative I don’t have a great work-life balance, but I prioritise.
place at the table than men do. That’s the reality
“Financial services is a tough industry,” she says, of the corporate journey. It has certainly changed It’s important for me to have time for myself, doing
“and one that, in the past, marginalised a lot of black somewhat over the last few years,” she concedes, things that refuel me – be it gym or meditation.
people, particularly women. But there’s a wave of “but we still have to do ten times more than men to Equally important is time with my family and friends.
incredible executives, both women and men, that succeed. We need a stronger work ethic and more And I also find time to plan how I want to give back to
are deliberate about and committed to changing flexibility than men.” other young women. It can’t just be about me; true
the narrative. I draw lot of inspiration and courage There’s still a lot to be done success for me is about the power of the collective.”
from these leaders for their resoluteness.” Victoria points out that women tend to be very
Victoria considers herself fortunate to work for an
“Our very own, Sim Tshabalala CEO of Standard organisation that appreciates, supports and promotes hard on themselves, and if she could give one piece
Bank, is an absolute icon, and Funeka Montjane, our of advice to her younger self it would be this: “Be
talent, especially black female talent, but she points out
Chief Executive of Personal and Business Banking, is that young male black talent is often sidelined as well. kind to yourself. Spend more time discovering your
a remarkable visionary and leader. She started out in purpose, your passions and what makes you happy.
banking very young and has had a long impressive “The talent that young black women bring to the Own your interests and make time for them while
career.” boardroom table is all too often undermined,” says you’re young.”

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