Page 73 - KZN Top Business Women 2019 eBook

Have a dream,

and pursue it with grace and boldness.

“Your dreams, aspirations and imagination keep you “I also consider myself to be a highly teachable
Head of Finance for the KZN Retail and
open to opportunities and to something bigger person, so I’m always open to learning new
Business Banking division, in Standard Bank
than yourself. You can only do the best you can with things. Continuous development has been one
what you have, but if you have a dream, you have of the biggest and most important contributors
s Head of Finance for the KZN Retail and
something to work towards.” to my progress thus far, both on a personal and
Business Banking division in Standard Bank, professional level, and I strive to continue with that
AThabisa Nkanzela is part of the provincial Inspired to make an impact
journey of growth.”
executive leadership team and is directly responsible As she grew up, Thabisa began to see more potential
Build a strong support system
for providing financial management support at a for her future, and says that she’s inspired to make an
strategic and operational level. This means that impact. “We can all make a difference wherever we When asked whether she manages to achieve a
Thabisa and her finance team have a responsibility are, and I always strive to leave things in better shape work-life balance, Thabisa answers that she always
to ensure that the business operates within budget than I found them. This forces me to bring my A - tries to live life to the fullest in every way, including
parameters and adheres to financial and governance game, and to be the best possible version of myself pursuing a rewarding professional career. “But it’s
requirements. wherever I am.” not easy,’ she points out, “and it certainly requires a
lot of trade-offs, but it is possible. For me, it means
Embrace every opportunity Thabisa points out that women naturally have a identifying what I’m passionate about outside of
different approach to business than men, and that
Thabisa attributes her career success thus far, firstly contributes to their success. “Ability and skills can work, then being deliberate about investing time in
to the grace of God and secondly, to a combination those things.”
be taught, but we women have an innate ability to
of opportunity and hard work. Throughout the bring our whole selves to everything that we do, Thabisa points out that you can’t do it all on your
various stages of her career, she has been blessed and that can be very powerful in business. However, own. Building a strong support system around
to have been afforded opportunities to show up. most importantly we are all unique beings offering yourself makes all the difference.
“We all need both exposure and opportunity so we diverse thinking, perspectives and abilities, and each Thabisa also has some advice for her younger self,
can demonstrate what we’re really capable of,” she person should be recognised for what they have to and for other young businesspeople setting out to
says, “and I’ve constantly challenged myself to give offer, regardless of their gender.” make their mark on the world. “Ask more questions.
of my best in every task or project allocated to me It’s okay to ask, and you gain greater insights. You
and embrace every opportunity.” Thabisa is extremely grateful and humbled by her don’t always have to figure everything out for
journey and accomplishments to date. But she also
But Thabisa is also adamant about the importance points out that she still has a lot to offer – not just on yourself.
of having a dream and working hard to pursue it. the work front, but also to her family, her community Secondly, you have a lot to learn, but equally so you
“I’m blessed to be entrusted with various positions and her generation at large. have a lot to offer this world. In everything you do,
of influence in the community and at work today. “I was raised by a strong and highly accomplished strive to learn and to create at the same time, then
But I grew up in a rural village near Flagstaff and as mother, who continues to positively influence you’ll find fulfilment.
a young girl, I always had big dreams about myself her family and her community at large through Lastly, and very importantly, don’t define yourself
and my surroundings. I am only realising now that the various leadership roles that she assumes. It is by what you have today. Circumstances around you
the environment around me was neither conducive through observing her that I know how important may seem limiting right now, but keep dreaming,
nor enabling for these dreams to become a reality, it is to use whatever influence and success you may keep imagining. Never close yourself off to
but I dreamt anyway.” achieve for the enrichment of those around you.” opportunities.”

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