My parents instilled in me a strong set of ethics and values. This, combined with my passion for numbers and analysing information, is what drove me towards accounting. I excelled in maths, so accountancy was a natural choice when it came to choosing a university degree, which I later followed up with the ACCA Qualification. Accounting is a trusted and respected profession, so it was a clear path to follow.
In 2008, I qualified as a chartered accountant at E&Y Botswana. By the time I left in 2010 I had worked my way up to audit supervisor. After working at a number of companies and a commercial bank, in 2019 I joined a life insurance company, Hollard Life Botswana, where I am now the policy administration manager, responsible for new business, premium collection, allocation and commission administration.
Today’s employees are calling for a move from the old-school authoritative style to empathetic leadership
I decided to move from a corporate job into an operational management role as I am passionate about service to others. My team and I directly influence the customer experience for our retail and our corporate clients. I also love making a positive impact with those I interact with on a personal level. As a people person I didn’t want my work to be all about numbers or compliance.
Employees’ needs are continuously evolving. Therefore, senior managers’ skills need to evolve at least as fast if they are to influence and motivate teams. Employees are calling for a move from the old-school authoritative style to empathetic leadership. When they believe they are understood, recognised and safe in the workplace, they are more willing to exert themselves for the organisation.
If I had law-making powers, I would change the education system. I’d move away from the current focus on pure academic and technical skills to include a balance of soft skills, including emotional intelligence, self-awareness, leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
I enjoy being a leader and working with a diverse team. In the past nine years my number of direct reports has grown, pushing me to learn new ways to influence and motivate my teams. I love getting to know each one of them to appreciate their diverse personalities and preferred leadership styles, and this has led to better professional relationships and working environment. I also enjoy managing team projects, as the feeling when you deliver a project within budget and on time is incomparable.
I feel my my biggest achievement has been passing all my ACCA exams on the first sitting. Also being awarded the top student award at the Botswana Accountancy College for the ACCA Paper 2.3 (Botswana Tax) in 2005.
My number of direct reports has grown, pushing me to learn new ways to influence and motivate my teams
If I wasn’t in my current role, I would have been in project management. I really enjoy coordinating and planning. Engaging with stakeholders while applying various leadership techniques to get the best out of people gives me a buzz.
I spend most of my spare time with family and friends. I am a big fan of true crime documentaries and enjoy listening to self-help podcasts. I love travelling, especially camping in the centre of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert.
