Deputy Chief Executive Officer: Prudential Supervision
Could you walk us through the professional journey that resulted in your leadership role at NAMFISA?
My journey to becoming Deputy CEO at NAMFISA has its roots in a remarkable upbringing. Raised by a single mother on the dusty streets of Mariental, I learned the values of resilience and determination. These lessons served as a strong foundation as I embarked on my career as an economist and investment analyst during my formative years and later became a regulator.
I have worked in both the public and private sector institutions of Namibia. Having attended a prestigious school during the dawn of Namibia’s independence, this exposed me to the transformative power of education and the possibilities that lay ahead. This experience, though not a walk in the park as expected, shaped me and the journey I undertook in a significant way. These early challenges have shown me that being a woman is about embracing my gender, while proving that hard work and a curious mind can break down barriers.
The importance of sponsors can’t be overemphasised; I had sponsors in my professional journey, which further reinforced the value of support and mentorship. Additionally, my certification as a coach has empowered me to embed the people pillar as the most precious resource in institutions, fostering growth and development within teams and organisations.
What are the core themes that have underscored your rise in a sector where leadership roles are predominantly occupied by males?
Throughout my extensive career, which started with the role of a trade policy analyst, moving to work as an economist and later as an investment analyst, I’ve drawn inspiration from my upbringing and the values and principles upon which that upbringing was anchored, as well as the experience of accessing quality education during a period of national change. These experiences reinforced my belief that being a woman should not stand in your way of growth and achieving those things that were traditionally seen as only meant for men.
My journey, which involved stepping away from a secure job for a contract role to learn new skills and align myself with my goals, has taught me that risks can lead to tremendous growth. Therefors, my priority lies in being a professional who thrives on a combination of diligence and intellectual vigor, especially as I overcame challenging learning curves and advanced in my responsibilities. My success in a field where gender diversity wasn’t the norm has been emphasised by these traits. My leadership position was made possible in large part by the sponsors’ support.
How does your role capacitate you to address this disparity?
My journey has taken me through various phases, from being an economist and investment analyst to my current role as Deputy CEO at NAMFISA. This trajectory has empowered me to address the gender disparity that I’ve personally encountered. I want to foster an environment where being a woman means being a leader who brings empathy and strength to the table by speaking out for equal chances, sharing my experience of coming from humble beginnings, and actively mentoring and supporting ambitious female professionals. These are essential components for effective leadership. In order to bring people along and boost them as one rises, I emphasise the importance of trust and belief in others. It is crucial to sponsor other women in organisations, since it fosters their development. My qualification as a coach, which reflects my belief in watering flowers and nurturing them to the sprouting phase, wonderfully complements this idea.
Given the demanding nature of your role, how important is a work/life balance?
Work/life balance is a complex matter. Putting work/life balance in perspective means being fully present where you are, whether that is your place of work or at home. This principle guides my approach as a leader. Whether with family or at work, I strive to be fully engaged, present and attentive. Maintaining a balance requires the right support at home and a network that understands the demands of my role. My upbringing taught me the importance of hard work and being a present parent and spouse, if that could be termed balance, and as a woman in a leadership position, being present both at home and at work is essential to maintaining that equilibrium.
My faith also underscores the significance of being present and mindful in every aspect of life. Additionally, self-care plays a vital role in this balance. Additionally, nurturing well-being through adequate sleep, nutrition and physical activity is crucial for a holistic life.
As an industry leader with a wealth experience; are there any reforms that you feel would greatly aid the growth of the local financial sector (both banking and non-banking)?
Drawing from my extensive background, I see potential reforms that could greatly benefit Namibia’s financial sector. These include implementing forward-looking regulations to encourage innovation, investing in modern infrastructure to support digital advancements, and promoting financial education to empower citizens of this great nation. Being a woman in the industry means recognising the potential of these reforms and advocating for their implementation. Fair treatment of consumers, both at purchasing and claim stages, is very important. Regulation that doesn’t stifle growth of the financial services sector is an equally important aspect of this equation.
Lastly, how would you encourage young women embarking on a career in the financial sector?
I share lessons learned from my experience from growing up on Mariental’s streets to navigating a quality educational foundation during a changing time with young women starting careers in finance. Take advantage of the chance to learn and develop; embrace the uniqueness of your story; look for mentors who can offer advice; and become an agent of change in the fields in which you work.
To succeed and motivate others along the way, one needs the necessary variety of talents; a desire to learn; and empathy. Along with your grit and faith, having faith in and trusting in other people will raise you up and help you succeed at work. Remember, being present in all aspects of your life, with the right support, can help you thrive both personally and professionally. Trust the journey, just as I did when I left a secure job to learn new skills and follow my aligned goals. Moreover, self-care, including mindful nutrition, restful sleep, and regular physical activity, is vital to maintaining the balance necessary for sustained success and fulfillment.
Recognising the significance of nurturing people and allowing them to flourish is a cornerstone of my philosophy a belief that stems from my deep-rooted desire to see individuals thrive and reach their full potential. In the pursuit of growth, it’s important not to skip steps; it is important to be technically sound and climb the ladder slowly and steadily, without skipping phases, to ensure a strong foundation and prevent gaps that might surface later in life. Lastly, as you navigate the financial sector, remember that fair treatment of consumers and well-balanced regulation are critical components that contribute to a healthy industry environment and sustained growth.
