Group Chief Operations Officer:
- Could you, in your own words, describe the journey that has led you to your current role as Chief Operations Officer at the Frans Indongo Group?
My journey to becoming the Group Chief Operations Officer of the Frans Indongo Group is an integral part of my life’s path. Therefore, allow me to start by sharing snippets of my journey. I was born in Ogongo, northern Namibia, during the apartheid era and raised in the dusty streets of Ongwediva, where a significant part of my primary education foundation was established. Growing up in this community, I learned at an early age about a businessman named Frans Aupa Indongo, who was commonly known as Aupa. At the time, he owned various shops, with his series of buildings commonly known as “Continental Enterprises” or, as we locals would say, “Okonde”. Fond memories of my childhood include getting soft-serve ice cream on a cone from Okonde Number 1, a rare treat at the time. Little did I know that later in life, I would end up working for one of Namibia’s leading entities, standing on the shoulders of the entrepreneurial mogul, Dr Frans Aupa Indongo.
During my time at Delta Secondary School in Windhoek, a career guidance presentation sparked my interest in the Chartered Accounting profession. This ignited an aspiration that proved challenging but ultimately rewarding. After completing my Bachelor’s in Accounting at the University of Namibia, I joined the University of KwaZulu-Natal to obtain my postgraduate diploma in accounting (CTA). I had the privilege of doing my articles at PwC under the leadership of Nangula Uaandja. Despite facing challenges, including repeating my first board exam twice, countless late nights to meet client deadlines, and the overall sweat and tears that come with the CA journey, by God’s grace, I persevered and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2014.
In late 2015, an opportunity arose for me to serve at the Frans Indongo Group as the Group Financial Manager. The position involved overseeing the Group’s financial affairs, among other responsibilities. During this period, I was exposed to the different portfolios within the Group and was fortunate to work closely with business leaders across various sectors, setting a solid foundation in understanding the Group’s operations across the different companies.
Following my predecessor, Jeremy George’s, appointment as Group CEO, I was afforded the opportunity to serve as the Group’s COO. The Executive Leadership, the Founder, and the Board of Directors and Trustees of the Frans Indongo Group entrusted me with the role, which I was designated for on 1 August 2021, before being substantively appointed on 1 August 2022. I hold this position to this day. The Frans Indongo Group is a strong proponent of cultivating internal talent, of which I am a proud example.
Today, as FIG’s COO, together with the subsidiaries’ management, I am responsible for overseeing operational efficiencies across the companies, optimising our current portfolio, and identifying and evaluating new business opportunities for the Group.
- As an executive for one of Namibia’s largest diversified groups, what philosophies guide your leadership?
My leadership philosophy is rooted in human-centric values and the culture of ubuntu – I am because we are. I believe in fostering a positive and supportive environment where individuals are valued for their unique perspectives and contributions and treated with respect, kindness, and fairness. While our roles and titles may differ, we are all individuals working towards a common goal: the success of our organisation. Hence, each person is an integral part of achieving this success.
At the Frans Indongo Group, we attribute our success to our governance structures, our people, and our business philosophy. With seasoned entrepreneurs and a wealth of institutional knowledge within our Board of Directors and Trustees, the Board sets the overall strategy in collaboration with business leaders, who then execute the strategy as mandated.
The Frans Indongo Group prides itself on appointing capable leaders at the helm of its subsidiaries, empowering them to lead and operate independently, and providing them with the autonomy and support from the Group they need to succeed. This decentralised approach allows us to maintain agility. Guided by our values, we strive for Agility, Success, Job Creation, Empowered Leadership, Namibian Focus, and Trust, which collectively form the acronym ASCENT.
- Could you share your thoughts on the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and what more can be done to support aspiring leaders, especially female leaders?
I am reminded of Proverbs 15:22 (AMP), which says, “Where there is no (wise, intelligent) guidance, the people fall (and go off course like a ship without a helm), but in the abundance of (wise and godly) counsellors, there is victory.” To have a wise and trusted advisor offering guidance and support is beneficial for career development and progression. By learning from the wisdom of those who have walked a similar path, we can take with us their lessons and guidance, avoiding common pitfalls. While each individual pursues their own unique path, the guidance of a mentor proves highly beneficial as we navigate comparable challenges, opportunities, and barriers.
Given the historical underrepresentation of women in leadership roles, mentorship is invaluable in empowering women as they navigate the challenges and biases they often face and break the glass ceiling. Furthermore, we can support female leaders by promoting and championing their career advancement. I am blessed with mentors and sponsors in my life who guide me in navigating my way through everyday career opportunities and challenges.
- What do you identify as the main barriers preventing women from accessing executive positions in Namibia?
While we celebrate positive strides in women’s representation in leadership positions, as evidenced by our Government and the impressive women’s leadership appointments in the private sector, there is a need for continued efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all women at all levels in the workplace. Barriers affecting women stem from societal, traditional, and cultural beliefs, as well as policy-related obstacles.
While I am a strong proponent of cultural and traditional values passed down through generations, as they ground us and, in my view, are instrumental in the functioning of society, it is these same practices that contribute to stereotypes against women in the workplace. Traditionally, women have been considered as childbearers and homemakers, rather than as leaders in the workplace. Nowadays, women find themselves juggling domestic and workplace responsibilities simultaneously, which often causes strain on work-life balance.
Furthermore, the societal expectations built upon historical norms of what leadership should look like also affect how women are viewed in leadership positions. The barriers are further compounded by policies regulating the workplace to make it inclusive and accessible for women, such as maternity leave policies. Women of childbearing age may face discrimination due to concerns about their need for maternity leave and the associated financial costs for the employer.
In conclusion, it is important to recognise and appreciate gender differences that make both women and men unique in their own right. We have been created with different strengths and attributes that enable us to function as a society. Women should be afforded the opportunity to function across all roles if they so wish, without having to compromise either. The traditionally male-dominated workplace environment should be adapted to cater for women and provide opportunities that will enable them to thrive while also appreciating our biological and gender diversity.
- As the world begins to champion sustainability as a business approach, how is this recognised at the Frans Indongo Group?
At the Frans Indongo Group, sustainability is about creating long-term value for our stakeholders while addressing environmental, social, and governance concerns. Dr Frans Indongo’s vision is centred on the importance of creating a sustainable business that contributes to the Namibian economy while creating jobs and driving growth.
By fostering fair labour practices and investing in our communities, we are working to build a sustainable business that contributes to Namibia’s economic growth and improves the wellbeing of our people.
As a Group, we invest in companies that have the potential to create wealth and partner with those who share our values and commitment to positive economic and social impact. Our investment in Bokomo Namibia, in partnership with PepsiCo through Pioneer Foods, is just one example of our commitment to food security in Namibia. Furthermore, our business practices of switching to renewable energy where practical enhance our contribution to a greener planet.
- In what ways does your role enable you to ensure that the group makes a positive impact in the community in which it operates?
By employing over one thousand individuals across its subsidiaries and associated companies, the Frans Indongo Group provides employment opportunities, with their valuable expertise contributing to the success of our businesses. Furthermore, the Frans Indongo Group, through its philanthropic arm, the Frans Indongo Trust, has demonstrated its commitment to Namibian communities over the years through various contributions to national emergency relief funds. Millions have been allocated to support the nation during times of crisis, addressing drought relief and health crises. Other initiatives are centred on education, aligning with its tagline Shape Today, Own Tomorrow by shaping young minds and playing a role in their education, empowering them to own tomorrow.
Additionally, our subsidiaries and associated companies contribute to their respective communities and spheres of operation directly through their respective corporate social responsibility programmes. Overall, my role as COO includes evaluating community impact initiatives to identify opportunities for funding that are aligned with the Group’s objectives and vision.
- Finally, what excites you about the future of the Frans Indongo Group?
Working for the Frans Indongo Group remains an honour and a privilege. It is a company that was founded through the hard work of Dr Frans Aupa Indongo, who overcame years of adversity. It is an honour to carry forward Dr Indongo’s vision of building a sustainable business that transcends generations.
I am excited to be an integral part of the team that continues to carry Dr Frans Indongo’s vision forward. We are fortunate to have a great team that continues to build upon the foundation laid by our founder, whose influence is evident in the success of this Group. For me, this is encapsulated in our slogan, “Shape Today. Own Tomorrow.” The everyday learning and interactions with colleagues and leadership are invaluable.
Finally, given the prospects of Namibia as a country, I am excited to be working for an innovative Group that contributes to the country’s economy. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Namibia and the Frans Indongo Group’s ability to seize them.
