Women's month at Nedgroup Investments

Candice Thys

“I’m happy we are seeing more women CEO’s, female soccer and rugby players, and mechanics. At home we raise our children to share the workload and parents equally sharing duties in the home. Gender equality starts at home.”

“I’m passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. I believe as people, we live our purpose through various means such as: being an inspiration to others, helping, teaching, supporting and sharing - no matter how small the difference may seem.” 

“The month of August is one to acknowledge and uphold achievements by great women. Not only the ones who are publicly renowned for their achievements, but the hidden gems who encourage women to achieve, inspire women to carry on and support women relentlessly, despite their own difficulties and limitations. This month goes out to moms, grandma’s, aunts, sisters, daughters and girlfriends.” 

“I’m delighted that more women are occupying leadership roles, that were previously reserved for men, because women bring a different perspective to the workplace. I’m happy we are seeing more women CEO’s, female soccer and rugby players, female mechanics and the list goes on. At home we raise our children to share the workload and parents equally sharing duties in the home. Gender equality starts at home, so we all have an equal part to play. Although there is still have a long way to go globally, this change and constant mindfulness has been uplifting and she is proud to be part of a business that embraces this spirit of equality.”

Leandra Temmers

“It is important to adopt a savings mentality from an early age, but don’t let that hold you back from doing the things you love and buying the things that bring you joy.”

“My ability to make people feel comfortable and at ease when they engage with me, is one of the things I love about myself! In life, we often chase after all-consuming goals, that’s why I define my life’s purpose as, to live in the moment and be a good human.” 

“Women’s Month means celebrating women and all they have done to achieve inspirational outcomes, in whatever spheres of life they move in. In the workspace, I’ve gone from being the only female in my team to now being in a great team at Nedgroup Investments, where 75% of us are female. Change always starts off slow, but I believe that gender equality is now more than ever, front of mind for individuals deciding on a prospective employer. Diversity of thought leads to better decision making and I believe that it is also important to have a leadership team that is more representative of society.”

“My top saving tip is: It is important to adopt a savings mentality from an early age, but don’t let that hold you back from doing the things you love and buying the things that bring you joy.”

Corinne Murray

“I would tell my younger self to pay herself, from the very first pay cheque. Retirement sneaks up on you without you noticing. Once you save, it becomes a habit.”

“I define my life’s purpose as my ability to help others - to be my husband’s helpmate and cheerleader, to assist my children to be independent adults and to guide Nedgroup Investment clients to reach their financial goals.” 

“Women’s Month is a celebration of all women and their contribution to their families, communities, and society in general. When I started working in 1986, the majority of managers and ALL senior management were male, so it has been interesting to see the progress and improvements made on gender equality at the workplace. I strongly believe in the power of women in leadership. Women bring a different perspective to any organisation, provided they remain true to themselves, value their differences and don’t try to think and act like a man.”

“The one piece of financial advice I would give to my younger self is to save money! I would tell my younger self to pay herself, from the very first pay cheque. Retirement sneaks up on you without you noticing. Once you save, it becomes a habit. If you start with your children, saving a percentage of their pocket money, it’s not a strange concept when they start working.”

Catherine Robberts

“The path to financial freedom is a marathon, not a sprint! The earlier you start saving the higher your probability of reaching your goals.”

“I define my life purpose as having a positive impact in the world. I believe that diversity, in all its silhouettes, is beneficial for leadership. Diversity is important for innovation and growth. Different perspectives lead to creative problem-solving  and women bring unique qualities and viewpoints to the table. We live in a beautifully diverse world - there’s no reason why leadership shouldn’t be a reflection of this. It also sets an example to those who aspire to leadership, that this path is possible for anyone.”

Top tip: “I believe it’s important to have a plan. Understand where you want to go and design the route that will get you there. My key lesson about saving from an early age is that the path to financial freedom is a marathon and not a sprint! The earlier you start saving, the higher your probability of reaching your goals. They say compounding is the 8th wonder of the world, so why not give yourself the benefit of time to allow compounding to work its magic?”

Mohini Naidoo

“I believe Women’s Month is an important time to spotlight the gender inequality that persists in communities, the workplace, broader society and to advocate for change.” 

“The financial advice that I would give my younger self is: There is this miracle called compounding, that you are going to marvel at and only appreciate the value of someday when you are a lot older, a little more wrinkly, and hopefully much wiser than you are today!”

“My top saving tips are: Don’t just save in an ordinary bank account – invest in financial markets. It’s not as complicated as you think. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Developing a habit of saving 20% of your salary every month – whether it’s for a rainy day, a holiday or some far distant time in the future will come with great rewards. If you have a bit of money left after saving and living, do something for yourself, your family, community that makes you or someone else happy.”

Tumisho Grater

“Not only do women have the ability to get things done, but women taking up leadership roles is about incorporating diverse thinking, which can only lead to better results.”

“I define my life’s purpose as raising two well-adjusted humans and equipping them with the tools to contribute positively to society. Women’s Month is a reminder of what can be achieved. If thousands of women from all walks of life could come together, under such trying times to fight for a common cause,can you imagine what we could do today? Not only do women have the ability to get things done, but women taking up leadership roles is about incorporating diverse thinking, which can only lead to better results.”

“Men and women all need each other. When it comes to gender equality in the workplace, Nedgroup Investments is asking the right questions, regarding how to make the work environment more inclusive and equitable. As people, we need not only ask the questions, but we need to be ready to help provide the answers/solutions to these questions. The responsibility rests with everyone!”

Tracy Jensen

“My belief is not to let other people’s opinions and perceptions limit me. This is how I’ve always approached life.”

“My personal philosophy has always been, that if there is something you want to achieve in life, then you should go for it. I was the only woman in my Master’s class, and I was top of the class. It was fascinating to be on the inside of a man’s world because they spoke to each other as if a woman wasn’t present. My belief is not to let other people’s opinions and perceptions limit me. This is how I’ve always approached life and I haven’t felt that my gender has been a disadvantage to me in life or work. That doesn’t mean that I haven’t experience inappropriate comments and suggestions in the workplace, but it’s how you address it that matters – be firm, but respectful.” 

“We often hear that we need more women in leadership roles. However, it goes beyond that. While diversity in leadership can lead to improved innovation and productivity;. the key word here is “can”. Improved innovation and productivity are highly dependent on an organisation having an inclusive environment, where everyone feels heard, valued and that their opinion matters. When we create such an environment, the benefits of diversity will really shine.” 

“My top tips for negotiating at the work place or when you’re securing a job opportunity are: 

• Do your research on what a market related salary is for that position and have the facts ready if needed.

• Be honest! I’ve seen people lie about their current salary, which has come to bite them later.

• In the actual discussion, try to keep to the facts and not get emotional. Be open and upfront about what you would like, why you believe it is fair and how it is market related.

• When applying for a new job it is preferable not to disclose your current earnings before an offer has been made.”

Fasiega Benjamin

“It’s never too early to start! Start and commit. It’s easy to get distracted and use your savings when ‘life happens’. Stay the course!”

“I would define my life’s purpose as living a fulfilling life. I want to leave behind a legacy of knowing that I have shared my blessings. I grew up in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, where for so many, the path after completing high school was basically finding a job.  I mentored a few ladies who also attended my high school, Lentegeur High, and I love seeing that more of the young girls (and boys) are thinking beyond just finishing high school.  They are accessing NSFAS aid for tuition fees and have furthered their studies at universities and colleges. These young people are embracing the opportunities afforded to them.”  

“Women’s month is a time to celebrate women’s worth and their role in society.  It presents an opportunity to reflect on their struggles, progress and achievements as caregivers, nurturers, mothers, business professionals, activists, academics and politicians to name a few.” 

“I see more women in senior roles today, than I did when I started my career. Women add a different dimension in leadership positions.  They increase diversity that leads to broader discussions and different points of views which leads to increased innovation. A good example is the fact that countries led by women have done better in their response to the Corona virus, compared to countries led by men. I am immensely proud of Nedbank’s representation of women in Executive Leadership. Of course, we still have work to do, to enable more women to reach leadership positions. We would be doing ourselves an injustice, by not having more women in leadership roles as this would set us back in our path to building trust and a better society.” 

“My number one savings tip is that, it’s never too early to start! Start and commit. It’s easy to get distracted and use your savings when ‘life happens’. Stay the course!”

“When it comes to negotiating for a salary or as part of your career journey, do your homework. Be prepared and have the relevant information to support your points. Be confident, not arrogant and use the opportunity to build a relationship, since you will interact with the relevant individual/s (boss, client, service provider etc) in future.” 

Nicola Vernon

“Women’s Month should be a time to celebrate the special women in your life and their achievements.”

“I pride myself as being an extremely loyal person to family, friends and colleagues. I think I am a humble yet determined individual who does the best that I can in all aspects of my life. Women’s Month should be a time to celebrate the special women in your life, by supporting and uplifting them, and highlighting their great achievements. This can be something as simple as being a mother.” 

“Nedbank has been very progressive in gender equality. There are a few ladies occupying very powerful positions. This is great! My team is over 80% female. Women bring a softer skill set and compassion into the workspace.”

Candice Paxton

“Not comparing myself to others allows me to water my own grass more, invest and nurture myself. By speaking out more, I get to share my inner thoughts and ideas without hesitation or fear.”

“Women’s Month is a time where women take a stand to be heard and acknowledged in society and a celebration of all woman. I refuse to accept anything other than the idea that the day after tomorrow, will be better than today. It’s a brilliant source of motivation to work hard and do my best!  I am letting go of self-limiting beliefs that I am not good enough and not smart enough. Not comparing myself to others allows me to water my own grass more, invest and nurture myself. By speaking out more, I get to share my inner thoughts and ideas without hesitation or fear.”