By Reneska Moodley
On May 8th, 2024, Bank One Limited, in collaboration with Duke Corporate Education and Finance and Accounting Services Set, hosted a successful workshop aimed at empowering South African women in mid-management positions within the finance sector. The event, held at Bank One Limited’s Caudan branch, provided a platform for knowledge exchange and leadership development. Leading the workshop with an engaging approach were Xiena T, Head of Transformation; Astrid Brown-Anthonee, Head of Operational Risk; and Priya Bhadain, Head of Customer Experience.
Fostering Authenticity and Cultivating Vision
The dialogue commenced with a focus on authenticity and embracing individuality. Priya Bhadain, Head of Customer Experience, initiated the discussion by acknowledging the challenges of authenticity in leadership. “Being authentic isn’t always easy,” she remarked. “As leaders, we may feel pressure to conform. But as Xiena and Astrid shared, authenticity means being true to yourself, even when it’s challenging. It’s about embracing your quirks, sharing your values, and being genuine in your interactions.” This sentiment resonated with the attendees, prompting them to reflect on their personal leadership styles and the power of genuineness in fostering trust and respect within teams.
Shifting gears, the conversation transitioned to the topic of vision. Highlighting the driving force behind successful leadership, the speakers emphasized the importance of establishing a clear purpose and vision. Attendees were encouraged to articulate their own visions, considering their aspirations and career goals for the next five to ten years. The discussion revealed a diverse range of perspectives, with some participants harbouring established visions focused on empowering others and creating lasting impact, while others openly acknowledged their ongoing journey of self-discovery and goal clarification. This fostered a sense of camaraderie and acceptance, emphasizing that personal leadership journeys are not linear and continuous growth is encouraged.
The Power of Empathy, Innovation, and Adaptability
The workshop delved deeper into the crucial role of empathy and innovation in fostering effective leadership team dynamics. Empathy was identified as a cornerstone of strong leadership, requiring an understanding of individual struggles and a commitment to cultivating a supportive work environment. The importance of active listening, genuine care, and attunement to team members’ needs and emotions were highlighted as key aspects of fostering empathy. Innovation, on the other hand, was presented not only as the ability to generate groundbreaking ideas but also as the cultivation of a mindset that embraces creativity and unconventional thinking. Leaders were encouraged to nurture environments that stimulate creativity and innovation within their teams, valuing and welcoming diverse perspectives.
Xiena, then led the discussion on the essential leadership quality of courage. She emphasized that courage transcends mere fearlessness, encompassing the strength to act despite apprehension or uncertainty. Attendees actively participated, adding their own interpretations of courage, noting that it involves taking calculated risks and venturing down less travelled paths. The discussion acknowledged that understanding and embracing courage is a continuous process that evolves with experience and self-reflection.
Adaptability, the next topic explored, was identified as a critical factor for success in today’s ever-evolving business landscape. The workshop emphasized the importance for leaders to be adaptable, embrace change, and maintain an open mind to navigate dynamic market conditions. The conversation underscored the need to embrace modern technologies, methodologies, and market trends to remain competitive and foster a culture of innovation. Further, adaptability was reframed as an opportunity for growth. By adopting a growth mindset and viewing setbacks as learning experiences, teams can develop resilience, overcome challenges, and achieve long-term success.
Communication, Leading by Example, and Building a Brighter Future
Communication emerged as a central theme, with workshop participants recognizing it as the cornerstone of effective leadership. The discussion highlighted the importance of clear, concise, and motivational communication as a key differentiator for exceptional leaders, fostering trust and admiration among teams. Active listening and promoting open dialogue were identified as crucial aspects of effective communication, facilitating mutual understanding and alignment towards shared objectives.
The final subtopic delved into the concept of leading by example. This principle emphasizes the importance of leaders embodying the behaviours and values they expect from their teams. Authenticity, modesty, and a steadfast commitment to core values were identified as defining characteristics of exemplary leadership. By consistently demonstrating these qualities, leaders inspire their teams to strive for excellence and drive positive change within the organisation. Leading by example was acknowledged as one of the most impactful methods for inspiring and influencing others, laying a solid foundation for a positive and empowering organisational culture.
The workshop concluded by celebrating the courage and resilience of women in the financial services sector. It served as a springboard for fostering inclusive workplaces and shaping a brighter future for women in leadership roles within the industry. By openly sharing experiences and strategies, the participants gained valuable insights that will undoubtedly propel them forward in their leadership journeys.
