I
f there is one person who deserves to be singled out
as being responsible for First Distribution’s dramatic
growth over the last decade, it’s Debbie. Having been in
the IT industry since 1989, and with First Distribution for
the last 21 years, she has navigated many challenges
and seemingly rocky situations for the distributor along
the way.
that I interact with, I have been dealing with for many years
so there is a level of mutual respect. The social aspect of
the business side is far more challenging i.e. joining the
men for a drink or round of golf or going on a golf tour. It is
definitely not always easy for me in this space. However,
from a day to day business perspective I don’t find it difficult
at all, as I believe I have built longstanding relationships
that are mutually respectful.”
Debbie quotes the most rewarding thing about her time
spent with the distributor as being the relationships that she
has developed with her customers, staff and vendors over
the last 21 years.
“I have seen the business grow tremendously during my
tenure and I am still dealing with most of the same vendors,
customers and staff since I started” she says.
“As the company has grown our customers and staff have
grown with us and the opportunities that we have been able
to create for people in the industry has been very satisfying.
To see people come into our company as a drivers or receptionist and to develop into Senior Account Managers or
Product Managers 15 years on is very rewarding. And to be
a part of the growth of our business partners, contributing
to their success, and to watch them grow, and our contribution we have made to job creation in our economy is really
important to me.”
When asked what drives her on a daily basis, Debbie mentions ensuring that First Distribution remains relevant in this
rapidly changing world of IT as being one of her main
focus areas.
“In distribution, one needs to keep looking at what the future
holds. At First Distribution we focus on how we can shape
the agenda in South Africa whilst at the same time ensuring we can continue to grow and protect the jobs of our
employees. When a company has grown as quickly as we
have over the past four to five years, it inevitably experiences typical growing pains and this has kept us all on our
toes to ensure that we grow, yet still strive for the levels of
excellence which I am personally committed to providing to
our customers” she says.
Debbie’s professional goals are aligned to those of First
Distribution. One of them is to continue to grow the distributor’s leadership position in the datacentre and enterprise
computing market.
“As long as the business is successful then I feel I am a
success and that is my ultimate goal. I want us to continue
to grow, to be a meaningful employer in the SA IT industry
and to be able to retain and attract the best staff in our
sector of the industry” she states.
As a woman and also a top executive in a fiercely competitive industry, does she find it’s a bit of a ‘man’s world’ up at
the top echelons of business?
“Yes it is still very much a man’s world at the top. I will often
attend executive functions where I might be the only lady in
a group of 20 to 30 men. For the most part, most executives
Once I set my
mind on what I want to
achieve, I know that I
am the only person that
will get me there. I don’t
wait for anyone else to
determine my success
or my path in life and
believe almost anything
is possible
As a highly successful businesswoman, Debbie firmly
believes that there is no ceiling to what women can achieve
and that too many women tend to compartmentalise themselves into the roles which society sets for them. With the
right focus, determination and application, she maintains
that they can be business leaders at the very top ranks
of industry.
Having such a demanding career means that Debbie values
her family time. Two teenage daughters are a full time job
on their own and Debbie is totally committed to being there
for them.
“My strategy as a mom is to make sure they make the right
choices with everything they are faced with, as I can then
set them free knowing they can pretty much deal with anything that comes along.”
“In terms of maintaining a work-life balance, I am an avid
reader and, like most women, enjoy a lot of retail therapy. I
try and stay active and I make sure I get to the gym several
times a week.”
15 | www.firstdistribution.co.za