FD Insights Issue 10 | Page 36

Ronel Voges Senior Account Manager Marshalling First Distribution’s operations in the Eastern Cape A s the lone First Distribution employee to be operating in the Eastern Cape, Ronel takes her responsibilities to her regional customers very seriously, knowing full well that she is often their sole contact point should information be required, or should challenges arise. Ronel’s own stated ambitions are to grow the PE office and gain market share, becoming her customers’ IT distributor of choice by adding value through the company’s best of breed products, world class support system and First Expertise! “Definitely the people and the team sprit!” she says when quizzed regarding her favourite thing about working for First Distribution. “It’s truly a pleasure to come to work every day.” Ronel has been in the IT game since 2005, spending three years in IT Retail, one year as a reseller and three years with the competition, with a two year break in-between. Having spent some time in the industry, she maintains that she is seeing more and more women in senior IT roles across the industry, as well as more women CIOs. “The industry is definitely evolving to keep pace with the external social environment” she says. When asked what advice she’d give to other women looking to enter the IT/distribution industry, Ronel advises them to skill up on a technical level, and feels that women bring a more empathetic approach to business than their male counterparts, as well as a high level of attention to detail. 34 | www.firstdistribution.co.za She’s not big on role models but quotes Meryl Streep as saying “I think the best role models for women are people who are fruitfully and confidently themselves, who bring light into the world.” Away from work Ronel likes to keep up with the latest series, spend time outdoors (especially at the beach) and maintains that family time is a must. As a wife and mother, she says it’s important to find a way to maintain the balance between career and family life as much as possible. “PE is home for me” she says. “There is a good balance between the hectic city life and laid-back small town. Don`t tell anyone though, or they will all want to move here - it`s our secret!” When obstacles arise, change your direction to reach your goal