Q & A: DISCOVERY BANK
like I was going backwards because I thought IT was more exciting. But in hindsight, it was one of the most important steps in my career because it taught me the role people, culture and change play in business success, and how complex and important people leadership really is.
The third moment was coming back into IT and being part of the team that started Discovery Bank. That has been the most fulfilling part of my career because it allowed me to bring together technology, business, people, change and strategy in a very practical way.
Another defining experience was studying at Harvard, which helped me bring everything together holistically – as a leader and as a person. It taught me to lead from the inside out, by showing up authentically as myself, and from the outside in, by understanding the broader business context and the impact leaders must have.
What keeps me motivated is impact, and my children. My son( 15) is a competitive golfer, and watching him show up under pressure, largely on his own for 18 holes, reminds me what resilience, discipline and passion really look like. My daughter is a creative, and she produces her most powerful and moving work when she is completely true to herself. She sees vulnerability as a strength, and she uses it to create work that connects with and moves people. That has taught me that there is power in bringing all parts of yourself into what you do, not only the polished or perfect parts. My kids teach me resilience, passion, discipline, vulnerability, authenticity, and the importance of continuously honing your craft.
How do you ensure women are included and positioned to thrive in South Africa’ s evolving fintech landscape? Inclusion does not happen by accident. We need to deliberately create access, exposure and opportunities for women to be part of the work shaping the future.
As leaders, we have opportunities every day to make a difference. It doesn’ t always need to be formal – sometimes it’ s as simple as inviting someone into a key conversation, giving them visibility, or creating space for them to use their voice.
I believe the roles we hold come with a responsibility to give back and pave forward the gifts we’ ve received.
My own career has been shaped by many incredible women, and I will always be grateful to them. Many were my managers and are now my friends, because the relationships were authentic. They guided me, challenged me, trusted me, and helped me see what was possible.
That has shaped how I lead today. I’ ve taken a real interest in the careers of young women, both inside and outside the workplace. I have regular conversations with them, seeking to understand who they are, what they want, and where they need support. That matters because when opportunities arise, I can vouch for them where it counts – not only because I know their work, but because I know their character, strengths, and potential.
What leadership legacy do you hope to leave for women entering the IT sector?
The legacy I want to leave is simple: women in IT should never feel they have to shrink or fit a mould to succeed. Their uniqueness is their power, and there is space for every kind of leader – technical, creative, strategic, or people‐focused.
As technology evolves, machines will take on more tasks, but human skills – empathy, trust, and the ability to lead change – will define the future. These are not“ soft” skills; they are business‐critical.
Women often bring intuition, collaboration, and resilience that make technology meaningful and trusted. My hope is to leave a legacy of courage and impact: women confident enough to use their voices, lead complex work, and know they belong in the rooms where the future is shaped.
"... women in IT should never feel they have to shrink or fit a mould to succeed."
I want to be remembered as someone who opened doors, spoke people’ s names in rooms where decisions were made, and paved forward the opportunities I was given. Ultimately, I hope my legacy is creating environments where women and all talent can lead authentically, grow with confidence, and shape the future. �
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