PROFILE CAPITAL ASSIGNMENTS
As the country transitioned into democracy, Capital Assignments matured alongside the nation. Transformation in the workplace has always been close to her heart. In 2015, she completed a master’ s degree in Professional Coaching through Middlesex University in London. Her thesis explored the impact of coaching on newly appointed Employment Equity managers in South Africa, sparking the creation of a three-month executive onboarding coaching programme, a pioneering initiative designed to support new leaders’ integration into high-level roles.
Her work extends beyond talent acquisition. A passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion( DEI), including women’ s empowerment, Williams has emerged as a thought leader in these areas, often sharing her insights in OpEds in the media. Her own experience navigating a male-dominated profession gives her a unique perspective.
“ Women in the executive search field face particular challenges,” she says.“ There are still disadvantages to not being male. The boys’ club is still very much in existence and still limiting opportunities for women. Through long-lasting school and university connections [ aka the Old Boys’ Network ], as well as social and sporting circles, it’ s simply easier for male executive headhunters to find themselves more frequently in the same spaces as C-suite corporate leaders.”
Finding innovative ways to expand her own network, she turned to sport.“ Interestingly, when I began mountain biking and participating in stage races, I unexpectedly found myself riding alongside captains of industry and had the opportunity to get to know them outside of the boardroom. So, the fact that cycling has overtaken golf as the sport of choice, has been to my advantage. I have experienced firsthand how getting involved in cycling can open more opportunities for personal connections. This really drives home the need for businesswomen to find creative ways to expand their networks beyond just businessrelated interactions,” Williams says.
Despite industry challenges and personal hurdles, her passion remains unwavering.“ There are loads that motivate me to get out of bed in the mornings. Building solid relationships with clients and candidates and working as a trusted advisor to impact organisations in a positive way is incredibly fulfilling. Plus, mentoring and guiding young recruiters as they progress and succeed in their careers brings me great joy.”
“ Operating in the Financial Services sector has always been thrilling to me. Its constant evolution at a rapid pace presents ongoing challenges that keep my mind stimulated and engaged. Our global expansion has also been incredibly rewarding, providing abundant career fulfilment and the opportunity to make a broader impact.”
When it comes to what it takes to succeed in executive search, Phryne highlights two key attributes:“ For me, it ' s been about having the resilience to persevere through both bull and bear cycles, and the resolve to overcome obstacles – such as clients’ traditional notion that they require a seasoned grey-haired man to lead their search.”
She recalls a particularly revealing moment in her career journey:“ There’ ve been many hurdles to overcome, especially in the early days of establishing my business. I remember, when I was pregnant, a client told me he preferred not doing business with me while I was expecting a baby. He was convinced I might be suffering from porridge brain!
“ While it wouldn’ t be acceptable to express those sentiments today, persistent biases about women endure as we navigate various life stages. It’ s taken me considerable time, immense effort and dedication to be in the position where I’ m taken seriously in boardrooms. That said, it’ s been hugely gratifying to have received unwavering support from exceptional women and men throughout my career who have championed my success every step of the way.”
Beyond the boardroom, Williams continues to champion women’ s empowerment as vice chair of Women for Africa( WFA), a role that reflects her long-standing commitment to gender equity. She and her husband share a deep love for road and mountain biking. This shared passion extends to their advocacy work rescuing greyhounds from illegal racing and hunting syndicates. The couple have since adopted two rescued greyhounds. They have a daughter who has followed in her mother’ s early footsteps and now teaches in the UK.
Through every chapter of her career and life, Williams remains committed to creating spaces where leadership, diversity, and empowerment intersect, not only driving business success, but also transforming lives.
Contact 12 Roos Road, Greenpoint, Cape Town, 8005
T + 27 68 151 8614( CPT) | + 27 67 256 2714( JHB)
E headhunters @ capitala. co. za
SA PROFILE www. saprofilemagazine. co. za
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