2024's Pioneering Leaders
Transforming Africa's Public Sector
Tiffany Vos-Thane
Transforming Hospitality with HeritageDriven Leadership
A coach is someone who tells you what you don't want to hear, who has you see what you don't want to see, so you can be who you have always known you could be.
- Tom Landry
Editor’s V I E W
Shaping the Future of Africa's Public Sector
Leadersinthepublicsectorarereshapingstructuresandprocessesto
betterservecitizensandcommunitiesacrossAfrica.Byfocusingon progressthroughinnovativepolicies,theyareredefininghowpublic servicesoperateandreachthosewhoneedthemmost.Theircommitmentto impactfulchangespeakstoafuturewhereservicedeliveryisenhanced, ensuringthatgrowthbenefitseveryone.
Theseleadersbringdeepexpertisetoaddressuniquechallenges,responding withablendofvision,strategy,andcollaboration.Throughprojectsand reformsthatalignwithglobalstandards,theyaimtoestablishframeworks forefficientandtransparentgovernance.Theirapproachtoproblemsolving—prioritisingresourcemanagement,accountability,and community-centricinitiatives—representsanewstandardforpublicsector performance.
Thiseditioncelebratestheseleaders’efforts,highlightingtheirjourneysand successes.Fromdevelopingsustainableinfrastructuretoenhancingdigital capabilities,theiractionssetexamplesofpurposefuladvancement.By embracinginnovationwhilerespectinglocalneeds,theycultivateafuture whereAfricanpublicservicescontinuetoevolveandadapt.
Inthisedition,2024'sPioneeringLeadersTransformingAfrica'sPublic Sector,wespotlighttheindividualsdrivingpositivechange,each contributinguniquelytoAfrica’spathforward.Theirstoriesoffer inspirationandinsight,highlightingthetransformativeimpactofdedicated leadershipincreatingpublicsectorsystemsreadytomeettomorrow’s demands.
www.X.com/insightssuccess
C O V E R S T O R Y
Tiffany Vos-Thane
Transforming Hospitality with HeritageDriven Leadership
P R O F I L E
36.
46. 08.
Mr. Aubrey Mochela Pioneering Urban Digital Transformation
Kyle Masterson Leading the Shift in Open Finance and Innovation
A R T I C L E S
Diversity-Driven Decisions: How Inclusive Leadership Fuels Better Public Policy
Mission-Driven Motivation: Aligning Public Sector Goals with Employee Passion
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. , ,
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
turing
y Mochela ector: f echnology Officer
Kyle Masterson CEO
Makibinyane Lefadi Chief Execu ve Officer
Teboho Joala Chief Corporate Shared Services Officer
2024's Pioneering Leaders Transforming Africa's Public Sector
City of Johannesburg joburg.org.za Company
SHIFT Open Finance Community shi openfinance.com
Amatola Water amatolawater.co.za
Rand Water randwater.co.za
Tiffany Vos-Thane Chief Opera ng Officer
Rovos Rail Tours rovos.com
Descrip on
Aubrey is a Senior Execu ve with more than 20 years of experience in planning, designing, implemen ng and suppor ng best of breed and cu ng edge solu ons to address business process op miza on and growth.
Kyle's commitment to suppor ng bold entrepreneurs have made SHIFT a pivotal player in the fintech ecosystem, providing valuable resources, mentorship, and networking opportuni es to its members.
Makibinyane has a strong background in engineering and extensive experience in both public and private sectors, driving the strategic vision and opera onal excellence of Amatola Water
Teboho's leadership was marked by a commitment to opera onal excellence and a focus on enhancing the efficiency and effec veness of corporate services.
Tiffany's dedica on to her role and her ability to navigate the complexi es of the travel industry make her a key figure in the company's con nued success.
C O V E R S T O Y
Tiffany Vos-Thane
Transforming Hospitality with HeritageDriven Leadership
Tiffany Vos-Thane Chief Opera ng Officer Rovos Rail Tours (Pty) Ltd.
Fostering Growth, Empowering Communities and Employees!
Witharichhistoryspanning overthreedecades,the hospitalityindustryhas witnessedanevolutionmarkedbyboth traditionandinnovation.It’swithin thisdynamiclandscapethatindividuals likeTiffanyVos-Thane,Chief OperatingOfficer,haveemergedas influentialfigures.Raisedamidstthe legacyofherfamily’sbusiness, Tiffany’sjourneyintohospitalitywas nurturedbyachildhoodspent immersedintheworldoftraintravel. Thisfoundationlaidthegroundwork forherdeep-rootedconnectiontothe industry,shapingherintotheseasoned professionalsheistoday
Inherrole,shebringsawealthof experienceandastrategicvisiontothe forefrontofoperationsatRovosRail Tours(Pty)Ltd.Withacareer trajectorymarkedbydiverserolesin prestigioushospitalityestablishments acrosstheglobe,Tiffany’sexpertise liesinseamlesslyblendingcorporate strategieswiththefamilialethos ingrainedwithinherfamily’sbusiness. HerjourneyfrominternshipsinNew Yorktomanagerialpositionsin Londonreflectsacommitmentto excellenceandadedicationto upholdingthevaluesthatdefineRovos Rail.
Foundedbyherparents,RovosRail standsasatestamenttotheenduring legacyoffamilialentrepreneurshipin thehospitalitysector.Tiffany’s leadershipwithinthecompanyisnot onlyacontinuationofthislegacybut alsoatestamenttohervisionforthe future.Asshenavigatesthe complexitiesoftheindustry,Tiffany remainssteadfastinhercommitmentto preservingthecompany’sheritage whilespearheadinginitiativesthat
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Ti any's childhood was spent immersed in train travel, instilling a natural a nity for hospitality in her from an early age. She recalls fond memories of engaging with guests and experiencing the thrill of travel rsthand.
Her leadership within the company is not only a continuation of this legacy but also a testament to her vision for the future.
C O V E R S T O Y ,,
propelittowardsustainedgrowthand success.
Let’s delve in to learn more:
AJourneyThroughHospitality
Tiffanyhasadeep-rootedconnection tothehospitalityindustry,stemming fromherupbringingwithinthe company Withherparentsfounding RovosRail35yearsago,Tiffany’s childhoodwasspentimmersedintrain travel,instillinganaturalaffinityfor hospitalityinherfromanearlyage. Sherecallsfondmemoriesofengaging withguestsandexperiencingthethrill oftravelfirsthand.
Uponcompletingherhighschool education,Tiffanypursuedstudiesin hospitalityandbusinessmanagement, adecisioninfluencedbyher
By introducing technology and re ning operational work ows, Ti any aimed to foster sustainable growth while honoring the heritage and values that form the foundation of the company.
upbringingandpassionforthe industry.Duringheracademictenure, shegainedinvaluablepractical experienceworkinginvarious departmentsofhotels,rangingfrom laundryandrestaurantservicesto kitchenoperationsandhousekeeping.
Tiffany’sprofessionaljourneytookher toNewYork,wheresheundertookan internshipwithStarwoodHotelsand Resorts,aprominenthospitalitygroup. Subsequently,shetransitionedtoarole attheprestigiousMountNelsonHotel inCapeTown,initiallyservingasa conciergebeforeprogressingtohandle groupsandincentives.Hertenureat MountNelsonHotelprovidedherwith exposuretoreservationsandsales, layingthegroundworkforherfuture endeavors.
FollowinghertimeinCapeTown, TiffanyrelocatedtoLondon,whereshe spentsevenyearswithStarwood Hotels,primarilyfocusingonsalesand corporateaccounts.Herdiverseroles enabledhertogarnerextensive experienceinhoteloperations,sales strategies,andcustomerservice, contributingtoherprofessionalgrowth andexpertise.
exemplifiesaharmoniousblendof familylegacy,academicpursuit,and professionalexperience,culminatingin hercurrentpositionastheChief OperatingOfficer
EmbracingHeritage,Shaping Futures
Transitioningintothehospitalitysector seemedinevitableforTiffany,driven notonlybyherfamilialtiesbutalsoby herprofoundconnectiontoSouth Africa.Havingcommencedhercareer intheindustrywithinthecountry’s borders,shewascaptivatedbytherich tapestryofherhomelandandthe diverselandscapesitoffers,extending intoneighboringAfricannations.This deep-rootedloveforherhomecountry fueledTiffany’seagernesstocontribute positivelytoitsgrowthand development.
Recognizingherunwaveringpassion forhospitality,Tiffanyacknowledged thatherdedicationwouldbe unparalleledwithinanyother professionalsphere.Motivatedbya desiretonotonlyensurethesuccessof herfamily’sbusinessbutalsoto contributetothebroadernarrativeof nationalprosperity,sheembarkedon herjourneywithaclearvision.
Despiteherinternationalventures, Tiffany’sheartremainedinSouth Africa,wheresheharboredadesireto contributetoherfamily’sbusiness. Withherparents’guidanceandher ownaccumulatedexperience,Tiffany seamlesslytransitionedintoherrole withinRovosRail,embracingthe responsibilitywithgratitudeand determination.
Havingbeenimmersedinthebusiness sincechildhood,Tiffanydeeply appreciatesthefoundationlaidbyher parentsandrecognizesthevalueof hardworkanddedicationinshaping thecompany’ssuccess.Herjourney
Armedwithawealthofcorporate experience,Tiffanyapproachedher rolewithinRovosRailwithastrategic mindset.Sheunderstoodtheneedfora balancebetweenstructuredprocesses andthefamilyethosthatdefinedher parents’managementstyle.Withan astuteunderstandingofbothcorporate dynamicsandthenuancesoffamilial businesspractices,Tiffanysoughtto introducepositivechangesthatwould propelRovosRailtowardaprosperous future.
Ti any prioritized instilling a processoriented culture within the company. Drawing from her intimate understanding of the business's foundational principles and ethos, Ti any approached this endeavor with a keen appreciation for its existing strengths
Herforesightanddeterminationproved instrumentalinguidingthecompany throughatransformativephase, aligningitsoperationswith contemporaryindustrystandardswhile preservingitsdistinctfamilial character
RevitalizingTradition
Inthepursuitofenhancingoperational efficiency,Tiffanyprioritizedinstilling aprocess-orientedculturewithinthe company.Drawingfromherintimate understandingofthebusiness’s foundationalprinciplesandethos, Tiffanyapproachedthisendeavorwith akeenappreciationforitsexisting strengths.Ratherthanseekingto overhaultheestablishedframework, shefocusedonleveragingtechnology topropelthecompanyforwardwhile preservingitscorevalues.
Recognizingtheneedfor modernizationinalandscape characterizedbyminimaltechnological integration,Tiffanyembarkedona systematicevaluationofthecompany’s workflows.Thisapproachunderscored hercommitmenttonurturingthe legacyestablishedbyherparentswhile ensuringitsadaptabilityto contemporarydemands.
Byintroducingtechnologyandrefining operationalworkflows,Tiffanyaimed tofostersustainablegrowthwhile honoringtheheritageandvaluesthat formthefoundationofthecompany. Herstrategicapproachunderscoredher dedicationtopreservingthecompany’s identitywhilepositioningitfor continuedsuccessinanevolving marketplace.
CatalyzingChange
Initiallyenteringthecompanywithout aspecifictitle,Tiffanyassumedthe roleofaprojectmanagerunderher father’sguidance.Recognizingthe diversearrayofprojectsawaiting attention,rangingfromkitchen renovationstoinfrastructure improvementsontheexpansive60acrepropertyinPretoria,Tiffany focusedonoptimizingworkflows withintheecosystem.Sheunderstood thatevenaminorinefficiencycould leadtosignificantbottlenecksand operationalchallengesinafast-paced environment.
Takingapragmaticapproach,Tiffany prioritizedaddressingfundamental issuesandlayingthegroundworkfor digitalandtechnologicaladvancement. Understandingherparents’ unfamiliaritywiththisterrainandtheir timeconstraints,Tiffanytookitupon herselftoleadthechargeindriving progresswithinthecompany.Her journeycommencedsixyearsago, markedbyadedicationto implementingtransformativechanges thatwouldpositionthecompanyfor futuresuccess.
Recognizingtheresistancetochange inherentinanyorganization,Tiffany remainedfirminhercommitmentto modernization.Sheunderstoodthe importanceofdata-drivendecisionmakingandtheimplementationof robustsystems,especiallyconsidering herfutureaspirationstoleadthe companyasCEO.While acknowledgingthechallenges associatedwithintroducingnew
systemsandinnovations,Tiffany remainedresoluteinherconviction thatsucheffortswereessentialforthe company’ssustainedgrowthand competitivenessintheindustry
Navigatingtheintricaciesoftherail industry,Tiffanylikeneditsresistance tochangetothatofthehealthcare sector.However,sheremained undeterredinherpursuitofinnovation, recognizingtheimportanceof introducingnewideasandtechnologies topropelthecompanyforward.Her steadfastdedicationtoprogressandher visionforadigitallyadvancedfuture havebeeninstrumentalinshapingthe trajectoryofthecompany.
EmpoweringCommunities
Inherassessment,Tiffany acknowledgesthesignificantimpact RovosRailhasintraversingthrough tenAfricancountries,sheddinglighton destinationsoftenoverlooked.She emphasizestheimportanceof continuingtoleveragethisplatformto notonlyenrichthetravelexperience butalsotocontributepositivelytothe communitiesalongtheroutes.Witha focusonenhancingthecurrent footprint,Tiffanyremainsmindfulof practicalconsiderations,recognizing thelimitationsposedby underdevelopedregionsorinaccessible areas.Nevertheless,sheremains committedtotheethosofcommunity engagement,viewingitasparamount inelevatingthetravelexperienceand fosteringmutualbenefitsforall involved.
NavigatingAfricanTravel
Navigatingtheintricaciesoftravel withinAfricapresentsunique challenges,asTiffanyobserves.From suddenchangesinvisarequirementsto evolvingborderpolicies,thelandscape canbeunpredictable,particularly
Ti any acknowledges the signi cant impact Rovos Rail has in traversing through ten African countries, shedding light on destinations often overlooked.
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highlightedduringthepandemic. Despitethesepotentialhurdles,Tiffany notesthatRovosRailtypically experiencessmoothtransitionsacross thetenAfricancountriesittraverses. Gratefulforthewarmreceptionand easeofdoingbusinessintheseregions, Tiffanyemphasizestheimportanceof seamlesstravelexperiencesfor passengers.
Recognizingthevitalroleofeffective communicationandproactive measures,Tiffanyacknowledgesthe needtostayaheadofpolicychanges andunforeseencircumstances.While RovosRailoperatesasasmallerentity withoutextensivecomplianceteams, Tiffanyiscommittedtoenhancing preparednessandriskmanagement strategies.
FosteringTrust
TheesteemedreputationofRovosRail stemsfromdecadesoftraversing Africancountries,notesTiffany Witha trackrecordspanningupto30yearsin someregions,thecompanyiswidely recognizedandrespected.Tiffany attributesthistoherparents’steadfast adherencetoethicalprinciples,
ensuringthatRovosRailoperates withintheboundariesofregulations andmaintainsarespectfuldemeanor Aslongasthecompanyupholdsthis approach,itcontinuestobeviewedas avaluedpartnerratherthanaliability Tiffanyemphasizesthatmostcountries eagerlywelcomeRovosRail, recognizingthebenefitsitbringsin termsoftourismandeconomicimpact.
ElevatingGuestExperiences
Tiffanyunderscoresthepivotalroleof RovosRailinprovidingtravelerswith auniqueopportunitytoboth disconnectandconnect.Shehighlights thecompany’scommitmentto fosteringanenvironmentconduciveto digitaldetox,enablinggueststo disconnectfromtheirhecticliveswhile facilitatingmeaningfulconnections withlovedonesandfellowtravelers.
ThroughouthertenureatRovosRail, Tiffanyhasprioritizedrefiningthe customerjourney,recognizingthatit beginslongbeforeguestsembarkon theirtrip.Frominitialmarketingefforts tothemomentofarrival,managing guestexpectationsisparamount. Tiffanycollaboratescloselywiththe
,,
Her journey exempli es a harmonious blend of familial legacy, academic pursuit, and professional experience, culminating in her current position as the Chief Operating O cer.
C O V E R S T O Y
Ti any's objective is to identify opportunities for improvement and streamline processes without compromising the essence of the business's objective is to identify opportunities for improvement and streamline processes without compromising the essence of the business.
company’s17departments,spanning sales,marketing,reservations,and finance,toensureeveryaspectofthe guestexperienceismeticulously curated.
Maintainingasteadfastfocuson qualityandguestsatisfaction,Tiffany emphasizestheimportanceof continuousimprovementandfeedback. Sheremainsvigilantagainsttheallure ofprioritizingspreadsheetsover genuineguestinteractions,reminding herselfandherteamofthe fundamentalimportanceofcustomerfacinginteractions.
Lookingahead,Tiffanyiscommittedto reinforcingthesignificanceofeach departmentinshapingthecustomer journeyandensuringthatthecompany
remainsdedicatedtodelivering exceptionalhospitalityexperiences.
NavigatingChallenges
Inreflectingonhertenure,Tiffany identifiestheCOVID-19pandemicasa pivotalchallengethatprompteda fundamentalshiftinherleadership approach.Embracingthenecessityto recalibrateamidstadversity,Tiffany learnedtoprioritizequalityover quantity,emphasizingtheimportance ofmasteringessentialtasksratherthan spreadingeffortstoothin.Despitethe dauntinginfrastructurechallenges facingSouthAfrica,suchaspower shortagesandcabletheft,Tiffany remainsproactiveinseekingsolutions.
Frominvestinginhybridlocomotives toadvocatingforrailwayprivatization, shedemonstratesacommitmentto innovationandproblem-solving. However,theuncertaintyofthefuture presentsaformidableobstacle,with theneedforstrategicdecision-making amidstongoingcrisismanagement. Amidstthesechallenges,Tiffany remainsresoluteinherdetermination tonavigatethecomplexitiesand upholdtheintegrityofthebusiness.
PrioritizingPeople
Tiffanyemphasizestheimportanceof maintainingacustomer-centric approachwhilealsoprioritizing
employeesatisfactionandwell-being. Shehighlightsthatthesuccessofany business,particularlyinthehospitality industry,hingesonthehappinessand propertrainingofitsstaff.
Tiffanystressesthatdespitethe challengesfaced,suchasthose encounteredduringthepandemic, focusingonthewell-beingandtraining ofemployeesisparamount.She acknowledgesthehistoricalchallenges withinthehospitalityindustry, includinglonghoursandinadequate compensation,butseesapositivetrend emergingwherebettertreatmentand supportforstaffarebecomingmore prevalent.
Regardingmotivationamidst challenges,Tiffanyreflectsonthe positiveimpactthebusinesshason bothcustomersandthecommunitiesit serves.Sheacknowledgesoccasional setbacksbutemphasizesthe importanceoffocusingonthepositive outcomesandfeedbackreceived, whichserveasstrongmotivators. Tiffanydrawsmotivationfrom witnessingthehappinessand satisfactionofbothcustomersand employeesandunderstandingthe significantrolethebusinessplaysin supportingnumerousfamilies associatedwithit.
Insummary,sheunderscoresthe significanceofmaintainingacustomercentricapproachwhileprioritizing employeesatisfaction,training,and support.Shefindsmotivationinthe positiveimpactthebusinesshason individualsandcommunities, acknowledgingthechallengeswhile remainingfocusedontherewardsof theirefforts.
ForgingaSustainableFuture
Inconsideringfuturegoalsand prospectsforRovosRail,thefocusfor thecompany’sexpansionlies prominentlywithinitslocomotive department.There’savisionfor substantialgrowth,potentially positioningthebusinessasaleading locomotiveenterpriseinSouthAfrica. Exploringavenuesbeyondpassenger services,suchasfreightoperations, remainsapossibilityfor diversification,albeitwithalongertermoutlook.
Maintaininganunwavering commitmenttothecustomer experienceremainsapriority.Efforts willbedirectedtowardsleveraging technologytostreamlineprocessesand enhancecustomerinteractions, ensuringaseamlessjourneyfrom reservationtofeedbackcollection.The evolvinglandscapeoftechnology presentsbothchallengesand opportunities,necessitatingcareful considerationandstrategic implementation.
ExpandingthereachofRovosRail acrossAfricancountriesisalsounder consideration.Whilethecurrentfocus isontencountries,there’san aspirationtoexplorefurther possibilitieswithinthesub-Saharan region,contingentuponthefeasibility andstrategicalignment.
C O V E R S T O Y
Having been immersed in the business since childhood, Ti any deeply appreciates the foundation laid by her parents and recognizes the value of hard work and dedication in shaping the company's success.
With an astute understanding of corporate dynamics and the nuances of familial business practices, Ti any sought to introduce positive changes that would propel Rovos Rail toward a prosperous future
Intandemwithbusinessgrowth,an emphasisonnurturingtalentand providingtrainingopportunitieswithin thehospitalityindustryisenvisioned. Establishingadedicatedtrainingcenter toexposeindividualstothenuancesof hospitalityandthecompany’s operationsisalong-termaspiration.
However,amidstaspirationsfor growth,sustainabilityremainsa paramountconcern.Significantstrides havebeenmadetowards environmentalconservation,including theeliminationofsingle-useplastics, theintroductionofwater-saving technologies,andinitiativestoreduce linenconsumption.
Asthecompanynavigatesits trajectory,aconcertedefforttowards reputationalprotection,quality maintenance,andsustainabilitywill underpinstrategicdecision-making overthenextfivetotenyears. Collaborationwithexternalpartners andacontinuedfocusoninnovation willdrivetherealizationofthesegoals, ensuringtheenduringsuccessand impactofRovosRailintheyearsto come.
EmpoweringOpportunities
Tiffanybelievesthatestablishinga trainingcenterispivotalinunlocking theuntappedpotentialwithinthe railwayandlogisticssector.Shesees immensepossibilitiesforwomenin rolestraditionallyassociatedwith railwaysandoperations,emphasizing thesignificantopportunitiesfor development.Takingonamore proactiveroleinmarketingand promotion,sheaimstoamplifythe company’spresenceandshowcasethe vastopportunitieswithinthe hospitalityandrailindustries.Through activeengagementonsocialmedia,
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participationineducationalevents,and theestablishmentofatrainingcenter, sheaimstoinspireandinform individualsaboutthediversecareer pathsavailable.Asastrongadvocate forinnovationandevolutioninthe company,Tiffanyiscommittedto championingtheintegrationof technologyinoperationsand hospitality.
BalancingTraditionandInnovation
Tiffanyacknowledgestheunique balancethathospitalitymaintains betweentechnologicaladvancement andthepreservationofhuman connection.Shebelievesthatthe enduringpopularityofrailway experiencesstemsfromfulfillingthis essentialneedforconnection.Looking ahead,sheseesopportunitiesforRovos Railtoexpandintonewcountriesand introduceinnovativeroutesthatnot onlyboosttourismbutalsofoster investmentanddevelopmentacross Africa.
Whilerecognizingtheimportanceof cateringtocustomerexpectations, particularlyamongtheolder demographic,sheaimstobroadenthe company’sofferingstoencompassa morediverserangeofexperiences.She understandsthedelicatebalance betweenmeetingtraditional expectationsandshowcasingAfrica’s richtapestryofstoriesandattractions. Inthecomingyears,herfocuswillbe onreframingperceptionsandoffering unique,luxuryexperiencesthat authenticallycaptureAfrica’sessence whilecontributingpositivelytothe continent’sgrowthanddevelopment.
Tiffanyemphasizesthepotentialfor RovosRailtomakeameaningful
The railway journey's grand sweep has a unique power. It serves as a backdrop for contemplation and a stage for a fascinating parade of characters and experiences. ,, C O V E R S T O Y
impactinAfricaandenhanceits relationshipswithhostcountriesby offeringexperiencesthatgobeyond conventionaltouristdestinations.This, shebelieves,willnotonlyenrichthe company’sofferingsbutalsodeepenits connectionwithcustomersandthe communitiesitserves.
C O V E R S T O Y
The only way to do grewk is to love what you do.
- Steve Jobs
Mr.MochelaAubrey
Pioneering Urban Digital Transforma on
Catalyzing Technological Evolution!
Thedigitallandscapeisrapidly evolving,reshapingindustries andredefiningtraditional approachestogovernanceandservice delivery Attheforefrontofthis transformationistheCityof JohannesburgMetropolitan Municipality,whereinnovative initiativesaredrivingdigitalevolution andICTinnovation.Withinthis dynamicenvironment,theroleof technologyleadershipisparamountin steeringthemunicipalitytowards efficiency,transparency,andprogress.
Leadingthechargeinthisendeavoris Mr.AubreyMochela,servingasthe ExecutiveDirector:GroupChief TechnologyOfficer Witharich backgroundspanningbothpublicand privatesectors,Mr.Mochelabringsa wealthofexperiencetohisrole.His visioncentersonleveraging technologytoenhanceservicedelivery, streamlineoperations,andfoster innovationacrossthemunicipality.
UnderMr.Mochela’sguidance,the CityofJohannesburgMetropolitan Municipalityisembracingdigital transformationonmultiplefronts. Fromimplementingcutting-edgeICT solutionstospearheadinginitiativesfor smartcitydevelopment,hisleadership isdrivingtangiblechange.By prioritizingcollaboration,innovation,
andcommunityengagement,Mr Mochelaispavingthewayforamore connectedandresilienturban environment.
Let’s delve in to learn more:
DrivingDigitalTransformationand ICTInnovation
Mr AubreyMochelaholdstheposition ofExecutiveDirector,GroupChief TechnologyOfficerattheCityof JohannesburgMetropolitan Municipality.HistenurewiththeCity commencedin2014whenheassumed theroleofGeneralManager: InformationandCommunication Technology(ICT)atCityPower,an entityoftheCityofJohannesburg municipality.Priortojoiningthepublic sector,Mr.Mochelaamassed experienceintheprivatesector, specializinginprovidingICTand digitalsolutionstogovernmentand privatebusinessesaimedatfostering innovation,cost-saving,andefficiency improvement.
InhiscurrentcapacityasGroupChief TechnologyOfficer(GCTO),Mr Mochelaisentrustedwithoverseeing theplanning,design,implementation, andmanagementofICTsolutionsand drivingdigitaltransformation initiativeswithintheCity.Hisfocus liesinimplementingbusiness platformsgearedtowardsenhancing servicedelivery,revenuemanagement, governance,andfacilitatingsmartcity initiatives.Furthermore,hebearsthe responsibilityofguidingthestrategic direction,alignment,andintegrationof allsystemsandinfrastructureacross theCity,encompassingits13entities andalldepartments.
DrivingTransformationthrough ICTLeadership
Inhisrole,Mr Aubreydemonstrates effectiveleadershipindriving transformation,emphasizinga collaborativeapproachandteamwork. Heembracesatransformational leadershipstyle,recognizingthe importanceofcollectiveeffortfor meaningfulorganizationalchange.
Failure to address governance issues may precipitate a shift in governmental administration and political dynamics, potentially ceding ground to communitydriven NGOs focused on service delivery.
Mr.Mochelaunderscoresthecritical roleofICTasaninstrumentof transformation,advocatingforhighly motivatedteamsequippedwith SMARTKPIsandrecognition mechanismstodriveinnovationand digitaladvancement.
Throughouthis30-yearICTcareer, Mr.Mochelahasachievedsignificant milestonesacrossgovernment,private sector,andcommunity-based organizations.Noteworthy accomplishmentsincludeleadingthe implementationofthefirstVDI (VirtualDesktop)platformatthe DepartmentofMineralResourcesin 2010andspearheadingtheadoptionof publicandprivatecloudplatforms, includingtheautomatedOperations Centreforaprominentservice providerinSouthAfricacirca2012. Heplayedapivotalroleinovercoming resistancetocloudadoptionintheCity ofJohannesburgandintroduced MicrosoftTeamsatCityPowerbefore theonsetofCOVID-19,subsequently proposingitsimplementationcity-wide aspartofabusinesscontinuityand disastermanagementstrategyduring thepandemic.Mr.Mochela’s innovativeprojectsextendbeyond SouthAfrica,withdeploymentsof networkmanagementsolutionsin KenyaandZambia.
ICTLeadership:DrivingDigital StabilityandEfficiency
Intherealmofbusinessinvestment, therehasbeenanotablelackoffocus onprogramsorprojectsthatmaynot directlyimpactcommunities,including criticalICTinitiativessuchas Cybersecurity,ITService Management,andInfrastructure Management.However,asgovernment servicesincreasinglytransitionto digitalplatforms,thesethreeprograms playafundamentalrole.Communities engagingwiththeCityandrelyon digitalservicesunderpinnedby infrastructuremanagement,facilitated
throughservicemanagement,and safeguardedbycybersecurity measures.Unfortunately,theseICT programsarenotalwaysperceivedas essentialforservicedeliveryand revenuemanagementbythebusiness sectorthatinvestsintechnology
Theconsequencesofinadequate investmentintheseprogramsbecame apparentwhenbothCityPowerandthe CityofJohannesburgCOREwere affectedbyransomwareattacks.Other repercussionsincludedapplication failuresstemmingfromoutdated infrastructurethathadnotbeen replaced.Compoundedbychallenges inprocurementgovernance, implementingsustainablesolutions becamearduous.Toaddressthese issues,Mr AubreyMochela spearheadedthecontinuationofthe CSIRCybersecurityprogramand advocatedfortheadoptionofcloud solutionsforinfrastructureand softwareasaService,leveraging MicrosoftAzureMarketplaceand relatedservices.Thisstrategic approachhasyieldedstabilityinthe
environmentandenhancedefficiencies acrossvarioussectors.
FosteringGovernanceand PartnershipsinCityOperations
Ingovernmentinstitutions,adherence tolegislationisparamount,withlaws liketheMunicipalSystemsActand MFMAservingasguidingprinciples forcompliancewithintheCityof JohannesburgMetropolitan Municipality Theselawsaretranslated intoby-lawsandpoliciestoensure governancepracticesthatpromote collaborationandlegitimate partnerships.
Furthermore,variousforumsare activelydrivenandparticipatedinto facilitateknowledgeexchange,drive changemanagement,andstreamline theadoptionofadvancedtechnologies. TheseincludetheCoJCIOForum, SmartCityForum,eGovCIOCouncil, andGCRForum,amongothers. Additionally,Memorandaof Understanding(MOUs)areestablished betweengovernmentdepartmentsto
Mr. Aubrey Mochela
Execu ve Director: Group Chief Technology Officer City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
fosterinter-governmentalrelations withintheprovince,country,andother metropolitanmunicipalities internationally TheCityof Johannesburgalsoengagesin internationalforumssuchasURAIA, focusingonengineering,ICT,and SmartCityinitiatives.
Partnershipswiththeprivatesectorare establishedthroughmechanismslike Public-PrivatePartnerships(PPPs)and traditionaltenderprocesses.Interms ofcivilsocietyengagementand corporatesocialresponsibility,the IntegratedDevelopmentPlan(IDP) processfacilitatespublicandcivil societyinvolvement.Furthermore, MOUsaresignedtoachievecommon goals,suchasenhancingsecurity throughCCTVcoverage,organizing cleaningcampaigns,orensuringthe operationoftrafficlights.
DrivingTechnological TransformationforUrbanProgress
Inrecentyears,ChiefTechnology Officers(CTOs)andChief InformationOfficers(CIOs)have facedincreasingpressuretoadopta business-orientedapproach,focusing ontransformativeprojectsthat enhancetheviability,sustainability, andprofitabilityoforganizations.This imperativeextendstotheCityof JohannesburgMetropolitan Municipality,whereMr.Aubrey Mochela,astheGroupChief TechnologyOfficer,isentrustedwith spearheadingthecity’stransformation beyondmeremunicipaladministration toincludevaluetocommunitiesand businesses.
AtthecoreoftheGroupInformation CommunicationsTechnology& InformationManagementdepartment liesacommitmenttoinnovation.This ethosdrivesprogramsaimedat enhancingcustomerengagement, improvingservicedelivery,optimizing revenuecollection,andempowering
businesses,particularlySmall, Medium,andMicroEnterprises (SMMEs),therebyenhancingthe city’sreputation.Amongthe technologiesdeployedinthecityare interactiveandonlineCallCentre systems,ServiceManagement systems,TownPlanningandPlan Submissionsystems,automatedMeter Readingsystems,BillPresentation& Paymentsystems,andSurveillance systems,tomentionbutafew StandardizationofICTpractices. Servesasamechanismfortechnology consolidationandadoption enforcement,achievedthrough partnershipswithgovernmententities likeCSIRandeGov,aswellasthe privatesector.
Furthermore,thedepartmentis embracingemergingtechnologies, includingcamerasystemsfor monitoringtraffic,potholes, cleanliness,crime,andother municipalservices.Theseinitiatives aresupportedbytheIntegrated IntelligentOperationsCentre,whichis equippedwithAIandBIplatforms. Currently,thedepartmentisengaged inaprojecttointegrateAIand machinelearning(ML)technologies intocallcenteroperations,aimingto automateresolutionprocessesfor customerqueries.Dronesandrobotics arebeingexploredforvarious applicationswithintheengineering andOperationalTechnologydomains, whileVirtualRealityisbeing consideredforengineertraining, initiallyfocusingonelectricityand waterplantoperationsbefore expandingtootherservicessuchas busoperations.
,,NavigatingMunicipalGovernance andServiceDelivery
Inthecontextofgovernment regulation,municipaloperations, particularlywithintheCityof JohannesburgMetropolitan Municipality,aresubjecttorigorous oversight.UnlikethePublicFinance ManagementAct(PFMA)governing nationalandprovincialgovernment entities,theMunicipalFinance ManagementAct(MFMA)imposes evenstricterregulations,delineating preciseprotocolsforcitizen engagementandmandateexecution.
Alignedwiththestrategicdirection outlinedintheGDS2040strategy, municipaladministrationsare mandatedtoengagewithcommunities periodically,typicallyeveryfiveyears followingelections,throughaprocess knownastheIntegratedDevelopment Plan(IDP).Thisprocessfacilitates citizeninputtoidentifyneedsand allocatebudgetaryresources accordingly.Servicestandardsare establishedcollaborativelyduring theseengagementsandformalizedinto ServiceDeliveryAgreements, ensuringaccountabilitybetween deliveringentitiesanddepartments. Inresponsetotheseregulatory imperatives,theInformationand CommunicationsTechnology(ICT) departmentplaysacriticalrolein enablinggovernanceandfacilitating servicedelivery,billing,andpayment processes.Presently,themunicipality isintheprocessofimplementingthe municipalstandardchartofaccounts (mSCOA),aNationalTreasury
Encouraging prospective leaders to cultivate servant leadership qualities from a young age, Mr. Aubrey underscores the importance of collaboration and passion for community development, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
initiative,tostreamlinedemand management,budgeting,planning, procurement,payment,andpublic accountreporting.Thisinitiative involvesthedeploymentofSAPand SAGEtechnologiestoachieve operationalefficiencies.
Additionally,themunicipalityhas embarkedoninitiativessuchasthe CentralServiceDeliveryApp, leveragingSIAMandServiceNow toolsforcustomermanagement, servicerequests,incidentmanagement, problemmanagement,andchange managementtoenhanceservice deliveryprocesses.
AddressingChallengesinMunicipal DigitalTransformation
Mr.Aubreyaddressesvarious challengeswithintheorganizationthat affectthedigitalizationoftheCity Thesechallengesprimarilystemfrom seniorexecutivesfocusonterritorial protectionandthestruggleforthe politicalmandate,leadingtosilo mentalities,budgetaryconflicts, empire-building,andprocurementof
non-interoperablesolutionsnotaligned withcommonstandardsorbest practices.
Aseasonedprofessionalwithextensive experienceinbothconsultancyand governmentroles,Mr.Mochela recognizestheobstacleshindering digitaltransformationefforts.Drawing fromhiscomprehensiveunderstanding ofgovernmentaloperations,he advocatesforcollaborativeapproaches involvingtheprivatesector, communities,andgovernmentto developsolutionsalignedwithpublic needsthroughadesign-thinking framework.
Embracingpartnershipswiththe privatesector,theCityleverages platformsliketheMicrosoftAzure MarketPlaceforsolutionprocurement, enhancingcollaborationandsolution resilienceagainstvandalismortheft oftenexacerbatedbysocietalissues, businesssabotage,and,insomecases, politicalrivalries.Thecity’s digitalizationstrategicprograms,such astheSAPBusinessTransformation Programme,establishedin2017,strive
todisseminatedigitaltransformation initiatives,albeitfacingchallenges fromsilomentalitiesandterritorial protectionism.
Recognizingtheefficacyofprivate sectorsolutions,howtheyperfect marketingandcustomerengagement, andtheneedforimproved communication,theCityinvestsin radiostationstoengageinternaland externalstakeholders.
Mr.MochelaspearheadedtheSMME Resellerprogramin2017,empowering communitiestomarketCityservices throughadedicatedportal.This initiative,currentlyfocusingon telecommunications,aimstoexpand intoenergy,water,andothermunicipal services,facilitatedbytheSpecial RatesAreasby-lawandassociated policies.
Effortsareunderwaytoenhance changemanagementandpublic outreachthroughmediaassessments targetingbothinternalstakeholdersand thegeneralpublic.Throughstrategic partnershipsandinnovative
approaches,Mr.Mochelaaimsto overcomechallengesanddrivedigital transformationwithintheCityof JohannesburgMetropolitan Municipality.
DrivingDigitalEvolutionfor TransparentGovernance
Thevisionentailstransitioningthe Cityfromoutdatedmanualsystemsto digitalsolutions.Thetraditional approachofautomatingprocesseshas oftenexpeditedinefficiencies,merely convertingmanualprocessesinto electronicones.TheCity’s transformationintoadigitalsmartcity isrootedindesignthinking,aimingto digitalizesystemsforenhanced efficiency,effectiveness,security,and availability Technologiessuchas cloudcomputing,artificialintelligence, machinelearning,robotics,and3D printingwilldrivethisevolution.
TheSMMEResellerprogramis perceivedaspivotalforfuture municipalservicedelivery,particularly amidgrowingmistrustbetween communitiesandthegovernment. Additionally,initiativestopromote electronicpayments,facilitatedbythe Zenzeleelectronicbillpresentationand paymentportal,signifyaprogressive step.Plansareunderwaytotransition towardsdigitalcurrency,streamlining financialtransactionswithinaclosedloopmoneysystem.Thisshiftaimsto improveservicedeliverythroughcoproductionwithcommunitiesand businesses,combatcorruption,reduce financialoverheads,andfoster collaborationamonggovernment entities.
Byembracingdigitalwalletsfor transactionswithgovernmentservice providers,transparencyregarding locallyproducedgoodsandservices,as wellasprofitmargins,willbe enhanced,ultimatelymitigating corruptionrisks.Thisdigital transformationinitiativeseeksto
addresscorruptionprevalentinAfrica’s publicsector,whichiscomprisedof bothbusinesspeopleandgovernment officialsorpoliticians,byestablishing transparentaudittrails,heraldinganew eraofgovernanceacrossthecontinent.
NavigatingChallenges
Whenconfrontedwithchallenges, forward-thinkingexpertsviewthemas opportunitiesawaitingproperanalysis. Mr AubreyMochelaperceives challengesthroughthelensof opportunity,emphasizingtheneedto mitigateassociatedrisksratherthan merelysolvingproblems.Heidentifies threecriticalareasbrimmingwith opportunities:GoodGovernance, aimedatrestoringtrustbetween investors,citizens,andthe government;Citizen-Centric engagementtoalleviateservice experiences;andEnvironmental ProtectionandSustainabilitytoensure long-termviability
RevenueManagementandcollection playapivotalroleinsustaining essentialservices.Mr.Mochela emphasizesthesignificanceofGood Governanceinrebuildingtrustand confidenceinstakeholders.Currently, governmentalintegrityismarredby perceptionsofcorruptionand incompetence,withgovernance processessusceptibletomanipulation.
TheGroupICTisactivelyengagedin automatinggovernanceprocessesand facilitatingseamlessintegration betweenservicedelivery,monitoring tools,andreportingmechanisms. Failuretoaddressgovernanceissues mayprecipitateashiftingovernmental administrationandpoliticaldynamics, potentiallycedinggroundto community-drivenNGOsfocusedon servicedelivery.
FosteringServantLeadershipfor LastingImpact
Encouragingprospectiveleadersto cultivateservantleadershipqualities fromayoungage,Mr Aubrey underscorestheimportanceof collaborationandpassionfor communitydevelopment,innovation, andenvironmentalsustainability.He emphasizestheneedforaspiring leaderstoprioritizesimpleyet sustainablesolutionsthatensurethe continuityoflifeonEarthforfuture generations.
Navigatingthechallengesof governancerequiresresilienceanda commitmenttomaintainingmoral integrity.Mr.Mochelaadvisesaspiring leaderstoremainsteadfastintheir dedicationtoservingsocietyrather thansuccumbingtothetemptationsof personalgain.Truetransformational leadership,heasserts,stemsfroma genuinedesiretoserveothersand leavebehindapositivelegacythat upliftssocietyandimprovesliving standards.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.
- Robert Frost
Diversity-Driven Decisions: How Inclusive Leadership Fuels Better
Public Policy
Diversityandinclusionaretwo
centralthemesintoday's leadership,particularlyin publicpolicy.Inclusiveleadershipis notapassingphasebutastrategythat bringsoutbetterdecision-making skills,andcreativityandbenefitsthe publicthroughmoreefficientpolicies.
The article here analyses how diversity-led decisions supported by inclusive leadership can work wonders to improve the outcomes of public policies.
UnderstandingInclusiveLeadership
Thiscanbedefinedasthestyleof leadingthatisempathetic,respectful, andopen-mindedregarding differences.Itistheactofensuringthat allindividualsinateamfeelvalued andenabledtocontributeunique viewpoints.AccordingtoDeloitte research,organisationsexperiencing inclusiveleadershipincreaseemployee engagementby2.3xandinnovationby 1.7x.Thisiscrucialinpublicpolicy, wherediverseviewpointsresultin morecomprehensiveandeffective solutions.
Inclusiveleadersseekdiversevoices andavenuesforlisteningtoeveryone's opinion.Theyrealisethatavarietyof perspectiveswillleadtomore innovativeideasandsolutions.For example,accordingtoMcKinsey, companiesinthehighestquartilefor genderdiversityontheirexecutive teamswere21%morelikelytohave betterperformanceonprofitability relativetotheirpeers.Thatsaysalot abouthowimportantdiversityis,not asanethicalimperativebutasa catalystforsuccessatthe organisationallevel.
AdvantagesofDiversity-Driven Decisions
Thequalityofpublicpolicycanbe improvedinthefollowingways throughdiversity-drivendecisions:
Differentgroupsbringdifferent experiencesandperspectives,which leadtomoredetailedanalysisand betterdecision-making.Policies createdwithrepresentativesfrom multipledemographicsaremoreaptto helpthepopulation,ratherthanthefew whowereinvolved.
• MoreInnovativeness:Harvard BusinessReviewstatesthat diverseteamshavemore innovativeness.Theyproduce creativesolutionsbecausethey viewtheissuefromdifferent sides.Thisappliestopublic policybecausethereisasolution tosomeproblemsinsociety.
• IncreasedPublicTrust:Inclusive processestendtocreatepolicies thatinspiregreatertrustamong citizens.Whentheconcernsof thepeopleareheardandreflected inthedecision-makingprocess, theytendtofeelvaluedand investedintheirgovernment. AccordingtothePewResearch Centre,70%ofAmericans believethatinclusivegovernment leadstobetterresultsfor communities.
• BetterSolvingComplex Problems:Diverseteamscan bettersolvecomplexproblems becausetheyprovidevaried perspectives.Studiesshowthat heterogeneousteamssolve problemsthathomogeneous teamsdonotperformin35% betterinsolvingtheproblem. Thisskillisofprimeimportance topublicpolicyleaderswhoare expectedtofindsolutionsfor complexsocialproblems.
RoleofInclusiveLeadershipin PublicPolicy
Theeffectiveconversionofdiversity intogoodpublicpolicyrelieson inclusiveleadership.Themost importantcharacteristicofinclusive leadershipisthatsuchleaderscreate andpromotediversityinteamsand organisations.Theysetspacesfree fromfearswhereallvoicesarelistened toandvalued.
SomeCharacteristicsofInclusive Leaders
Inclusiveleaders,amongothertraits, possesssomeessentialcharacteristics:
• Theyhaveempathy;theyput themselvesinothers'shoestotry andunderstandthesituations surroundingothers.Thiswill allowthemtocreateacultureof inclusion.
• Openness:Theycanbe questioned,andtheywillbe providedwithwaysthateducate themfromothersandmight changetheirway.
• Breadthofcourage:Nothingis impossibleintheirfield.They willquestionifthestatusquoor individualbiasesarefound.
• Engagement:Theyactivelytry andbringequalopportunitiesto individualswhoparticipateinthe teams.
Thesequalitieswillenablethose leaderstoprovidespaceswhereby diversitywillblossomintosuitable resultsinpublicpolicy.
EngenderingInclusivePractice withinaPublicPolicyContext
Buildinginclusiveleadershipinthe workofpublicpolicywillrequirethe useofmultiplestrategiesbythe organisation:
• TrainingPrograms:Providing trainingindiversityandinclusion willmaketheleadersunderstand howthesearetobecarriedout withintheteamstheyworkwith.
• DiverseHiringPractices:When recruiting,makingsurediverse candidatesarehiredwillincrease diversitywithinteams.
• FeedbackMechanisms:Havinga waytogivefeedbackonpolicy developmentsgiveseveryteam memberthechancetosaytheir viewsorexperienceswithanyof thepolicies.
• CommunityEngagement:It connectscommunitymembers withtheprocessofpolicymaking, whichensuresthataffected peoplehavesomethingtosayin theirdevelopment.
• OutcomeMeasurement:Regular trackingofpolicyoutcomesinthe lightofinclusivepracticeshelps organisationsknowwhatworks andwheretheyneed improvement.
Conclusion
Diversedecision-makingsignificantly enhancestheeffectivenessofpublic policyimplementationbysupporting inclusiveleadershipactivities.By providingdiversevoicesinsociety withthepossibilityofairingandbeing valued,leadershipleadstoinnovation, buildsproblem-solvingabilities,and instilstrustincommunities.Itis thereforeonthispremisethatchanging societywillbebasedonmaking policiesforallsocietalmembers.To ensureeffectivegovernanceinthe worldtoday,inclusiveleadershipisno longera'goodthing'butsimplyamust.
,, ,, The Internet is becoming the town square for theglobal viage of tomorrow.
- Bill Gates
Kyle Masterson
Leading the Shift in Open Finance and Innovation
Intheworldoffinanceand technology,leadershipplaysa crucialroleindrivinginnovation andshapingthefuture.Effective leadersinspirechange,foster collaboration,andnavigatechallenges withresilienceandcreativity They possessthevisiontoidentify opportunitiesandthedeterminationto transformideasintoimpactful solutions.Onesuchleaderwho embodiesthesequalitiesisKyle Masterson,theCEOofSHIFTOpen FinanceCommunity
Asanentrepreneurandafinance professional,KyleMasterson’sjourney illustrateshismultifacetedinterests. Withabackgroundthatincludes foundingakickboxingclub,ameat alternativekitchen,andacommunity formultipotentialities,Kyle’sdiverse ventureshighlighthisadaptabilityand innovativethinking.His entrepreneurialspiritandcommitment toempoweringbusinesseshavebeen thedrivingforcesbehindhissuccess.
SHIFTOpenFinanceCommunity,an invite-onlycommunityofover200 fintechcompanies,standsasamedium ofcollaborationandinnovationinthe fintechsector.UnderKyle’sleadership, SHIFTisdedicatedtoprogressingthe openfinanceagendaandproviding continuoussupporttofintechs. ThroughinitiativesliketheIgnite incubatorprogramandtheSHIFT+ program,SHIFTaimstobridgethegap
forpost-acceleratorfintechsandfoster athrivingecosystemoffinancial technologyinnovation.
Let’s understand the journey in detail!
Kyle’sJourneyandMotivation
Kyle’sjourneyintotheworldof financeandstart-upsbeganwithhis variedentrepreneurialventures. Foundingakickboxingclubandameat alternativekitchentaughthim invaluablelessonsaboutadaptability, resilience,andtheimportanceof marketdemand.
“Theseventurestaughtmetobe adaptable,resilient,andcreative,”Kyle reflects.Theneedtoinnovateand tacklechallengeshead-onshapedhis approachtoproblem-solvingand instilledadeepunderstandingof marketdynamics.
Histransitiontothefintechsectorwas sparkedbyhisexperienceatthe FintechInnovationLab.Thisexposure beautifullycombinedhispassionfor start-upsandfinance,leadinghimto joinSHIFT.“Mydeep-seatedinterest infintechbeganduringmytimeatthe FintechInnovationLab,”Kyleshares.
Thelabprovidedhimwiththeinsights andinspirationneededtobeginona journeythatwouldultimatelyleadto theformationofSHIFT,acommunity withimmensepotentialtopositively
impactthefintechecosystem. TheideaforSHIFTwasbornfrom Woodhurst’sinsightfulreport, “UncoveringtheTruePotentialof OpenFinance,”whichhighlightedthe immensepossibilitiesofopenfinance butalsotheneedforgreaterindustry collaboration.Thisledtotheformation ofSHIFTtodrivetheopenfinance agendaforward.Overtime,the communityhasgrown,welcomingan impressive270fintechfoundersand influencers,representingover200 fintechs.Ignite,SHIFT’sincubator program,wascreatedtosupport foundersinlaunchingtheirfintech ventureswiththerightguidanceand resources.
SHIFTOpenFinanceCommunity
SHIFT’sinceptionwasdrivenbythe recognitionofacrucialgapinthe supportavailabletofintechcompanies. Despitegraduatingfromaccelerator programs,manyfintechsstillfaced significanthurdlesinscalingand navigatingthemarket.
Kylenoticedthispainpointduringhis timeattheFintechInnovationLaband wasinspiredtocreateSHIFTto provideongoingsupport,tailored advice,andaccesstonetworksbeyond theacceleratorphase.“Therewasa clearneedforongoingsupport,tailored advice,andaccesstonetworksbeyond theacceleratorphase,”Kyleexplains.
Empowering individuals with soft skills and connecting multipotentialities underscored the importance of fostering collaboration and creating environments where diverse talents can thrive.
Kyle Masterson CEO SHIFT Open Finance Community
Thecommunity’sgrowthhasbeen remarkable,withover200fintech companiesnowpartofthenetwork. SHIFT’sinitiatives,suchastheIgnite incubatorprogram,haveplayeda pivotalroleinthisgrowth.Ignitewas bornfromtheneedtosupportfounders inlaunchingtheirfintechventureswith therightguidanceandresources. ThroughIgnite,SHIFTprovides mentorship,strategicsupport,and valuableresourcestohelpfintechs succeedinacompetitivemarket.
AnotherkeyinitiativeistheSHIFT+ program,whichoffershands-on supportfromexpertfinancialservices consultants.Theprogramhas empoweredcompaniestorefinetheir valuepropositions,sharpentheir pitches,andmakekeyindustry connections.
“Themostcompellingexampleof empoweringacompanydidn’tcome fromme,butfrommycolleague Paniz,”Kylerecalls.ThroughSHIFT+, PanizassistedDoshi,afintech dedicatedtofinancialeducation,in identifyingpromisingmarkets, developingasuccessfulwhite-label propositionforbanks,andbuilding societies.
EntrepreneurialApproachand Problem-Solving
Foundingventuressuchasa kickboxingclubandameatalternative kitchenrequiredinnovativethinking andawillingnesstotacklechallenges head-on.Theseexperiencestaughthim theimportanceofcontinuallytesting marketreactionsandadoptinglean approaches.
“Themostimportantlessonisthat marketdemandiseverything,”Kyle emphasizes.Foreverybusinessheis involvedin,heencourageslean approachestoensurethatthemarket willrespondpositivelytotheiractions.
Buildingstrongcommunitiesand fosteringcollaborationhavebeen centraltoKyle’sapproach.His experienceinco-foundingasoftskills socialenterpriseandacommunityfor multipotentialitiesunderscoredthe valueofempathy,listening,and communitybuilding.“Empowering individualswithsoftskillsand connectingmultipotentialities underscoredtheimportanceof fosteringcollaborationandcreating environmentswherediversetalentscan thrive,”Kyleexplains.Inadigitally connectedworld,realconnectionsand sharedvalueswithincommunitiesare moreimportantthanever
TheSHIFTcommunityisbuiltonthe principlesofconnection,awareness, anddevelopment.Bycreatingan invite-onlycommunity,SHIFTensures thatmemberssharecommonvalues andtrust,facilitatingmeaningful connections.“Wemeeteveryonewho joinsthecommunityonlineorin persontoensuretheyfit,”Kylenotes.
Thisguaranteeandsharedvaluesallow memberstobemoreopento connectingwithanotherSHIFT memberthanwithsomeonerandom. Additionally,SHIFThelpsfintech’s developmentthroughwebinars, practicepitchsessions,andthe SHIFT+program,providinghands-on supportandspreadingmembers’ storiesthroughvariousmedia channels.
EmpoweringCompaniesand StrategicShifts
Oneofthemostcompellingexamples ofSHIFT’simpactisthesuccessstory ofDoshi.ThroughtheSHIFT+ program,Doshiunderwentastrategic shiftfromaloss-makingB2Cmodelto aB2Bapproach.Thistransformation wasfacilitatedbyidentifying promisingmarkets,developinga white-labelpropositionforbanks,and buildingsocieties.
“Weguidedtheminidentifyingthe mostpromisingmarkets,whichledtoa completestrategicshift,”Kyleshares. Therefinedvaluepropositionand strategicintroductionsultimatelyledto successfulpartnershipswithFurness BuildingSocietyandTSB.
Navigatingthestringentregulatory environmentandriskaversionof financialinstitutionsisoneofthe uniquechallengesofguidingfintech companies.Convincingthese institutionstoadoptinnovative solutionsrequiresadeepunderstanding oftheirpainpointsandbuildingtrust throughprovensuccessstoriesand robustsecuritymeasures.
“Salescyclescanalsobearound2 yearslong,sofintechslookingtoclose enterprisecontractsneedalong runway,”Kylenotes.Overcoming thesehurdlesofteninvolvestailored strategiesandpersistentrelationshipbuilding.
SHIFT’sapproachtoempowering fintechsinvolvesprovidingtailored advice,support,andaccessto networks.Byunderstandingthe specificneedsandchallengesofeach fintech,SHIFTcanoffervaluable insightsandstrategicguidance.
Thecommunity’scollaborativenature allowsforthesharingofexperiences andknowledge,furtherenhancingthe supportavailabletofintechs.“SHIFT aimstodeliveronthreevalues: connection,awareness,and development,”Kyleexplains.This holisticapproachensuresthatfintechs havetheresourcesandsupportneeded tosucceedinacompetitivemarket.
ExperienceandExpertise
Kyle’sexperiencesattheFintech InnovationLabandco-foundinganew fintechpracticeatAccenturehavebeen instrumentalinshapinghisapproachto innovationandleadership.“Accenture
My deep-seated interest in ntech began during my time at the Fintech Innovation Lab.
waswheremypassionforfintech started,”Kylereflects.
Theseexperiencesprovidedhimwith invaluableinsightsintothefintech ecosystemandtheintricaciesof drivinginnovationwithinfinancial services.AttheFintechInnovation Lab,helearnedtheimportanceof mentorshipandstrategicsupportfor early-stagestart-ups,whichhasbeena cornerstoneofSHIFT’sinitiatives.
Co-foundingthefintechpracticeat AccentureoptimizedKyle’sskillsin advisingandscalingfintechsolutions. Thepracticeprovidedaplatformfor developingandimplementing innovativefintechsolutions,preparing himtoleadSHIFTwithafocuson impactfulcollaborationandgrowth.
“Theseexperiences,alongwithan amazingteam,providedmewith invaluableinsightsintothefintech ecosystem,”Kylenotes.The combinationofhands-onexperience andstrategicleadershiphasequipped himwiththeexpertiseneededtodrive SHIFT’smissionforward.
Recognizingthecrucialgapforpostacceleratorfintechswasapivotal momentinKyle’scareer.Many fintechs,despitegraduatingfrom acceleratorprograms,stillfaced significanthurdlesinscalingand navigatingthemarket.Thisinspired Kyletoco-foundSHIFTtoprovide continuoussupportforfintechsontheir journeytosuccess.
“Therewasaclearneedforongoing support,tailoredadvice,andaccessto networksbeyondtheaccelerator phase,”Kyleexplains.SHIFT’s initiativesaredesignedtoaddressthese gapsandensurethatfintechshavethe resourcesandsupportneededtothrive.
TrendsandChallengesinFintech
Oneofthemostimpactfultrendsisthe riseofAIandmachinelearning.These technologieshavethepotentialto revolutionizevariousaspectsof finance,frompersonalizedfinancial advicetoautomatedcustomerservice. However,theeffectivenessofAI technologyreliesheavilyonaccessto therightdata.“AItechnologywillbe pointlessifitcan’taccesstheright data,”Kyleemphasizes.Openfinance playsacrucialroleinprovidingthe dataneededforAIapplications, enablingsmarterandmore personalizeddecisions.
OpenfinanceisatthecoreofSHIFT’s mission,asitenablesthesharingof financialdataacrossinstitutions, unlockingnewopportunitiesfor innovationandcollaboration.“Ifyou havetherightsystemsandopen finance,youdon’tneedRPAorOCRin banking,whichsavesalotoftime,” Kylenotes.Theabilitytoaccess comprehensivefinancialdatais essentialforprovidingholistic financialadviceandimproving customerexperiences.SHIFTis focusedonadvancingtheopenfinance agendatoensurethatfintechscan leveragethisdatatodriveinnovation.
Asthefintechindustrycontinuesto evolve,theimportanceofcollaboration andcommunitybuildingcannotbe overstated.SHIFT’sinvite-only communityensuresthatmembersshare commonvaluesandtrust,facilitating meaningfulconnectionsand collaboration.
Byprovidingtailoredsupportand accesstonetworks,SHIFTempowers fintechstotacklethechallengesofthe industryandcapitalizeonemerging trends.“Weaimtohelpfintechsbuild connectionsthroughanonlinespace wherememberscanconnectwitheach otherandcontinuousin-person events,”Kyleexplains.
AdviceforAspiringEntrepreneurs
Foraspiringentrepreneursand multipotentialities,Kyle’sadviceisto “embraceyourdiverseinterestsand leveragethemasstrengths.”Staying curious,adaptable,andcontinuously seekingopportunitiestolearnand growareessentialqualitiesforsuccess inthestart-upworld.Bybuilding strongnetworks,seekingmentorship, andtakingcalculatedrisks,aspiring entrepreneurscanchartdiversepaths andfindsuccess.
“Buildstrongnetworks,seek mentorship,anddon’tbeafraidtotake risks,”Kyleadvises.Byconnecting withexperiencedprofessionalsand learningfromtheirexperiences, aspiringentrepreneurscangain valuableinsightsandguidance.Taking risksandlearningfromfailuresare alsoimportantaspectsofthe entrepreneurialjourney,asthey provideopportunitiesforgrowthand innovation.
Mission-Driven
Motivation: Aligning Public Sector Goals with Employee Passion
TheUniqueChallengesofthePublic Sector
Publicsectororganisationsface distinctchallengesinmotivatingtheir workforcecomparedtoprivate companies.Unliketheprofitmotiveor financialincentivesthatcandrive performanceintheprivatesector, publicagenciesmustrelyonmore intrinsicformsofmotivation. Employeesingovernment,non-profits, andotherpublicinstitutionsareoften
drawntotheirworkbyadesireto servethegreatergoodandmakea positiveimpactonsociety
Thisdynamic,knownaspublicservice motivation(PSM),canbeapowerful toolforaligningemployeepassion withorganisationalgoals.PSMrefers to"anindividual'spredispositionto respondtomotivesgroundedprimarily oruniquelyinpublicinstitutionsor organisations".Inotherwords,itisthe innatedrivetocontributetothepublic interest.
ThePowerofMissionValence
OnekeyfactorthatinfluencesPSMis missionvalence-theperceived attractivenessorsalienceofthe organisation'spurpose.When employeesfindthemissioncompelling andmeaningful,theyaremorelikelyto bemotivatedtoachieveorganisational goals.Leaderscanenhancemission valenceby:
Communicating the Mission Clearly
Articulatingtheorganisation'smission, visionandvaluesinaclearand compellingwayhelpsemployees understandthe"why"behindtheir work.
Linking the Mission to Personal Values
Showinghowtheorganisational missionalignswithemployees' personalgoalsandvaluestapsinto theirintrinsicmotivations.
Celebrating Impact and Success Stories
Highlightingthereal-worldimpactof theorganisation'sworkandthe differenceitmakesinpeople'slives bringsthemissiontolife.
Transformationalleadershipthat inspiresemployeesthroughidealsand moralvalueshasbeenshownto increasemissionvalenceandPSM.By appealingtoemployees'pro-social identitiesanddesiretobeseenas moral,leaderscantapintointrinsic motivationsbeyondjustrewardsand punishments.
Aligning HR Practices with the Mission
TofullyleveragePSM,allhuman resourcepracticesshouldbealigned withthepublicservicemission.This includes:
Recruitment and Selection
Attractingandhiringemployeeswho notonlyhavetherightskillsbutalso sharetheorganisation'svaluesand commitmenttothemission.
Onboarding and Training
Designinginductionprograms, training,anddevelopmenttopromote
publicservicevaluesandasenseof purpose.
Performance Management
Basingevaluationsonbothrolespecificgoalsanddemonstrationof publicservicebehavioursthatsupport themission.
Work Design
Offeringintrinsicallymotivatingwork thatallowsemployeestodirectly contributetotheorganisation'ssocial impact.
Bycreatingasupportivework environmentthatnurturesPSM,public sectororganisationscanattract,retain, andmotivateahigh-performing workforceeveninthefaceofbudget constraintsandpublicscrutiny
TheBottomLine
WhileharnessingPSMrequiresamore nuancedapproachthansimply danglingfinancialcarrots,thepotential payoffissignificant.Employeeswho arepassionateaboutthemissionare morelikelytogoaboveandbeyond, innovate,andfindmeaningintheir work.Byaligningemployeepassion withorganisationalpurpose,public sectorleaderscanunlockthefull potentialoftheirhumancapitalto deliverbetteroutcomesforcitizens. Thekeyistomake"publicservice matter"ineveryaspectofthe employeeexperience.
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