FIC
mentor mania
Mentorship amplifies power and potential The relationship between mentor and mentee can be rewarding, but be aware of the emotional investment and burnout.
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BY ANG LLOYD
n inspiring Finance Indaba Conversation titled, ‘How mentors made me, and how I pay it forward’, was hosted by CFO SA’s community manager Brian Chivere, and featured panellists Deon Fredericks, Famous Brands Group CFO, Mikateko Mhangwani Tshetshe, Unilever’s vice-president of finance in Africa, and CJ Kujenga, Ascendis Health Group CFO. Richard Southey, head of cash management at Absa Group, introduced the session by saying that Absa has come out of a three-year period of internal focus, which was precipitated by the financial institution’s separation from Barclays.
Richard added that, along with forging connections, Absa places significant focus on building talent. He shared that, throughout his career, mentors have helped him look at the world in different ways and manage relationships and changing environments. “It’s absolutely vital to grow South Africa’s talent,” said Richard. “We live in a fascinating country, but we require so many skills; mentorship is about building each other’s careers, for both mentors and mentees.”
Time to connect
He added that Absa’s CFO SA sponsorship forms a significant part of the bank becoming more externally focused by connecting with the finance community.
The session kicked off with the question, “What is mentorship?” For Mikateko, it’s an exchange of shared insights and advice, and it’s about coming together by making the time to connect. Most importantly, it’s a relationship built on a foundation of trust and mutual understanding.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to understand what’s top of mind among CFOs, and get involved with conversations,” he said.
“Conversations can lean into sensitive and confidential content, so you need to trust each other, and trust is developed over time. It’s also
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