LEADERSHIP, THE MARKETS AND RECOVERING FROM COVID

LEADERSHIP, THE MARKETS AND RECOVERING FROM COVID

MINDSET with Sygnia’s Magda Wierzycka

Magda Wierzycka was born in Gliwice, Poland. She is a South African billionaire and businesswoman and is the co-founder and CEO of Sygnia Ltd. Magda’s career in the financial services industry began in 1993 when she became a product development and investment actuary at the Southern Life Association for Mutual Life and Accident. While at Southern Life, she paid back her bursary then spent two years building an asset consulting division as an investment consultant for the retirement fund clients of Alexander Forbes. She joined Coronation Fund Managers, a third-party fund management company based in Cape Town, in 1997 as a director and Head of Institutional Business. At Coronation, she played a pivotal role in making the company one of the largest asset management firms in South Africa.

In this Top Women podcast, Ralf Fletcher sits down with renowned businesswomen, billionaire and anti-corruption activist, Magda Wierzycka. Magda, who defines the notion of building yourself from the ground up, is a powerhouse and force to be reckoned with in the South African economy. She’s built seven companies, is currently preparing for her role as CEO of The Apprentice South Africa in 2021 and runs for two hours a day on the treadmill.

Magda and Ralf discuss COVID-19 and the way the South African economy and the country as a whole has been impacted, the importance of having a steadfast mindset about what you want and how the market is changing during this time. Magda explains her outlook on a realm of topics, from stocks to #BlackLivesMatter and what separates leaders from followers. Talking to Magda Wierzycka about her incredible journey to success was an absolute honour and we hope you learn a thing or two from this insightful video podcast.

KEY TAKEAWAYS TO LISTEN OUT FOR IN THIS PODCAST:

• The people who have borne the brunt of the pandemic economically are the private sector and the poor.

• Although it won’t lead to a full recovery, the informal economy is potentially what will get us through this time.

• We need to have a very clear mindset of what we will and won’t settle for in the workplace.

• It’s vital to keep track of what’s going on globally − read, research and talk to people as much as possible.

• The people who become leaders are those who are willing to make decisions based on imperfect information.

• Never be afraid to change your mind and admit you’ve made a mistake.