Portfolio Manager & Investment Analyst Nutritionist

YOUR MONEY MATTERS

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? I enjoyed maths and accounting during my high school years and had a natural affinity for the commerce subjects. This influenced my subject choices and also guided my thinking when I decided what to study at university. I was also fortunate to have a relative who worked in this industry and had numerous conversations with her about her career and the industry. She is still my mentor to this day.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET WHERE YOU ARE TODAY? I completed my Bachelor of Business Science in Finance (Honours) at the University of Cape Town, and have also done various training courses throughout the years, while working. This included training on softer skills (e.g. presentation skills) as well as a regulatory exam covering legislation which we are expected to comply with at all times. WOULD YOU SAY EXPERIENCE IS AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING? Yes, experience is definitely as fundamental as training in this industry. While having formal training or education is hugely important, on-the-job experience is extremely beneficial and this is invaluable, especially when trying to come up with solutions to some of the complex problems that we’re often faced with.

WHICH ASPECTS ARE YOU LEAST ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT? Due to the competing demands that I have to deal with, it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in a day, at times. Juggling multiple priorities at once is the norm, and this can mean working long hours, which can be quite taxing on a person if it goes on for sustained periods.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? My greatest highlight was being promoted to portfolio manager earlier this year, because this was recognition of the hard work that I have put in since I started my career. I’m extremely proud to be one of the black female portfolio managers in an industry that definitely needs to be more transformed.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? In the short to medium term, I want to excel in my new role, and to ensure that I deliver on the promises that we’ve made to our clients, who have entrusted us with managing and growing their money. There’s always room for improvement, so staying on top of my game and continuously learning is of utmost importance to me. THINA MANGA PORTFOLIO MANAGER & INVESTMENT ANALYST

FUTUREGROWTH ASSET MANAGEMENT

opportunities that come your way, no matter how far out of your comfort zone they may take you. As the popular saying goes, “Growth begins at the end of your comfort zone”.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING A CAREER IN THE FIELD OF ASSET MANAGEMENT? I believe in the importance of hard work and the impact on one’s life that this can have when coupled with grabbing DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS Challenging. Rewarding. Ethical

www.futuregrowth.co.za

Futuregrowth Asset Management is a licensed discretionary financial services provider.

PASSION FOR HEALTH

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? My love for seeing people experiencing good health and happiness, after witnessing them suffering through ill health and disease.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU DO? I did a Clinical Nutrition Diploma through IAN in Australia, Health Coaching Certificate through Zest 4 Life, UK, and a Functional Medicine Certificate through IFM in the USA. Currently, there is no NT qualification available in SA, but health coaching is available with Health Coaches Academy.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY My morning starts off with admin: checking emails, ordering supplements, paying suppliers, social media posts. Then online consulting with my clients. When lockdown lifts, I hope to work 1/2 days at a nearby health clinic too. After an initial consult with a new client, I work out a health protocol, have a few follow-up consultations to support them in implementing the lifestyle changes. I also offer food demos and workshops where we prepare healthy foods.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? Seeing the improvements in my clients’ health, which can have a big impact on their lives and the achievement of their goals.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE? Being bogged down with admin; it can be quite consuming and not income generating.

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME? I’ve worked in this field for over 10 years now. Being self-employed can be much harder than regular employment. You need to be disciplined so you are able to ride out the quiet times. You have to always be re-inventing yourself and keeping up to date with new trends, new studies, new supplements in order to stay current. WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT? Running health retreats at various beautiful locations around the country and having my food and recipes featured on TV and in Food & Home magazine.

ANY FUTURE GOALS? To continue to instill the value of good health and lifestyle medicine to all in our country, and to spread the message, that when it comes to our genes, prevention is better than cure. What we do in our youth impacts our health destiny.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT? If you plan on working in private practice, decide who your target audience will be, then set up some health packages and programmes that you can sell to your clients. This will make your life so much easier. Be open to giving free talks and demos in your community to get yourself

LYNNE MACCALLUM FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE NUTRITIONIST & HEALTH COACH

OWNER @ NOURISH BY NATURE

out there. Or go the social media route of promoting your business online.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK OR CHARACTER TRAITS YOU NEED TO HAVE (OR NOT HAVE)? A caring empathic nature will be most supportive in this field, along with being a good listener and really ‘hearing’ what your clients’ needs are. Sometimes people just want to be heard.