Bhavna Gounder has excelled in her career in the banking sector. She speaks about her career, which has flourished since she qualified as a CA(SA) in the mid-2000s, her passion for female empowerment, motherhood − and that she’s just recently published a book she co-authored with her daughter about nut allergies.
Bhavna Gounder started her career at Investec Bank as debt transactor for corporate clients. She describes it as an interesting time to be a banking professional.
‘Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis, public frustration towards banks reached probably the highest level since the Great Depression. For me, the greatest lesson was tenacity: I often look back with great endearment on the friendships that grew during such a turbulent time, she says.
Later on in her career, she moved over into asset management as Head of Finance at Stanlib. Her highlights at Stanlib were the leadership experience acquired managing the finance team, coupled with truly understanding the importance of investment due diligence.
‘It was around this time I commenced trading in my personal capacity. The investment bug definitely it me! It was also what inspired me to commence my CFA journey. This was a time of immense growth in my career.’
She then moved to Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking as Head of Financial Institutions. Returning to banking affirmed her passion for the sector, as she was motivated by the challenge and fast pace of investment banking.
One of the achievements she is most proud of at Nedbank is being elected Chair of the Women’s Forum.
Tell us about your current role and what you love most about it?
In my current role, I manage a team of bankers that are responsible for solutions and coverage to Financial Institutions (including banks, asset managers, insurers and stock brokers), both locally and internationally.
I love what I do, and perhaps the part that most excites me is the ability to be part of a solution for our clients.
I’m quite passionate about female empowerment − I feel privileged that Nedbank has given me the opportunity to mentor young women.
As I have progressed in my career, the need to give back has become persistent. If we want to build sustainable futures for the next generation, we need to empower our youth! This is something we can practise on a micro level as professionals through mentorship.
You are the mother of three children. How do you manage to balance your career and motherhood?
I wish I had the perfect answer to this, but alas I don’t! What I learnt is balance and boundaries are everything! I think the downside of being a perfectionist Virgo is wanting to do everything right all of the time.
As I progressed in my career, I learnt that doing everything isn’t good for anyone. It’s actually quite selfish.
As professionals we have all strengths and weaknesses. Working together gets you further. Leveraging each other strengths is a super power in itself. This benchmark of perfection we create as women is unrealistic and quite frankly unattainable.
Boundaries also matter to me. I want to spend time with my family and be fulfilled by my work, so I plan my day with steadfast ‘on and off’ times that my team at work and family l understand.
Please tell us what inspired you to write this book with your 7-year-old daughter, Aara-Rai Gounder?
My daughter, Aara-Rai, has a severe nut allergy. This is something I knew very little about before her struggles. It has changed our lives completely! By the time Aara-Rai was six months old, she had had three recurring ear infections that were resistant to antibiotics. We knew something was wrong but didn’t know exactly what it was.
Her paediatrician advised we do blood tests, which we did. She was allergic to nuts, eggs, wheat, soy and dairy. Her inability to eat most foods, coupled with carrying around an EpiPen to help manage potential anaphylaxis, is overwhelming!
I started journaling the experience; however, it was done more as therapy as we had so little control. All we could was mitigate risks. As a parent you often want to eliminate risks and slowly realise this isn’t always possible.
However, as children often do, Aara didn’t see her allergy as an impediment. From a very young age (probably about 2) she started capturing her thoughts, both happy and sad, on paper. Any opportunity she had, she would draw paint or sketch.
Tell us more about the book about and the publishing process?
The book is about the day in the life of a nut allergic squirrel called Aara. She is excited to attend a party and her granny (Nani) is scared that there will be too many nuts. The book documents their journey to the party and how they manage her allergy.
This passion project took us 14 months as we worked through drafts, illustrations and edits, all while going to work and school. We loved every minute, but it was very time consuming.
Publishing was uncharted territory for us. We had our story, but this was just the beginning. We had to work with a team of illustrators and editors who understood our vision. The initial challenge was ensuring we were true to Aara’s original story. She drew all her characters and had a very vivid idea of the what the squirrel’s journey to the party would look and sound like.
As her mum I was careful to help her along but at the same time maintain the innocence and authenticity she brought to the project. We co-authored the book.
How do you make each of your kids feel loved and valued?
I try to understand what makes them tick and engage in these activities. My eldest son loves soccer, so I attempt playing with him from time to time. It ends up in a laughing match, but I’m OK with that.
My two younger kids love arts and crafts so painting, so play dough and drawing is the order of the day.
I think all children want is our attention. My kids hate when I glance at my phone during our-time. My pro tip is keeping your phone out of sight!
Today’s kids face so many challenges regarding social media. How can one help them?
Social media is a tricky subject. As a traditionalist, my initial instincts were to delay exposure to these platforms for as long as possible.
I maintain that there is a certain maturity required when using these platforms, so understanding your child’s maturity is key. However, teaching them safe Internet usage as early as possible is critical. The earlier they understand the importance of maintaining privacy, messaging etiquette and latent online dangers, the better equipped they are to manage their virtual personas.
Social media is an integral part of how this generation communicates. Important societal conversations have been had on these platforms and in some cases. key global issues have been mobilised. Being part of that conversation and adding their voice is vital to their growth.
As parents we need to be aware and engaged so we don’t miss the tell-tale signs of social media bullying or abuse.
The traditional rules are more relevant than ever … talk to your kids, know them − it’s the only way to remain relevant in their world.
