Nav»-igating the unexpected: A story of emergence and growth
Not every professional has had the privilege to grow their career and personal attributes in tandem with the business they work for.
My journey with FNB nav» has been nothing short of remarkable. I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to witness the business grow from its humble beginnings to a powerhouse with a massive user base. I joined the team as a financial manager in 2018 while nav» was still in its start-up phase, and today I am the CFO of this successful business that has managed to secure over 4,5 million South African users since its launch.
As a purpose-driven individual, I take immense pride in being part of a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything they do by giving them access to meaningful and innovative solutions that help them navigate the business of life. As our customers faced life’s challenges with the aid of our impactful solutions, I too discovered the very tools that empowered me to navigate through this ever-changing world and its myriad of life events.
After four years of unprecedented personal and professional growth at nav», my promotion to CFO at FNB nav» should have been a moment of pure celebration. Instead, it was bittersweet, clouded by the tragic loss of my best friend, fiancé, and father to my unborn daughter (at the time). The overwhelming dichotomies of life – joy and sorrow, success and grief – were suddenly thrust upon me. Discovering the resilience to persevere, to seek and uphold purpose, and to flourish professionally amidst trauma, marked the most daunting chapter of my life.
‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’
I came to understand that having a strong support structure is a key factor in weathering life’s storms. Leaning in on the support of loved ones has been a source of motivation and encouragement, providing me with a sense of stability and solace amid challenging moments. In a dynamic, youthful, and innovative work culture such as nav», I consider myself incredibly fortunate to collaborate with a team that feels like a second family. They have taught me the importance of breaking boundaries, sharing vulnerabilities, embracing discomfort, and welcoming change with open arms.
In the corporate sphere, there exists a prevailing misconception that vulnerability equates to weakness. However, the truth is quite the opposite. Sharing one’s vulnerabilities in the workplace is not just an act of courage, but a demonstration of immense strength and authenticity. As a leader who continues to show up and share my vulnerabilities, my hope is to inspire trust and loyalty among my team by fostering genuine connections, mutual respect, and empathy. Inherently we are all social creatures and acknowledging the value of human interconnectedness and interdependence is essential for our collective ability to not only survive but to also thrive and succeed.
‘Just like the moon, your greatest magic will come in times of darkness. When you have no choice but to trust your own power.’
My experiences have taught me that resilience and strength are not just buzzwords – they are real, tangible qualities that anyone can cultivate. In life, we often find our greatest strength in the face of adversity. Instead of simply surviving a personal crisis, I have used my experiences as an opportunity to come out stronger and more prepared for the future. I made a conscious decision to take my experiences and channel them into a positive force, using them to empower and inspire others. Today I am a SAICA Top 35-under-35 finalist, an accomplishment that once seemed beyond my wildest dreams. My hope is that my story of emerging from profound loss to resilient success will be a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for others to follow.
