Members Spotlight: Engela van Loggerenberg

At CFO Club Africa, we take pride in sharing the stories and achievements of our members through a dedicated profile series. These profiles spotlight the journeys, expertise, and personal insights of CFOs and finance leaders who are making a real impact in their organizations and the finance industry. Each story offers a blend of professional expertise and personal experiences, providing inspiration for those on their own career paths.

In this edition, we’re featuring Engela van Loggerenberg, Group Financial Director, whose leadership and commitment to excellence have shaped her career.

Engela van Loggerenberg, Group Financial Director, brings passion, perseverance, and strategic vision to the world of finance. Based in South Africa, she holds a B.Com in Financial Management from the University of South Africa (Unisa) and has steadily built a career grounded in her love for numbers and the stories they tell.

A Morning Routine Rooted in Reflection and Action

Engela begins her day at 5:00 am, embracing the quiet to read, exercise, and plan her day. This peaceful start allows her to focus on strategy and creativity, often sparking new ideas as she exercises. It’s a routine that ensures she is never rushed and is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

The Power of Numbers and Teaching

From a young age, Engela was drawn to the clarity and honesty of numbers. Her fascination with financial analysis has shaped her career, helping her guide businesses toward growth and improvement. But it’s not just about her personal success—Engela is passionate about teaching non-financial professionals how to understand and leverage financial statements, a skill she believes is crucial for business growth.

Career Highlights: Transformation Through Leadership

One of Engela’s proudest achievements was transforming an underperforming department into a thriving, profitable unit. Building the team from scratch, she instilled trust among a substantial customer base, proving her ability to lead, inspire, and drive results.

Thriving Under Pressure

Engela’s approach to challenges is simple yet effective: keep calm, collaborate, and focus on solutions. She values the input of diverse perspectives and believes that teamwork helps not only in solving problems but also in preventing future issues. This methodical and inclusive strategy has been key to her success.

A Future in Governance and Leadership

Currently completing an 11-month Applied Directorship Programme through Sirdar, Engela is setting her sights on becoming a Chief Financial Officer. Her goal is to enhance governance within her organization, promoting sustainable growth and strategic decision-making. Her passion for continuous improvement is what drives her forward, and she is eager to make a lasting impact in the finance sector.

Fostering Diversity and Cohesion in Teams

Throughout her career, Engela has worked with diverse teams and is a strong advocate for collaboration across cultures, genders, and age groups. She fosters this inclusivity through regular team-building sessions, aimed at strengthening bonds and leveraging the strengths of her team members.

Advice for Future CFOs

For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Engela emphasizes the importance of passion, continuous learning, and leadership. “Develop your leadership skills, find a mentor, and build strong relationships,” she advises. Success, she believes, comes from hard work, a willingness to go the extra mile, and an unwavering commitment to growth.

Balancing Work and Life

While Engela doesn’t believe in a perfect work-life balance, she prioritizes making time for what energizes her outside of work. Whether spending time with her family, learning to play golf, or diving into a good book, Engela finds ways to recharge so that she can bring her best self to her professional life.

Passion for Mentorship and Female Leadership

Engela is passionate about mentorship, particularly in promoting female leadership in the workplace. She hopes to empower more women to achieve leadership positions and believes in inspiring others to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

Words to Live By

Engela’s favorite quote, “If you want something you never had, do something you’ve never done,” encapsulates her approach to life. Constantly challenging herself, she seeks to live fully and without regrets.

Fun Fact

Engela is celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary this year, a milestone she feels incredibly blessed to reach.

As Engela van Loggerenberg continues to inspire and lead, both in her company and in the broader financial community, her journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, learning, and leadership. You can connect with her on LinkedIn to follow her remarkable career.

If you’re a CFO Club Africa member and would like to share your journey, we invite you to be featured in our series—click here to participate. Not a member yet? Join the CFO Club Africa community to connect with fellow finance leaders and access exclusive opportunities—become a member today.