What time do you usually wake up on weekdays? 

I’m an early riser, usually up by 4 a.m. on weekdays. Starting my day early sets a productive tone and gives me quiet, uninterrupted time to focus, reflect, and prepare.  

How do you spend the first hour of your day?  

I begin my mornings with time spent with God in His word and prayer, which centers me and gives me strength for the day. Afterward, I do light stretches, have a cup of coffee, and then start with the grind.  

What sparked your interest in finance? 

My journey toward finance was inspired by my high school teacher, Nare Moloto, in Grade 10. Before then, I was focused on becoming a social activist. However, Mr. Moloto’s passion for accounting rubbed off on me, sparking a love for finance. His dedication motivated me to pursue internal auditing, and later, I transitioned to accounting, not just to identify problems but to become part of the solution. That early influence shaped my path and my passion for using finance as a tool for impactful change.  

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments? 

A defining moment for me was launching Winsome Africa, a young company that has had the privilege of working with JSE-listed firms, assisting with financial statement processes, and improving audit outcomes for public entities. In my previous role as Assistant Director of Finance, I helped the public entity I worked for achieve two consecutive clean audits. Another highlight was leading a team of 14 CaseWare Technical Support Consultants, where we improved our Service Level Agreement achievement rate from 60% to 97% and, at times, 100%. This success was built on hard work and a commitment to excellence.  

How do you handle professional challenges? 

My faith in God is my anchor when facing challenges. Prayer and trusting in God have built my resilience and stickability. I remind myself of past challenges have I have overcome, which strengthens me to face current difficulties with confidence. I approach challenges directly, viewing each one as an opportunity for growth.  

What future goals are you excited about?  

I’m excited about growing Winsome Africa into a transformative company that drives financial automation for clients while helping to reduce unemployment in South Africa.  

Have you had any international or different cultural experiences in your career?  

I have had the privilege of working with diverse teams, both locally and globally, each bringing unique perspectives and insights. These experiences have taught me the value of collaboration across cultures and reinforced my belief in Ubuntu. Working across different environments also deepened my respect for the varied approaches to problem-solving in the finance field, which has enriched my own approach to leadership.  

What key skills should a newly qualified accountant develop on their path to becoming a CFO? 

A newly qualified accountant should focus on developing analytical skills. Equally important is an understanding of current technological tools that streamline financial processes and reporting. Strategic thinking and a strong ethical foundation are also essential, as these attributes shape a reliable, forward-looking CFO who can lead organisations through challenges and innovations.  

How do you balance your personal and professional life? 

Being an entrepreneur, especially with remote and online working environments, it sometimes feels like there’s no end to the workday. To maintain balance, I prioritise meticulous planning and a strict schedule. I’m intentional about setting boundaries to ensure that I allocate time for relationships, rest, and reflection, which ultimately strengthens my professional focus.  

What are your interests outside of work? 

Outside of work, I’m passionate about reading and soccer. Books are my source of new perspectives and inspiration, and soccer allows me to stay active and engaged with teamwork and strategy. 

How do you contribute to the development of others in your field? 

I am actively involved in mentoring programs, including those at the University of Pretoria and through CIMA. I also mentor youth to become responsible citizens and invest in emerging entrepreneurs, helping them get started and guiding them through early challenges.  

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to be a CFO? 

My advice is to focus on building a solid foundation in both technical and soft skills. Understand your field thoroughly, but also develop leadership skills, especially in communication, decision-making, and integrity. Remember that a great CFO is both an expert in finance and a strategic leader who can inspire trust and foster growth.  

What’s your favorite quote or mantra? 

I find inspiration in Lecrae’s words,

“If you live for their acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection,”

and the quote by Martin Luther King Jr.:

“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven played music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great streetsweeper who did his job well”  

Share your favorite leadership lesson. 

Leaders are others centered. True leadership is characterized by servanthood, a concern for the common flourishing of all people, and the motivation to lead with excellence and love. The best leaders I know prioritise the well-being of their teams, embodying integrity, and a deep commitment to purpose.  

What’s something surprising about you that isn’t in your business bio? 

I am a writer, and I have been working on a book project for the past six years.  

What’s your favorite non-business app on your phone? 

EPL Fantasy Football  

If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be? 

Full-life integrated dashboard—something that provides real-time insights into every aspect of my work and life.  

What’s your go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays? 

Music and a good podcast keep me motivated and help me focus when workdays run long.  

If you could relive one day from your professional career, which day would it be and why? 

The day Winsome Africa signed its first client stands out as a pivotal moment. It transformed my journey from an idea to a reality, making entrepreneurship tangible.