What time do you usually wake up on weekdays? 

In summer I do my power hour from 5am; have breakfast at 6am and go for my morning run at 6:30am. In winter I get going from 6am. I am definitely a morning person, although I can be quite productive in the afternoons too. 

How do you spend the first hour of your day? 

My power hour – praying, affirmations, breathing, journaling while having a cup of ginger tea. Then my morning run of between 7km to 10km 5 days a week. I visualize, do my gratitude routine and do planning during my run. Then I have a cold shower and protein smoothie before my workday starts. 

What sparked your interest in finance? 

I wanted to become a CA since I can remember. Both my parents have a background in finance. I enjoy numbers and finances; and I loved accounting at school. I haven’t regretted becoming a CA for one minute though. I am very passionate about financial and business education and have founded the Ronel Jooste Dream Foundation aiming to bring financial and business literacy to the communities; also helping them to start and grow sustainable businesses. 

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments? 

Receiving the top-achiever award for the MDP-program at GIBS was a highlight in my corporate career. The defining moment was definitely in 2015 when I resigned from my corporate job to embark on my entrepreneurial journey and live my passions. Since then, there have been plenty of highlights – receiving multiple awards, qualifications and accreditations as well as been on the cover of 3 magazines including Accountancy SA and one international entrepreneurial magazine. I also started and grown 5 businesses of my own in diverse industries since 2015, something that I am very proud of. 

How do you handle professional challenges? 

Being an avid runner since I was 6 years old definitely contributed a lot to the way I tackle challenges. It taught me perseverance, dedication, goal setting, how to manage stress, time management etc. I am also a Neurozone Resilience and High-Performance Practitioner. Having a deep understanding of the neuroscience, brain-body system and analytics behind building resilience certainly helps me (and my clients) a lot to overcome obstacles. 

What future goals are you excited about? 

PhysEQFiT, our employee wellness (physical, emotional and financial wellness) and leadership development company will celebrate its 10th birthday next year. We are in the process of launching amazing new programs which will add a lot of additional value to clients and there will be a few surprises during our big birthday year. I am currently busy with my John Maxwell Leadership Trainer & Coach certifications and might pursue my Masters degree next year. 

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

Remote working certainly opened many global opportunities for me as CFO / financial consultant, speaker and entrepreneur. I am fortunate to have a portfolio of international clients spread over 11 countries. I also acted as interim Group CFO for a multi-national group earlier in 2024. It is wonderful to work with so many diverse people from different backgrounds and get to know their cultures. I also learned that South Africa has some of the best CA’s globally and we don’t need to stand back for anybody. 

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

Values are critical. Resilience, dedication, loyalty, reliability. Soft skills. Communication, conflict management, time management, attention to detail. Leadership skills. Stress management skills. 

How do you balance your personal and professional life? 

Being in the wellness industry for the past 9 years taught me a lot about prioritizing my physical, emotional and financial wellness – taking care of myself first to be in the optimum position to achieve my full potential as CFO consultant and serial entrepreneur. We have developed the ‘Rat Race Rebel’ program where we guide and coach people to create a better work-life balance – be high-performers while still prioritizing their holistic well-being. A few tips: use your time wisely; schedule me-time; focus on one thing at a time; match your productivity / tasks to your circadian rhythm; take care of your health; prioritize exercise, sleep and how you fuel your body for high-performance. 

What are your interests outside of work? 

I love running, going to the gym, playing golf, reading, traveling, discovering new restaurants and going to the theater. And spending time with my precious family and partner. 

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

I coach and mentor many finance professionals. We have also developed wellness and leadership programs customized for finance professionals. Our businesses offer internships for young black female aspiring CA’s. 

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

Develop your emotional intelligence to match your IQ. 

What’s your favorite quote or mantra? 

I want to live a healthy, active, happy and financially free lifestyle; and inspire and empower others to have that too. 

Share your favorite leadership lesson. 

I had many leaders who taught me what type of leader I DON’T want to be. My advice would be:

Make people your first priority and remain loyal to your team. Create a happy and healthy work environment, so that people are inspired by you and want to follow your lead. Live your values. 

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

I was crowned Ms Pretoria-Tshwane 1st Princess in 2019. 

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

Would Instagram and LinkedIn count as apps? 

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

Create 48-hour days, to live my life and passions to the fullest. 

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

I don’t scroll on social media or spend time on tasks that are not important. I take lots of breaks (get Moving!!), go outside for a while to get some sunlight. I drink a lot of herbal tea and water. I don’t eat at my laptop – I fuel my body with healthy, balanced meals and snacks for high-performance. Focus on one thing at a time. Write down your to-do list every day. 

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

There were many, but the day I appeared on the front cover of Accountancy SA magazine was truly special. It was something that I couldn’t even imagine in my wildest dreams. Even though I have ventured into multiple diverse businesses, I will forever remain a proud CA(SA).