I wouldn’t say I am an early bird. My morning starts at 9.00 am. I mostly work from afternoon till late into the night. I use the mornings for key meetings and urgent calls to tackle tasks that need coordination with others, check emails and respond to time-sensitive ones. 
 
Then Lunch / Short Break: Recharge to avoid burnout and mentally reset. 
 
Afternoon I start by Follow-up Tasks & Administrative Work: Process remaining emails, plan schedules, or document outcomes from morning meetings. 
 
Late afternoon I do Low-energy tasks or light work: This could include reviewing reports, light planning, or handling walk-in client requests. 
 
Evening/Night-Time Productivity Zone: This is my deep work time when I am most focused. Thats when I work on tasks requiring concentration, like financial analysis, strategy development, or preparing client reports. 
 
My day ends around 2am at least three to four times a week 

How do you spend the first hour of your day? 

 
I use the mornings for key meetings and urgent calls to tackle tasks that need coordination with others, check emails and respond to time-sensitive ones. 

What sparked your interest in finance? 

 
My interest in finance was sparked by a deep fascination with numbers and their ability to tell stories about businesses and economies. Growing up, finance stood out as the most attractive career path in my area, offering both stability and prestige. The combination of my love for working with numbers and the career opportunities in the field naturally drew me towards pursuing it as a profession. 

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments? 

 
One of the most defining aspects of my career has been the privilege of working with international development agencies, such as the Department for International Development (DFID), Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). These experiences profoundly shaped my professional outlook, instilling in me a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to impactful work. 
 
Another pivotal chapter was my years at the Graca Machel Trust, which further deepened my passion for contributing to meaningful causes. This role not only broadened my experience in the development sector but also reinforced the importance of aligning professional expertise with social good. Each of these positions played a crucial role in shaping the professional I am today, equipping me with the skills, insights, and values that I carry forward in my career. 
 

How do you handle professional challenges? 

 
I believe in tackling challenges head-on, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. My approach involves staying calm under pressure, analyzing the situation thoroughly, and breaking down complex problems into manageable steps. I also prioritize clear communication and collaboration, seeking input from colleagues or experts when needed. 
 
A key strategy that has helped me succeed is maintaining adaptability—being open to change and learning from setbacks. Additionally, I focus on continuous improvement, always looking for ways to refine processes and build resilience in the face of uncertainty. This mindset has allowed me to navigate professional challenges effectively and achieve long-term success. 
 

What future goals are you excited about? 

 
In terms of my career path, I intend to focus on consulting while growing Sedumane & Associates into a reputable and trusted firm. My vision is to expand our footprint, not only strengthening our presence locally but also extending our consulting services to international clients. By leveraging innovative solutions and building strategic partnerships, I aim to position the firm as a leader across diverse sectors, providing value-driven insights to clients 

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

I have had the privilege of working with several international organizations, such as the UK Department for International Development (DFID), The UK Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), all of which exposed me to diverse cultural environments. These experiences have enriched my understanding of how different cultures approach collaboration and problem-solving. In addition, I have worked in various countries, including Malawi, and I am currently based in South Africa. These opportunities have enhanced my adaptability and ability to navigate multicultural settings, which has been invaluable in my professional journey. 

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

 
A newly qualified accountant aspiring to become a CFO should focus on developing both technical and leadership skills. Key areas include: 
 
1. Financial Expertise: Mastery of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis is essential. 
Understanding key financial metrics and how they drive business performance is crucial. 
 
2. Strategic Thinking: A CFO must go beyond numbers, contributing to the company’s strategy and long-term 
vision. Developing the ability to align financial insights with business goals is vital. 
 
3. Leadership and Communication: As future leaders, accountants should build strong interpersonal skills to 
manage teams, influence stakeholders, and communicate complex financial information clearly to non- 
financial audiences. 
 
4. Business Acumen: It’s important to understand the broader industry landscape and how different business 
functions—such as operations, sales, and marketing—affect financial performance. 
 
5. Adaptability and Continuous Learning: The financial landscape is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date 
with changes in regulations, technology, and industry trends is essential. 
 
6. Risk Management: A CFO must identify potential risks and ensure robust internal controls are in place to 
safeguard the organization. 
 
These skills, combined with practical experience and mentorship, will position a newly qualified accountant on a successful path toward the CFO role. 
 

How do you balance your personal and professional life? 

 
Balancing personal and professional life requires intentional planning and discipline. I prioritize setting boundaries by allocating specific times for work and personal activities to ensure neither overlaps excessively. 
 
Here are some tips I can share: 
 
1. Time Management: Use tools like calendars or to-do lists to organize tasks and stay on track. Planning helps 
prevent work from spilling into personal time. 
 
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Communicate your availability to colleagues and clients to manage expectations. It’s 
essential to disconnect from work after hours to recharge. 
 
3. Prioritize Self-Care: Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones are non-negotiable. A healthy 
mind and body are crucial for sustained productivity. 
 
4. Delegate and Automate: Delegate tasks when possible and use technology to automate routine processes, 
freeing up time for strategic work and personal activities. 
 
5. Learn to Say No: It’s important to recognize when to decline tasks that don’t align with priorities to avoid 
burnout. 
 
6. Stay Flexible: Balance doesn’t mean a perfect split. Some days may require more focus on work, while others 
allow more personal time—being adaptable is key. 
 

What are your interests outside of work? 

 
Outside of work, I enjoy international travel, as it allows me to experience different cultures and broaden my perspective. I’m also a sports enthusiast, following soccer and Formula 1 closely. To stay active, I play squash regularly and occasionally hit the gym to maintain my fitness. These activities help me unwind, stay energized, and maintain a balanced lifestyle. 

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

 
I contribute to the development of others in my field through mentorship. I actively mentor a group of professionals who approached me through networks, providing guidance and sharing my knowledge and experiences. I believe mentorship is essential for nurturing future leaders and helping others navigate challenges in their careers. It’s rewarding to see my mentees grow, develop their skills, and make meaningful progress toward their goals. 

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

 
For anyone aspiring to become a CFO, my advice would be to focus on both technical expertise and leadership development. Start by mastering the fundamentals of accounting, financial management, and reporting, as these are the backbone of a CFO’s role. However, it’s equally important to cultivate strategic thinking and business acumen, understand how different parts of the business operate and align financial insights with the company’s goals. 
 
Additionally, develop strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage teams and present financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Building relationships with key stakeholders, including board members and executives, will also help you gain valuable insights and visibility. 
 
Stay adaptable and committed to continuous learning, whether it’s keeping up with evolving financial regulations, technology, or industry trends. Finally, seek out mentorship or professional networks for guidance. A clear career path, combined with perseverance and the ability to learn from challenges, will set you on the right trajectory toward becoming a successful CFO. 
 

What’s your favorite quote or mantra? 

 
My favorite mantra is, “First Things First – See Differently, Do Differently, Get Better”.

This allows me to prioritize and achieve my most important goals instead of constantly reacting to emergencies. This reminds me to focus on what truly matters, ensuring that my efforts align with long-term objectives rather than being driven by immediate demands. It’s about staying intentional, managing my time effectively, and not allowing distractions to dictate my actions. This mindset helps me stay productive and on track toward meaningful achievements. 

Share your favorite leadership lesson. 

 
My favorite leadership lesson is “First Things First.”

It emphasizes the importance of prioritization—focusing on what truly matters rather than being consumed by immediate tasks. As a leader, this lesson has taught me to align actions with long-term goals and core values, ensuring that my team and I work on what will have the greatest impact. It’s about being proactive, managing time wisely, and leading with purpose 

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

 
Something surprising about me that isn’t in my business bio is my love for traveling. Exploring different countries and experiencing new cultures has always been a passion of mine. It allows me to broaden my perspective, gain fresh insights, and recharge, which ultimately enriches both my personal and professional life. 

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

Facebook

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

 
The ability to predict where technology and AI are headed—knowing what’s next. This foresight would allow me to stay ahead of industry trends, anticipate changes, and position my firm strategically to take full advantage of emerging opportunities. It would also help in advising clients more effectively, ensuring they are prepared for the future and able to adapt to the evolving business landscape. 

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

 
My go-to strategy for staying productive during long workdays is to pace myself by breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and taking short, intentional breaks. This helps me maintain focus and avoid burnout. I also prioritize tasks based on importance, tackling high-impact work when my energy is at its peak. Staying hydrated, eating healthy snacks, and occasionally moving around or stretching keep my energy levels steady throughout the day. This balanced approach ensures I stay focused, energized, and productive, even during demanding workdays. 

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

 
If I could relive one day from my professional career, it would be the day in 2019 when I made the decision to leave full-time employment and continue part-time to focus on building my firm, Sedumane & Associates. What made this day special was that, despite fully understanding the risks ahead, I was determined to pursue my vision. It’s a day I look back on with pride because it revealed a level of courage and conviction, I never knew I had. That decision marked a pivotal moment in my career, setting me on the path to where I am today