What time do you usually wake up on weekdays? 

I usually wake up around 8. I am sort of like an in between. Depending on how i feel, there are times when I prefer the mornings and times where late nights work for me. But generally, i work better burning the midnight oil. 

How do you spend the first hour of your day? 

Work out. I call myself a proud member of the 5am club. Working out in the morning is what sustains my productivity 

What sparked your interest in finance? 

My interests in finance were developed earlier on in high school. One of my optional subjects was accounting. I used to have a very good teacher, very passionate about the subject and our class used to excel in accounting. It was then that i new finance was my go-to carrier choice. My family wanted me to do medicine as i was good at both math’s and science, but finance was where my heart was. 

Can you share some career highlights and defining moments? 

One of my career highlights was when i was a finance Manager at Botswana Meat Commission. We implemented a project in which we were implementing an asset management module in Oracle, which resulted in improved asset management for the corporation. An area that had been a head for the organization for a very long time resulting in delayed audits. After the module was successfully implemented, our nightmares were over. 
 
In my current role as a Finance Manager, i sit on the revenue mobilization committee which monitors revenue collection and comes up with strategies of collection in order to meet Revenue set targets. I have found this very stimulating and over the years our organization has been able to meet and, in some instances, surpass set targets. 

How do you handle professional challenges? 

My motto is to stay calm at all times. When challenges come, do not act in the moment. Stay calm and collaborate with members of your team to come up with resolutions to problems. Collaboration in today’s environment is a key ingredient to stay sane. We can no longer afford to work in silos to solve today’s problems in a landscape that is ever-changing and information moving fast. 

What future goals are you excited about? 

I am excited about venturing in internal audit and assurance. I am recently working towards my certification as an internal auditor. My organization is also moving into accrual accounting where we have been reporting on a modified cash basis. So far, we have been working on coming up with policies and procedures for this transition and it has been a very exciting journey, and i am looking forward to full implementation of the project. 

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

I have not worked across boarders in my career this far, but i have been able to visit the sustainability institute in South Africa and experience sustainability leaving firsthand. In the institute everyone strives to use minimal resources as much as possible and they are leaving healthy. They use solar, grow their own food and do not have Television. This opened my eyes and has changed my perspective as an individual. Since then, i try to practice sustainable living in my small space at all times and reduce wastage in the way i interact with the environment. 

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

Accounting has truly evolved, from accountants just been counters to value added services. Accountants need to develop their soft skills more than ever before for them to survive in the industry. As a result, leadership, strategic management and influence are key skills that are needed by accountants who wish to develop their path to becoming CFO’s 

How do you balance your personal and professional life? 

This is a very tricky one. We spend 8 hours of our time at work and with the advent of technology work follows us even into our homes. What i have done is that i have decided not to carry my laptop or any work device home. Once i complete my day that’s it, i will just unpluck. This is something that we all need to learn as sometimes it is difficult and there is a temptation to check emails on our phones. Have a schedule for your evenings and that way you will be too engaged to think about work. 

What are your interests outside of work? 

When i am not at work, i just like to spend time with my family, work in my garden, attend social gatherings as necessary and catch up on some TV shows that i like. Nothing hectic really. 

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

I have some Trainee accountants that i mentor and help them achieve their work experience requirements.

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

Anyone aspiring to be a CFO should be prepared to work hard as this role can be very demanding, especially in times when there is a crisis. Be open-minded and carry other people along in your journey. 

What’s your favorite quote or mantra? 

Nothing that doesn’t speak should not be difficult to do. I believe as human beings we have the capacity to do all things if we put our minds to it. 

Share your favorite leadership lesson. 

Human beings are the biggest capital in any organization. Respect, appreciate and reward them. They will make your life easy if they are happier. 

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

Generally, for me what you see is what you get. I am good at making melon juice and i sell it outside my business hours. 

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

Instagram 

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

My ideal superpower will be instant financial foresight – the ability to accurately predict market trends and economic shifts. With financial foresight, I could ensure precise Revenue forecasting and detecting early if revenue targets will be met or not. 
 
In a world of uncertainties, having that level of insight would make financial planning and decision-making a game changer! 

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

I drink tea and take breaks in between work. It is not good to sit all day, even for our health. 

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

This would be the date when we came into the boardroom dancing with my team to present the Revenue collection report. The atmosphere was very tense because everyone believed we were not going to meet the yearly target, but we did. The day was very special because hope was restored when it was unexpected, and we closed the day with a celebration with the commissioner general over a meal and drinks.