By: Equilibrium
The financial services industry, often perceived as traditional, is transforming. At Equilibrium, this change is being driven by remarkable women in our leadership team who are shaping a more innovative and inclusive future.
The power of diverse thinking is a core belief at Equilibrium, championed by Florbela Yates, managing director. She believes that organisations that grow the fastest are those that are most innovative, with happy staff and clients, and have strategic leaders who surround themselves with teams from varied backgrounds. Her leadership style, continuously evolving through learning from others and embracing diverse perspectives, creates an inclusive environment where every person’s contribution is valued.
Reflecting on her role, she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference in people’s financial journeys, working with a team of investment professionals who genuinely care about their clients. Her belief in women’s ability to balance multiple responsibilities is reflected in her leadership approach, which encourages debate, exploration, and collaboration.
For Kamini Naidoo, chief investment officer, the motto “Live by design, not by default” has been her guiding principle. This philosophy has steered her career from banking to investment management, providing numerous opportunities to craft her path and empower others. She believes in the transformative power of diversity, highlighting studies that show diverse teams, including women, are more likely to generate innovative ideas and outperform homogenous teams. This is especially crucial in serving an increasingly diverse clientele, where women’s financial needs and perspectives are unique. She also emphasises the importance of representation, mentorship, and a human-centric environment to attract and retain more women in the industry. Strong female representation across both leadership and investment roles within an organisation signals to potential candidates that there is a place for them to thrive and advance. The role of mentorship supports women’s career development and fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment.
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Equilibrium Investment Management (Pty) Ltd (Equilibrium) (Reg. No. 2007/018275/07) is an authorised financial services provider (FSP 32726) and part of Momentum Metropolitan Holdings Limited, rated B-BBEE level 1.
The importance of welcoming female leadership in corporate spaces is emphasised by Pat Magadla, head of distribution. She believes that the more diverse leadership styles an organisation can offer, the more welcoming the space becomes. This approach to gender mainstreaming celebrates the unique attributes and qualities female leaders bring, rather than perceiving them as weaknesses. Her leadership development has been inspired by strong female leaders like Jeanette Marais, the Momentum Group CEO who has shattered the glass ceiling in financial services with immense authenticity. This visibility gives credibility to women entering boardrooms encouraging them to contribute using their uniquely feminine perspectives.
She also believes that women are innately good at building relationships, highly analytical, phenomenal critical thinkers, and great listeners — traits that can benefit any business. Recognising that women make up the majority of South African society, she sees the inclusion of women in leadership as not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage.
Mersey Booysen, investment operations manager, advocates for embracing one’s unique leadership style. She encourages women to “embrace your soft side,” emphasising that success does not require conforming to a male leadership blueprint. She highlights the value of empathy and collaboration, which can lead to significant career success. She believes that providing equal opportunities and addressing salary inequalities for women in the workforce is crucial. While there has been much done over the years to provide equal opportunities, there is room for improvement, especially in large corporations where male representation in senior positions remains disproportionately high.
The inclusive approach at Equilibrium ensures that we can effectively meet the diverse needs of our clients and drive continuous innovation in financial services.
Looking ahead, the financial services industry has a critical decision — embrace the power of women or miss out on a brighter future. By dismantling stereotypes, celebrating diverse leadership styles, and fostering inclusive environments, the industry can unlock the full potential of its workforce.
Learn more about how the team can help you in your advice practice, visit eqinvest.co.za.