And now for the details:
Professional History
The following is a list of my experiences as a professional in my field. Here you will find a showcase of each of these roles. They were all unique and contributed to both my personal and professional development. If you’d like references or additional information for any of these roles, please get in touch.
product owner - alexander forbes empower
March 2019 - current
As the Product owner or Empower. I am responsible for communicating the vision of the product and ensuring that it is aligned with business objectives.
I have to make sure that the product is working effectively and profitably, doing what it should for the client, for the business and most of all our members while meeting all the regulatory and legislative requirements.
My team is the center of technical excellence, which includes the technical understanding of the product, as well as the think tank and innovation hub, incorporating market research, data and analytics, best of breed solutions and regulatory requirements of the product, which leads to informed decision-making across the organisation.
Empower is centered around helping our members build Financial courage ™ . An online learning experience and community connecting individuals to the content, people and resources that matter when it comes to managing their personal finances.
Key achievements:
Despite several challenges in 2020 due to Covid, we went from business strategy approval, to product design, testing and launch of proof of concept within 1 year
We achieved our milestones on time and under budget despite an 8 week delay which was outside of our control.
Proven concept which now sees our product as a key feature of the broader strategy of the company.
We have since, launched to over 130 000 of our retirement fund members which exceptional feedback from those that have joined the community.
Key Activities
Participate in strategic discussions
Assist the business in bringing the separate components of the product together to provide a seamless overall solution that is aligned to the Group
Works with the consulting team to drive new business and service clients, addressing product specific issues that clients and members are experiencing.
Ensure legal, compliance and technical competence
Market the product from concept to launch
Lead the team to achieve high performance and results
Head: Customer Success for Alexander Forbes Empower
June 2017 - February 2019
My first and foremost task is to promote customer satisfaction and loyalty by demonstrating an understanding of their critical business issues and needs while delivering products and services that help them meet their business objectives. I work closely with my customers to ensure they are satisfied with the services they receive and to improve upon areas of dissatisfaction.
I often draw on my knowledge and experience, to create innovative insights for clients, adapt methods and practices to fit operational team and cultural needs of and contribute to thought leadership.
As an influential member of the team, I also help to create a positive learning culture within our own organization as well as coach, mentor and counsel staff informally to help them to develop.
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An interesting part of my job includes strategy formulation with the MD to ensure defined scope, opportunities, requirements, competition and success metrics to ensure a competitive CVP.
Best part of this job is that I can apply some of my anthropology and psychology BA degree expand on my interest in user experience, as well as drive my passion for bringing 100% human@work to life.
Chairman of the Junior Board at Alexander Forbes
October 2016 - April 2017
Recently appointed the Chairman of the Junior Board at Alexander Forbes. The Junior Board started in 2012 for young leaders to actively contribute to the group’s strategy by taking part in strategic conversations, participate in decision making and challenge conventional thinking. It’s an integral part of the group’s vision and future leadership platform as it creates a healthy pipeline of next generation leaders and increases the visibility of the young professionals in the organization
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Further, and in addition to the Young Talent Forum which was created in 2012, we started Tech Talks. This platform is focused on thought leadership and feature local and global speakers. These events are aimed at ensuring that we, as a business, are alert to the ever-changing world we are facing and the imminent opportunities/threats we face in Fintech.
The first Tech Talk was held on the 10 November 2016 at the Sandton office. The session aims to address; how will the change in the technological landscape affect our business in the way we hire people, interact with clients, process business and allow our employees to add value in the way they perform their daily functions.
We secured really amazing speakers including Lorien Gamaroff, Tanya Knowles, Lee Naik and Timothy Hogben from the Australian Stock Exchange.
Technical Systems Trainer, Alexander Forbes
January 2014 - January 2016
They help motivate, guide and train employees to maximize their efficiency, their abilities and technical skills, using innovative fun techniques, enabled by thoroughly written manuals and practical instruction.
Administration Manager
August 2012 - January 2014
I managed a team of 3 administrators, a retirement fund portfolio comprising 6 funds and 13 000+members. Due to my client service skills I was able to secure a new business which brought an additional 3000 members to the company