Episode 7 - Marlene Pillay

From farm kid to financial strategist, Debora Bekker reflects on a life shaped by independence, integrity and quiet leadership. She opens up about balancing motherhood with high-stakes banking, and the women who paved the way. What does invisible leadership look like? And why is doing the right thing more powerful…

From aspiring actress to finance powerhouse, Marilyn Maki reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the courage to own her greatness early and the quiet strength of introverted leadership. How do you thrive in a world that never expected you to lead? What happens when success arrives too soon? And…

Blending accounting with artistry, strategy with soul, Bulelwa Tetyana-Madonsela reveals how staying true to herself transformed her leadership path. What happens when you stop apologising for being “too much”? What can a CFO learn from drama class? And how can women lead without leaving other women behind? Find out in…

How does a lawyer stay human in high-stakes dealmaking? Sharon Brighton reflects on 15 years at Standard Bank, the importance of failure, and how to redefine work-life balance. From mentoring future leaders to fighting for financial inclusion, she’s proof that leadership is as much about heart as it is about…

A trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial sector, Joyce Dimkpa shares how curiosity, courage and continuous learning shaped her path from medical science to leading major portfolios in banking. What does fearless leadership look like in male-dominated industries? How do you lead through loss? And how does raising twins reshape the way…