This is Why She Leads

One of the first things that resonated with me about Standard Bank, and why I wanted to join it, is its human first approach. Bringing our whole selves to work, the driven and the vulnerable parts, makes for an authentic rapport. One of the organisation’s greatest strengths, embracing diversity while prioritising inclusion and striving for its people to feel a sense of belonging, continues to help us provide our clients with unique and leading solutions that set us apart from our competitors. In recognising my dreams, cares, responsibilities and potential, rather than seeing me as a means to a desirable outcome, the institution freed me to realise my role with zeal. I’m sure I am not the only one. 

At Standard Bank we have seen countless women make invaluable contributions to the organisation with insightful perspectives and seasoned expertise. The bank is deliberate in providing opportunities for all and implements the right strategies that support a healthy representation of gender demographics and work deliberately at creating equal opportunities – both within the organisation and in the industry at large. Working towards organisational transformation, we continue to believe that it is only by investing in the growth of our talent on the continent that we can create the kind of growth that is as inclusive as it is sustainable. 

We know women are powerful, we celebrate that boldly

Last year during Women’s Month, Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Bank launched Why She Leads, a movement dedicated to inspired women who further inspire others. By profiling women in Investment Banking at Standard Bank, Why She Leads centered their personal power while highlighting their individual impact. This year, Why She Leads continues to showcase how we embrace and promote empowered female voices. To drive transformation across our business, Standard Bank’s leadership reflects our need to drive transformation across our business through the unique lens that only diverse leadership can provide as we help steer Africa’s growth in the right direction. This diversity is our strength, it sets us apart and drives our unique and cutting-edge solutions to our clients that are strongly human.

Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging contribute to a culture of operational excellence which helps drive our business performance and client success

Corporate and Investment Banking at Standard Bank is taking on a human-first approach that enables our people to bring their whole selves to the workplace in a way that encourages them to come together as a collective without worrying that their individuality will be lost. 

With this approach in mind, followed by the investment in teams that mirrors our geographical and client footprint, we are able to contribute and be a part of a culture of inclusion and diversity. This sets us on fertile ground on which to yield positive organisational performance and impressive results for our clients.

Transformation is a clarion call for the participation of all and not some

To ensure that the future embraces the shared goal of realising a gender equal society, there is an opportunity for industry-wide collaboration where leaders are more intentional about activating progress in their roles as sponsors, mentors, and decision makers.  We also need to see increased authentic, proactive allyship from men who are our contemporaries. In lowering the fences and diversifying the people seated at change-making tables significant benefits will naturally follow. 

It has been a privilege to platform the voices of the women behind the cutting edge solutions we deliver to our clients. As the largest African bank by assets, operating in twenty-one African countries and five global financial centres, this action based response stands as proof that century old norms can be revisited and changed for the good of institutions and the societies we operate in.