LEADING WITH IMPACT AND PURPOSE

Lesedi Metsoamere serves as the regional executive for Private Wealth Banking at Absa Group, overseeing both the KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalangaprovinces. Her professional

career in banking began when she was just 19 years old, while still completing her studies.

Reflecting on her beginnings, she said, “There was a financial institution recruiting from our

university, looking for students to join and work. That’s when I actually started working.” From

the outset, Lesedi was drawn to the world of finance. However, her early career revolved

around client experience and relationship building. “I think that’s where the bug bit in terms

of what I wanted to do,” she shared. “It was the satisfaction of making a client’s day that really

started me off.”

Over the years, Lesedi worked across various areas of banking, including client relationships, wealth and investment management. Her journey into leadership began at a previous employer, where she spent six years managing private banking divisions before joining Absa

two and a half years ago. “I look after a team of about 45 people,” she said proudly. “We are here to really just make our clients’ dreams come true.”

Helping people in general is Lesedi’s passion. “I believe it is essential to demonstrate genuine empathy towards customers, both personally and through your team, to ensure a positive and consistent customer experience.”

Helping people in general is Lesedi’s passion. “I believe it is essential to demonstrate genuine empathy towards customers, both personally and through your team, to ensure a positive and consistent customer experience.”

Driven by Excellence and Purpose

Ambition and a desire to lead have always been central to

Lesedi’s character. “Growing up, my biggest dream was always to be at the top of anything. I

always wanted to excel,” she admitted. “I love being in the boardroom and making decisions – not just for the team but for our clients as well.”

Her leadership philosophy is grounded in purpose. “For me, it’s really about how you lead an

organisation with impact,” she said. “When people look back, I want them to say I’ve changed their lives in a positive way.”

A strong advocate for women in business, Lesedi is deeply committed to mentoring young

professionals. “One thing that’s quite important to me is creating space for women to be

successful,” she explained. “I’ve been very intentional about mentoring young women who

are still coming up within the financial services industry.”

She recalled with pride helping one of her mentees secure her dream job. “We started from scratch, fixing her CV, doing mock interviews, and she got the job. It was such a fulfilling feeling.” Lesedi continues to mentor and coach others, sharing her story and her insights on

leadership, confidence, and self-presentation. “I lift people as I rise,” she said. “That’s very

important to me.” Lesedi would like to know that when she moves on in her career, people

are better off than before.

Inspired by Her Mother’s Journey

Lesedi draws immense inspiration from her mother, whose resilience and determination shaped her outlook. “My mother grew up in Alex and didn’t have money to go to university,” Lesedi shared. “She started working in a restaurant, mopping floors and washing dishes, then later became a waitress.”

Through saving her tips, her mother put herself through school, becoming a teacher of higher-grade mathematics and biology. She left the teaching profession after what she believed had been an impactful career. She later retrained as a computer programmer and went on to lead the successful implementation of computer systems across various institutions, primarily within

the banking sector.

“I don’t know how she did that,” Lesedi admitted. “She showed us that excellence is the expectation. When you are born of a woman like that, you can’t be anything but excellent

and have to set the standard for generations to come.”

evident across the family. “One sister is a biochemist and our youngest sister has just been

admitted as an attorney,” she said. “We are all driven to excel because of the woman who

raised us.”

Creating Impact Beyond the Numbers

While Lesedi’s role is grounded in financial performance, her focus extends to meaningful impact. “I love numbers, but I also have a heart,” she remarked. “Numbers give us the data, but it’s about how we use that information to be most impactful.”

She also leads Absa’s national Young Professionals segment, which is a committee supporting

the transition of students into the professional world. “We introduced 12 months of free

banking for final-year students,” she explained.

In addition, the programme offers education on money matters. “It’s been fulfilling to see young doctors, accountants, and lawyers grow with us over time.”

Lesedi acknowledges that her journey has not been without challenges. “There’s no substitute

for hard work,” she stated. “You have to put in the hours.” As a young black woman in

leadership, she has faced bias and doubt. “Sometimes you have to over-deliver to prove you belong at the table,” she said. “Being young, being a woman, being black – these are all factors, but delivery silences them.” While Lesedi is often the only woman in the room, she believes that women bring a unique strength to leadership. “They call us emotional beings, but our emotions are our superpower.

They allow us to lead with empathy and impact.” Lesedi encourages others to take charge of their own careers and work hard. “Nobody else is responsible for your career but you,” she advised. “Put your hand up for opportunities and let your results speak for you.”

She added, “I’ve rarely applied for roles in the traditional way. I go directly to the head of the

department and say, ‘I am the person for this job – what do I need to do to get it?’”

Balancing Ambition and Wellbeing

Despite her demanding role, Lesedi understands the importance of rest. “There’s no such thing as perfect balance, we live in a service environment,” she said with a smile. “Some days are 90-10, some 60-40, others 50-50.” She makes time to recharge by enjoying the ocean. “I love the beach. I take walks, spend time in the water, and just breathe.

You have to take a break – otherwise your body will take it for you.” As she looks to the future,

Lesedi remains focused on her ultimate goal. “C-suite,” she said simply. “Whether it’s as

CEO of a major corporate or my own company, that’s the big chair I want and I’m going to

achieve it.”