Banking on challenges

FROM being a young girl who had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up, to being a senior HR business partner in one of the biggest banking groups in the country, Phumeza Pepeta's life decisions led her straight to where she is today.

The Nelson Mandela Chamber of Business Top 40 under 40 achiever joined Absa five years ago after she left Coca-Cola Sabco, and worked her way up to her current position, which she has held for two and a half years.

Uitenhage-born Pepeta said when she was younger she had the funny idea that she wanted to be an optometrist when she grew up because she liked the way it sounded.

"Growing up, I never thought I would be in finance. I just knew that there was more to life than what I was exposed to at the time. I had no idea, all I wanted was just something better and bigger.

"I enjoyed accounting at school, and thought maybe I should study towards a BComm, but that did not happen. As I began to realise who I was and what I was passionate about, my ideas for my future changed."

Pepeta, who got her educational foundation at Mthonjeni Primary School and matriculated from Woolhope High School, said she then made a decision to study HR at the then PE Technikon.

"I did my undergrad, then my BTech in HR, then I decided to boost that with an MBA from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University."

The proud mother and wife said she loved her job because there was no such thing as an average day at the office.

"This is a fast-paced, dynamic environment. You are constantly on your toes, you have to think on your feet and be always ready to move.

"You have got to be able to switch from boardroom to ground floor within a second.

"That's a typical day in my job."

Pepeta, 38, said her job was about interacting with people from all walks of life.

"Absa is a huge company and in my role you have to be versatile and accessible. You have got to know how to pitch at different levels.

"When you are in the boardroom, pitch at that level and when you are on the ground, you have got to speak at that level. You've got to know your game, to be able to adapt quickly. You have to be able to switch the modes at the snap of a finger."

She said the best part of her job was getting an opportunity to coach and mentor.

"I love to instill confidence and inspire others. That's my purpose in life, and my job allows me to fulfil it."

Pepeta said while she went about her job quietly, being nominated for the Top 40 under 40 was proof that someone was noticing.

"It was totally unexpected. I couldn't believe it when I first heard about it, I kept asking if they were sure they had the right person.

"But it was a good shock. I think recognition like that keeps you humble and grounded, and gives you more drive." -