Her astuteness and professionalism earned Zukie Siyotula the top emerging talent award at the 2009 ABSIP Financial Services Awards, a place in Destiny Magazine’s Top 40 Women under 40 and an invitation to join the exclusive African Leadership Network.A rising star in the South African business circles, Zukie Siyotula (30) has practical advice for those who want to distinguish themselves as savvy business professionals.
Be focused, maintain your energy
As a CEO of a big investment fund, Zukie’s day consists of walking into a lot of companies with different issues and meeting people with very different needs. This has taught Zukie that there are few things more important than staying completely calm and centred.
“I spend many hours attending strategy meetings with our investee companies and also sit on about seven boards, including Shell SA, Vodacom and Altech,” explains Zukie Siyotula. “So I do a lot of engagement with people and feel like I’ve got to be ‘on’ all the time. That’s why it’s very important for me to maintain my energy.“
Zukie Siyotula is the CEO of Thebe Investment Corporation. Founded in 1992 as a pioneering black-owned venture, Thebe is one of South Africa’s leading investment companies, managing assets of over 500 million USD. Thebe’s investment portfolio spans tourism, mining resources, infrastructure, renewable energy, petrochemicals, telecommunications, financial services, and healthcare.Jogging and Transcendental Meditation
In order to keep herself focussed throughout the day, Zukie Siyotula has a specific routine which involves taking care of both her body and mind. She has found a way to supercharge her long days already from the very early morning hours.
“[As a CEO], it’s vital to have a very good core and lot of balance, which is why I took up Transcendental Meditation. I wake up at 4.30am each morning and meditate for 20 minutes before working out on my treadmill for an hour.“
Source: Zukie Siyotula’s interview with destinyconnect.com
Feature image credit: destinyconnect.com
