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 than being right? How do you lead a team before you’re given the title?
Find out in episode 12 of the Why She Leads Podcast. Why She Leads
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Episode 11 - Marilyn Maki
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 how do you keep chasing yourself forward?
Find out in episode 11 of the Why She Leads Podcast. Why She Leads
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Episode 10 - Bulelwa Tetyana-Madonsela
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 episode 10 of the ‘Why She Leads’ Podcast. Why She Leads
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Episode 9 - Sharon Brighton
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 hustle.
Get it all in episode 9 of the Why She Leads’ Podcast. Why She Leads
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Episode 8 - Joyce Dimkpa
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 you mentor, lead and grow?
Find out in episode 8 of the Why She Leads Podcast. Why She Leads
Standard Bank’s Why She Leads podcast shines a spotlight on 14 influential dealmakers in the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) sector. Listen to the powerful insights of these transformative leaders who are reshaping business across the continent. Discover how these industry trailblazers are closing major deals in the CIB space throughout Africa. Tune in to Why She Leads to explore their inspiring and personal journeys.
South Africa