What is your role at PMX?
I joined PMX in 2015 as a Business Development Manager. Across the 11 years my role has evolved considerably, and I now head up our Partner Group. In Partner Development I am responsible for a team of four, based in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban that is tasked with identifying firms who may benefit from our expertise while also nurturing our all-important existing partnerships with advisers. My responsibility also extends to our Partner Relations team, tasked with providing support to our adviser partner firms, and our Marketing team. In addition, I am a member of our global business’ Executive Leadership Team which plays a critical role in driving our strategic direction. Thankfully, despite the added responsibility, it has not resulted in me drifting too far from engaging with our adviser partners, a part of my role that is immensely enjoyable, rewarding and energising.
What attracted you to PMX?
Initially it may not have been about what attracted me to PMX, but more a chance engagement with Brandon Zietsman. A further meeting followed and so much about what he shared resonated with me. I vividly recall the phone call a few days later and him offering me a role. Fast forward 11 years, and it has been an immensely satisfying journey.
What keeps you motivated?
It would be misguided to say everything is plain sailing. As a business we encounter challenges. That’s expected. But no matter where in the cycle of rewarding accomplishments and testing headwinds, I truly love what I do. What keeps me motivated is that we are making a difference, in the lives of our adviser partners and consequentially in the lives of their clients. Financial advisers fulfil a critical role. Our ability, through partnership, to remove distractions that have the potential to sidetrack them from the all-important conversations they’re having is a significant contributor to my motivation levels. I genuinely believe in the value of financial advice, and contributing through our proposition to its delivery is a significant motivator. A further ingredient is that through our partnerships I get to engage with what I believe are world-class advice firms and so many wonderful people within those firms.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
If you were to survey the people who know me well, it’s likely having a braai would feature prominently on that list. With a son of 28 and two stepdaughters aged 23 and 25 all having flown the nest, it means traveling and weekend getaways form an important part of my and my wife’s time away from work, whether it’s a road trip to the many amazing local destinations in South Africa or experiencing other countries. I love sport and enjoy watching and following almost anything. Staying fit is also very important to me, usually in the form of a run or a visit to the gym. I enjoy reading. And experiencing the many fantastic restaurants and wine farms in and around Cape Town is also a favourite activity.
Why do you stay at PMX?
People. I’m constantly amazed at the wonderfully talented and clever people who are part of our global business. It is both enjoyable and rewarding to engage with them daily. And beyond everyone at PMX, our adviser partners with whom I get to interact is another key reason why I stay at PMX. Abandoning the PMX rocket ship anytime soon makes no sense. There is so much more that needs to be delivered and accomplished. I’ll hang around as long as they’ll have me.
