Grace Mahlomotja
Grace Mahlomotja - Wealth Manager at RMB Private Bank
“I am all about ‘experiences’ and not worldly possessions, my family and close friends will tell you that about me.”
Q1: When did you join The Grind? How did you get to know about the Foundation?
A1: I had a long overdue catch up with Du Mhango late October 2019, that’s when he told me about The Grind and the great work that the foundation is doing. He was lobbying for me to come on board and that I should also tap into my network of women in financial services to join The Grind.
Q2: Tell us about your career journey and where you are today.
A2: In a nutshell it’s been an eventful ride with lots of learning, falling, and rising but never giving up. I have wide ranging 14 years investment experience as an equity dealer, research analyst, portfolio manager and a wealth manager. To date I advise clients (private clients, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and family trust portfolios on local and offshore financial products and tax efficient structures. Furthermore, providing holistic financial planning & estate planning services.
Q3: What personal sacrifices have you had to make in your career?
A3: Being too career driven can be a blessing and a curse at the same time if you are failing to balance life outside of work. As a woman I must work twice as hard to be taken seriously and to reach the same destination as my male peers. My motto is “just keep it moving”, feeling sorry for self is not an option.
Q4: Looking back on the past 2 years, what has been the impact of Covid-19 on you and your family, as well as the way you work?
A4: It has allowed me to focus on a delayed goal (becoming a mother), because one always thinks that tomorrow is guaranteed. Covid-19 era has taught me not to take my life and the lives of my loved ones for granted.
Q5: How do you see the industry in which you work change post-Covid?
A5: Covid has put a halt on face-to-face meetings, the surge in virtual meetings has gone through the roof in my world. Where pre-Covid my client meetings where largely face to face unless you are an offshore client and skype was the norm. There are still some aspects of client engagement which can be an emotional experience for people and are better handled in person, like estate planning or any other sensitive event experienced by a client or their family.
Q6: What would you like to be remembered for - what type of legacy would you like to leave?
A6: Being authentic and not trying to be anybody else. I am all about “experiences” and not worldly possessions, my family and close friends will tell you that about me. Travelling the world has provided me with experiences that no one can take away from me, not even in death.
Q7: As we wrap up the year and reflect on where we are, are you happy with what you achieved this year?
A7: Absolutely. Have I achieved all the goals that where on my 2021 vision board? No, I am however, happier with a less-hurried pace of life.
Q8: What are you looking forward to next year?
A8: Seeing my son Kamogelo grow and develop in front of my eyes, he will be turning one-year next year June 2022.
Q9: Which fictional character do you resonate with, and why?
A9: Mr Bean, he makes me smile and never runs out of tricks. In my eyes he is extra imaginative and curious.
Grind Feed: Grace Mahlomotja