Jessica Mamelasigidi
Jessica Mamelasigidi - Credit Investments and Structuring Consultant at Investec
“Covid-19 has also highlighted the importance of being more intentional about touching base and checking in with friends and family. Being an introvert, I have come to appreciate human connection more and the need to prioritise your mental health and what truly brings you joy.”
Q1: When did you join The Grind? How did you get to know about the Foundation?
A1: The Foundation caught my attention a few years ago as I watched some of the members actively getting involved in the community through different Grind projects, including the FLY tutoring programme in Alexander township. I persistently kept putting forward the motion to have ladies join the foundation to any member who would hear me, and in late 2019 Hamilton Ndlovu and Semadi Motau let me know a new chapter had begun for The Grind ladies and invited me to come and get involved.
Q2: Tell us about your career journey and where you are today.
A2: At age 21, I started my career at Investec bank as a trainee accountant and have worked in over 9 different divisions as I grew and shaped my career as an investment banker. I am a big advocate for exposure and learning in the work environment as with each new role there is an opportunity to learn, get up the learning curve, add value, and become efficient in the role - which is what I thrive on.
Over my career I have been afforded the opportunity to live and work in London and Cape Town plus travel across Sub-Saharan Africa.
It is the ever-changing markets, constant news flow, innovative structures and so much more that has drawn me into the Global markets side of Investments and Finance and to where I am today in credit investments and structuring as an analyst and financial engineer. The journey continues…
Q3: What personal sacrifices have you had to make in your career?
A3: To build a career and be good at what you do does not come without some sort of sacrifice. As a woman in finance who comes from a different background to those I work with, I have found myself needing to work twice as hard, dedicate more time to my craft, and at times forego personal timelines in order to show up well, add value, and be noticed. Albeit, we are only willing to make sacrifices for what we are passionate about or have vision for.
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: ‘WFH’ has granted us the opportunity to work from nearly anywhere and allowed me to spend a lot more time back home in rural Limpopo, an opportunity that I have not had before and a good-for-the-heart experience. Covid-19 has also highlighted the importance of being more intentional about touching base and checking in with friends and family. Being an introvert, I have come to appreciate human connection more and the need to prioritise your mental health and what truly brings you joy.
Q5: How do you see the industry in which you work change post-Covid?
A5: Our industry, like many others, was forced to adapt, evolve, and become more efficient through technology and clearer intentions. The corporate I work for believes in authenticity through being high touch, but the dynamics that Covid has brought requires competitors to differentiate themselves in a post-Covid world. It will be challenging as it calls for innovation and ‘traditional’ business to reinvent themselves to remain relevant.
Q6: What would you like to be remembered for - what type of legacy would you like to leave?
A6: She invoked generational change. Helped to further African capital markets. Impacted the lives of many young learners through and during their studies.
Q7: As we wrap up the year and reflect on where we are, are you happy with what you achieved this year?
A7: As FLY tutors we encourage our learners to put together a vision board at the start of each year and as I reflect on my personal vision board and take stock, it has been a decent year but the story continues with much more to be done next year!
Q8: Which fictional character do you resonate with, and why?
A8: Fearless Girl (of Wall Street) - this is more of an inanimate object, but it symbolises how every day is a new adventure and opportunity to stand tall, boldly, and fearlessly before the markets, the world, and life’s raging challenges. Learning to know thy power and make a difference.
Grind Feed: Jessica Mamelasigidi