Empowered Women, Thriving Careers: Standard Bank Offshore Celebrates International Women's Day
As we mark International Women’s Day, we celebrate some of the remarkable women driving success at Standard Bank Offshore. They share their experiences, insights, and the invaluable lessons they have learned throughout their careers. Their stories are a testament to perseverance, resilience, and the power of mentorship in shaping the future of women in business. From leadership to digital transformation, each journey highlights the importance of authenticity, continuous learning, and perseverance.
Leading with Authenticity: Lisa Nelson, Chief Finance and Value Officer
What are some key lessons or insights you've learned throughout your career, especially as a woman in business and what advice can you share for others?
Lead with authenticity, remain persistent, and stay curious. Most importantly, never stop learning. Embrace failure as a steppingstone, not an endpoint. Every setback is an opportunity to gain insight, build resilience, and refine your approach. Keep moving forward, adapt, and grow from each experience. What I wish I knew earlier? Don’t wait for an invitation, just go for it. Identify opportunities, solve problems, and deliver results. You’ll quickly catch the attention of those around you. Surround yourself with energy-givers, not energy-takers… Positivity and a can-do attitude can change the world.
Who or what has been a major influence on your career development?
I am successful because my Dad told me I could be anything I wanted to be if I worked hard, and that message resonated with me as I navigated my career. He instilled in me a strong work ethic and the belief that no goal was out of reach, a sentiment that aligns with the spirit of International Women’s Day—breaking barriers and striving for equality.
I wasn’t frightened of anything and treated others with the respect and kindness I wanted to receive. That mindset has shaped my leadership approach and my commitment to empowering the next generation of women in business.
As an organisation Standard Bank Offshore truly celebrates diversity rather than paying lip service to it. There is real leadership commitment to the prioritisation of diversity and inclusion that sets the tone for the whole organisation. This has impacted my career by making me feel valued and respected and equal to my peers.
If you could invite three power women to have brunch with you, dead or alive, who would you choose?
Junko Tabei, the first woman to summit Everest and the seven highest peaks; Rosa Parks, a civil rights pioneer; and Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer.
These trailblazing women defied societal expectations, shattered barriers, and left lasting legacies in their fields. They weren’t intimidated by what they didn’t know or by doing things differently. Rather, they embraced the challenge, proving that determination, resilience, and vision can drive change.
Embracing Change in Digital Marketing: Laura Daly, Digital Marketing Manager
Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and how you ended up in your current role?
My very first marketing job was as a copywriter, and from there, I’ve had the chance to wear a lot of different ‘hats’, working across events, strategy, acquisition, PR, and data analytics. I still enjoy the variety that marketing offers, but what really gets me excited is the ‘end-to-end’ aspect of digital marketing. There's something about how clear-cut it is and the ability to track performance and measure success with precision, I find that really satisfying.
What advice would you give to women looking to build a career in financial services or in any leadership role?
Do your research, ask thoughtful questions, and always provide the context that matters. Confidence in how you communicate can completely change the way you’re perceived. Own your space, and never downplay your contributions. Your voice deserves to be heard. Also, never overuse exclamation marks in emails and social posts(!).
How do you think the industry is evolving, and what changes would you like to see to ensure more opportunities for women?
Standard Bank Offshore advocates for flexible working, and more than that, it trusts colleagues to do the job no matter where they are. Often, flexible working policies exist but aren’t embraced. Standard Bank Offshore fosters a culture that genuinely supports work-life balance, which can be particularly important for women, allowing them to thrive in leadership roles without compromising other aspects of life.
What makes working at Standard Bank Offshore unique in terms of supporting women’s career development?
One thing that really stood out to me when I first joined was the impressive tenure of my colleagues. Many of them had been with the company for 5, 10, even 20+ years. That kind of longevity is a powerful testament to how well the company values and treats its employees, especially in terms of fostering growth, development, and creating a supportive environment where people truly want to stay and thrive.
Building a Future of Opportunities: Zondiwe Gondwe-Chenda, Senior Relationship Manager
What was your journey to where you are today?
I have 20 years of experience in banking, 11 of which have been with Standard Bank Group. I started in Global Markets Sales before transitioning to Business and Commercial Banking (BCB). My current role involves managing a portfolio of clients and fostering collaborative, client-centered relationships. It’s a dynamic space, and I thrive on building strong, strategic partnerships.
What have been some of your most significant career milestones or achievements to date?
One of my biggest milestones was being a senior leader in Zambia’s BCB team, where I managed a team and drove business growth in the Northern region. This experience was both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to showcase my leadership skills and contribute to the company’s success in a meaningful way.
Another was earning a Corporate Governance certification and being part of the Standard Bank Group’s women in leadership development programme ‘Blue Malkia 2023’ cohort, which was a transformative experience. It gave me an incredible platform to connect with other women leaders, learn from their experiences, and grow both personally and professionally.
What are some key lessons or insights you've learned throughout your career?
I firmly believe I am in control of my future. The choices I make shape my path, and I’ve come to understand that no one can carve that path for me but myself. Along the way, I’ve also realised the value of networks. Having a sponsor or mentor is absolutely invaluable when it comes to career development. These relationships have been instrumental in helping me navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Above all, I’ve learned that learning should never stop, either through formal education, mentorship, or simply seeking out new experiences, it’s a non-negotiable part of our lives, especially as women striving to break boundaries and elevate each other.
Who or what has been a major influence on your career development?
The women who have paved the way before me. Seeing female leaders within Standard Bank Offshore has been incredibly inspiring. Their success proves that it’s possible, and their guidance has helped shape my own journey.
Breaking Barriers with Resilience: Kerry Cowin, Head Onboarding
What are some key lessons or insights you've learned throughout your career?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned is that resilience, hard work, and building meaningful relationships based on trust are keys to breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Success isn’t just about what you know, and while technical knowledge is undoubtedly important, the way you navigate challenges, build alliances, and connect with people often makes all the difference.
What advice would you give to women looking to build a career in financial services or in any leadership role?
My advice to women looking to build a career in financial services, or any leadership role, is simple: believe in yourself, take risks, and continuously seek opportunities to learn and lead with impact. The landscape is changing, and women have more opportunities than ever—but we have to seize them and step into leadership with confidence.
When you lead with impact, you inspire others to do the same. Always remember: your perspective and contributions are valuable and essential to shaping the future of any organisation.
What makes working at Standard Bank Offshore unique in terms of supporting women’s career development?
Working at Standard Bank Offshore is unique because the company goes beyond just policies and initiatives, it actively invests in women’s leadership development, career support, and the creation of a culture that empowers women to succeed.
There is a genuine commitment to fostering an environment where women can thrive, with tangible support structures in place to ensure we have the tools, guidance, and opportunities we need to advance. This is not just about having the right policies on paper, but about taking meaningful action to create a level playing field.
This commitment to empowering women has been instrumental in my own professional growth and has created a community where women feel supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Pioneering Employer Branding: Catherine Harrop, Employer Brand Specialist
What have been some of your most significant career milestones?
Being the first dedicated Employer Brand Marketing Specialist at Standard Bank Offshore has been a major career highlight. It's incredibly rewarding to be part of an organisation that truly values employer branding and understands its role in connecting with talent authentically. This role has given me the opportunity to shape how the company’s story is delivered with authenticity to potential employees, fostering a culture that attracts and, very importantly to us, retains top talent.
What are some key lessons or insights you've learned throughout your career?
Gender, by any definition, often comes with preconceptions, especially in corporate settings. I’ve had the privilege of working with many brilliant women, and the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of leaning on mentors and peers. We all learn by our own experiences, but it is also important to lean into others who have ‘been there and done it’ for that extra support. The guidance of those around you can make a significant difference, and having examples of women in leadership who are authentic and true to themselves has been incredibly inspiring. Their authenticity has not only empowered me but also reinforced the importance of acting with integrity.
If you could invite three power women to have brunch with you, dead or alive, who would you choose?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The strides she took in gender equality will leave a mark on history. To understand systemic change and the ways in which it can successfully be implemented from someone who has done it would be so valuable.
Secondly, Paris Hilton. This one is straight from my brand and marketing heart. She’s the original influencer, kind-hearted, and a savvy businesswoman who carved a path in the digital age long before social media was what it is today. I would love to hear her thoughts on entrepreneurship and how she navigated a world of stereotypes by bending the narrative to work for her.
And of course, I would invite my mum. She’s the best woman I know.
A Future of Empowerment and Inclusion
At Standard Bank Offshore we’re dedicated to fostering a culture of true empowerment and inclusion for everyone. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the progress women have made towards reaching equality, recognise the challenges that still exist, and champion the future of businesses which celebrate their employees’ qualities.
We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to driving innovation, creating equal opportunities, and ensuring that every individual has the chance to thrive. By embracing diverse perspectives, we create an environment where everyone can flourish and grow. Standard Bank Offshore remains steadfast in its commitment to creating a future where empowerment and inclusion are not just ideals but realities for all.