The 10 Most Significant Leaders in Risk Management, 2024 (2) (1) (1)

1. As a Certified Risk Management Practitioner and Professional, what “Building a strategies do you employ to stay updated on the latest resilient, developments and trends in risk sustainable future management? for the generations to Dialogue and conversations with a come, through wide range of stakeholders is Champion of Sustainable Future through Risk Management risk essential, as is reading and management.” researching widely. I take an interest in other fields represented around the boardroom table to gain an appreciation of different worlds he risk management and insurance sector which helps position risk demands constant vigilance. Forward-thinking Today, Thabile continues to lead the way in risk management as an enabler. T professionals leverage data analytics to management. As Chief Risk & Sustainability Officer at anticipate emerging threats and craft proactive Old Mutual Insure, Chair at Elite Risk Acceptances (Pty) Seminars, webinars, and round strategies to manage risks. Collaboration is key, with Ltd, and Board Member and Chair of Audit and Risk tables have their place, but I Committee at WDB Investment Holdings, she inspires insurers working alongside clients to identify recommend more informal vulnerabilities and tailor coverage solutions. By others to push boundaries and strive for excellence. conversations such as 'Coffee Risk embracing innovation, this field safeguards businesses Let's delve into the story of a visionary leader reshaping Chats with the CRO,' where I quickly against unforeseen challenges, fostering a secure and industries and inspiring change! find out about the hot buttons and resilient future. what people are really feeling and What challenges have you faced in your role and how thinking at all levels of the Thabile Nyaba embodies this ethos! Standing as a have you leveraged your leadership skills to navigate organisation. I am also fortunate to pivotal figure, her journey is marked by a relentless these challenges effectively? be invited to present at various local pursuit of excellence and foresight. She is a luminary in and global conferences. While these the realm of risk management, renowned for her astute There have been many challenges, but two of them in may seem like an opportunity to leadership and profound impact on shaping the particular stand out for me. The first was finding myself share my knowledge, in reality, I industry's landscape. one of the very few black female leaders in the risk relish the learnings and revelations management field. The second was changing the that come from interacting with Thabile started her career in auditing, mastering the art perception of risk management from being a tick-box some of the most brilliant minds in of scrutinizing finances in both private and public compliance function to one that adds value to the the world. This helps me stay sectors. However, it was risk management that truly organisation. For a given level of return and updated and upgraded, so I don't get grabbed her interest. She thrived as the organisation's profitability, if you can lower the risk, you are adding outdated. lookout, spotting potential threats and opportunities value. Inwardly, I had to deal with my own insecurities and then planning ways to tackle them. Thabile has a bordering on 'imposter syndrome,' while at the same As a leader, how do you inspire and knack for turning challenges into opportunities and time having the outward confidence to build my teams. empower your team to embrace believes in balancing risk and reward within strong Before I could lead others, I realised that I first needed risk management as a strategic governance. She's guided many organisations through to lead myself. I invested in myself, seeking to enabler rather than just a transformative journeys, earning recognition as a continuously disrupt and define myself. I always strive compliance function? leader in risk management. Thabile's leadership hasn't to lead and influence where I find myself and be the gone unnoticed. Her teams have received praise for 'change I want to see.' In some cases, I couldn't get a seat It has always been fundamental for their innovative risk management approaches. In 2019, at the table and that is why I decided to start my own me as a leader to ensure that risk she became the president of the Institute of Risk table and invite more like-minded leaders to join me. I management is positioned as a Management South Africa (IRMSA), solidifying her continue to take on the responsibility of inspiring strategic enabler and partner to the status as a thought leader in the field. Her dedication women professionals in risk management, especially business. It is no longer about trying earned her the prestigious Honorary Lifetime black women, and facilitating their careers so that they, to predict the next risk but being Membership Award from IRMSA in recognition of her in turn can inspire others. prepared for any disruption that contributions. might occur. I strongly advocate for Thabile Nyaba

2. building resilience – to navigate and survive disruptions my loyal tribe. I am an early riser (5 am) which allows and nurture the resourcefulness and adaptability of our me to spend time with myself meditating, praying, people. We drive resilience muscle memory-building reading, and planning for the day ahead. This helps me initiatives to build decision-making and judgment take care of my inner empire and emerge as a leader of abilities. I also employ a three-dimensional leadership my day, and not a victim of it. I also live a life of style, where I can lead from the front—to direct and gratitude by finding extraordinary in the ordinary, I provide the vision, from the side—where I empower have realised that a great life is made of each day well and encourage my team to step out of their comfort lived. When I take time off work, I particularly enjoy zone and stretch themselves, but at the same time be adventuring with my family - my greatest treasure, right next to them should they need me; and from exploring the world with them and having fun together. behind – where the team has matured and is It has also been my greatest privilege to watch my empowered to make their own decisions, make children grow up and flourish into the most amazing mistakes, and learn. adults with a passion for life. For me, the key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance is through Outside of your professional achievements, you're setting boundaries and honouring them. I often joke known for your passion for connecting youth with with my team and say, “I don't cheat onwork, and therefore I won't cheat on my personal and familytime.” opportunities. Can you tell us more about your involvement in this area and why it's important to you? Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of risk management and how do you plan to It is imperative to build our youth for the future, to achieve them under your leadership? whom we will hand over the baton. Our young people face a lack of exposure, which is why I began my NPO What lies ahead in the future is integrating risk with the theme of management and sustainability. In rising to this very #ConnectingYouthWithOpportunities. I am firmly challenge, I have recently taken up the role of Chief committed to seeking opportunities for youth to Sustainability Officer, in addition to my role as Chief succeed, especially as our country has one of the Risk Officer. I am looking forward to exploring the highest youth unemployment rates in the world. I also integration of risk, strategy, and sustainability drive initiatives within my division to promote the navigating the risks we continuously face building a youth, such as ‘'Young Bright Minds'’—a think tank resilient, sustainable future for the organisation, whereby young graduates research, analyse and solve industry, communities, customers, shareholders, and problems, and 'On the Couch with Thabile'—an initiative mostly generations to come! What a noble agenda to aimed at providing the youth with a voice. I have also drive! created platforms where talented youth in my team engage at the highest level of the organization's governance structures, which has elevated many of their careers. As the Past President of IRMSA, I have been tasked to run with the Youth and Africa Strategy. Moreover, I am passionate about mentoring women, and I currently serve as Old Mutual Women Network Chair. “Building a resilient, sustainable How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, future for the generations to come especially with such a demanding role and what brings you the greatest joy outside of work? through risk management.” I am proud of many things in my life, but nothing beats being a mother to my two phenomenal and crazy children, wife to my high school sweetheart, daughter to the 'world's greatest parents,' big sister to my siblings 'the greatest gifts our parents gave us' and best friend to