PARTNER STORY
UNLEASHING POTENTIAL
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t takes a visionary business culture to spot, encourage and nurture the potential in people, where people with the right attitude and personal values are able to grow organically and embark them on a career journey that often surpasses their expectations. These three ladies ‘grew up’ and continue to grow with the support and encouragement of Santam, where potential is unleashed. Ruth Diergaardt turned a temporary position as a receptionist and switchboard operator into a career that has seen her learn new skills and take on new challenges everywhere from the Claims Department to Marketing, and most recently as a relationship manager.
“At times I was afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone, but Santam helped me grow step by step. They will give you the work, but they will never leave you in the dark – they will always have your back. “I was sent on a detailed learning development programme in South Africa, which covered leadership training, business studies and
economics. There were four of us from Namibia and we did the best out of all ten Africa groups. That programme awakened something in me. I still need to go out there and learn, learn, learn. “I know this is my place, these are my people, my family, and I’m proud.” Purdy Eberenz started her career at Santam as a receptionist, but given her typing and administration skills, she was promoted to underwriting, and two years later she moved on to Sales. “The Sales people saw potential in me because I always asked the right questions, and I’ve been with Santam for 11 years now. “Franco, our CEO, and the management team invest so much in us to help us to develop and grow. Through the leadership development programme, I learnt to stop thinking about what I was going to say and to just listen. That changed everything. Listening gave me a voice.” Fleshita Naobes’ work at Santam took her from a receptionist position to accounting, a field she never
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considered until her journey at Santam lead her there. “When they said I was moving to Accounts, I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, this is money and it’s my responsibility and I stopped accounting in Grade 10... What am I going to do?’ But it has been an amazing journey. I learnt a lot. Now I’m a second-year student at UNAM, doing a diploma course. I want to become a real accountant, not just a clerk. “Santam will provide financial assistance to help us pursue our studies, and if there’s something I don’t understand, there are a lot of people here willing to help. My manager is my mentor, and Santam is an inspiration.”
Priscilla.malgas@santam.com.na Tel: +264 61 292 8000 www.santam.co.za