While Women’s Month is behind us, we continue celebrating the phenomenal women at the helm of some of BLSA’s member companies.

BLSA member and CEO of Deloitte, Ruwayda Redfearn, talks about her love for South Africa, motherhood’s joy, the importance of self-motivation, and South Africa’s biggest issue, unemployment.

What made you decide to become a member of BLSA?

I am a South African, born and bred. This is my home. I wear my Springbok jersey with pride and I get teary every time I sing our national anthem. It is my strong belief that, collectively, we have an obligation to contribute to society and to our economy in any way that we can. I am in a fortunate position where my contribution can have a bigger impact, and that it key to why I decided to become a member of BLSA. The organisation enables business leaders to engage and exchange ideas in our national interest and to create effective dialogue. By so doing, we are contributing to building strong communities underpinned by job creation through sustained economic growth.

What do you consider your greatest achievement/s?

One of my colleagues and Paralympian, Piet du Preez, recently said “If you’re not good enough without a title or medal, then you’re never going to be good enough even with it”. I liked that so I try not to think of  “achievements” but rather moments that I am proud of or that bring me joy. Running my first half marathon, as I was never much of an athlete at school, is definitely something I am proud of. Becoming a mother  – my six-year-old brings me a lot of joy. Of course, becoming the Deloitte Africa CEO and having the privilege to serve is something that I am proud of too.

What keeps you awake at night?

I really believe that Africa’s problems are for Africans to solve – high unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, social and economic inequality, but the flip side of problems is opportunities. I try to remain focussed on the role that I and Deloitte can play in this regard. Further afield, geopolitics and what’s playing out in other parts of the world is also concerning. The impact of climate change is a challenge that we are all dealing with.

What is the best advice you were ever given?

My dad always talked about self-motivation and the need to figure out what motivates me. He often talked about how as a child you grow up with teachers, parents, family, and others motivating you,  but as an adult, it is important to work out how one motivates oneself – self-belief, self-worth. It is advice that I still turn to today.

Please name a woman you particularly admire and why.

There are many incredible women in SA that I admire but let me choose Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. When I was contemplating taking on Deloitte Africa CEO role, my son was just three years old and I thought long and hard about the sacrifices that I would be making. During the Covid-19 period, I watched with admiration  how Jacinda Arden navigated the crisis in New Zealand, with grace and empathy. I figured if she could lead a country and raise a toddler at the same time, then I could at least run an organisation! I had the privilege of meeting Ms Arden at the Global Deloitte World meeting in Seoul earlier this year, I definitely behaved like a bit of a groupie.

What advice would you give other women aspiring to positions of leadership?

When I was transitioning into the CEO role, I heard the phrase “you have big shoes to fill” so many times, I soon lost count. One day I was with Bonang Mohale and another gentleman, who said the same. Bonang looked at me and said “You look like someone who prefers her own shoes – and your high heels look great!”. We both laughed. I’m not sure if he recalls that exchange but it’s the same advice that would give to other women aspiring to leadership roles. Have one or two great mentors and coaches that you trust, be open to the feedback, do the work, be excellent at what you are doing, don’t lack the courage to be transparent about your ambition and your dreams. And when you get there, be comfortable in your own shoes!

What is the single biggest problem you think needs to be addressed in South Africa and why?

Our unemployment rate is too high, but more worrying is our unemployed youth. I can only imagine how demotivating and even soul-destroying it must for a graduate unable to find work.

Ms Redfearn is married, with a six-year old son.