Name: M.E Radebe

Title: Mr

Organisation: Profectus Market

Mr, Mandla Radebe is a highly regarded financial professional and entrepreneur, serving as the Founder and CEO of Profectus Market. With expertise in portfolio management, he has positioned the firm as a leader in the financial services sector. Under Mandla's leadership, Profectus Market utilizes advanced technology and trading algorithms to optimize client portfolios. Known for his commitment to financial literacy, Mandla actively engages in educational initiatives.

Despite its recent launch in 2023, Profectus Market has quickly gained prominence under Mandla's guidance. In the past three years, the firm has successfully blended traditional wisdom with modern strategies, contributing to industry discussions on the future of finance and portfolio management. With a distinguished career in finance, Mr, Mandla's vision and Profectus Market's commitment to integrity make them trusted partners in navigating the complexities of financial markets.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Radebe's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, I have found one of the most challenging aspects to be the delicate balance between providing guidance and allowing team members the autonomy to excel. Striking the right equilibrium between being hands-on and empowering individuals to take ownership of their work requires constant attention and adaptability. It's crucial to foster a collaborative environment where team members feel supported while still encouraging independent thought and innovation. This challenge emphasizes the importance of effective communication and understanding individual strengths and areas for growth within the team.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became a leader through a combination of continuous learning, hands-on experience, and a proactive approach to taking on additional responsibilities. Starting in a junior role, I earned the trust of colleagues and superiors by consistently delivering results and showcasing leadership qualities. Opportunities to lead small projects allowed me to refine my skills, and investing in leadership training and seeking mentorship further contributed to my growth. Embracing feedback, learning from experiences, and a genuine passion for fostering growth have been key elements in my journey to leadership.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My workdays are structured to optimize productivity and maintain work-life balance. Starting early, I prioritize tasks, handle high-priority items in the morning, and reserve afternoons for meetings and collaborative work. Regular breaks prevent burnout, and late afternoons involve reviewing accomplishments and planning for the next day. I strive to conclude work at a reasonable hour, allowing evenings for personal activities and family time. This structured approach ensures effective time management and a healthy work-life balance.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that resonated with me is the importance of active listening. While it's a fundamental aspect of effective leadership, I was reminded that truly understanding and empathizing with team members requires a continuous commitment to honing this skill.

I learned that active listening goes beyond hearing words; it involves understanding the emotions and perspectives behind those words. Taking the time to listen without immediately formulating a response fosters a more inclusive and collaborative team environment. This lesson reinforced the significance of creating a space where team members feel heard and valued, ultimately enhancing communication and fostering a stronger sense of unity within the team.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has had a profound impact on my leadership is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book explores the concept of leadership based on trust, empathy, and the well-being of the team.

The story that resonated most with me was the illustration of leaders who prioritize the needs of their team over their own gain. Sinek emphasizes the importance of creating a circle of safety within an organization, where team members feel secure and supported. This concept deeply influenced my leadership style, prompting me to prioritize the well-being and growth of my team members.

The book reinforced the idea that a leader's role is not just about achieving objectives but creating an environment where individuals can thrive and collaborate effectively. It transformed my perspective on leadership from a directive approach to one focused on serving and empowering others, ultimately contributing to a more engaged and motivated team.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to prioritize continuous learning and self-awareness. Embrace each opportunity, success, and setback as a chance to grow and refine your leadership style. Stay curious, seek feedback, and be open to evolving your approach based on experiences.

Self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. Understand your strengths, acknowledge areas for improvement, and be genuine in your interactions. A commitment to learning and self-awareness not only fuels personal development but also fosters a culture of growth within your team. In the dynamic landscape of leadership, adaptability and a thirst for knowledge are invaluable assets.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story from my time as a leader involves a challenging project where the team faced unexpected obstacles with a few of our clients. Instead of focusing solely on finding fault or assigning blame, I took a collaborative approach. I gathered the team, acknowledged the difficulties we were facing, and encouraged open communication.

During a team meeting, one team member shared an innovative solution that had not been considered before. This sparked a renewed sense of creativity and problem-solving within the team. As a result, we not only overcame the challenges but also improved the project's overall outcome.

This experience reinforced the power of fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. It highlighted that, as a leader, creating a space where every team member feels valued and comfortable sharing their ideas contributes significantly to overcoming obstacles and achieving success collectively. The lesson learned from this experience continues to influence my leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and open communication.