As OUTsurance’s Regional Manager for the Gauteng area, Zelda Greeff manages a team in the Broker Department. But she has a soft spot for single mothers balancing busy personal lives with demanding professional careers.
“Many women I know want to be warrior women and rock stars. They want to be seen and heard. But in a high-pressure industry, it is tough to succeed and you have to prove that you have what it takes,” she says. For those women who are single mothers, it is even harder. “They are excellent salespeople though, because they are driven. They need the money and they want to set an example for their children.”
A natural salesperson, Zelda found being a manager more demanding. She admits that she is direct and a straight shooter. During the Henley Higher Certificate in Management Practice (HCMP) programme, she developed her listening and emotional intelligence skills. “I have learnt so much and have become so much more reflective,” she says. “My natural inclination is to jump in and solve problems, but I pause now before rushing in. In this way, you can address the root cause of a problem and prevent it from happening elsewhere in the future.”
Zelda understands women who dream of having a professional career – she once was in the same boat. Before joining OUTsurance, she had various sales roles, then stopped working when she entered into a serious relationship. She helped raise her partner’s children but missed having a career. When the relationship ended, she applied for a job with OUTsurance and didn’t look back. She appreciates the company’s open-door policy and the fact that her studies are funded and encouraged by the company.
“I wanted to be a career woman and buy my own Mercedes-Benz. Within four months of being employed by OUTsurance, I bought the car. And within a year, I was appointed Regional Manager.”
Zelda knows that everyone’s career path is different. She had various jobs until she found her way into the insurance industry. For a short time, she sold mining equipment and had to drive to rural mines to deliver supplies. “It wasn’t always easy walking to the mine office, as a woman on my own!” But Zelda clearly isn’t one to shy away from a challenge.
This is why, after graduating with a distinction from the HCMP, she went on to study the Advanced Certificate in Management Practice (ACMP). She intends to continue progressing with her studies through Henley, with an MBA being the ultimate goal. When asked about the future, Zelda says it isn’t about obtaining a specific position in a company, although having a formal certificate that validates her experience and impact is helpful. “I just want to keep growing, studying and improving myself.”
She says her motto is “pressure is a privilege”. To her, this means that if you feel the pressure to perform, you have been given an opportunity to show what you can do. This indicates that someone saw potential in you. It is up to you whether you make the most of that opportunity or not.
Her definition of success is making a difference and inspiring others to become the best they can be. It definitely helps to have a sense of humour. “I do love a challenge!”