Lesedi Metsoamere: Championing Excellence and Empowerment in Private Wealth Banking

Introduction

Lesedi Metsoamere serves as the regional executive for Private Wealth Banking at Absa Group, where she leads operations across KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga provinces. Her journey in the banking sector began at the young age of 19 while she was still completing her studies. Lesedi's story is a testament to determination, leadership, and a passion for uplifting others.

Early Career and Passion for Client Experience

Reflecting on her beginnings, Lesedi recalls how a financial institution recruited students from her university, providing her with the opportunity to start her career. From the outset, she was captivated by the world of finance, but her early professional experiences were centred around enhancing client experience and building relationships. The satisfaction she derived from making a positive impact on clients' lives early on shaped her career aspirations and direction.

Professional Growth and Leadership

Throughout her career, Lesedi gained experience in various aspects of banking, including client relationship management and wealth and investment management. Her leadership journey began at a previous employer, where she managed private banking divisions for six years before joining Absa Group two and a half years ago. Currently, she leads a team of approximately 45 people, all dedicated to fulfilling their clients’ financial aspirations.

Commitment to Helping Others

Lesedi’s passion lies in helping people. She believes that genuine empathy—both personally and through her team—is crucial to ensuring a positive customer experience. She emphasises the importance of consistently demonstrating care and understanding to clients.

Driven by Excellence

Ambition and a desire to excel have always been integral to Lesedi’s character. She recalls her childhood dream of reaching the top in all her endeavours and relishes participating in boardroom decision-making, not just for her team but for clients as well. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in purpose and impact; she aspires to be remembered for positively transforming the lives of those she leads.

Advocacy for Women and Mentorship

A strong advocate for women in business, Lesedi is deeply committed to mentoring young professionals, especially women in the financial services industry. She has taken intentional steps to create opportunities for aspiring women and finds great fulfilment in their successes. She shares her experiences, offering guidance on leadership, confidence, and personal presentation, driven by the principle of uplifting others as she advances in her own career. Lesedi hopes her legacy will be measured by the positive change she brings to those around her.

Inspiration from Her Mother’s Journey

Lesedi draws significant inspiration from her mother, whose resilience and determination have profoundly shaped her outlook. Despite growing up with limited means and beginning her career in humble circumstances, her mother worked her way up to become a teacher and later a successful computer programmer in the banking sector. This example of perseverance and excellence set high standards for Lesedi and her siblings, all of whom are driven to achieve in their respective fields.

Beyond Financial Performance

While Lesedi’s role is rooted in financial outcomes, she prioritises making a meaningful impact. She values data and numbers, but her approach centres on using insights to effect positive change. In addition to her executive responsibilities, she leads Absa’s national Young Professionals segment, supporting students transitioning into the professional world. This initiative offers final-year students twelve months of free banking and financial education, enabling young professionals—including doctors, accountants, and lawyers—to thrive.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Diversity

Lesedi acknowledges that her journey has included significant challenges and that hard work is irreplaceable. As a young black woman in leadership, she has faced biases and doubts, often feeling the need to exceed expectations to prove her place. Despite often being the only woman in the room, Lesedi views emotional intelligence as a leadership superpower, enabling her to lead with empathy and create meaningful impact.

Empowering Others and Maintaining Balance

Lesedi encourages others to take ownership of their careers, seek out opportunities, and let their achievements speak for themselves. Her proactive approach to career advancement involves directly seeking feedback and opportunities from decision-makers. Despite the demands of her role, she recognises the importance of rest and self-care, finding rejuvenation by spending time at the beach and enjoying the ocean.

Looking Forward

As she looks to the future, Lesedi remains focused on her ultimate ambition: reaching the C-suite, whether as CEO of a major corporation or as the leader of her own company. Driven by excellence and purpose, she is determined to achieve this goal.