For years, the career trajectory for many of South Africa’s top black professionals was a steep, determined climb up the corporate ladder, with success often measured by title and remuneration. But a quiet, profound shift is underway. In a post-pandemic world, a "Great Re-evaluation" is taking place in boardrooms and executive suites across the country. Seasoned leaders are redefining ambition, and the new calculus for career success looks different. This isn’t about a lack of ambition. On the contrary, it’s about ambition evolving. For many who have achieved significant financial success, the focus is shifting from personal wealth accumulation to building a lasting legacy and driving meaningful impact. The question is no longer just "What's next for my career?" but "How can my career serve a greater purpose?" We see this playing out in several ways. There is a growing movement of top-tier executives from the private sector seeking challenging roles within the public sector or state-owned entities. The motivation is clear: a desire to apply their hard-won skills to solve complex national problems, whether in shaping economic policy at the SARB or driving innovation at SARAO. This is about contributing to a chapter in South Africa’s story. Furthermore, the concept of "lifting as you rise" has become a central career pillar. Senior professionals are actively seeking roles where they can formally mentor and develop the next generation of black talent. They are choosing organisations not just for the role itself, but for the platform it provides to foster inclusive teams and create pathways for others. This re-evaluation also extends to work-life integration. The hustle culture is being replaced by a search for sustainable success. Leaders are no longer apologetic about prioritising family, wellness, and personal interests. They are negotiating for flexibility and autonomy, recognising that a fulfilled life outside the office fuels better leadership within it. As you contemplate your next move, consider what defines success for you now. Is it title, impact, mentorship, or a combination of all three? Understanding your personal career calculus is the first step to finding a role that doesn't just reward your experience, but also honours your evolving ambitions.
In today's complex corporate and public sector landscape, true leadership extends beyond financial performance. For senior professionals aspiring to the C-suite and board-level appointments, a new fluency is required: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Once considered a niche corporate social responsibility function, ESG has rapidly evolved into a core strategic imperative, and for ambitious leaders in South Africa, it represents a powerful career accelerator. While the environmental aspect of ESG is critical globally, the "S" (Social) and "G" (Governance) components carry particular weight in our unique context. The social pillar is intrinsically linked to our nation's transformation agenda. Leaders who can authentically champion initiatives related to B-BBEE, community upliftment, diversity, and inclusion are not just fulfilling a mandate; they are demonstrating their capacity to build resilient, sustainable organisations that reflect the society they serve. This is a non-negotiable skill for anyone seeking to lead a major South African institution. Similarly, the governance pillar speaks directly to the challenges of transparency and ethical leadership. In a climate where accountability is paramount, especially within state-owned entities and regulatory bodies, leaders with a proven track record of upholding robust governance are in exceptionally high demand. This is about more than just compliance; it’s about building trust with stakeholders, from investors to the public. So, how do you leverage this for your career? Start by reframing your experience. Have you led a transformation committee, implemented a sustainable supply chain policy, or improved governance reporting in your division? These are no longer secondary achievements; they are frontline leadership credentials. Highlight them on your CV and articulate their strategic business impact in interviews. To further bolster your expertise, consider executive courses on sustainable business management or corporate governance. Seek opportunities to join non-profit boards to gain practical governance experience. The message from boardrooms and investment committees is clear: the most valuable leaders of tomorrow will be those who can skillfully navigate the intersection of profit and purpose. By proactively building and demonstrating your ESG acumen, you are not just preparing for the future of leadership—you are defining it.