1. Tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a bubbly, 37-year-old that loves people and the diverse communities of South Africa. I was born and raised in the city called, Klerksdorp, in the North West Province. Have had interesting travels abroad – always pushing myself to adapt/learn. And, I have been a Gauteng resident since 2012.
2. What work do you do?
Although I have a corporate social responsibility and corporate communications educational background, I am a registered Debt Counsellor and the Public Relations Officer for a company called, DebtSafe. DebtSafe is a registered entity and Debt Counselling firm under the National Credit Regulator – assisting over-indebted South African consumers, legally and sustainably, to regain financial freedom and be debt-free again…
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I have been in the Debt Counselling industry since 2016 and I have been involved with Communication roles/Public Relations since 2012.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why?
I simply love what I do – it is such a BIG part of who I am as an individual, mother, and woman – working with people and turning negative news/stories into positive ones. Being a woman in the Debt Counselling industry has not always been easy (I have to admit there are always more positives than negatives) BUT (in tough times) I have always strived to improve myself, sticking to who I am in a professional and loyal employee manner.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
Women have the perfect amount of love and empathy needed for those around them. In this stressful, yet important role/industry, women can be the pillars of consumers and what the various South African communities need. Helping those who have lost all courage, and hope, and do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. Becoming debt-free, have hope again and getting on with life, taking up responsibilities, and having joy in doing so.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
To deliver much-needed/relevant content to consumers & to understand/work with an environment that is ever-changing – especially referring to the media and what people need/want/ what is newsworthy in South Africa.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry? Plans for the future?
I would like to encourage women in the Debt Counselling industry to continue doing what they do best. Be who they are, and endure and attain personal resilience in the process (for themselves and those around them). When you help others up, you uplift yourself in the process – what a win!
For those that are in a media/public relations-related role – keep up with the times. Explore, do your research and always be the best professional version of yourself and your skillset of what you can be. Remember – stick to your word. Work hard and your loyalty and professionalism will open more than a few doors for you than you would have ever imagined…
- Contact information: carla@debtsafe.co.za / 0861 100 999 (DebtSafe’s Head Office)
- Social Media Links: Twitter: @CDebtsafe (https://twitter.com/cdebtsafe) or @DebtSafe
- Facebook: @DebtSafe
- #CareerFocus With Carla/#CareerFocus With Carla
