#CareerFocus with Avril Howes, Strategic Head BCPlus+ -

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a passionate, patriotic South African. I have lived in Joburg all my life. I have been married for 30 years, and have one son. I enjoy watching weekend rugby with my family, especially the Springboks and the Lions, and I am an avid follower of current affairs/politics.

2. What work do you do?

I work in ERP consulting, specifically with Microsoft business applications – assisting businesses that are considering changing their core systems or have already chosen to implement a Microsoft ERP product. I am fortunate to have dual skills of being able to consult on business topics and being able to develop solutions that meet unusual requirements. More recently, I have built extension products for the Microsoft suite of business applications.

3. How long have you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry for over 40 years.

4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.

I love solving problems. I enjoy the challenge of getting to grips with a new industry or business, understanding its unique challenges and opportunities, and finding new ways to overcome them. I enjoy the variety and creativity of having a new challenge every day.

5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?

It takes hard work, commitment, a willingness to go the extra mile, and sacrifice of personal time. All of this can be hard to balance with the demands of running a family. But I don’t think that’s unique to women.

6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?

Giving up the hands-on aspects of my job – consulting and developing – to take on a management role.

7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?

Embrace your ability to bring a different perspective to each situation. Be confident in your unique approach.

8. Plans for the future?

My immediate goal is to establish Braintree’s new product division as a sustainable revenue generator. Once this has been achieved, I will look to gracefully hand over to a successor. With all my free time, I may look to expand my activities in my interests.

Short Bio:

Avril Howes is the Strategic Head of BCPlus+ at Braintree, where she has significantly impacted South Africa’s technology landscape. From her early days operating room-sized computers to leading product development, she champions gender diversity in tech and empowers women in leadership roles, shaping careers and driving innovation in the industry.