1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Born, raised, and studied in Gauteng. A mum to two fabulous out-of-school children. Keeping fit and healthy is a top priority for me and doing so in nature and the outdoors is even better. Travel is another enjoyment in life for me. I have Susan Sontag’s quote on my fridge ” I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list”
2. What work do you do?
I am an Equities Trader for a full-service stockbroking firm, Prescient Securities. In short, I execute shares on the JSE for institutional clients. It’s quite a fast-moving environment with loads of moving parts that make it very challenging but also rewarding.
3. How long have you been in the industry?
I have over 25 years of experience in the industry. I started trading for private clients and now trade for institutions.
4. Has your work always been your passion? Tell us why.
The Financial markets have always been a passion of mine, so it was no surprise that it’s what I chose for my studies. As a young child, my dad always used to come home and read the finance sector of the newspapers and share with us any interesting snippets about companies and I guess that’s where it all started.
5. Being a woman in the industry – what does it take?
Being a woman in my line of work is no different from being a woman in any other industry. It’s important to have confidence in your abilities. If you have the knowledge and experience that comes with that you will be able to contribute positively to your teams’ success. I’ve learned over the years to just remain true to what you are as a woman, and your peers will treat you with respect.
6. What has been the most difficult challenge of your career?
It’s very important to have a mentor, someone who can navigate you through all the different challenges. Remain flexible and open to growth opportunities. Stay on top of any changes and news in the industry. Like everywhere else, it’s an evolving industry.
7. What advice do you have for other women in your industry?
Being a divorced mother of two busy kids and juggling a career was very challenging. Life-work balance wasn’t easy, due to the non-flexible hours of being a trader. It’s very important to have a mentor, someone who can navigate you through all the different challenges. Remain flexible and open to growth opportunities. Stay on top of any changes and news in the industry. Like everywhere else, it’s an evolving industry.
8. Who inspires you in your industry?
Irene Bergman- she started her career in 1942 as a secretary to a banker and in her own words ..” women on Wall Street wasn’t very popular”. Her career skyrocketed in the years to come when she joined Stralem & Co., where she helped oversee about $2 billion. Her advice for a long career on Wall Street is “Don’t do anything Stupid”. Known as the oldest woman on Wall Street -she still went into the office way into her 90’s.
9. What’s the best advice / key learnings have you received from your industry peers?
Stay passionate, read, enjoy what you do, and do not change for anyone or anything. Every team member brings their own set of skills.
10. What is your leadership style?
Leadership is more than just managing a team, it’s important to realise that people are valued as human beings and that their personal lives are still the most important part of their lives. As a leader, you need to have the passion and commitment to achieving your goals and energizing the people around you to join you in achieving those goals. In the end, we are all humans with our challenges, and I do feel if you are empathetic, transparent, authentic, and appreciative of what your team does and achieves you will see growth from the onset.
11. Have you experienced failure in your career, if so, what lessons did you learn from that?
Every day brings their challenges. And making mistakes is part of learning. Accept and own it, learn from it, and move on.
12. What are your plans for the future?
Continue to share my knowledge with the younger generations and contribute in a positive and uplifting way.
Short bio
Surette holds a BCom Honours in Financial Management from Rand Afrikaans University and has completed several professional certifications, including Fitch IAR UK Financial Regulation. She is also a member of the South African Institute of Stockbrokers.