1. Can you please tell us more about your business?
Insight Consulting is an end-to-end data consulting business, that provides services and technologies in data strategy, data integration, custom software development, advanced data analytics, and planning solutions.
2. When, how and why did you start your business?
I was fortunate in my career to have worked for some incredible companies with inspiring leadership that always encouraged innovation and personal growth. I have always loved data and started the business because although I was very fulfilled in my job at the time, I wanted to bring that passion for data and all the benefits it could provide to more than one business at a time.
I also knew that I wanted to be the master of my destiny, and whilst everyone’s vision is different, I knew that for me, the only way to do this was to leave corporate and start my own business. The timing was right, I had a great friend and business partner to do this with and a product that was groundbreaking at the time to take to market. We started the business 17 years ago as a 2 man band, and have since grown into an international business with 70 plus permanent staff and a host of partners.
3. What is your role in the business?
In the beginning, when you start a business, you wear many hats – I have been a consultant, salesperson, account manager, HR manager, director, project manager, and developer, sometimes all at once! Now, however, I am mainly responsible for setting strategic direction, account management on strategic accounts, consultant mentorship, and internal process improvement.
Because I love data and technology, I also get involved in strategic projects to provide direction. The best part of my job is learning from others and helping people to grow. I get the greatest joy when I see people maturing and taking steps towards achieving their potential.
4. Where did you study and what did you study?
I did my undergrad and postgrad studies at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, and have a Master of Commerce (MCom) degree in Information Systems.
5. How did you finance your business?
We started the business with very low overheads, so didn’t need a lot of start-up funding. We were offered a loan by our main supplier and used this to fund the little we needed to get going. Although the amount was not massive, looking back, I am very grateful, as the offer showed real belief in us, as well as a commitment to support us in realising our goals.
6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.
My average workday involves a lot of meetings, both internal and external, involving team catch-ups, project updates, account management, and giving feedback on work. I also spend certain days of the week working on internal processes and new opportunities, learning, and doing research, to make sure that as an organisation we stay at the top of our game.
I try to use time blocking to manage my day better – it doesn’t always work if there are urgent issues, but I have seen the benefits that it can deliver, so I do my best to persevere with it.
7. How do you balance your home life and your work life?
Many women I know, including myself, battle constantly with guilt, especially when there are conflicting priorities in both home and work life – if I am spending more time on family, I feel guilty that I am not working on an important proposal for work that is due tomorrow, and if I am spending long hours on the said proposal, I feel guilty that I am not helping my son enough with his project which is also due tomorrow.
So as many of us do, for a long time, I tried to do it all, sacrificing my sleep and my mental well-being to try and be a superwoman. I’ve since realised that this doesn’t help anyone in the long term. I’m far more innovative, productive, and receptive if I have rested well, feel healthy, and have spent quality time with friends and family.
Better planning and organisation are key to work-life balance, and whilst I acknowledge that there are times when unforeseen situations arise that require more investment in certain areas, this can be the exception rather than the norm with good planning and organisation of both home and work life.
To maintain a decent work-life balance, you need to be able to rely on a team that you trust. If you don’t then you wind up getting involved in things you hadn’t planned on, which invariably causes you to work longer hours. In my company, I am surrounded by an incredible group of people, who take accountability for their areas of responsibility and execute their duties with diligence and maturity.
8. What drives you and inspires you?
Learning and development are my driving forces and my inspiration. In my role, I’m fortunate enough to be exposed to a wide range of people, organisations, industries, and challenges. Each interaction offers a fresh viewpoint, a different business process, or a new challenge to tackle.
I enjoy finding connections between different areas of knowledge and using them creatively. It’s that process of continually building my experience, integrating insights from the people I meet and the material I read, that keeps me engaged and motivated. At the core of it, I’m driven by the desire to solve complex problems—I am motivated by finding practical, value-adding solutions and this keeps pushing me forward.
9. Where and when do you have your best ideas?
My best ideas come when I take myself out of the routine of my daily work and give my mind the space to wander. It often happens when I’m away from my desk for an extended period— often on holiday or engaging in activities that are unrelated to my job. It’s as if my subconscious has the room it needs to process and connect ideas once I’m free from the usual demands of the day.
I try to intentionally create these opportunities so that I don’t have to wait for holidays to be inspired. Simple activities that don’t require a lot of thinking – like a bit of light exercise – tend to create “a-ha” moments for me – sparking a new idea or two.
10. Where and how do you market/advertise your business for sales leads?
We work with two marketing agencies, one focusing on helping us to create and pitch thought leadership articles and another that works on our social media, brand content, and brand awareness. Our central space for posting and advertising is LinkedIn, with links back to our website as well as the various sites where our articles are published. We also exhibit at various tech conferences and welcome speaking opportunities where we can share our expertise with interested parties.
11. What is next for your business?
We are investing heavily in AI, and have some exciting developments in that area – watch this space! At the same time, we are growing our presence in the UK and Europe. We’ve had success in the near-shoring model, which means physical presence for account management and business analysis in these regions, and core development taking place in South Africa.
This creates win-win opportunities all around from a cost, expertise, and engagement perspective. Finally, we continue to improve on our foundations, making sure that we invest in our people to ensure that they continue to expertly advise our customers and create lasting partnerships.
12. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business?
Read widely, keep abreast of the latest developments in your industry, and stay open to change. Business landscapes change, and flexibility is critical to staying relevant. Surround yourself with people who can offer insight and advice, and network widely. Own your strengths, recognize your accomplishments, know what sets you apart, and be persistent.
Building a business requires the resilience to overcome obstacles and treat failures as learning opportunities. The world needs more diverse perspectives in business, and your voice is a crucial part of that.
To reach out, please make contact at https://za.linkedin.com/in/upuli-de-abrew-a3729a39 or visit Insight Consulting’s website: https://insightconsulting.co.za/
