Charmaine Boois
25 July 2023, In July 2020, Zenaune Kamberipa assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Bank Windhoek, where he took on the vital responsibility of overseeing the Finance function. This role encompasses crucial aspects such as financial planning, auditing, reporting, accounting, and financial control, making the Finance Department the guardian of the bank’s financial well-being, regulatory compliance, and data management.
Having served as CFO for three years, Kamberipa shares some valuable insights and lessons he has learned along the way:
The First Hundred Days in the Office Kamberipa highlights the value of starting out by being genuine and honest to oneself. He emphasizes the importance of paying attention to and comprehending the current organizational principles rather than rushing towards the implementation of changes. Before making any changes, it is important to understand these concepts in order to lead more wisely and effectively.
The Team Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the team is paramount. While external assessments may be available, Kamberipa advocates for independent evaluations. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of communicating the desired leadership culture and values to the team. This openness helps shape the team, encouraging those who align with the vision to thrive while giving others the opportunity to decide if they are willing to be part of the journey. Alongside technical competence, he highlights the significance of team dynamics and a positive culture for achieving success.
Be a starmaker. Kamberipa believes that by focusing the spotlight on team members, they are empowered to respond in remarkable ways. Encouraging the team to lead while providing support leads to their growth and development. As a leader, managing the expectations of fellow executives, the managing director, and the board is essential. Yet, allowing the team room to excel and achieve desired outcomes often leads to pleasant surprises. Kamberipa underscores the importance of providing constructive feedback when necessary to foster improvement and growth.
Credibility and Trust Kamberipa admits that gaining someone’s trust takes time, especially when entering a strange setting. He counsels staying firm in one’s professional ability and remaining unflappable in the face of difficulties if one wants to achieve. Kamberipa advocates open communication and the explanation of the objective and thought process behind these ideas, acknowledging that innovative ideas are likely to encounter opposition. Success depends on fostering buy-in from the team and the organization.
Zenaune Kamberipa is enthusiastic about the future as he continues his journey as CFO, motivated by the lessons he has learnt and the continuous potential for growth and innovation. ~Namibia Daily News
