Standard Bank’s Why She Leads podcast shines a spotlight on 14 influential dealmakers in the Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) sector. Listen to the powerful insights of these transformative leaders who are reshaping business across the continent. Discover how these industry trailblazers are closing major deals in the CIB space throughout Africa. Tune in to Why She Leads to explore their inspiring and personal journeys.
From farm kid to financial strategist, Debora Bekker reflects on a life shaped by independence, integrity and quiet leadership. She opens up about balancing motherhood with high-stakes banking, and the women who paved the way. What does invisible leadership look like? And why is doing the right thing more powerful than being right? How do you lead a team before you’re given the title?
Find out in episode 12 of the Why She Leads Podcast.
16 Jul 2025
Episode 11 - Marilyn Maki
From aspiring actress to finance powerhouse, Marilyn Maki reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the courage to own her greatness early and the quiet strength of introverted leadership. How do you thrive in a world that never expected you to lead? What happens when success arrives too soon? And how do you keep chasing yourself forward?
Find out in episode 11 of the Why She Leads Podcast.
16 Jul 2025
Episode 10 - Bulelwa Tetyana-Madonsela
Blending accounting with artistry, strategy with soul, Bulelwa Tetyana-Madonsela reveals how staying true to herself transformed her leadership path. What happens when you stop apologising for being “too much”? What can a CFO learn from drama class? And how can women lead without leaving other women behind?
Find out in episode 10 of the ‘Why She Leads’ Podcast.
16 Jul 2025
Episode 9 - Sharon Brighton
How does a lawyer stay human in high-stakes dealmaking? Sharon Brighton reflects on 15 years at Standard Bank, the importance of failure, and how to redefine work-life balance. From mentoring future leaders to fighting for financial inclusion, she’s proof that leadership is as much about heart as it is about hustle.
Get it all in episode 9 of the Why She Leads’ Podcast.
16 Jul 2025
Episode 8 - Joyce Dimkpa
A trailblazer in Nigeria’s financial sector, Joyce Dimkpa shares how curiosity, courage and continuous learning shaped her path from medical science to leading major portfolios in banking. What does fearless leadership look like in male-dominated industries? How do you lead through loss? And how does raising twins reshape the way you mentor, lead and grow?
Find out in episode 8 of the Why She Leads Podcast.
25 Jun 2025
Episode 7 - Marlene Pillay
Marlene Pillay discusses her career in commercial property finance and her commitment to empowering future leaders, showcasing the importance of empathetic leadership in high-stakes environments in this interview.
9 May 2025
Episode 6 - Kate Weldon
A respected leader in energy and infrastructure, Kate Weldon shares how she built a global career while staying rooted in Africa. What does it take to lead billion-rand deals with calm confidence? How has motherhood shaped her leadership lens? And how do you silence self-doubt to show up fully—at work, at home and in your
own story?
Find out in Episode 6 of the Why She Leads Podcast.
24 Mar 2025
Episode 5 - Asya Ntshobodwana
A dynamic leader respected for her integrity and grit, Asya Ntshobodwana shares her rise from township to executive leadership. How is she redefining leadership
as a woman in business? How has empathy defined her leadership style? What does it take to overcome self-limiting beliefs, to raise your hand and seize the opportunities you deserve? Find out in Episode 5 of the Why She Leads podcast.
13 Feb 2025
Episode 4 - Thandiwe Legwaila
From humble beginnings in the villages of Eastern Cape to becoming a force for change, Thandiwe Legwaila’s journey is marked by resilience, purpose, and a passion for uplifting women. How has she harnessed imperfection to build strength?
And how is her story inspiring the leaders of tomorrow? Find out in Episode 4 of the Why She Leads Podcast.
17 Dec 2024
Episode 3 - Ashleigh Pledger
Ashleigh Pledger, a seasoned attorney turned Chief Operating Officer, shares her leadership insights and mentorship wisdom for those navigating career transitions and leadership roles.
29 Nov 2024
Episode 2 - Zen Dlamini
Zen Dlamini shares her journey to becoming a respected leader and mentor, finding her voice in a male-dominated space and being encouraged to use it and be heard.
14 Nov 2024
Episode 1 - Lindeka Dzedze
From the dusty streets of the Eastern Cape to the finance world of Sandton, discover how Lindeka Dzedze has forged a career as one of Africa’s powerhouse dealmakers.
Who are the people who have inspired her success, and who has she inspired to follow in her footsteps?
Podcast Authority Score: 33 / 100
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