Women redefine financial success at She Owns Her Success jamboree

The She Owns Her Success media jamboree, hosted by Momentum at the Artistry in Sandton on September 16, brought together an inspiring panel of experts who delved into pressing topics on women’s empowerment, the evolving concept of financial success, and the role women are playing in shaping the future of sports in South Africa.

One of the standout themes discussed was how confidence over perfection is becoming the new measure of a woman’s value.

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Head of behavioural finance at Momentum, Paul Nixon, emphasised that many of the financial behaviours we adopt are inherited from our families. If those behaviours involve stress or a lack of financial planning, it’s important to take a step back and reassess.

He described how understanding and addressing these deep-rooted patterns can help break destructive cycles.

“There’s a lot you can learn from the people around you. What are your parents doing with their money? How do they feel about it? If you’re feeling anxious, chances are, you’ve inherited that feeling,” Nixon said. He stressed the importance of being introspective about your financial situation to avoid repeating negative patterns.

Insights lead at Momentum, Masechaba Gxolo, tied this into a report exploring women’s financial independence in South Africa.

She revealed that many women perceive financial success as something that only happens after accumulating significant wealth, owning assets, or having life insurance.

“However, this ladder approach overlooks the foundation of financial stability, which often starts with the act of managing debt.

“Financial independence begins when you acknowledge your relationship with money, even when you’re in debt. Success doesn’t always require perfection; it requires confidence and the willingness to make the first step towards stability,” Gxolo said.

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The conversation then shifted to how financial advice can break old legacies, particularly those that often perpetuate unhealthy money behaviours and attitudes.

Momentum financial advisor Janine Horn explained the power of reframing financial heritage and history.

“When you look at your financial history, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the story behind the money,” Horn said. “Reframing that story is essential for transformation. It’s not about perfection but about understanding your mindset, your inherited behaviours, and having the willingness to change.”

Horn said financial advice offers more than just guidance; it provides a safe space for vulnerability, empathy, and understanding. “It is through this lens that women can begin to heal from old patterns of scarcity or poor money management, and move towards growth and financial empowerment.”

Finally, the panel turned its attention to the role female athletes are playing in shaping South Africa’s sporting future.

While much of the focus on female athletes often revolves around their performance on the field, Farai Ntuli, strategy manager at Accenture, highlighted the importance of the broader impact women in sports are having beyond the playing field.

“Women in sports are not just shaping the future of athletics; they are shaping a whole new narrative around what is possible for women in all spheres of life,” Ntuli said.

“They’re not just winners in sports; they are role models for future generations of young girls, showing them that success doesn’t have a single path.”

Ntuli also spoke about the broader societal changes that need to be made to support women in their professional journeys. By providing psychological support and confidence-building programmes, such as the Basic Package of Support for young women entering the workforce, these programmes help address the internal struggles many women face in taking on new opportunities and staying resilient in tough environments.

The event emphasised confidence as the bedrock of financial independence and success.

Women were encouraged to embrace imperfection, acknowledge the impact of inherited behaviours on their financial decisions, and take action to break free from these patterns.

“Being successful doesn’t mean never making mistakes or never facing challenges. It means having the confidence to face those challenges, make informed decisions, and move forward,” said Nixon.

The panellists also called for a shift in the cultural narrative around women and money, one that recognises financial independence as a journey that can start with small steps and not just a finish line to cross once perfection has been achieved.

In conclusion, female athletes such as Andile Damini, Alyssa Conley and Dumisani Chauke were celebrated not only for their achievements in sport but also for their role as trailblazers in shaping a new legacy for future generations, one where women can aspire, not only to excel in their fields, but to build businesses, engage in social impact, and break through barriers in all aspects of life.

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