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Association leaders, are you comfortable with your organization's data maturity model? How you are using AI? How much money you have in reserves? Join this panel discussion for insights and discussion on these topics and more.

I grabbed the opportunity to sit down with Alan Pullinger for the last time in his role as CEO of FirstRand. "It's been an honour and a privilege." On presenting the last set of results: It's been an honour and a privilege, FirstRand is a special place. I joined 26 years ago, I knew nothing about banking, and it was a gift to be able to learn from GT Ferreira, Laurie Dippenaar and Paul Harris, they taught me the ropes. So it's an absolute gift, I've been super, super lucky. FirstRand is a family it's not just a job. Don't tell the remuneration committee, but I would probably do it for free." On leaving: People always say to me when you leave what earnings number do you want to achieve? What are you looking for? What share price are you looking for? I can't control those things. But there are some things that we can control. One of them is, the mojo of the business. How the group is feeling. Are we on the front foot? Engagement with employees, are we still attracting talent? How do our people feel? I think we're in a good space, I'm not sure I can ask for any more than that. I'm going to do my best on the numbers, and the team will do their best but it will be what it is. On interest rates: I don't think the environment is going to get easier. It’s likely to be more of the same. When we started off the new year new and got back from holiday it didn't take long for load shedding to come back and all of the things that we thought were a 2023 phenomenon have started again. The South African Reserve Bank has said interest rates are in restrictive territory. And you can see that it's having an impact. There's no doubt it is throttling consumers, but I do think later in the current year we will see interest rate cuts. But there are two points I would want to make. One interest rate cuts are going to be further out than we think. And secondly, it's going to be a shallow cutting cycle. We expect the repo to go from eight and a quarter to seven. But that's it. We don't think there's much more than one and a quarter percent of cuts coming On what is next: I know, it's going to sound crazy if I say this, but I actually am not sure. I have really had my head down focusing on FirstRand to the very last day. I hand over at the end of March, then I'm going to take a little bit of leave. I do need to contemplate what I'm going to do. I haven't had a break for a very long time. So I'm not sure what that feels like. So this transition is it's exciting, but I suppose a little bit daunting for me. So I need to go through that. I'm not going to rush to sign up to lots of things otherwise when we bump into each other in a year's time I'm going to tell you how busy I am because I'm sitting on so many boards, and I'm reading so many board packs and I'm going to be complaining again. I'm going to take a break and then I'll see what is next. I still have a little bit too much energy to choose to go and sit in the garden.

I was a little nervous being on camera, but it was a pleasure to share my positive feedback with the BT and Striver teams 🎉 As a full time CSO at a suburban financial planning firm and an online financial planning student at Deakin, the opportunity to meet others in the industry at events like these is so precious to me. Not just as a wonderful chance to network with other young people in the finance space, but to meet its leaders and gain an understanding of the current industry environment. Brimstone allowed me to step outside my scope of experience and discover new ways of doing things. Financial planning can be such a varied industry and it’s easy to forget that in the day-to-day, when all you have is an example of how one or two advisers at your company operate. I love discovering how different financial planning businesses operate and how they structure their priorities in their culture and processes. It inspires me with improvements and ideas I can implement in my own career and back at my own workplace. More than that though, it keeps me passionate about my career this industry. It’s inspiring to see Striver pioneering the way with Brimstone 2024, and I hope more organisations will follow suit. I truly believe that the more this space invests in young people and its support staff, the more it can blossom as an industry. As we heard at Brimstone, the financial planning space has so much growth potential over the next few years. Investing in our future and ongoing learning at all levels of the industry is such a worthwhile endeavour.

Coming up in one week! Association leaders, are you comfortable with your organization's data maturity model? How you are using AI? How much money you have in reserves? Join this panel discussion for insights and discussion on these topics and more.

Highly recommend attending this informative webinar from RiskScout.

If you are keen to manage credit risk and receive the most current and incisive wisdom from a panel of experts,this date is one to reserve! **29th February 2024** Venue : Atradius UK and Ireland head office in Cardiff Bay Happy New Year to all! #2024predictions #creditmanagement #politicalrisk #riskmanagement

I just hosted a training session called "The Secret “Safe Haven” In a Stormy Market". I revealed a proven approach to finding reliable, income-generating investments that can weather an economic storm. If you missed the session live, don't worry - I've recorded it and I'm making the replay available. Here's what we covered: - - The critical importance of income in today's market (and how a few strategic moves could secure your retirement) - - The safest sectors to invest in right now - - 3 "high income" stocks to dump immediately - - Bonus: We analyzed 5 stocks requested by live attendees using our proprietary rating system!  WATCH IT HERE: https://lnkd.in/gE3SG2X9 I know you're busy, but I urge you to take an hour out of your day to watch this replay. Toward the end of the training, I revealed how you can access a special deal to secure these new stocks at a discount. Diligence matters, David Trainer, Founder & CEO

I'm inactive chuckling, TBH. We're already much than halfway done May 2024 (what is time?), truthful let's observe by enjoying the funniest signs of the week, courtesy of r/funnysigns: 1. "This is the champion institution sanction ever." 2. "For those who are embarrassed to inquire to stop." 3. "Now successful 3-D." 4. "First warning." 5. "What the hellhole happened here?" 6. "You had 'noly' 1 job..." 7. "Damn, you drowning? Lol." 8. "No more. 😔" 9. "What’s been going connected successful this cemetery?" 10. "Best spot for full household to bent retired together." 11. "Signs with comic names if you work them successful English, like..." 12. "Guess the nutrient store name." 13. "I similar the caller thoroughfare name." 14. "That's crazy." 15. "This is the scariest portion to take!" 16. "This genius has figured it each out." 17. "Damn, that's truly debased for an airplane..." 18. 19. "Natural selection." #innovation - #management - #technology - #creativity - #futurism - #startups

I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to share an exciting opportunity that I am hosting – a lunch and learn session where I will be teaching individuals like yourself the art of delivering a compelling elevator pitch for networking success. Networking is an invaluable skill that can open doors to various personal and professional opportunities. However, often overlooked is the significant impact a well-crafted elevator pitch can have during these networking encounters. By joining me at this lunch and learn, you will gain the knowledge and techniques necessary to confidently and effectively introduce yourself, leaving a lasting impression in a matter of seconds. Here are a few reasons why you should seriously consider attending this session: 1. Master the Art of First Impressions: The elevator pitch is your first chance to make an impression on someone, and it can be the key to grabbing their attention and sparking their interest. Together, we will explore the strategies and techniques to ensure your introduction packs a punch and leaves a positive and memorable impact. 2. Build Meaningful Connections: Networking is all about building relationships and connections that can lead to future collaborations, job opportunities, or even lifelong friendships. With a well-crafted elevator pitch, you will become a master at engaging with others, making meaningful connections, and leaving a lasting impression that sets you apart from the crowd. 3. Save Time and Energy: The elevator pitch is all about getting your message across quickly and effectively. By attending this lunch and learn, you will learn time-saving techniques to convey your goals, skills, and value proposition succinctly, ensuring you make the most of every networking opportunity. No more fumbling for words or leaving conversations wishing you had said something more impactful! 4. Boost Your Confidence: Public speaking or introducing oneself can often be nerve-wracking and overwhelming. However, with the knowledge and practice gained from this session, you will develop a newfound confidence in your abilities. Imagine entering any networking event, knowing you have an elevator pitch that is concise, engaging, and leaves a lasting impression. So, join me in this lunch and learn session and unlock the secrets of crafting a powerful elevator pitch. The session will take place on [date] at [time] in [location]. Lunch will be provided, allowing for a relaxed and casual atmosphere to learn and network with like-minded individuals. Please RSVP by September 20th to secure your spot, as space is limited. Feel free to bring along any friends, colleagues, or contacts who might also benefit from enhancing their networking skills. I look forward to seeing you at the session and witnessing the growth and success that will come from mastering the art of the elevator pitch. Warm regards, Kevin Williams

Often what seems like a basic question have surprisingly significant consequences. What is a story point and are they always helpful? What should you do (and not do) in an effective sprint review or daily standup? What's the difference between a "user story" and a backlog item? What's a backlog anyway?? Any question is fair game in our dumb questions lean coffee session tomorrow.