BLUECHIPPRACTICE
BLUECHIPPRACTICE MANAGEMENT | Financial adviceWhat leadership means to Consult’snew CEOAs the newly appointed CEO of Consult by Momentum, one of South Africa’s largest independent financial advicebusinesses, Johan Minnie shares his vision for a more human, purpose-driven approach to leadership – onethat puts people first.With over three decades of experience in the financialservices industry, I’ve learnt that leadership is not aright but a responsibility that must be earned dailythrough service, authenticity and humility. It’s notabout control or ego; it’s not how many people you manage butabout how many you can help believe in themselves, their ownabilities and their collective efforts that are uncapped.True leadership is about coaching, listening andhelping others reach their true potential. It’s trulyseeing the whole person – not just the job theydo. It’s about giving more than taking. This beliefhas led me to recognise that servant leadershipis the best model for this era we live in and beyond.This notion comes from years of practising andliving this particular style of leadership.As I step into the role of CEO at Consult, I bring with me thebelief that purpose must drive everything we do. Consult byMomentum is one of South Africa’s largest independent financialadvice businesses, and our mission is simple – to make a differencein the lives of the people we serve. Purpose is not merely a statementyou frame and hang on a wall. It must be lived, every day, byeveryone in the organisation. This begins with leadership. I donot lead because I hold a title. I lead because I’ve been entrustedwith the hopes, livelihoods and aspirations of people, and I haveto honour that trust with action.I have a dream for Consult. Not only do I have a dream forConsult, I also have a vision for an industry that’s often caughtbetween regulation and returns. I envision financial advice to benot just a service, but a force for good – to help people buildlegacies and realise their aspirations while empowering them tolive with confidence and dignity knowing that they are in control oftheir finances.We live in uncertain times where economic instability, socialfragmentation and environmental strain are shaping a verydifferent world. The unfortunate reality is that our planet is sufferingdamage, yet I believe the world will survive. I fear it’s humanitythat may not. That’s the real challenge. The question is: are we risingto the challenge or failing those who depend on us? As an industry,we must rise to this crucial moment. Advice – real, human, thoughtfuladvice – has the power to change lives. It can help a parent to senda child to university, help a couple to retire with peace of mindand help a young professional to navigate uncertainty withPurpose isnot merely astatement youframe and hangon a wall.confidence. But we can only deliver that kind of value when we leadwith both care and competence.At Consult, we are building a culture of true partnershipsamong advisers, clients and communities. This means embracingdiversity, respecting different views and treating everyone withfairness and empathy. It means acting with honesty and openness –not because it’s trendy, but because it’s right.It also means understanding that we’re part ofsomething larger. When personal values align withshared purpose, we can create something far greaterthan the sum of its parts. We can turn individualcontributions into a symphony of leadership,service and impact.This is personal to me. I believe in the greatergood of humankind. I believe that we havechoice, even if we don’t always have control of situations. I believein greeting the day, in being kind to children, to elders and to thenatural world. I believe that leadership, if done well, creates notjust profit, but progress. Our clients, teams and families notice whatwe do, not just what we say. So, each of us must lead with integrity,show respect, act with kindness and take every opportunity to makesomeone’s life better.That is the dream: that we work together, create together,overcome challenges together and in doing so, find ourshared purpose. But dreams must be backed by action. Belief is mostpowerful when it’s reflected in behaviour.This is the kind ofleadership I intend tobring to Consult, andthe kind that I willdedicate myself toearning, every day, aswe journey together.Because in theend, leadership is notabout salutes, it isabout results. Johan Minnie, CEO, Consult by Momentum46 www.bluechipdigital.co.za
FINANCIAL PLANNING | Diversity and inclusionBLUECHIPFrom personal finance tothe pageantryFinancial adviser, Rebekah Pillay, shines at Mrs India Worldwide.Rebekah Pillay has spent the past two decades helpingpeople build and protect their financial dreams asfinancial adviser at Consult by Momentum. Based inKwaZulu-Natal and a proud mom of two, she’s built acareer around guiding clients – especially women – towardsgreater financial independence. This year, she added anunexpected new title to her name: Mrs India Worldwide SAfinalist where she won the Entrepreneur Award as well as MrsIndia Worldwide SA Brand Ambassador 2025.When it comes to financial advice, Pillay says she started inthe industry thinking it would just be a part-time job while shestudied, but “I ended up falling completely inlove with it. The ever-evolving nature of finance,the ability to grow continuously and the humanconnection it offers is what’s kept me here.”Pillay thrives on building deep, long-lastingrelationships with her clients, many of whomare women navigating the dual pressures of earning a livingand raising families. “Money is still such a sensitive topic forwomen. Some would rather talk about death than finances. Butseeing someone like me, thriving in a male-dominated industry,helps shift that narrative. If I can do it, so can they. Making ameaningful difference in my clients’ lives continues to inspireand drive me.”Despite her busy life – or perhaps, because of it– Pillay is fiercely intentional about finding balance.She credits her planning and time-managementskills with keeping all the balls in the air. “I evenschedule phone calls! I also have non-negotiables:time where I’m fully present, whether that’s with mykids, my clients or myself.”That commitment to self-improvement saw herstep out of her comfort zone and into the pageantworld. “I wanted to do something for my personalgrowth, to trim the edges, so to speak. I startedboxing, vocal and dance lessons and even boughta local business from a friend who moved acrossthe country. I’m also working on a cookbook withsomeone special.”The Mrs India journey has sharpened her sense ofpurpose. “Financial planning teaches you resilience.It’s not just about selling a product; it’s abouthelping people find direction during uncertainty.That same resilience helped me prepare mentallyand practically for the demands of pageantry,” saysFinancialplanning teachesyou resilience.Pillay. Her financial advisory practice is her biggest commitmentand takes precedence.She adds that the experience reshaped her views onconfidence and self-worth. “Before my exposure, I viewedpageants as a somewhat harsh judgement of women. Sinceexperiencing it first-hand, I have come to realise that they’realso about connection, growth and support. I’ve been deeplyhumbled and reminded that success is a team effort.”As a Consult financial adviser, Pillay believes in walking thetalk. “I’ve taught my kids to save as early as one year old. Time isyour biggest asset. Small, consistent contributions matter morethan big amounts started late.”And her message to other women tornbetween stability and passion?“Choose passion. Always. We only get onelife. Financial stability is important but truefulfilment comes from pursuing what sets yoursoul on fire. Don’t just settle for comfort. You were made tocreate ripples.”Looking ahead, Pillay says she’s more committed than everto her role at Consult by Momentum. “Financial planning is thepulse in my veins. It allows me to be my best self – for my clients,my kids and especially the young women watching me. Mypurpose hasn’t changed; it’s just become clearer.” Rebekah Pillay, Financial Adviser, Consult by Momentumwww.bluechipdigital.co.za47
