Holding life and career in the palm of her hand

B7: Tell us about Desery, the child, teenager and young woman. What shaped you, influenced you and inspired you to study business?

DvW: I grew up on a farm south of Rehoboth, called Schlip. I moved to Rehoboth at the age of 15 where I started my secondary school career at M&K Gertze. I served as class leader for three consecutive years and finished my matric at M&K Gertze where I served as head girl.

I ended my year at M&K Gertze on a high note when I started dating my boyfriend (now husband) Richard Van Wyk. Richard also served with me on the LRC in 1994 and we are happily married for 19 years. He is my best friend, companion, support and pillar. 19 years with the same husband is surely a blessing from above and all Glory to God.

B7: Elaborate on your career at FNB Namibia.

DvW: I a started at FNB at the early age of 20 and since then worked my way up and now lead the digital team as head of digital products at FNB Namibia. Despite the fact that I did not attend a formal university after school, I was determined to study throughout my career. I would like to thank FNB for the scholarship to finish my first degree at the University of Lincoln (UK). I believe my natural ability to lead and dream big inspired me to go for what I want. That is surely something I’ve learned from my parents who laid the perfect foundation to work hard and trust God for what you want. As the saying goes: faith without work is nothing.

At a younger age I always wanted to become an air hostess to travel and see the world. Due to my height, I did not qualify and therefore was unsuccessful to fill the positions as air hostess. However, that did not limit my dream to travel. Looking back after 20 years of working at FNB, I was able to travel to nine different countries all over the world. This is a sign that your circumstances should not limit your dream.

B7: What inspired you to study business?

DvW: The degree as well as the post graduate diploma is my stepping stone towards my MBA degree. I see business administration as a necessity for may leaders in the corporate world. Change is inevitable. Having a formal degree does not guarantee a position, but changes the way you look at things. Therefore, my advice to the generation young and not so is to embrace change and ensure that you upskill yourself on a regular basis.

B7: When did the technology bug bite you? Did you gradually grow fond of it or was it love at first sight?

DvW: I gradually grew into technology since I was appointed as the manager of cellphone banking. I feel comfortable with the latest technology and must admit that I do not always need a handbag with me - as long as I have my phone, lip gloss and my car keys with me, I am sorted. I believe the reason why the department was/is so successful is because of the team behind me and my natural leadership and dedication to make a success of everything.

B7: What are the major challenges and constraints hampering the optimal use of technology and how can it be addressed?

DvW: Education and resistance to change is the biggest constraint when it comes to technology. Not only in banking but everywhere. The best way to overcome this is to understand how to protect yourself and your money when using technology. I am of the opinion that people are resistant to change because of the perception that it is unsafe.

Take a concept of digital banking for instance, as soon as clients use it they will understand that it is all about convenience and more cost effective way to bank. Using technology to take care of daily operations such as paying bills etc. can result in more time which you can spend with family, friends, on education as well as your health. You can go one step further and use technology to streamline processes, manage your calendar, etc.

B7: Turning to online banking: What is the uptake of it in Namibia?

DvW: I would like to touch on eWallet which is also a kind of digital banking. eWallet was initially designed to send money to family or friends who are not close to you. It therefore saves you time and money to get into a car or taxi to deliver the funds or purchase prepaid services. We have noticed that the majority of our eWallet customers do not bank with us. Meaning that they are customers who are so called “unbanked, underbanked or illiterate”. I am of the opinion that we underestimate the intelligence and ability of our people to learn. It all comes back to trust. If my child, family or friend uses or any form of digital services, over time, I will get used to it and use it.

B7: Online banking can be quite intimidating to older generations - how does one convince them to use it?

DvW: The majority of our parents have cellphones and use it to sms or call. If they use a cellphone, they are more than capable to use cellphone banking. It is the same device and the same process as sending an sms. It all comes back to trust. If they get to trust that banking on the phone is actually safer and cheaper than going into a bank, they will use is. In the difficult economic times, digital banking is definitely the answer.

B7: With the media flooding the world with reports of hacking, how you assure clients that their money is safe?

DvW: Banking on a phone is exactly the same as using your ATM card because you need a pin and device in both cases. On a smart phone it is even safer because you first have to unlock the device as well as using the pin before you can start with a transaction. My advice to clients is that they should never click on a link when using the internet, never share their username or passwords, never save a pin or password on the phone and never use an internet cafe to transact.

B7: On a personal note: How do you juggle your career with your life as a wife and a mother?

DvW: I have only one word that makes this possible: prioritise. By doing that, you will ensure that you make time for your God, husband, children, friends, studies, career and family. It is not that easy, but with a good support structure at home, I believe that makes it so much easier.

B7: You have three daughters. Are you strict when it comes to their use of technology?

DvW: The three daughters are the best gift from above. They are in different age groups so I cannot apply the same rules to all at the same time. I am very strict when it comes to family time. I will always encourage them to leave their phones during our dinner times and rather share their experiences of the day. I will always treasure these times because those are the times when you can advise, invest in them and sometimes just listen.

B7: What is your favourite tech gadget?

DvW: My iPhone. As mentioned, I can do without a handbag, but find it difficult to operate without my phone. It helps me to create memories, manage my calendar, draw money, send reminders, connect me to friends and family all over the world, helps me to find direction, tell me about the weather … the list continues.

B7: What is your motto in life?

DvW: There are two. One is and I quote: “If your dream does not scare you, it’s not big enough.” Therefore I always dream BIG. On a more spiritual note that supports the first one: Nothing is impossible with God on your side. I believe that these two mottos have shaped me into the person that I am. If you know where your strength comes from, there is nothing to be afraid off.

B7: Any parting thoughts?

DvW: You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all your problems at once, but don't ever underestimate the importance being you. Keep persevering, keep pushing ahead, and refuse to give up on yourself. Know that with God all things are possible.