Empowering women in finance: reflections from Kim Gibb

Women’s Month offers a powerful opportunity to honour the resilience, leadership, and growing impact of women across South African society. With close to 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, Kim Gibb, CEO of Prescient Management Company, shares her journey of growth, grit, and insight.

Reflecting on the challenges she’s faced and the lessons she’s learned, Gibb speaks candidly about the importance of mentorship, self-belief, and navigating male-dominated spaces with confidence and clarity. As she marks this milestone, she also offers the kind of advice she wishes she’d received at the start of her career, wisdom that now guides her leadership and inspires the next generation of women in business.

What do you wish someone had told you when you were 25 and starting your career?

I wish someone had told me that careers aren’t always linear. Think of your career more like a jungle gym than a ladder, a dynamic journey where you can explore various paths, gain diverse experiences, and develop a wide range of skills. Unlike a ladder's linear progression, a jungle gym allows for movement in different directions, offering flexibility and new opportunities. Embrace this approach to enhance your growth and success.

Looking back, what did you spend too much time worrying about in your twenties that turned out not to matter?

Honestly, I worried way too much about being liked and not making mistakes. The people who grew fastest in their careers were the ones who took risks, spoke up, and didn’t let the fear of being wrong hold them back.

What was your biggest misconception about success or leadership when you were younger?

I used to think leadership was about proving how much you know. It’s not. Especially in financial services, leadership is about simplifying the complex, guiding people through uncertainty, and being a steady, trustworthy voice. People won’t remember your technical skills, they’ll remember how you made decisions and treated them under pressure.

What’s one mistake or setback you faced early on that positively shaped your career?

I can’t say it was a setback because it’s not something I regret. Having children early in my career did change my growth path. It’s clear that having children pauses your career growth for some time, but it’s worth remembering that family is ultimately the most important thing, and it’s only ever a temporary pause.

If your 25-year-old self could see you now, what do you think would surprise or inspire her most?

She’d be amazed that I have a seat at tables I once thought were completely out of reach. She’d probably be proud that I didn’t have to change who I am to get there, and that you can make a difference in a space like financial services without becoming “one of the boys.”

Who or what helped shape your path when you were starting, even if just by example?

Women who were a few steps ahead of me, especially in asset management and finance. Seeing them in certain rooms gave me confidence. I also learned a lot from leaders who actually lived their values, who created space for younger people and genuinely backed diversity.

What advice would you give to young women entering the financial services industry today?

You belong here. Speak up, take on challenges before you feel ready, and don’t get stuck only in support roles; aim for the leadership track early. Find a mentor and seek guidance from women whose voices you trust, and most importantly, back yourself. This industry is changing, and it needs your voice and perspective.

What progress for women in the workplace are you most proud of, and where do you think we still have work to do?

There has been progress, you see more women leading teams, heading up business units, and sitting on investment committees. However, senior leadership is still very male-dominated.

What does Women’s Month mean to you, personally or professionally?

It’s a reminder of the bigger picture, especially in South Africa, where women’s rights were hard-won. It’s a chance to reflect on where we’ve come from and also to actively support the next generation of women leaders. It’s not just about panel discussions, it’s about creating lasting change in workplaces.

Is there a book, film, or piece of writing that has moved you or shaped your thinking over the years, particularly as a woman or a leader?

Early in my career, after having children, I read Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I loved her thoughts about claiming a seat at the table and seeing your career path not as a ladder to climb, but as a jungle gym where you can explore various paths, gain diverse experiences, and develop a wide range of skills.

Reflecting on these insights, I am reminded that embracing a flexible and dynamic approach to my career has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined. By claiming my seat at the table and viewing my career as a jungle gym, I have been able to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continuously evolve both personally and professionally.

* Gibb is the chief executive officer at Prescient Management Company.

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