With South Africa still basking in the glow of its remarkable rugby victories in 2024, now is the perfect time to reflect on the leadership lessons that can be drawn from the field and applied to the boardroom. South African CFOs, in particular, can gain invaluable insights from our beloved Boks, including lessons on leadership, team dynamics, strategic resource allocation and the importance of continuous improvement.
At the recent SAICA Finance Leaders event, South African rugby legend and co-founder of Paymenow, Bryan Habana, along with Mary-Anne Musekiwa (CFO of Coronation Fund Managers) and Jonathan Hurvitz (CEO of Teljoy) shared their thoughts on how the principles that drive the Springboks’ success can be applied to business leadership.
The power of strategic adaptation
In rugby, coaches know when to bring in fresh players or make tactical changes to turn the game in their favour. CFOs, too, must recognise when to change financial strategies to seize new opportunities or tackle emerging challenges. “As a coach, you need a sharp sense of timing,” explains Habana. “Similarly, a CFO must know when to adjust financial tactics to stay ahead.”
Much like a rugby coach who uses a ‘bomb squad’ approach to shift the momentum, CFOs must assess their team’s performance and adapt to changing circumstances. “As a leader, if I can build a high-performance team, that will help the organisation achieve its objectives,” adds Musekiwa. “It’s about recognising each individual’s strength and deploying them accordingly.”
And just as the Springboks’ success is built on synchronised team effort, the same principle holds true for businesses. Alignment and communication are essential for achieving shared goals. “We need to make sure that everyone is pulling in the same direction,” says Musekiwa. In business, as in rugby, when every player understands their role and works together, the results speak for themselves.
Hurvitz reinforces this point: “Building strong, communicative teams is key. You need to trust that your team will deliver, and when they do, that’s when you win.”
Integrity and trust are further cornerstones of the Springboks’ ethos, and they’re equally vital in business leadership. “In sport, as in business, trust is key,” says Habana. “You need to be able to rely on your team, knowing they have your back, and vice versa.”
No shortcuts to success
Perhaps one of the most powerful lessons CFOs can take from sports is the importance of preparation and discipline. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Both coaches and CFOs dedicate time and energy to refining strategies and improving performance. “There are no shortcuts,” says Hurvitz. “You need to put in the work consistently, whether you’re on the field or in the boardroom.”
Whether executing tactical substitutions, making mid-game adjustments or adapting financial strategies, the key to success is understanding individual strengths, fostering collaboration, and staying flexible to meet challenges head-on. As Habana puts it, “A coach has to be adaptable and make changes as needed. It’s the same in business—if you don’t adapt, you’re going to fall behind.”
Get more great advice and learn what life is like for South Africa’s top CFOs with the ‘How I Work’ series, sponsored by Finnivo® in partnership with SAICA.