Gcobisa Ntshona, African Bank’s Chief People Officer, shares how she and her team drive growth and innovation with a transformative people-first approach.
“A company’s greatest asset is its people,” says Gcobisa Ntshona, group chief people officer at African Bank. This belief isn’t just corporate jargon, says Gcobisa, it’s a strategic imperative that underpins the bank’s growth, innovation and its standing as a top employer.
Gcobisa says her leadership style mirrors African Bank’s culture. “I lead with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to empower others,” she shares. Her approach is anchored in steward leadership – creating a space where her team feels valued and empowered. “We thrive on collaboration. For me, leadership is not just working through others but working with others. This philosophy aligns seamlessly with African Bank’s guiding principle: lifting as we rise.”
But what does a ‘people-first’ culture look like in practice? It starts with a measurable outcome, she says, adding that the bank’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP) is tailored to the needs of its workforce, has led to industry-benchmark engagement scores, improved productivity and enhanced innovation. “Our flexible work policies and continuous learning programmes have not only increased employee satisfaction, but have also positively impacted customer service and business growth.”
There is also a symbiotic relationship between culture and strategy, says Gcobisa: “Our culture doesn’t just support strategy; it powers it. The bank’s Excelerate25 strategy relies on a foundation of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation – values deeply embedded in its culture. This alignment has been vital as we navigate rapid digital transformation. Balancing technology adoption with our commitment to people-centricity has been challenging. However, the solution lies in humanising technology. We’ve implemented tools that promote flexible work and connection, ensuring the human element remains at the forefront.”
It hasn’t been easy, she says, but the results speak for themselves. “Our comprehensive engagement surveys and pulse checks provide actionable insights, which feed into initiatives like wellness programmes, aspirant recognition schemes and a culture of continuous feedback. Our holistic approach ensures that we remain connected to the evolving needs of our colleagues,” she says with pride.
Underpinning the people-first strategy is a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. “We create a workplace where every voice is valued. This inclusivity has not only fostered a cohesive company culture, but has also driven innovation. Our EVP reflects this commitment through six key dimensions: financial, physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual. These pillars ensure that our employees feel supported both personally and professionally,” she explains.
Gcobisa’s journey to becoming African Bank’s Group Chief People Officer is as inspiring as her leadership philosophy. Born in Ngcobo, a rural town in the Eastern Cape, she is a product of a blended family construct, which instilled in her a deep sense of community. “I firmly believe in the notion of a community,” she says, reflecting on her upbringing.
Her academic credentials are impressive. Gcobisa holds an MBA from Henley Business School, a BA Honours in human resources management from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and a business certificate from the University of Nürtingen in Germany. She has also completed advanced management programmes at Wits Business School and Yale School of Management.
But her career in HR was unanticipated: “I initially had an enquiring legal mind, however a university assessment revealed my aptitude for industrial psychology, prompting a change in my career path. It was fate intervening,” she says.
Passion and purpose
Gcobisa’s passion lies in aligning human capital strategy with corporate goals. “What excites me is the dynamic and nuanced nature of the people agenda,” she says. This passion is evident in her approach to HR – clear linkages between corporate strategy and execution, and a relentless focus on value delivery.
Her career highlights include mentoring networks that shaped her own journey and driving visible traction on business imperatives. “Seeing colleagues grow and develop is immensely rewarding,” she adds.
Of course, challenges have been part of the journey. From staffing shortages to employee burnout and designing effective onboarding processes in a post-Covid era, Gcobisa has faced them head-on. “Regular check-ins and creating an engaging workplace are crucial,” she advises.
For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Gcobisa has invaluable advice:
- Immerse yourself: “Learn all you can about the business you’re in. Understanding different parts of the organisation is key.”
- Build relationships: Collaboration is the cornerstone of success.
- Communicate value: “Make it clear how you add value to the organisation.”
- Think strategically: Approach HR from a broader, business-centric perspective.
- Leverage data: “Data-driven insights are a game-changer in HR.”
Beyond the boardroom
Outside work, Gcobisa enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and watching documentaries. Her current reads include How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen, By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho, and Power Moves by Sarah Jakes Roberts.
Her mantra is simple yet profound: “We’ve got this.” It encapsulates her belief in collective effort and mutual support. “We must be each other’s keepers and make a visible, meaningful contribution,” she says.
When asked how she would like to be remembered, Gcobisa says she hopes to be remembered for her contributions to South Africa, her community and the field of human capital, “I want to be seen as a thoughtful and positive contributor to business and society,” she reflects.
