Brenda Talazo didn’t plan on a career in human resources, but looking back, purpose had other plans, as it has become clear she was destined to lead in the field.
Now serving as vice president of HR & business enablement at Saab South Africa, it turned out to be a leap of purpose indeed, as she plays a pivotal role in shaping both people and strategy at the technology and defence company.
“My journey into HR wasn’t a straight line. I actually started out studying law and information systems – two fields that, while valuable, didn’t quite ignite my passion. It was only after some reflection that I found my true calling in human resources.”
“What drew me to HR was the opportunity to make a real difference in individuals’ careers and lives. I’ve always been passionate about helping people reach their full potential, and HR offered the perfect platform to support employees while also contributing to organisational growth. I was especially inspired by the idea of shaping positive work environments where people feel valued, motivated, and empowered.”
Her educational journey, she says, including an MBA from Henley Business School and a business leadership coaching certification from GIBS, reinforced her belief that “HR isn’t just a support function but a strategic driver of business success”.
A turning point in her career came during an organisational shift. Uncertainty loomed and employees needed guidance, which was HR’s moment to step up.
“Employees were uncertain about the impact on their roles, and they needed reassurance and leadership guidance during this time; it was up to HR to guide them through these times of change.”
Making an impact
“I worked closely with leadership to ensure transparent communication and created a change management programme that supported employees through the transition.”
It was here that Brenda truly saw that this is where she’s meant to be.
“This experience solidified my passion for HR, reinforcing that it’s the path where I can make the greatest impact, both in driving organisational success and fostering a supportive, empathetic work culture.”
With over 20 years in the field, she has developed a deep understanding of what truly makes a workplace thrive.
“I’ve learnt that people are complex, and understanding their unique motivations and challenges allows for a more tailored and effective HR approach. Cultural fit is essential for job satisfaction and success, while diversity and inclusion drive innovation and productivity. Employee engagement, focusing on well-being, recognition, and growth, is key,” she adds.
“Finally, in a constantly evolving workplace, being agile and responsive to changes in technology, economics, and culture is crucial for success.”
Driving strategy at Saab
In her current role, Brenda is proud to wear many hats, overseeing a wide array of functions.
“As vice president of HR & business enablement in South Africa, my role is both dynamic and multifaceted. I provide strategic oversight across key corporate functions, including ICT, transformation, communications, facilities, OHS, and human resources & organisational development.”
“The experience has been both rewarding and challenging. It requires constant adaptation to evolving business environments, organisational changes, and shifting employee needs, all while ensuring alignment with long-term objectives and success.”
At its core, Saab is a company committed to safety, technology, and innovation, and Brenda says she ensures that people remain central to that mission.
“Saab’s vision is to keep people and society safe. In South Africa, our mandate focuses on technology design, development, and specialised manufacturing. In my role, I contribute to this by fostering a growth mindset, attracting and retaining future talent and leaders, accelerating continuous learning, and ensuring we deliver an exceptional people experience that supports our business objectives.”
She describes Saab’s workplace culture as one grounded in innovation, collaboration, and humanity.
“At our core, we’re a company driven by innovation, sustainability, and working together. Our culture is deeply influenced by the spirit of ‘Ubuntu – Together as One’, which reminds us that we’re stronger when we’re united.”
What makes our workplace special is the focus on fresh thinking and continuous growth as everyone is encouraged to bring new ideas to the table and help solve real challenges. At Saab, we truly value the unique strengths each person brings and are committed to creating a space where all voices are heard and respected.”
Not without challenges
She further ensures that core values like drive, trust, and expertise aren’t just words on paper but lived experiences across regions and teams.
“As a values-driven company, building a positive global culture is key to our success. Guided by our core values, which are drive, trust, and expertise, we foster a connected global community that shares best practices and learns from one another.”
“Our strong focus on diversity, inclusion, and belonging creates a workplace where everyone feels valued, driving both innovation and unity through our collective differences.”
As no workplace comes without challenges, striking the right balance between advocating for employees and meeting business goals has been one of Brenda’s greatest challenges and triumphs.
“A challenge I’ve faced was balancing employee advocacy with business goals. Building strong relationships with leadership and using data-driven insights to show the value of employee engagement played a crucial role in achieving this balance. Leading change and organisational development was another. Change often brings resistance, so it was important to manage transitions in a way that encouraged employee participation.”
“I overcame this by applying effective change management strategies, clear communication, engaging key stakeholders, and proactively addressing concerns to ensure smooth transitions.”
Among her proudest contributions at Saab are the initiatives she’s led to increase diversity in leadership.
“I’ve led initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, focusing on increasing women in leadership and technical roles. I’m also driving cultural and leadership transformation to develop the next generation of talent.”
“Additionally, embracing digital transformation has helped us make more data-driven decisions, improving company culture and employee satisfaction. I’m excited about building programmes and policies that support growth, fairness, and wellbeing.”
Away from the boardroom, Brenda finds joy in life’s simpler pleasures. Based in Centurion, she’s also a proud mother of two.
“I’m an avid reader, enjoy playing golf when I can, and love exploring different cultures through travel.”
Home, however, is where her heart truly lies. “Though I love travelling, I’m still a homebody at heart,” she adds.
Whether at work or at home in Centurion, Brenda says she continues to lead with intention, proving that HR, when done right, is far more than just a support function.
