Empathy and prioritising people will no doubt continue to be top of mind for the people agenda for 2025.
The human agenda, along with empathetic leadership is a strategic imperative that continues to dominate HR leadership conversations. Here’s what top CHROs had to say about championing an organisation’s most valuable capital.
Palesa Matoli, the executive head of human capital and transformation at Bidvest Bank, who took home both the 2024 Transformation & Empowerment Award and the Young CHRO of the Year Award, says the cornerstone to her approach as a human resources practitioner is prioritising people while aligning HR strategies with the business’s core objectives. “I believe in fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute to the organisation’s success.”
Read more: Palesa Matoli shares her award-winning approach to shaping the people’s agenda · CHRO South Africa
African Bank’s chief people officer Gcobisa Ntshona believes that a company’s greatest asset is its people. Gcobisa adds that she leads with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to empower others, while creating a space where her team feels valued and empowered. “We create a workplace where every voice is valued. This inclusivity has not only fostered a cohesive company culture, but has also driven innovation.”
Read more: African Bank’s Gcobisa Ntshona on why she puts people first · CHRO South Africa
For Mmabatho Tlale, Zeda Limited’s chief human capital officer, empathetic leadership is key to building a strong team. She also believed women should be spearheading this shift, while celebrating female excellence and breaking down traditional barriers. “Every day, I draw inspiration from my belief that positive change is possible through collective effort.”
Read more: Mmabatho Tlale, ZEDA’s chief human capital officer shares how empathy is key · CHRO South Africa
It is important to be cognisant of the fact that people aren’t just skills but are whole beings who want to develop and grow well-rounded careers, Deloitte’s chief people officer Lungile Mahluza adds. She says one of the big lessons in her career has been the importance of empathy and the impact of that leadership in a team. “We always need to remember that we are holistic human beings, as much as we might compartmentalise whatever is happening in someone’s life or how it plays out in how they show up.”
Read more: Deloitte’s chief people officer, Lungile Mahluza, shares her recipe for success · CHRO South Africa
