Lettie-Basani Phume, the group human capital executive at Momentum Group, believes that delivering an exceptional client experience starts with an exceptional employee experience. Speaking to CHRO South Africa, she explains what it takes to help people feel supported, the company’s focus areas for the future, and initiatives aimed at developing women executives.
Q: What are your focus points for the year, going forward?
A: Our focus remains on shaping a culture that truly reflects our purpose and enables us to deliver on our business strategy and aspirations. We are deeply invested in enhancing the overall people experience and engagement, ensuring that our employees feel connected, motivated, and supported because we know that a thriving workforce translates into a better experience for our clients. In a world where change is constant and accelerating, we recognise that our ability to adapt is just as critical as our ability to lead. That’s why we are committed to building a workforce that is not only skilled but also agile, resilient, and change-capable.
Q: If you had any advice on how to nurture people within a company, what would that be?
A: Nurturing people begins with a clear sense of purpose—when employees understand how their work contributes to something meaningful, they feel more engaged and motivated. Our purpose is not just about financial outcomes; it’s about people. Just as we are deeply committed to our clients' financial well-being, we are equally committed to the well-being of our employees. Prioritising wellness—physically, mentally, and emotionally, is essential to creating a high-performing environment where people can thrive.
Q: What programmes or initiatives do you have in place to foster the development of women executives?
A: At Momentum Group, developing and empowering female leaders is a key pillar of our leadership strategy. We believe that diverse leadership drives stronger business performance, fuels innovation, and creates a more inclusive workplace culture. While women form the majority of our workforce, their representation in senior leadership remains an area of focus. To bridge this gap, we have introduced targeted initiatives that unlock potential, provide equal growth opportunities, and ensure that women are equipped to lead and shape the future of our business.
One of our flagship initiatives, the Women in Leadership Programme, is a tailored development journey designed to address the unique challenges female leaders face, from unconscious bias to access to senior mentorship and navigating work-life integration. Through this programme, we have invested significantly in developing confident, resilient, and strategic female leaders, with many graduates moving into influential leadership roles across the business.
Q: What does it take to be an employer of choice?
A: Sustained excellence as an employer of choice is not a one-time achievement but a continuous commitment to creating an environment where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired. At the heart of this is our purpose—to build and protect our clients' financial dreams. When our people feel supported, engaged, and able to bring their best, they, in turn, create meaningful impact for our clients.
