NOZZIE
SIKAKANA
Manager: Experience Innovation
"I really appreciate that within IQbusiness I have the opportunity to learn from so many people which then empowers me to be able to do the same."
NOZZIE
SIKAKANA
How did you build your career at IQbusiness?
I pursued my purpose which is making a difference in people lives. Based on my experience as a Business Analyst, I investigated opportunities available within IQbusiness. I set SMART goals for myself like getting my CPP certificate and joining the CEM team which was a start towards being a CX designer lead. I’ve always kept a growth mindset and persevered when faced with challenges.
Can you share an experience that demonstrates one of our values?
I have the opportunity to learn from so many people which then empowers me to be able to do the same. I'm able to share my learnings with IQers and clients so that we all prosper and grow.
What is the best advice someone at IQbusiness has given you?
The importance of having a work and life balance while we are making a real difference to our clients.
Tell us a joke only people in your profession will understand.
I'm actually buying from somewhere else right now. It’s just that your Wi-Fi is better than mine.
IGNETIA
THEMBA
Senior Principal: Agile
"I have redefined myself and moved towards my strengths and passions."
IGNETIA
THEMBA
How did you build you career at IQbusiness?
I am relatively new to IQbusiness but this one year has shaped my career so much. I have redefined myself and moved towards my strengths and passions. I have a supportive lead, who allowed me the space to explore and build this role as I needed, whilst pushing me to explore new things and growth avenues.
How does your job contribute to growth in Africa?
Agility, particularly the product ownership role is still growing in Africa. I am directly able to influence people in the role with training, coaching and contracting.
Can you share any productivity tips?
Given the pandemic and new ways of work:
I have worked on creating a home office that is my work sanctuary. I have customised it with all my favourite things; my son's art, my favourite motivation mantras (like "What would Beyoncé do?") and awards that I have received during my career. So that when I sit at my desk, beast mode is automatically activated.
GERHARD
VAN WYK
Partner: Software development lead, Software specialist
"There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them." – Seth Godin
GERHARD
VAN WYK
The ability to shape our clients success. All the way from idea inception, through to taking it to market.
Your day in a nutshell is…
Solving wicked problems for customers, users and businesses through technology.
What is your favourite quote?
“There’s no shortage of remarkable ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them.” – Seth Godin
NICCI
SMEATH-THOMAS
Account Director
"The first thing that comes to mind when I think of IQbusiness is relationships"
NICCI
SMEATH-THOMAS
How did you build your career at IQbusiness?
In 2019, I started working as an Account Manager at nudge and today I am an Account Director! Since then, nudge has consolidated into one business with Genex, and we now go by the name of IQbusiness Insights, a subsidiary of IQbusiness.
Can you share an experience that demonstrates one of our values?
The first word that comes to mind when I think of IQbusiness is 'relationships'. Everyone is very supportive on a personal and work level. We are always keen to support one another and to celebrate each other’s successes!
What is the best advice someone at IQbusiness has given you?
Don’t ever underestimate the power of relationships. The goal is not just to sell, but to build relationships of trust and confidence. If you get this right, you’ll be the first point of contact for new business opportunities.
What is your favourite quote?
“If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it” – Baz Luhrmann
RAFAEL
RODRIGUEZ
Partner: Experience Design - Digital
"IQers care. They truly 'Give a Damn', about each other, our clients, and the problems we solve for them"
RAFAEL
RODRIGUEZ
How did you build you career at IQbusiness?
I joined IQbusiness through the acquisition of Hi-Performance Learning and CUDA Technology businesses. Having led the technology team at CUDA, it made sense for me to join the IQbusiness Technology Enablement team, where I drove the sales effort initially. A few years in, I started the digital team with two colleagues, which has subsequently grown into our Digital Experience Innovation business of almost 100 creative business technologists and designers, who help our clients create digital experiences that matter.
Can you share an experience that demonstrates one of our values.
IQers care. They truly 'Give a Damn', about each other, our clients, and the problems we solve for them. This care is evident by the amount IQers who learn about their domain and the problems we solve, before innovating. Our constant innovating leads to solid delivery for clients, and this delivery is why we foster amazing relationships. It happens daily all around us, and proves that our values are more than 'a list on a wall' - it is a value system, with Care at the centre of it.
How does your job contribute to growth in Africa?
I help organisations create more meaningful digital experiences that make their businesses more successful. The more our clients in SA grow, the more we collectively contribute to growth in the country, region and continent!
What is your favourite quote?
"Given an axe and 6 hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend the first 4 sharpening the Axe." - Abraham Lincoln
KUDA
MUKOVA
Partner: GRC
"I have redefined myself and moved towards my strengths and passions."
KUDA
MUKOVA
What sets IQbusiness apart?
There’s lots of things for me… I joined as a Senior Consultant, I’m currently a Partner so you definitely get rewarded for good work and the impact that you have both internally amongst your colleagues and the client impact that one has. Secondly, I think it’s the diversity of the projects you work on, I think every project I’ve worked on is different. Life doesn’t get boring in terms of the challenges we get to solve.
How does your job contribute to growth in Africa?
We have always been on the forefront of sustainability issues, of advising our clients on sustainability strategies, how to implement and how to measure impact.
Where has your journey with IQbusiness taken you?
I’ve had the ability to travel to at least five African countries, so I’ve seen more diverse cultures in the way business is done beyond South Africa.
NATALIE
JANSE VAN RENSBURG
Manager: Agile
"Over the years I experimented, learned and grabbed the opportunities that came my way."
NATALIE
JANSE VAN RENSBURG
How did you build you career at IQbusiness?
I started out as a fresh-faced Scrum Master in the agility team working with a team on client side. Over the years I experimented, learned and grabbed the opportunities that came my way. At present I work as an Agile consultant with multiple teams and stake holders, at varying levels within the organisation.
How does your job contribute to growth in Africa?
We help organisations be more productive which in turn stimulates our economy.
We also play a role in the growth of the people we work with, growing people grows the potential of Africa.
What is the best advice someone at IQbusiness has given you?
You have glass balls and rubber balls, the rubber ones will bounce back if dropped, so focus on the glass balls.
What is your favourite quote?
"If you want flow, stop the flooding" - Sally Elatta
