The scar of being retrenched more than 24 years ago, accompanied by the less-than-kind words, “jy is geweeg en te lig gevind” (you have been weighed and found wanting), is etched in my memory and will never be forgotten. But to truly grasp the significance of that moment, let’s take a stroll back to a chapter that not only shaped my path but, ironically, led to a happy ending.
In 1999, our asset management company faced a seismic shift when a group of colleagues decided to stage a walkout. The news sent shockwaves through the office, mainly since we had just been acquired by new owners who, in their wisdom, decided that British consultants were needed to navigate the complexities of the new South Africa—today, I think maybe they did this to hide their shortcomings and would be able to point fingers at somebody else if something went wrong. I can’t help but recall the damage done by Bell Pottinger (read the New York Times: How Bell Pottinger, P.R. Firm for Despots and Rogues, Met Its End in South Africa”).
I wasn’t entirely surprised by the walkout. One of the departing members had tested the waters with me, hinting at my possibility of joining them. But I chose to stay, finding joy in my work and living out my passion for managing investment portfolios. At 43 years old, I was happy and content with life.
Shortly after the dust settled, my boss approached me, and I signed a restraint of trade agreement to stay with the firm. The compensation was substantial, and a generous bonus soon followed. Meanwhile, specific individuals worked tirelessly to impress the new bosses, even if it meant sacrificing their integrity. Backstabbing became the order of the day as they scrambled to secure their positions. Then, one day, I was summoned to a meeting, and the devastating words from the start of this story were uttered. In an instant, I was out of a job, staring down the barrel of a three-month restraint of trade and the daunting challenges of an uncertain future.
At the time, my eldest child was in her final year of school. I had recently bought a new home, and interest rates were skyrocketing. The pressure was immense, and it took me some time to recover from the shock. Even now, after all these years, those memories occasionally haunt my dreams.
During this challenging period, an acquaintance offered me an opportunity to join him in his business. While restricted from working in my previous field, I immersed myself in learning about financial planning and advice under his leadership. He eventually offered me a permanent position, but after four months, it became clear that our values and intentions were worlds apart. I took another three months off to reassess my options, and during this time, I made a solemn promise to myself: never again would I give anyone the privilege of telling me I no longer had a job.
With little knowledge of the challenges ahead and no experience in being my boss, I took the plunge and founded what is today known as the Autus Group. Over the past 24 years, through hard work, long hours, and countless sacrifices, I can now look back and say it was all worth it. Meeting countless clients, business partners, and service providers was no small feat, and there were days when 24-hour shifts were the norm. But today, I am free. I have the privilege of providing work opportunities to others, and I sincerely hope I will never have to tell someone what was once said to me. I am living the life I want, even though daily challenges remain almost as relentless as ever.
The Autus Group now encompasses a financial planning practice, a family office, an asset management company, a fiduciary company, a property entity housing various properties, and a registered charity foundation dedicated to touching the lives of others. I am fortunate to live my passion for people, the stock market, and the sheer enjoyment of life. I am immensely grateful for the journey I continue to live, and I strive to make a difference in the lives of others every day.
I still learn something new daily from the many people I meet and the diverse experiences I encounter. These lessons occasionally lead me to contemplate making severe changes in my life. Every so often, the thought of retirement crosses my mind, but I quickly realize that my ADHD personality isn’t cut out for a life of leisure. I need a purpose to drive me forward.
So, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who gives meaning to my life. I appreciate every minute of this journey and eagerly await what lies ahead. Albert Schweitzer once said, “The purpose of human life is to serve and show compassion and the will to help others.” This has been, and continues to be, my guiding principle.
Thank you to all who have walked this path with me. Let’s keep making a difference together.
