How did your journey in the social sector begin?
While looking for a position in marketing, I was given the opportunity to join ERM, a global sustainability organisation. Over time, I became more interested in the work of the consultants there. Two years in, I asked for an opportunity to shadow the consultants and began working on contaminated sites. This is how I became a consultant myself. At the same time, I had always been interested in social performance work and would do ad hoc work with the social team, which really aligned with my passion for people. I found myself saying that my next move would be into social performance.
Eventually, the world heard me, and I made the move. I really enjoyed engaging with communities that needed the impact our clients were bringing while holding the client accountable to ensure they left the spaces they worked in better than they were before they came there – or at least, no worse. While I’m quite shy, my love for people, especially those who need assistance, enabled me to facilitate community meetings. I found myself becoming part of the communities with whom I worked. It was deeply rewarding and made coming to Bridgespan a natural next step for me.
Within the social sector, which issues are you most passionate about?
One of the things I am most passionate about is education, and more so in a South African context because I believe it is a catalyst for the transformation we hope to see within our country. I deeply understand the importance of both education and family planning because of my own experience of having been a teenage mum. Those issues are so close to my heart because I know that education can be that one thing that will change your life in a very positive way.
What brought you to Bridgespan?
At ERM, I was also working on DEI while consulting. Moving to Bridgespan was motivated by my intention to really focus on DEI. After joining Bridgespan, I bumped into a former colleague who said to me, “Zam, do you remember how you used to fight for us?” It made me realise that even if the impact I thought I had had was small, it was felt, which affirmed the direction I’ve taken. I believe consistency is key, so I have always tried to be consistent in ensuring that everyone is included in the spaces where I have influence.
Is there an exciting project you’re currently working on?
One project I’m currently excited about is launching the employee resource groups (ERGs), formerly known as affinity groups. It’s particularly exciting because Bridgespan Africa hasn’t had its own ERGs before. Now we have been able to design our own spaces, and I am really looking forward to seeing how they grow, how they make an impact, and how they serve as support for members as well as for everyone in the office.
What do you enjoy most about working at Bridgespan?
It really is the people. Everyone at Bridgespan is really welcoming and has good intentions both in their work and their engagements with others. That is very unique.
Bridgespan Africa’s office is growing steadily. What do you hope to see in the organisation’s future?
I really want to ensure that we into being a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging, regardless of their race and gender. I focus on those two specifically because they are priority areas in some of the work we do and in society.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
To be honest, relaxing! We take for granted how, the older you get, the more time you need to pour into your own cup. I love people and being with people, but it’s important to be in a quiet space and to take time to reset. I also thoroughly enjoy cooking because food is my love language. In the years to come, I would like to travel more: going somewhere I can sightsee but also relax away and get away from things. That’s my dream.
