Carol Coetzee and her unstoppable journey
CEO of the KZN Film Commission has taken on uncharted waters and is a business force to be reckoned with.
Carol Coetzee chats to Jane about her journey in business, her childhood, and her favourite movie. Listen to her advice for women this Women's Month and beyond;
Raised in Pietermaritzburg with four siblings, Carol Coetzee has many achievements under her belt. She counts one of her career highlights as qualifying as a chartered accountant.
Over the years I have always being willing to charter the unknown and take on new challenges.
Her journey has involved working as the Accountant General for the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and then as Head of Department (HOD) for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism. She resigned from this role after five years and thereafter moved on to her new role.
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She has been involved in the development and implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) which was dear to her heart. "The School Nutrition programme was also very close to my heart and made me really understand poverty and what it means to be given a meal each day and the negative impact poverty has on the ability of those affected to learn on an empty stomach," said Coetzee.
Part of my personal growth has been learning to listen to various views and to come to a balanced decision through that process. I ensure that I am honest and transparent in all dealings, which means that I have had to deal with tough truths at times. I've also learnt to say NO - you have to stand by your principles and not allow anyone or anything to impact on your integrity. This requires diplomacy and consistency in your approach as well as remaining professionally calm at all times. I have also had to learn to let go and understand that once you reach a certain level, you may not always obtain physically tangible results but your efforts could have resulted in a new strategic partnership.
In her role as CEO of the KZN Film Commission, she believes that she brings a new perspective to the industry. She would like to see more openness in discussing how to address transformation in South Africa.
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Thank you, Carol, for sharing your story with us. It is so amazing to see fellow women moving their industries forward. This Women's Month, let these stories prove that nothing can get in your way.
#BeUnstoppable, always!