In celebration of International Women's Day 2025, we invited Dr. Indira Bhagaloo, Director of Strategic Relations and Education at Cornerstone Performance Solutions (CPS), to share her insights on her professional journey, the unique strengths women bring to financial services, and how education is transforming the industry.

Leadership Journey

Dr. Indira's career spans over two decades in the financial industry, where she held executive roles that solidified her expertise in business strategy, customer value propositions, and leadership.

"My journey has been largely connected with my passion for education, leadership, and human resource development... The Universe was my strong ally in realising my passion by leading me to Cornerstone Performance Solutions where I got to blend and sharpen my corporate experience while getting the chance to deepen my commitment towards skills development."

What drives her most? The transformative power of education.

"The most rewarding thing about my role is seeing first-generation graduates coming through our pathways who use their newfound skills to build meaningful careers... Education and skills are something that no one can ever take away from you. And having been part of that journey for thousands of individuals is epic."

Her leadership of the #FutureShift programme, which won a global award, exemplifies her approach to creating impactful change through education:

"It was a remarkable experience built on the foundation of change management and underpinned by a learning intervention... It was developed on collaboration, innovation, and a profound sense of the way people learn best in a rapidly changing world."

Women in Financial Services

When asked about the unique strengths women bring to leadership roles in financial services, Dr. Indira emphasised qualities that are increasingly valued in today's business environment:

"Women with their strong sense of empathy, collaboration, and resilience make a perfect fit for leadership roles... Women also have a natural tendency to look at the overall leadership approach, balancing long-term sustainability with risk which is very important for the financial landscape of today."

Like many women in male-dominated industries, Indira faced challenges in having her voice heard:

"I have had many moments when I have had to prove my knowledge and competence. At the same time, there were moments when I needed to double my effort to make sure that my voice was heard, particularly in high-level strategic discussions."

Her approach to overcoming these barriers reflects both strength and authenticity:

"I acquired the skills to navigate this dynamic by being prepared, staying confident, and focusing on the results. I also realised that showing my vulnerability was authentic to my being... My motto is fixing the crown without letting others know about it."

The power of mentorship has been crucial in her journey:

"I have been in the fortunate position of having powerful women as mentors who had already walked the path. They provided me with a road map, encouragement, and leadership... Interestingly enough, my Mom who was a home executive had the biggest impact on my leadership frames. She broke archaic social norms with bravado and subtlety."

Transforming the Industry

Cornerstone Performance Solutions' client-centric approach represents a significant shift in financial services education:

"A client-centric approach shifts the focus from simply selling products to truly understanding customers' needs and long-term financial well-being. At CPS, we emphasise education and strategic relationships that empower professionals to engage with clients in a more meaningful way."

This transformation comes at a critical time, as statistics show only 6% of South Africans are on track to retire comfortably. Dr. Indira sees technology, particularly AI, as a powerful enabler of change:

"Under our AIccelerate strategy, we are not only examining AI ways for content, but we are also personalising the learning experiences which makes the process more relevant to our audiences. AI is a key enabler in design, allowing educators to focus more on engagement and mentorship."

Creating an Inclusive Financial Future

Addressing South Africa's disparities in access to financial planning services requires comprehensive action:

"We need more inclusive financial products, better access to financial literacy programmes, and a commitment from financial institutions to serve all communities, not just those traditionally seen as 'profitable.' Technology can play a big role, but we also need human-centred initiatives."

Her advice to young women entering the financial services industry is powerfully direct:

"Believe in your capabilities, stay curious, and never stop learning. The financial services industry is constantly evolving, and those who are adaptable and knowledgeable will thrive. Seek out mentors, build a strong network, and don't be afraid to take up space. Your voice and perspective are valuable."

And her vision for the future?

"I foresee a time when women no longer remain just participants in the sector but emerge as the top leaders to dictate its fate. I dream of a future where gender parity at the managerial level will be the standard, not a rarity."

Leading Through Education

As Director of Strategic Relations and Education at Cornerstone Performance Solutions, Dr. Indira embodies the company's mission to lead in occupational education. Through QCTO-accredited programmes like the Investment Advisor Professional (NQF 6) and Long-Term Insurance Advisor Professional (NQF 5), CPS is working to transform the financial services landscape by developing professionals with both technical knowledge and a client-centred mindset.

This approach aligns perfectly with CPS's AIccelerate strategy, which aims to integrate AI across all aspects of their educational offerings to drive efficiency, innovation, and impact.

On this International Women's Day, Dr. Indira's journey serves as an inspiration for all aspiring leaders in financial services and a reminder of the transformative power of education, mentorship, and authentic leadership.

For more information about Cornerstone Performance Solutions and their educational programmes, visit www.cps.co.za or email info@cps.co.za.

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