News, Information and Incredible stories to Learn and Grow
Insights, updates, and stories from the world of education and professional development.
The Cultivation of Personal Significance: A Foundation for Enduring Sales Resilience in Modern Banking
Abstract This paper explores the strategic role of personal significance in fostering enduring sales resilience among bankers in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Moving beyond transactional models, it positions bankers as proactive value advisers whose resilience stems from a deep sense of purpose and belief in their professional impact. The authors identify five interrelated […]
When Vision Meets Purpose: The CPS Lunch That Sparked a Movement
In an era where financial services stands at a crossroads between tradition and transformation, industry leaders gathered not just to network, but to ignite change There was something different about Friday, July 25th, 2025, at 54 on Bath. What began as an industry lunch quickly revealed itself as something more meaningful—a gathering of financial services […]
The Professional Mindset: Why Product Pushers Often Fail
And how to build advisors who actually stay, perform, and transform careers The Crisis Nobody's Talking About Only 10% of millennials in financial services plan to stay in their current role long-term (PwC). Think about that for a moment. 90% of your future workforce is already planning their exit strategy before they've even settled into […]
Leading in Occupational Education: Building High-Impact Financial Advisors
In a country where financial anxiety is the norm and retirement security the exception, the difference between mere product sales and transformative financial advice has never been more critical. At Cornerstone Performance Solutions (CPS), we're not just training advisors—we're cultivating architects of financial wellbeing who stand at the intersection of client aspirations and complex financial […]
Beyond Theory: QCTO Qualifications Addressing Real Insurance Industry Challenges
Bridging the Skills Gap: QCTO Qualifications Transforming Insurance Education Our recent participation in the Insurance Skills Indaba (ISI2025) hosted by INSETA reinforced the critical importance of upskilling across the South African insurance sector. The event highlighted how industry leaders are actively collaborating to address shared challenges and build practical solutions for the future. Through our […]
Breaking Barriers in Financial Services: A Conversation with Dr. Indira Bhagaloo
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 […]
Beyond the AI Hype: Real Benefits for Insurance Education
Beyond the AI Hype: Real Benefits for Insurance Education While artificial intelligence often generates both excitement and apprehension, its practical applications in professional education offer tangible benefits that cut through the hype. Financial service providers and advisory firms face significant challenges in developing qualified advisors—challenges that thoughtfully implemented AI solutions are uniquely positioned to address. […]
CELEBRATING OUR CLASS OF 2024
Shaping the Future of Banking and Leadership On 22 November 2024, Cornerstone Performance Solutions (CPS) hosted a special virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate the Class of 2024, marking a significant milestone in the lives of our achievers. Despite the digital format, the event was filled with warmth, pride, and a true sense of accomplishment. The […]
#FutureShift: Driving Exceptional Value in South Africa's Financial Sector
Celebrating remarkable achievements from our recent #FutureShift 5.0 certification at one of South Africa's top financial institutions! Our latest cohort has delivered outstanding results: ✅ 39 leaders newly certified, showcasing exceptional talent ✅ 11 groundbreaking projects completed ✅ R55 million in value generated for the organization These leaders have demonstrated the power of CPS's system 2 thinking algorithm, […]
The Long Walk to Freedom Goes via Education
Imagine a dusty field in the Karoo, comprehensively strewn with plastic bags – the so-called national flower blooming as if it were the height of spring. Years ago, legislation arrived that required you to pay for those bags at the grocery store. Are the million bags accusing the legislation itself of failing? No. The problem […]
Transforming Lives, One Advisor at a Time: CPS's Vision for the Eastern Cape
In the heart of the Eastern Cape, where hope often struggles against the tide of unemployment, Cornerstone Performance Solutions (CPS) is lighting a beacon of change with our Long-Term Insurance Advisor NQF5 Programme. This initiative isn't just a qualification; it's a lifeline, a bridge to a brighter future for our communities. Imagine a region where […]
CPS's Secret Weapon: How Stellar Student Support Crushes South Africa's Throughput Challenge
In the realm of private training providers’ contribution to education and skills development, Cornerstone Performance Solutions (CPS) stands out with its educational programmes and exceptional student support. Our dedication to quality significantly boosts our success rate in the industry giving us an edge over our competitors. The translation is evident in the high throughput rates […]
Post-Masculine Leadership: New Thinking, New Mindset, New Practice, New Education
1. Introduction Post-masculine leadership calls for a transformative approach that redefines traditional notions of leadership by integrating diverse perspectives and optimising outcomes for multiple stakeholders. By moving beyond conventional masculine ideals, this framework emphasises the importance of new thinking, new mindsets, and innovative practices in leadership education, fostering a more inclusive environment that values both […]
Bridging the Gap; A Tale of Success, from the CPS #Thrive Track Workplace Development Programme
In today’s changing world of work, transitioning from studies to the professional realm can feel overwhelming. Acknowledging this hurdle, CPS, through its #Thrive Track Workplace Development Programme, took on the challenge of helping young graduates bridge this divide by providing them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. This programme stood out […]
RETHINK. REROUTE. TRANSFORM.
WITH CPS'S ADAPTIVE LEARNING APPROACH. Empower your workforce for success with CPS's adaptive learning approach. Transform skills, ignite excitement. Through its unique approach to teaching and facilitation, CPS provides innovative learning experiences that help transform a traditionally unequal learning and development environment, inspiring and empowering CPS students to shape their own tomorrows. It’s a common […]
Here’s why the professionalism of financial planners is so important
In a world replete with scammers, fraudsters and professional imposters, what does it mean to be a standout financial and investment advisor? What’s the gold standard in financial planning, and why does it matter? According to Cornerstone Performance Solutions CEO Dr Derek Shirley, the right mindset can set the tone for a flourishing career as a financial advisor, as well as establish an industry standard for professionalism in the world of finance, insurance and investment. It also impacts those who matter most: the clients who depend on insight and advice from qualified professionals. Only 6% of economically active South Africans will be able to retire comfortably when the time comes, according to a recent study by the Association for Savings and Investments in South Africa (ASISA), with other statistics suggesting that even 6% is a generous overestimate. While ASISA’s study partly attributes these worrying statistics to the economic downturn facing South Africa, it doesn’t rule out other key contributors like mounting debt, inadequate savings, and a severe lack of financial literacy. In fact, it highlights that more than half of South Africa’s adult population are financially illiterate. Against this backdrop, Cornerstone Professional Solutions (CPS) CEO Dr Derek Shirley considers how […]
A Partnership for Empowerment and Prosperity: CPS, UIH, and ABASA Join Forces
It is with great enthusiasm that we announce a landmark partnership among Cornerstone Performance Solutions (CPS), Uranus Investment Holdings (UIH), and the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA) and its investment company (ABASA InvestCo). This triumphant partnership has led to CPS becoming a 56.8% black-owned company, marking a significant milestone in its shared pursuit of empowerment and inclusion. In the spirit of value investing and long-term thinking, we've crafted three distinct vision statements using the combined letters of CPS, UIH, and ABASA. Each statement aligns with the message of unity, student empowerment, and strategic value: "Cultivating Prosperous Synergy, Uniting Inclusive Horizons, Achieving Boundless Aspirations, Sustaining Africa" (CPSUIHABASA) The message here emphasizes the importance of unity in a post-colonial South Africa, and this vision promotes inclusivity, equity, and sustainable growth for a shared future. As Jeff van Rooyen, the chairman of UIH says “This triumphant investment provides a platform for transformative education to help shape the South Africa that brings true inclusion for all one step closer." "Committed Personalized Support, Unleashing Intellectual Heights, Aspiring Beyond Academic Success, Achieving Ambitions" (CPSUIHABASA) The message here highlights our focus on catering to individual students, and the importance of tailored learning […]
A GROUNDBREAKING COLLABORATION TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CADDIES AND EVEN OUT THE FAIRWAY.
Caddies in South Africa do not get paid much in an environment where the extremely affluent come to play. Spurred by the knowledge that education goes hand-in-hand with the power to shape the future, UNISA, Cornerstone Performance Solutions and the “Finding The Fair Way” organisation entered into an agreement on 25 January 2023. The tripartite will endeavour to address the plight of marginalised people who would otherwise not have access to education. This initiative aims to partner in delivering education that can contribute to personal and community upliftment. Mr. Jeff Van Rooyen, one of SA’s first black CA’s, the founding president of ABASA, and author of the bestseller “Unshackled”, has proudly introduced the first project that the tripartite will undertake together. Jeff remarks that it’s the first time in 150 years of golf in South Africa that an initiative is being undertaken to provide educational opportunities for caddies (who remain marginalised in a jarring divide between classes). Mr. Matthew Sebetha, representing “Finding The Fair Way” (a caddy organisation), has enthusiastically confirmed that the proposed programme is most welcome and will make a tangible difference for caddies in South Africa. Deputy Director Frankie Mojapelo, representing the UNISA Foundation, is excited to […]