Meet the Charismatic Kim Howard: Chief People Officer at Ashburton Investments
History: Kim Howard, Ashburton Investments' Representative
In a world where talking less and observing more can pave the way to success, Kim Howard embodies that approach: a seasoned professional who moves mountains without uttering a word. As the Chief People Officer at Ashburton Investments, her keen eyes and sharp ears have helped shape a thriving organization. Let's delve into the career trajectory of this unstoppable force.
The Magic of a First Job
Kim reminisces about her first paid job—a holiday gig selling subscriptions for The Star. Assigned a telephone directory, she tirelessly made calls to potential customers who, one by one, became faithful subscribers. The exhilarating sense of validation during everyyeselicited a hunger for more responsibilities and bigger challenges. And it all started with picking up the phone and taking the initiative.
Climbing the Corporate Ladder
Kim's journey took her to KPMG, where she seized opportunities to learn and grow as an articled clerk. Each paycheck was a stepping stone towards a brighter future, her earnings culminating in a substantial R1,750 paycheck. That amount marked the first of many financial milestones, serving as motivation to strive for more. With a touch of glamour added by a stylish work suit and pair of heels, she was well on her way to success, setting an example for her peers and herself.
Overcoming Challenges: A Lesson in Perseverance
The road to success is never smooth, but Kim learned that the true test of character is how one copes with setbacks. Facing the disappointment of a failed CA board exam on her first attempt, she demonstrated resilience and tenacity in retaking the exam. This experience cemented in her a deep-rooted understanding that give up is not an option, setting the groundwork for a successful career.
A Game Changer: The Unemployment Rate in South Africa
If Kim had the power to change one thing in South Africa, it would be to reduce the high unemployment rate. This pressing issue impacts the lives of many, and addressing it would provide a much-needed boost to the economy and the country's overall well-being. Kim's compassionate vision extends beyond counting the numbers; she truly cares about the individuals behind the statistics, striving for a brighter future for all.
The Call of the Wild Coast Hills
When not mavericking in the corporate world, Kim finds solace in a hidden gem: the Eastern Cape Wild Coast hills. A paradise of rolling green hills and grazing cows, this serene retreat rejuvenates her spirit and inspires her to keep pressing on in her career. The opportunity to unwind in this tranquil setting reminds her that life is not all about work, and there's always time for some much-needed R&R.
Fearless in the Face of Adversity
Like a modern-day phoenix, Kim has risen from the ashes of uncertainty post-COVID with courage and determination. Recognizing that bold action is necessary to navigate uncertain times, she is leading Ashburton Investments through the storm with unwavering conviction. Her unwavering resolve shines as a beacon to those who look to her for guidance and inspiration.
Love Conquers All: The Best Investment of All
Journeying down the aisle to marry her beloved husband has proven to be the wisest and most rewarding investment Kim has ever made. In life and investments, luck plays a crucial role, but the extraordinary bond between them has elevated their union to new heights. Their partnership is more than just love cells aligning; it's a testament to the power of destiny.
Embracing Life's Lessons
From personal growth to professional development, every experience life throws our way is a valuable lesson. For Kim, the hardest lesson was learning that setbacks are inevitable, but true success is found in perseverance. Embracing this wisdom has served as the foundational philosophy guiding her to heights of success in her personal and professional life.
Words to Live By
The phrase that gives Kim the heebie-jeebies is the dreaded "Let's not boil the ocean" – a phrase whose imagery she cannot shake. In her amazingly successful journey, Kim has demonstrated that taking calculated risks to tackle complex challenges is the key to conquering the unknown and achieving greatness.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Though she is already achieving great things, Kim wouldn't hesitate to share a few pearls of wisdom with her younger self. Imagining the awe that her own accomplishments would inspire in her younger self, she would remind herself that her future holds more than one rewarding career. Whether she's powering through the corporate world or unwinding among the cattle of the Wild Coast hills, Kim Howard is one inspiring individual on a mission to change the game.
Kim Howard recounts her initial foray into the world of finance with a fond memory of her first job at The Star, selling subscriptions which ignited her thirst for increased responsibilities and challenges. Her successful climb up the corporate ladder led her to KPMG, where she served as an articled clerk, learning and growing with each paycheck, eventually earning a substantial R1,750. Overcoming setbacks, like a failed CA board exam, early in her career, Kim honed her resilience and tenacity, laying the foundation for her future success.
In her current role as Chief People Officer at Ashburton Investments, Kim strives to reduce South Africa's high unemployment rate, believing that addressing this issue would positively impact the economy and the lives of many. Away from the bustling corporate environment, Kim finds solace in the serene Eastern Cape Wild Coast hills, a retreat that rejuvenates her spirit and motivates her to continue excelling in her career.
Faced with challenges such as the uncertainties posed by COVID-19, Kim has shown fearlessness and determination, leading Ashburton Investments through the storm with unwavering conviction. In harmony with her personal life, Kim's marriage to her beloved husband serves as the most rewarding investment she has ever made, embodying a testament to the power of destiny.
As Kim Howard pursues her ambitious goals, she gives wisdom and encouragement to her younger self, emphasizing that life offers valuable lessons at every turn and that setbacks are a part of the journey to true success. Always interested in seizing calculated risks and tackling complex challenges, Kim continues to turn adversity into opportunities, paving the way for greatness in all aspects of her life.
