Adél Margarites is about to reach her one-year milestone as chief operating officer of Mercury Insurance Brokers, a demanding job that sees her managing both the people and processes of the company.
“My duties include working closely with the owner of the company, in order to monitor existing processes, and to create new and improved methods that will advance the company,” the former University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) MBA-graduate reveals.
“These methods relate to executing the company strategy and developing its human resources. I therefore not only oversee the day-to-day activities of the organisation, but am also responsible for its long-term performance.”
As a result, Adél explains, she endeavours to balance her focus on results through the creation of an engaging, team-oriented work environment.
“Good communication, alongside applying the emotional intelligence skills I acquired at the USB, is a big part of what I do.”
When asked what a key lesson is she’s learned over the past year, she answers that one has to fully understand a company first before making major decisions.
“All companies are different, and what works for one does not necessarily work for another. I spent some time in the beginning just observing and asking questions. I familiarised myself with the history of the company, who the people are, and I made sure I thoroughly understood the owner’s vision.”
She recalls her time at the USB as having had a huge impact on her life.
“Personally, it made me more self-aware. I think before I was just hoping to get that promotion. Whereas now I am a confident leader with a lot more to offer the business world.
“I was exposed to many new ideas and amazing people during my studies. The international module we attended in Dublin, Ireland was a meaningful experience that I will always cherish.”
Away from the office, Adél says that she loves spending her free time with her family and tending to their garden.
“I also enjoy reading and am part of a book club, in addition to being an enthusiastic traveller. When I was younger, I travelled quite a bit. I’d love to continue exploring the world with my husband and daughter one of these days.”
Looking towards the future, there are several personal and professional projects that she is passionate about.
“I will always strive to grow as a person, whether it is through reading, or travelling, or trying new things. Right now, I would like to learn another language and I hope to enrol myself in a course in 2019.”
- By Steyn du Toit -
