Bev Muir, Head of Supervision, on building a rewarding career

How did you find yourself on this career path?

I initially studied at RAU and obtained both a BCom Law and BProc degree. After varsity, I started out working at two Strate Participants, FNB and then Standard Bank, before joining Strate in 2003. I was part of the Strate project team that implemented electronic settlement at FNB and then moved to Standard Bank as training manager.

When I joined Strate, the Supervision division had just been established and I was responsible for running the Strate examination programme, as well as setting up and developing some of the supervisory tools used to monitor the various Participant-related activities. Eventually I moved into a manager position, and now head up the division I started in.

What and who inspires you?

I learnt a great deal from my previous manager and mentor and will be forever grateful to her for the lessons I have learnt in both my professional, as well as personal life.

Passionate go-getters also inspire me – people that aren’t afraid to make mistakes or challenge the norm.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out their careers?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or change what you are doing if you are not happy! Sometimes we get so comfortable in what we are doing that often change, any change, can be intimidating and unnerving. Embrace change and don’t be scared to try new things. At the end of the day most things are about the outcome or results. Who says there is only one way to do things… If you can achieve the same outcome by following a different (maybe easier) route, why not!

What has been the most valuable skills you have ever learned? And how has this helped your career?

Attention to details is particularly important, especially in the environment that I work in. Learning to deal with people at all levels has also been invaluable. Whether it be junior staff or senior execs or directors, treating everyone with the same amount of respect is of paramount importance.

Keeping your word and delivering what you promised is also vitally important to build trust.