From the Pitch to the Boardroom – What CFOs Can Learn from the Springboks
From the Pitch to the Boardroom – What CFOs Can Learn from the Springboks. As South Africa celebrates its remarkable rugby victories in 2024, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on how the principles driving the Springboks’ success can be applied to business leadership. South African CFOs can draw valuable lessons from the Boks’ approach to leadership, team dynamics, strategic resource allocation, and the importance of continuous improvement.
At the recent SAICA Finance Leaders event, South African rugby legend and Paymenow co-founder Bryan Habana joined Mary-Anne Musekiwa, CFO of Coronation Fund Managers, and Jonathan Hurvitz, CEO of Teljoy, to discuss the intersection of rugby principles and business leadership.
Strategic Adaptation: A Winning Mindset
In rugby, coaches are known for their tactical adaptability—knowing when to bring fresh players or shift strategies to gain an edge. Habana explained: “As a coach, you need a sharp sense of timing. Similarly, a CFO must know when to adjust financial tactics to stay ahead.”
This mirrors the Springboks’ famous ‘bomb squad’ approach, where strategic substitutions shift momentum. Musekiwa highlighted the importance of team strength: “As a leader, if I can build a high-performance team, that will help the organisation achieve its objectives. It’s about recognising each individual’s strength and deploying them accordingly.”
Alignment and communication are equally critical in business. When every player understands their role and collaborates effectively, businesses—like teams—achieve shared goals. Musekiwa emphasised: “We need to make sure that everyone is pulling in the same direction.”
Trust and Integrity: The Cornerstones of Success
Both rugby and business thrive on trust. Habana noted: “In sport, as in business, trust is key. You need to rely on your team, knowing they have your back, and vice versa.”
Hurvitz added:“Building strong, communicative teams is key. You need to trust that your team will deliver, and when they do, that’s when you win.”
Preparation and Discipline: No Shortcuts
A key takeaway from rugby is the value of preparation and discipline. Success is built on consistent effort. Hurvitz shared:“There are no shortcuts. You need to put in the work consistently, whether you’re on the field or in the boardroom.”
Habana echoed this sentiment:“A coach has to be adaptable and make changes as needed. It’s the same in business—if you don’t adapt, you’re going to fall behind.”
Lessons for CFOs
From tactical substitutions to fostering collaboration, CFOs can leverage these principles to drive business success:
- Recognise individual strengths.
- Build and trust high-performing teams.
- Adapt strategies to changing circumstances.
- Commit to consistent preparation and discipline.
