While studying towards a Bachelor of Commerce degree and later an Honours degree in Finance, Luthando says she became acutely aware of the issues in the financial industry. "It's a long-held perception that the industry is predominantly white, and it was hard to imagine that I, as a black woman, could have a successful career at any financial company."

She changed her mind, however, after she was awarded a Fellowship with the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and was paired with a mentor who was an investment analyst at Allan Gray at the time. "From chatting to my mentor about the company, I realised that if I was going to make a meaningful difference in the industry, Allan Gray would be best the place to start working."

After graduating, she was offered a position as a trainee business analyst spending time in various departments to learn the business. After three weeks on her fourth rotation in the Distribution team, which manages the relationship with financial advisers, Luthando was offered her current role as a business development consultant.

The newly-married mother also appreciates the support she has received from the company as she balances family, work and her studies towards a Master’s degree in Finance, which the company is paying for. "People have the perception that the finance industry is ruthless – it may be true for some companies, but not Allan Gray. I have been given the space to prioritise my growth and my family."

After graduating with a Law degree, and then finding herself at a dead-end, Tebogo applied to Allan Gray. “I was unemployed for a while, and that takes a toll on you; I didn’t think I stood a chance getting into a company like Allan Gray – especially because I had little industry knowledge.”

She was thrilled when she was offered a role in the Life department (which manages retirement products). “I knew little about the industry, but I was confident I would end up in Compliance, which is what I was interested in.” Not long after that, a position became available in the Compliance team. Even though it required two-years’ experience, she applied. She was offered a six-month secondment. 

“The amazing thing about Allan Gray is that if people can see you are dedicated, they will help you to get where you want to be. My manager is committed to my development and empowers me in all areas of my work, which keeps me growing.” 

At the end of her secondment, she was offered a permanent role and has been in the position for three years. 

“From the moment I was picked up from the airport when I moved to Cape Town, to my managers who believe in me and my abilities, my time at Allan Gray has been pleasant. Izandla ziyagezana (people help each other) – this is what Allan Gray has taught me.”

Shaheed joined Allan Gray when the business had about 400 employees. He has progressed through the business as it has grown and is currently a manager in product development.

“I started in the distribution team, rolling out the platform business. From there I went to a more specialised role representing the unit trust management company. That allowed me to engage with my passion, which is investment management, but also still allowed me to deal with clients.”

With his recent move into product development his role has evolved. “What I do daily is solve problems: product problems, process problems, regulatory problems – anything that leads to a better client outcome – be it enhancing our existing offering or establishing a new product to cater for a specific need.

When asked what keeps him at Allan Gray, he answers: “A sense of fulfilment and purpose. You work for the right stakeholder – the client – not shareholders. If you look after your clients then they become loyal to you which means all stakeholders will benefit."

“You also sleep with a clear conscience. I’ve worked in places where you don’t really see the fruits of your work or there is misalignment between what you believe is right and what the company may focus on. At Allan Gray, you see the difference you make and feel fulfilled doing so.”

Matthew began his career as a client service consultant, moving into operational analytics before finding he was interested in IT.

“In the beginning of your career you’re just struggling to fit in and do your best,” says Matthew. “But over time you realise that the job must fit you too. I’ve changed careers three times at Allan Gray to find my place, so I really believe that there is space for you to grow and find your niche if you have initiative."

”I started out as a consultant and moved into operational analytics after a few years. There I found a little nugget that I enjoyed: patching inefficiencies and creating solutions using Excel and macros. This was my first introduction to anything technical.” From there, a colleague who recognised his aptitude, recommended he apply for a position in IT.

“At first I was sceptical, but it turned out to be everything I wanted.” His role combines his finance background with IT and helps him give context to developers who don’t have that insight.

“Allan Gray has given me the opportunity to travel and meet people who are as passionate about my field as I am. I went to Germany for a testers' conference and it really brought home to me how on par we are with best practices. I can’t say enough about how mature the department’s processes are and the quality of the people I work with. Some days it feels like I am just learning through osmosis.”