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 the best 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 manager.

Luthando 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.”

Hailing from Hwange in Zimbabwe, Nokuthaba started at Allan Gray as a trainee business analyst. As she puts it the opportunity came through a series of lucky events: falling into IT as a student, declining what seemed to be a good position in Johannesburg and, finally, having a friend who worked at Allan Gray. “My friend told me about working at Allan Gray, because I did not know much about it. It seemed like a distant, unreachable brand, but I could not be more wrong…”

“That first interview really set me straight on the type of place it was. It felt like the people interviewing me were most concerned with who I am as a person and how I would fit into the business. The following interviews did get tougher though, but looking back I think it was necessary.” 

And that theme continued as she started her career at Allan Gray. “When I started I had an issue with being heard, especially in meetings, having just come out of university. My mentor at the time really helped me learn to stand my ground and argue my point. Having someone who has your back like that has been very valuable to me…In fact, she has pushed me to develop myself from the moment we met. Allan Gray as a whole is not a sink or swim environment; as much as you might have the talent, you also need people supporting your development.” 

Nokuthuba has gone on to be a senior business analyst and is now a domain owner. “As great as it has been to grow in the business, I think the thing I most enjoy is being able to get outside the box of IT. When we recently launched Umbrella Funds I got to be involved in strategic and business conversations – it really opened my eyes to how the business works from the inside,” she ends.