From family time and golf to running and travelling, three finance leaders share what they do when they step away from the numbers and make time for themselves.
Life as a CFO can be busy, but even finance leaders need a little time to switch off. Whether it is spending time with family, chasing a golf ball or exploring a new destination, Jaco Dreyer, Tshepiso Moshidi and Tafadzwa Garufu have found their own ways to recharge.
For Jaco, CFO of Munch Software, having more time away from work has been a welcome change. Having previously worked in retail, where weekends, holidays and December were often the busiest periods, he is enjoying the opportunity to make up for lost family time.
“Now I've got a lot more time away, it's actually nice. Mine is now invested back into the missed times with family, the kids and my wife,” he says.
These days, much of his downtime is dedicated to his wife and children, especially as he cheers them on at their various sporting activities.
He has also taken up running, although his Comrades Marathon ambitions are not quite finished. Having attempted the race before, he injured his knee at the 57km mark and knows there is unfinished business waiting for him.
Family, golf and a little bonding time
For Tshepiso, CFO of Colgate-Palmolive, the perfect combination is family and golf. What started as a few precious hours of personal time each week has become something even more special.
His eight-year-old son is now joining him on the golf course, turning the occasional game into valuable father-and-son bonding time.
“I don’t get to spend enough time with him, so now we use golf as bonding time,” he says.
Even if his little golfing partner is not always enthusiastic about the sport, Tshepiso is happy to have him along. After all, a few swings and some quality time together make for a pretty good day out.
Finding rest through travel
Tafadzwa, CFO of Freedom WON, prefers to recharge by travelling. His most recent adventure took him to the magnificent Victoria Falls, but he also makes time for running and cardio whenever he can.
“Travel is what works for me! My last destination was Victoria Falls, but I also run sometimes and do cardio when I can,” he says.
For him, exploring new places and keeping active provide a welcome break from the demands of work.
Three CFOs, three different ways to unwind, but one thing in common: sometimes the best investment is simply making time for the things that make you happy.
