“I have had the opportunity to work with a group of the most exceptional people over the last two years who want their lives, and the lives of their customers to be better, more fulfilling and meaningful. They believe it can be better.”

– Kim Kemp,Chief Executive Officer, Pure Innovation (Pty) Ltd

had the opportunity to work with a group of the most exceptional people over the last two years who want their lives, and the lives of their customers to be better, more fulfilling and meaningful. They believe it can be better.

largest of its kind in its market. They have an organisational reputation for not suffering fools and their coin phrase internally is “If it’s too hot in the kitchen, get out.” This is a business which most people thought were out to get the little guys. Most people thought this business was out to take advantage of the man on the street with little thought to their circumstances.

Two years later, this same business was quoted in the Business Day as “being on fire.” The article noted the Company’s growth in areas where others were declining. For instance, their loan book grew by 53% where others were shrinking in the same period. Their credit card, a new offering in 2010, is now the fifth largest in SA. I use the numbers to make my point, as this is the yardstick we understand, but when you look a little closer, you’ll begin to see where I am going.

This business I am talking about is the

“What’s the secret to their success?” If you had to ask the MD of the business, “What is the secret to your success?” he’ll tell you that it’s because he is changed, and because of that his people are changed. He’ll tell you that what keeps him up at night is the burning question, “Are my people passionate enough? Do they understand that our business is about transforming people’s lives? Do they understand the difference we can make to South Africa?” He’ll tell you that his greatest journey has been putting meaning and purpose into the business. The Company was and is a successful business. In my opinion, they have some of the most intelligent minds in the industry, constantly evolving their business model and offering. If they had continued in much the same way as before, I have no doubt of their success but would their success be as substantial as it is? Definitely not.

FoThe Company will never be the same again. The fabric of who they are and what their purpose is has fundamentally shifted. They have answered the complex leadership question and can never go back. I can tell you what happened in the hope that we can learn from the courage and

September 2011 | Management Today 55