Empowered from Within: Flourishing in a Supportive Company Culture

Johannesburg | Thought Leadership

My journey at Moore Johannesburg began long before officially joining in 2023. In 2018, I applied for a training contract at Moore. However, I was unsuccessful which left me feeling disappointed. Nonetheless, I am a firm believer in the notion that everything happens for a reason, and though the path may have shifted, my unwavering goal remained intact. After an initial setback in 2018, I chose to embark on a path of learning and development at a small audit firm in Bedfordview. It was here that my passion for auditing blossomed, and I honed my skills and expertise in the field.

Fast forward to 2023, a year of readiness for fresh challenges and new horizons. I found myself interviewing with Moore Johannesburg once again. The energy and vision presented by Sheree Taylor (Director at Moore Services) during my interview, made it evident that this was where I needed to be. This time around, the time was right.

In April 2023, the stars aligned perfectly and I was appointed as audit manager at Moore Johannesburg’s International division (Moore Services). Upon joining, I was determined to be more than “just” a Chartered Accountant (SA). I wanted to be involved and contribute to the firm’s growth and success. I wanted to do more, or as we like to say, “do Moore”.

This ambition led me to express my aspirations to Candice Jenkins, Director of Audit, during my first probation meeting. Remarkably, Candice not only listened but recognized my potential and presented me with an incredible opportunity – to become the Head of Training. In this role, I could continue my involvement in auditing while being responsible for the development and training of the firm. It was an opportunity that perfectly aligned with my passion for lifelong learning and professional growth.

And as if fate sought to add more chapters to my story, I found myself immersed in the day-to-day operations of Moore Services, alongside our esteemed Director, Sheree Taylor. Sheree has her own success story and if you are lucky enough, she will tell you about it. Her achievements have served as a powerful inspiration, igniting a desire within me to strive for greater heights and accomplish even more. I believe that when women are represented in leadership positions, it serves as an inspiration for other female employees, encouraging them to aspire to leadership roles.

Inclusive leadership translates into a more supportive and nurturing work environment, where all employees can flourish and reach their full potential.

At Moore Johannesburg, the phrase “the sky is the limit” may seem like a cliché, but from my firsthand experience, it holds true. Our firm truly recognizes potential and provides an unwavering support system through its exceptional leaders, ensuring that every individual’s success is fostered. Hard work and enthusiasm are duly rewarded, making the journey at Moore an incredibly fulfilling one.

My journey has been a transformative odyssey marked by growth and achievement. From overcoming early setbacks to embracing new opportunities, each step has contributed to my personal and professional development. As I continue my voyage, I eagerly anticipate the unfolding chapters of this remarkable adventure, aspiring to contribute to the firm’s success and to empower others to embark on their journeys of discovery.

In closing, I would like to share a few words of advice for young women who want to achieve success in their careers:

  • Embrace Challenges: Don’t shy away from challenges; see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Overcoming obstacles can lead to personal and professional development.
  • Support Other Women: Lift as you climb. Support and encourage other women in their careers. Building a supportive network of women can create a strong sense of community and empowerment.
  • Stay Positive and Persevere: Maintain a positive outlook and persevere through challenges. A positive attitude can be contagious and inspire those around you.

Remember that success is a journey, not a destination. Embrace continuous learning, stay true to your values, and keep pushing yourself to grow and achieve your dreams. With determination, hard work, and a supportive mindset, you can carve a successful and fulfilling career path for yourself.

Sanchia-Lee Esterhuyse

Sanchia-Lee Esterhuyse

Junior Audit Manager and Head of Training

A qualified Chartered Accountant (SA) with experience in audit and assurance.

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