Leadership Insights
CEOx1DAY Alumni: A Conversation with Kgotso Buys, Chief Information Officer: Investment Banking at Rand Merchant Bank
5 min read
Kgotso is an accomplished executive whose journey from developer to business leader reflects a deliberate and thoughtful approach to leadership. A former CEOx1DAY participant, he shares his insights on talent, transformation, and the power of authenticity in leadership.
Q: What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career so far?
Kgotso spoke of the importance of managing individuals rather than teams. In a competitive market for specialised skills, he’s learned that retention and engagement come from personal connection.
“Regardless of how big the team is, I try to manage individuals. I connect with each one at a personal level; understanding their story, what excites them, and what rewards make sense for them.”
Q: What has been a career highlight for you?
While his current executive role was once a personal aspiration, Kgotso finds his greatest satisfaction in the success of others.
“The big successes for me are when people I’ve worked with reach their dream roles. Even when they leave for better opportunities, those are always highlights.”
This people-first philosophy is a consistent thread in his leadership journey.
Q: How did your MBA influence your career trajectory?
The MBA was a pivotal step in Kgotso’s transition from a technical role to a business-focused executive.
I had to make a deliberate transition from a highly technical role as a developer to a business-focused role. The MBA helped me show up not just as a coder, but as a business leader.
He also credits the MBA network as a powerful resource:
“The number of times I’ve reached out to the MBA group and someone says, ‘I know a guy’—that’s been incredible.”
Q: Are you still aspiring to become a CEO?
Kgotso’s aspirations are clear, though nuanced.
“I do see myself as CEO someday. That is a long-term aspiration and for now I am where I want to be.”
Q: What advice would you give to future CEOx1DAY participants?
Kgotso encourages participants to view the programme as more than just a shadowing opportunity.
Think of it as a networking opportunity. It’s a chance to explore a new organisation, meet an exco, and learn things you won’t find in a textbook.
He also discussed the importance of authenticity in leadership, something he learned from his CEOx1DAY mentor. “He showed me that you can lead in your own way. That gave me permission to show up as myself. I’m an introvert, so I lead through one-on-one connections. That’s where I thrive.”
Q: Would you consider giving back to the programme as a CEO one day?
“Yes! It’s a good opportunity for the CEO and for the participants.”
Kgotso also suggests expanding the programme’s scope to include other C-suite roles:
“Maybe it’s time to think a level lower, exposing people to CIOs, CTOs, and other roles. That could be just as impactful.”
Final Thoughts
Kgotso Buys exemplifies a modern leadership ethos, one rooted in empathy, intentionality, and authenticity. His journey from developer to executive is a compelling reminder that leadership is not about fitting a mold, but about showing up with purpose and leading in your own way.
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