Meet Olwethu Masanabo
Olwethu Masanabo, based in South Africa is a dynamic financial services professional, educator, and advocate for transformation in the financial planning industry. With over 15 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to shaping the future of financial advisory through coaching, mentorship, and leadership. As the Founder and Director of Pragmatic Academy, a Non-Executive Director at the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) and BDO Wealth Advisers, and a sought-after speaker, Olwethu is at the forefront of redefining financial planning for a more inclusive, diverse, and impactful future.
Early Aspirations and Educational Foundations
Growing up in South Africa, Olwethu saw firsthand how financial literacy or the lack thereof could shape the destinies of individuals and entire communities. She realized that wealth was not just about numbers; it was about people, their dreams, and the opportunities they could access if given the right financial guidance. Determined to be part of the change, she pursued an extensive academic journey that solidified her expertise in financial services.
She pursued a B.Com in Financial Management Sciences at the University of Pretoria, followed by a B.Com (Hons) in Financial Management from UNISA. Her thirst for knowledge led her to earn a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State (UFS), a Postgraduate Diploma in General Management from GIBS, and ultimately a (MBA) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). Beyond financial expertise, Olwethu is a Certified Integral Coach through the Centre for Coaching at the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business. She also holds a Wealth Management Certificate from INSETA.
Her education was more than a collection of degrees; it was a stepping stone toward her vision, transforming the financial planning industry to be more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
Breaking Barriers in the Financial Industry
Olwethu took her first steps into the financial industry as a financial advisor, an experience that would shape her outlook on the profession. Olwethu’s career began in financial advisory roles within leading banks and insurance firms in South Africa. As she navigated the industry, she quickly realized a critical gap, the traditional financial planning model was not designed to serve black middle-class clients effectively.
“All the things we were taught that were meant to make us successful financial advisors just did not seem to work with black clients, which is the demographic I was mainly working in, and there were no alternatives that were provided.”
Rather than conforming to an outdated system, Olwethu challenged the status quo. She shifted her focus towards mentorship, coaching, and training financial advisors, particularly those who wanted to serve underrepresented communities. She recognized that the industry needed more than just technical training; it required a new mindset, one that considered the unique financial realities of South Africa’s diverse population.
Pragmatic Academy: Transforming the Future of Financial Planning
Recognizing gaps in traditional financial advisory training, Olwethu founded Pragmatic Academy, a 100% black woman-owned institution that delivers training, coaching, and mentorship to financial professionals.
“While the financial planning industry has evolved, the way professionals are trained has remained the same, designed for a demographic that no longer represents today’s financial landscape. We are here to change that.”
Pragmatic Academy’s mission is to ensure that financial planners and advisers are equipped not only with technical expertise but also with essential soft skills to serve a diverse and evolving client base. Through hybrid learning, virtual support, and on-site training, the academy provides integrative professional development solutions that enable financial professionals to thrive. Learn more here.
“We are more than an academy. We are a financial planning and advisory school of excellence.”
Leadership and Advocacy for Diversity
Beyond her work at Pragmatic Academy, Olwethu is shaping the future of the financial industry through key leadership roles that drive meaningful change. Her influence extends to the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa, where she serves as a Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of both the Human Capital Management Committee and the Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittee. As a Non-Executive Director at BDO Wealth, Olwethu shapes investment and risk solutions for a dynamic financial landscape. As an Independent Trustee at Old Mutual Black Distributors Trust, she helps drive initiatives that empower Black financial professionals and entrepreneurs.
Her influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms. She actively participates in initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in financial planning, such as the Young Financial Planners Organisation (YFPO) and student competitions, while advocating for bursary programs to support underprivileged individuals. Through these roles, she has been instrumental in creating policies, mentorship programs, and training initiatives aimed at bringing more diverse talent into financial planning. Her advocacy for representation is not just talk, it’s a mission she lives by every day.
“I would love to see a more diverse group of financial advisors in attendance when events are held for top advisors in the region. I would also love to see the average financial advisor in South Africa be more representative of the country’s population.”
Recognition and Achievements
In 2023, Olwethu’s contributions to transforming the financial planning industry were officially recognized when she received the FPI Diversity and Inclusion Award. Unlike other awards, this recognition is not self-nominated, it is awarded based on industry impact and peer nominations.
“I did not apply for the award. You get nominated based on the work you have done to advance diversity in the profession. I was not aware that I had been nominated and was pleasantly surprised when my name was called as the winner of the award.”
This award reflects the profound impact Olwethu has had in making financial planning more accessible, diverse, and forward-thinking.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond her professional roles, Olwethu is a sought-after speaker and mentor. She has taken the stage at prestigious events like Financial Empowerment Week, where she empowers women in corporate spaces to take charge of their financial futures. She has shared the stage with some of South Africa’s top financial professionals at Leaderex 2023, where she participated in a panel discussion on “Decoding the Mind of Money: Exploring the Psychology Behind Money Choices”.
She has also been actively involved in mentorship and coaching initiatives, helping new and experienced financial planners optimize their performance and build sustainable, client-focused practices. Her message is clear: if you don’t see yourself represented in an industry, be the one to pave the way.
“If you do not fit the description of the average financial advisor in South Africa, that does not mean there is no room for you in the profession. If there is no one like you, you can be the first to carve a path for those who are like you.”
A Vision for the Future
Olwethu’s journey is far from over, she remains dedicated to empowering financial professionals, championing diversity, and ensuring financial literacy is accessible to all. Through Pragmatic Academy, her executive leadership roles, and thought leadership contributions, she is paving the way for a more inclusive, well-equipped, and client-centric financial industry.
“I believe in continuous learning and growth. There is always something new to learn, and that knowledge allows us to add more value to our clients, our communities, and the industry at large.”
Editorial Note
Olwethu Masanabo’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and leadership. From challenging industry norms to building a pipeline of diverse financial advisors, she is not just shaping careers, she’s transforming the profession itself.
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