Author: Vincent Barends
Vincent Berends is the Top 35-under-35 and founder of the Optima business group – a group of companies that bring the disciplines of accounting, administration, finance, financial planning, insurance and legal practices together, as opposed to clients having to use various professional service providers. Name: Vincent Berends (33) Region: Northern Region Job Title: Managing Partner / […]
Vincent Berends is the Top 35-under-35 and founder of the Optima business group – a group of companies that bring the disciplines of accounting, administration, finance, financial planning, insurance and legal practices together, as opposed to clients having to use various professional service providers.
Name: Vincent Berends (33)
Region: Northern Region
Job Title: Managing Partner / Founder
Years in this position: 7
Company Name: Optima Financial and Tax Solutions Mpumalanga
Entry Category: Practice
Vincent Berends built this business model with the focus on clients and by building trusting relationships with both clients and other professionals. This model has resulted in the opening of the first franchised accounting office in Pretoria in 2017. The franchised office can provide clients with a personal one-stop, integrated service offering provided by the group’s expert professionals. The franchisee accountant, therefore, does not need to be an expert in business but can focus on what an accountant does best knowing that he or she has access to various hand-selected experts in other value-adding disciplines when needed.
He was born to lead, inspire and excel in everything he pursues. He believes that nothing is impossible and that the only limitations in life are those imposed on oneself. Growing up in Mbombela (Nelspruit), he realised that everything starts with a plan – whether it is to build a house or starting a business – and that proper planning prevents poor performance. Every achievement and end result he achieved can be traced back to a plan he had formulated beforehand. He, therefore, regards himself as a business strategist as opposed to a consultant.
Vincent believes in the fair and equal treatment of every person and business – nothing upsets him more than when someone is being treated unfairly. This has earned him the respect of many, but also (unfortunately) resulted in him being ‘less popular’ with others. Vincent has also been involved in a project that has the potential to change 22 million commuters’ lives. Unfortunately, the details of the project cannot be shared at this stage, but an official launch is expected next year.
Although challenging at times, Vincent Berends believes in having a proper balance in life and enjoys spending quality time with his family, wife and three stepchildren.
Contact Us at WeSpeak Global and follow us on Facebook
Read further articles in similar categories
The articles, video and images embedded on these pages are from various speakers and talent.
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by WeSpeak Global.
The invaluable lesson ‘Exposure’ was one of the significant events that rolled into town with the covid circus. The carpet was pulled back to expose things like pre-existing leadership ineptitude, business weaknesses and relationship flaws. Unhappy employees became unhappier. Unhappy couples separated. Unhappy clients cut ties. The character of political leadership was revealed. Two areas […]
How to Craft Powerful Stories that Can Drive Culture Change There is an old adage that says: If you want to learn about a culture, listen to the stories. If you want to change a culture, change the stories. I had a first-hand experience with this very early on in my career. The MD […]
Building brands takes time. Be patient. Branding is an overused, misused and even abused management term. People think brand is a quick design fix for many management ills. It’s not. Building a brand takes time to root and enact change. The reason being, brands can influence our emotion and behaviour and that doesn’t happen overnight. […]
I first met Julie Faupel during a week-long personal growth retreat and learnt how to get Closer to Your Customer. The retreat required a total digital detox and abstinence of any conversation related to career, work or business. Julie and I became fast friends and for me personally, the retreat experience was transformational. Fortunately, the […]
The old saying, “What got you here won’t get you there,” applies as a Skill You Need to Master to your professional life today. The world is quickly changing as well as the competitive landscape. Whether you are running a business or trying to increase your career equity, ramping up your skill set is important. […]
Is it that, “They dont want to work!” – or – they dont want to work for YOU? Here’s a problematic question for entrepreneurs and managers: is it that people dont want to work nowadays? Or is it that they dont want to work for YOU? Twenty years ago, I wrote that you must provide […]
I once met this old man, whilst traveling. I guess as a tourist, anything goes. Owning your presence … by Lizette Volkwyn His coat was tacky, his hair in desperate need of grooming, and his age betrayed by his body…but something pulled me back, calling me to start a conversation with this stranger. […]
The best way to predict the future is by Creating a Personal Strategy A powerful quote! Do you know that Abraham Lincoln considered even himself a failure for the most parts of his life? He failed far more than he ever succeeded in life, yet most people remember and reference his success rather than his failures. […]
No results available
Our Mission
© All rights reserved 2025. Created using VOXEL THEME