Lead Yourself First

At 26 years old, Tramayne Monaghan was the youngest divisional CFO for Tencent and a Top-35-under-35. He has spoken at global conferences and is a mentor to three digital businesses: Broadley Speaking, African Secret and TurnUp Music. He has launched and run various consumer mobile products such as WeChat, WeChat Wallet, VOOV, JOOX and PUBG Mobile and has assisted Naspers’ COVID-19 responses in South Africa.

He believes in the antithesis of the traditional CA. The brand he has built for himself is one he hopes young CAs(SA) will take up − the new CA is courageous and ethical, analytical and creative. He has spoken at numerous global conferences about this new age of work and the new digital world.

Tramayne’s goal has always been to use his platform and the company he works for as a springboard to do good. He has been a part of numerous bursary campaigns through the brands he represents: VOOV, JOOX and PUBG Mobile. Education is important to him, so he drives this narrative internally.

He drives an internal culture of leadership growth through an internal accelerated leadership plan that includes mentorship and learning. This plan was a product of his desire to open minds to new ways of thinking, but also to allow Tencent staff members to go on their own unique and individualised leadership journeys. He devised the plan and implemented it with a business coach they have brought in to run it. ‘I believe humans need to grow. I am outspoken on development areas for high performances including meditation, breathing techniques and owning your power,’ says Tramayne.

Top-35-under-35 – Tramayne Monaghan

‘My ethos is simple: we are all leaders and I will only be judged on how I grow those around me. But I am also open and authentic about my own struggles. These have resulted in my driving harder to be a young leader and to show others the path is there with the right work ethic and, more importantly, with the right mindset. I use my platforms to drive a change in thinking and challenge the status quo. I believe the world is non-linear. I believe that the greatest asset we can acquire is asking why.’

Tramayne has been a digital mentor to young CAs(SA) through SAICA’s mentorship projects. He currently mentors three digital businesses as he drives to lead, share and influence.

‘I have driven my brand of “non-traditional” CA for years now’, says Tramayne. ‘I have created paths outside of finance to achieve success at a young age. Finance was my one tool, but I have built a repertoire to which I think young CAs(SA) can aspire. I speak about humanity and a love for growth; I want the world of young CAs(SA) to enhance the environment around them. My dream is to create a young leader that transcends their story and develop one that puts them into the news for the good they will do.’

According to Tramayne, the profession needs a voice that outlines change. The profession needs to see the value that can be placed outside of debits and credits. ‘I will never stop developing my narrative on what a CA(SA) should be. I am not perfect, but I can be the blueprint for a generation of incredible young CAs(SA).’

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