What did you study and what were your career goals when you first began working?

Siobhan Cleary, Head of Strategy, Johannesburg Stock Exchange

I studied law at the University of Cape Town (UCT), did a Masters degree in international relations and economics at Johns Hopkins University (split across Italy and the United States) and then did an MBA at UCT. As you can see, I enjoy the student life! Ive never had a career goal that says, I want to be x by this date. Rather, Ive wanted to do work that I find intellectually stimulating, allows me to spend time with interesting people and makes a difference in some way. Im pretty sure that when I first started studying I expected to end up working for an NGO, but while I still occasionally feel the tug of the not-for-profit sector, Im very happy with where I am and the work I do.

What motivated you to join the JSE? How did your first job with the organisation come about?

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Steering the
By Laura Franz-Kamissoko

Before joining the JSE, I worked for the management consultancy Accenture. One of my early projects at Accenture was with the JSE the project where they moved onto the London Stock Exchanges trading platform. During this project, I was exposed not only to the JSEs operations and people but also to many of the broking firms and investment banks in the industry. I realised that capital markets are a fascinating area with so many elements, so I would never be bored. After resigning from Accenture, I did some part-time consulting work for the JSE, and when I was offered the opportunity to join the strategy team full time I didnt hesitate.

Siobhan Cleary, Head of Strategy for the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), has been named a 2011 Yale World Fellow. She follows in the footsteps of the JSEs Deputy CEO and CEO-in-waiting, Nicky Newton-King, who was a Yale World Fellow in 2006. We speak to Siobhan about her efforts to strategically position the exchange in the fast-changing landscape of global markets, as well as about the most valuable career advice she has received.

What are your current responsibilities as Head of Strategy for the JSE?

My role varies from day to day and thats exactly what makes it so interesting. My team and I are, among other things, responsible for defining key aspects of our Africa strategy, including which exchanges we engage with, how we engage with them and how we position ourselves on the continent. We also provide input on policy submissions to several government departments and develop recommendations about key strategic alliances and new product and market opportunities. In addition, we investigate international capital market developments and how these might impact the exchange locally.

South Africa is an amazing country when one considers the extent to which women have managed to rise to positions of power across the spectrum of government, business and NGO sectors. My hope for South African women is that they continue to take advantage of the educational and professional opportunities they are given. We should all support one another in this regard. There is an incredible legacy thats been built by those who have come before and that should not be wasted by those who follow.
What do you do in your free time?

What is your vision or hope for women in South Africa in the medium term?

Its difficult to generalise and say that certain attributes are specifically male or female. Ive dealt with very aggressive women and very empathetic men, and vice versa, but I do think diversity is critical. Having different perspectives, regardless of whether they derive from gender, race or culture, causes the organisation to constantly challenge its assumptions and helps prevent us from getting caught up in group think.
Within the JSE, what programmes or initiatives are under way to develop and empower women?

What value do you think women bring to leadership in an organisation like the JSE, or is ones gender irrelevant?

I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I read a lot and travel widely. Oh, and shoes; I buy shoes. Nothing ever happens in a vacuum. You get to where you are through your own efforts, but also because people around you support you and create the kind of environment that makes your achievements possible. Never forget to thank those people for what theyve done, and try to make sure you do the same for others.

Anything else you would like to add?

We dont have specific women-focused initiatives in place at the JSE. Rather, I think we create a culture where people are able to succeed because of their performance, regardless of their gender. I think the fact that the CFO, COO and Deputy CEO (soon to be CEO) are all women is a testament to this.

Yale World Fellows

What have been the most valuable business or career lessons you have learnt over the course of your career?

My father taught me (and I think he learnt it from his father) that the wise man learns more from the fool than the fool learns from the wise man. Essentially, you should approach every encounter as an opportunity to learn something. My current boss, Nicky Newton-King, taught me the importance of focusing on the ultimate objective rather than getting side-tracked by the petty battles along the way. Finally, Ive learnt that just when you think you know it all, theres more to learn.

Siobhan Cleary is among 16 World Fellows selected this year, which marks the Yale World Fellows Programs 10th anniversary. Selected from a pool of about 3 800 applicants, this years cohort brings the total number of Yale World Fellows since the programmes inception to 171 fellows representing 77 countries. The Yale World Fellows Program is the universitys signature global leadership development initiative and a core element of Yales ongoing commitment to internationalisation. Each year, the university welcomes a group of exemplary mid-career professionals from a wide range of fields and countries for an intensive four-month period of academic enrichment and leadership training. Previous female Yale World Fellows from South Africa have included: Dr Thembi Xulu, Clinical Director, Right to Care (2010). Nicky Newton-King, Deputy CEO, JSE (2006). Marianne Camerer, International Director, Global Integrity (2005). Raenette Taljaard, former MP; former Director, Helen Suzman Foundation (2003). This is an unparalleled opportunity, said Siobhan. I am eager to get to know the other World Fellows and share my experiences with the Yale community.

What skills do you view as crucial for young women entering the corporate or business world today?

Confidence (but not arrogance), intellectual curiosity, a strong work ethic and the recognition that youre never too senior to do something that needs to be done. Ive watched the CEO pour tea for a meeting and no one thought any less of him because of it quite the reverse. And, finally, a sense of humour never take yourself too seriously.