In an industry long defined by tradition, Shweshwe Tlhapane is leading a quiet revolution, one rooted in purpose, powered by strategy, and shaped by authenticity. As Chief Marketing Officer at Momentum Insure, she is not just building a brand; she is reshaping what leadership looks like in South Africa’s financial sector.
Q: You’ve been described as someone redefining leadership in financial services. What does leadership mean to you?
A: Leadership, for me, is about impact over title. It’s about creating meaningful change, building people, and making space for others to thrive. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about bringing clarity, direction, and purpose to every decision.
Q: Marketing in insurance can be complex. How do you approach it differently?
A: Insurance is deeply personal. It’s about trust, especially during vulnerable moments in people’s lives. My approach is rooted in understanding customers, using data intelligently, and creating campaigns that feel human, transparent, and relevant. It’s not just about selling a product, it’s about building long-term relationships.
Q: You’ve played a role in driving digital transformation. What has that journey looked like?
A: It’s been about staying agile and future-focused. We’ve embraced data-driven strategies, strengthened our digital presence, and enhanced how we engage with customers across multiple channels. The goal is always to meet people where they are, especially younger, digitally fluent audiences.
Q: As a woman in a C-suite role, what challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated them?
A: The reality is that many corporate spaces were not designed with women in mind. But I’ve never believed in shrinking myself to fit in. I lead with authenticity, strength, and empathy. It’s about expanding the space rather than conforming to it.
Q: How do you balance strength and empathy in leadership?
A: They’re not opposites; they complement each other. Strong leadership requires decisiveness and accountability, but empathy allows you to connect with people, understand their perspectives, and lead in a way that is both effective and human.
Q: Your journey is inspiring many young women. What message do you hope they take from your story?
A: That leadership is within reach. Your background, your voice, your perspective, they all matter. Excellence, combined with courage and persistence, can shift even the most entrenched systems. Don’t wait for permission to take up space.
Q: How important is it for you to stay connected to your roots while operating in corporate spaces?
A: It’s essential. My identity grounds me. It informs how I lead, how I connect, and how I make decisions. You don’t have to abandon who you are to succeed, you can carry it with you and let it shape your path.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
A: I want to leave behind more than results. I want to leave a pathway, one that makes it easier for others to rise. If my journey helps redefine what leadership looks like and who gets to lead, then that’s impact.
With every strategic move and every space she occupies, Shweshwe Tlhapane is proving that leadership is evolving. And in that evolution, she is not just participating, she is leading the charge.
