Jeanette Marais: The Making of a CEO
Wed Jan 28 2026
In this first episode of the CEO Series, Debbie sits down with Jeanette Marais, who made history in August 2023 as the first female CEO of a large listed financial services group in South Africa when she took the helm at Momentum Group. Jeanette shares her journey from being a "girl from the Free State" to leading a 16,000-person organization, revealing the unexpected challenges of the role - from navigating 13 board members to making the bold decision to lead with purpose over profit metrics. She opens up about the gruelling seven-month selection process, her unconventional remote leadership approach (commuting weekly between provinces), and why receiving harsh feedback became her greatest gift. This conversation cuts through the typical CEO talking points to expose the real experience of stepping into the top seat, complete with 3 AM wake-ups and the courage to be "fundamentally unreasonable."
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On Work and Revolution podcast exposes the real forces reshaping leadership, talent, and the future of work. Hosted by Debbie Goodman - CEO of Jack Hammer Global, a top executive search firm, author, advisor, and speaker - this podcast dives into bold ideas and honest conversations with CEO's reshaping today’s workplaces and redefining what great leadership looks like.
If you’re a CEO, founder, or changemaker hungry for real insight into workplace trends, hiring strategy, and organizational transformation, this is your space to listen, learn, and lead differently.
✦ Explore more insights, guest details, and episode transcripts at: jhammerglobal.com
✦ Follow Debbie on LinkedIn | YouTube
✦ Subscribe, share, and spark your own work revolution. 🎧
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In this first episode of the CEO Series, Debbie sits down with Jeanette Marais, who made history in August 2023 as the first female CEO of a large listed financial services group in South Africa when she took the helm at Momentum Group. Jeanette shares her journey from being a "girl from the Free State" to leading a 16,000-person organization, revealing the unexpected challenges of the role - from navigating 13 board members to making the bold decision to lead with purpose over profit metrics. She opens up about the gruelling seven-month selection process, her unconventional remote leadership approach (commuting weekly between provinces), and why receiving harsh feedback became her greatest gift. This conversation cuts through the typical CEO talking points to expose the real experience of stepping into the top seat, complete with 3 AM wake-ups and the courage to be "fundamentally unreasonable." Helpful Links: Follow Debbie on LinkedIn Follow Jeanette on LinkedIn On Work and Revolution podcast exposes the real forces reshaping leadership, talent, and the future of work. Hosted by Debbie Goodman - CEO of Jack Hammer Global, a top executive search firm, author, advisor, and speaker - this podcast dives into bold ideas and honest conversations with CEO's reshaping today’s workplaces and redefining what great leadership looks like. If you’re a CEO, founder, or changemaker hungry for real insight into workplace trends, hiring strategy, and organizational transformation, this is your space to listen, learn, and lead differently. ✦ Explore more insights, guest details, and episode transcripts at: jhammerglobal.com ✦ Follow Debbie on LinkedIn | YouTube ✦ Subscribe, share, and spark your own work revolution. 🎧