EY-Parthenon Real-World Strategy Dialogues – Absa’s Punki Modise on maintaining growth during uncertain times

In the third episode of EY-Parthenon’s Real-World Strategy Dialogues – a podcast series by EY-Parthenon – Absa Group Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer Punki Modise shares her thoughts on adapting and innovating amid uncertainty.

Modise is responsible for driving the integration of business strategy and sustainability measures at Absa. This includes overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of the Group’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) agenda. 

She is also a member of the ABSA Group Executive Committee and sits on various internal governance structures. 

Before her current position, Modise served in several important roles at Absa – including CFO of the Retail Business Bank, Head of Transactional Banking, Chief of Staff in Retail Banking, CFO of Distribution Channels, and CFO of Card and Consumer Finance.

Modise holds a BCom degree from Wits University, a master’s degree in Financial Management from the University of Johannesburg, and has completed the Stanford Executive Program (SEP) at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

The interview

In the interview, Modise discusses how they create economic growth and freedom for Absa’s customers.

She explains that this is done while navigating industry uncertainty, emphasising the importance of agility and foresight.

Modise then unpacks the strategic imperatives necessary to be successful in the current business climate.

These are broadly centred around three pillars – innovation, customer centricity, and sustainability – which Modise details in more depth.

Modise concludes the interview by explaining the principles and strategies she employs to navigate the significant responsibilities of her important role at Absa.

Watch the full interview with Punki Modise below.