Inspired by helping make people’s dreams a reality
Regan Adams is CEO of financial services company RCS
Tell me about the work you do.
RCS is a financial services company that was bought by BNP Paribas in 2014. It is in the middle of an exciting transformation, so I have a lot to do in helping to set up our business to be even more successful and sustainable.
How did you end up doing what you do?
I always wanted to become a doctor, as many kids dream of becoming. It was never my intention to become an engineer, but at the time it was a really great degree to have, as engineering roles were highly sought after and in demand.
I figured that if I was going to study something, it must at least be a discipline that would enable me to find a job, so I completed my BSc engineering degree at the University of Cape Town.
I soon learnt there were two paths engineers could take: the technical specialisation route, or more of an engineering management-type role. I took the latter route.
I worked at PPC for a few years, then the US-based company Capital One entered the market looking for candidates to fulfil certain key roles in a joint venture with the then Nedcor Bank.
That is really where my interest in the financial services industry started.
What intrigued me the most in the application process with Capital One was the fact they did not box people according to their degree, but favoured people who think differently and those who are analytical and solution-driven, irrespective of their qualifications.
This was a great lesson to learn early on in my career — people’s skills and competencies are not defined by their qualification. It all lies in their thinking.
What do you find most meaningful about the work you do?
Without a doubt it is engaging and inspiring the people around me. I consider myself fortunate to work in a company where engagement and interaction happen with employees from all walks of life.
What inspires me in my role in the consumer finance industry is the fact that you are able to make a real and tangible difference in people’s lives by helping them reach their dreams in a responsible way.
On a more personal level, as CEO, what inspires me is my ambition to run a successful business which, in turn, creates job opportunities and puts individuals in positions where they can support themselves and their families.
Tell me more about how you have introduced running to your team and the benefits they have enjoyed, both fitness and work-related, as a result.
Running is one of my passions, and we have a very strong running culture at RCS, which I continue to help drive. Running keeps me focused and healthy, and it is a tangible example of the principle that you get out what you put in — there are no shortcuts in achieving your running goals.
Our organisation sponsors the Gugulethu Athletics Club. A few of us are members. This spirited club is such an amazing community of supportive individuals, and I am a richer person for having the privilege to know them.