“I believe great technology companies use their services to solve problems for their clients in ways which add real-world value and contribute to the success of the organisation.”
As a Business Consultant at Saratoga, Wynand Toerien uses his keen understanding of the client’s organisation and business processes to effectively identify areas of improvement and to navigate his team through the solution delivery process. “I really enjoy the type of work I get to do on a daily basis, especially the freedom to explore and formulate new approaches to solving business problems for the clients we partner with.”
The role of a Business Consultant involves much more than Business Analysis, and Wynand has also developed his skills in data analysis, account management and mentorship. These skills enable him to add value to the client projects he works on, and help him in guiding and supporting the teams he works with. “To drive transformation within a business and to deliver successful solutions you need to build and grow a productive team of professionals, and support them in delivering initiatives. I like to call this ‘building and crafting our way of work’.”
For Wynand, fulfilling the role of a mentor means that you provide support and guidance, and create a space for the discussion of ideas and challenges. In his mentorship, Wynand encourages each individual to craft their own path and to follow their career aspirations. Beyond mentoring, Wynand is a real people’s person and admits it’s important for him to contribute to the lives of others daily. “I like putting a smile on people’s faces. As a human being, I try to be real and connect with anyone for that matter. I simply can’t solve the world’s problems, but I can at least listen and be there for someone when they need it.”
The opportunity to grow and learn is what attracted him to his current position, and Wynand received the opportunity to take part in the Leader Within Training programme organised by Saratoga annually. “The training definitely supported some key personal development goals on my list, and it helped me better navigate the different challenges I face within the client environment. For me, the highlight of the training was the personal growth of getting to know myself better within the working environment, and learning to focus on my strengths and to further develop these.”
Reflecting on his career choices, Wynand highlights business integrity as one of the important things he looks at when considering a company to work for. “A company that invests in their people, builds and cultivates a healthy working environment and knows that great things can only be achieved together is very important.” One of the things that stood out for Wynand with Saratoga was the company values, and how the senior management and staff are guided by these values in how they work with each other and their clients. “The values of a company should not just be words or an ideal set by management, but rather a genuine foundation from where everything else flows.”
Interested in joining the Saratoga team in Gauteng or Cape Town? Take a look at our current open roles for more information about available opportunities.
