Catherine Lesetedi (Botswana)

Catherine Lesetedi,

(CEO of Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL) Group)

www.bihl.co.bw 

“If you think something is difficult, it becomes really difficult. If you think you can do it, sometimes you even surprise yourself.” These are the golden words of Catherine Lesetedi, the esteemed Group Chief Executive Officer of Botswana Insurance Holdings Limited (BIHL). She embodies a leadership style that defies convention. With a background in Statistics from the University of Botswana, she embarked on a career in the insurance industry in 1992, building her path from the ground up. Throughout her journey, she has remained steadfast in her belief that a flexible leadership approach yields optimal results, allowing her team to thrive. 

Leading from the rear, Catherine's leadership style is adaptable and agile, catering to the unique demands of each situation. Driven, open-minded, and forward-thinking, she empowers her team, recognizing and fostering their strengths, and encouraging innovation and growth. She understands that success lies in maximizing individual talents and ensuring a passionate and capable workforce to fill any gaps that may arise.

Catherine Lesetedi is far from predictable, even in her educational choices. Opting for Statistics at the University of Botswana was a serendipitous event, as she arrived late, out of breath, and having forgotten her initial course preferences. Guided by the Department of Student Placement, she found herself delving into the world of Statistics and Demography, a departure from her initial aspirations. 

In her words, “When we were making choices about what to study at varsity, we didn’t really know much about careers, to be honest with you, I didn’t know anything about Statistics until I got to the Department of Student Placement at the Ministry of Education.”

I was late; my father and I had run out of fuel. By the time we arrived, I was out of breath, and I had forgotten my initial course choices. My brother, who I really admired, had studied Public Administration and Political Science, and that’s what I wanted.”

They said that that weird combination didn’t exist, and told me that I was going to do Statistics and Demography.”

In March 2016, Catherine assumed the role of CEO of the BIHL Group, BIHL is the largest and oldest life insurance company in Botswana with a market share of more than 80% and more than 200, 000 individual clients, and over 250,000 active individual life policies. Following her tenure as CEO of Botswana Life Insurance Limited. She serves on several boards, including those of BIHL Group, Bifm Capital Investments Fund One, Botswana Insurance Company, Nico Holdings, Sanlam Namibia, Letshego Holdings Limited, and their subsidiary boards. As a mentor, Catherine exemplifies the importance of showing up and giving one's best, nurturing talent within the BIHL Group.

Lesetedi believes that empowering women and girls is essential to the health and social development of families, communities, and countries. It is also key, she notes, to economic growth, political stability, and social transformation. “Corporations can be powerful forces for positive social change, and women leaders on corporate boards have been given that opportunity to continue driving that change. We are also able to help fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large; it is about more than just the individual, and this is something I am incredibly passionate about,” concluded Lesetedi.

Recognized for her outstanding leadership, Catherine Lesetedi has been included in Africa.com's Definitive List of Women CEOs for 2023, the third time she is being recognized by this prestigious platform, a testament to her remarkable achievements. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, showcasing the transformative power of determination and dedication in shaping a successful career. 

The information provided in this biography is based on publicly available sources, including the mentioned article by Africa.com.

(Information from: She Leads Africa, Letshego, The Hotwire Exchange,  africa.com, BIHL Group)