The FM speaks to Cheslyn Jacobs, chief commercial officer at TymeBank
02 November 2023 - 05:00
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Cheslyn Jacobs, chief commercial officer at TymeBank. Picture: Supplied
What’s your one top tip for doing a deal?
I always look at a deal and ask: “If I had the money, would I spend it/buy it?”
What was your first job?
Food delivery.
How much was your first pay cheque, and how did you spend it?
R2,500 — I gave half to my grandparents, saved 25% and spent 25%.
What is the one thing you wish somebody had told you when you were starting out?
That there would be way more tough and rough days than smooth sailing ones.
If you could fix only one thing in SA, what would it be?
Education (access to information).
What’s the most interesting thing about you that people don’t know?
I actually wanted to be a doctor.
What’s the worst investment mistake you’ve made?
A very specific property purchase that had lofty ambitions, none that materialised and which still continues to cost me money.
What’s the best investment you’ve ever made? And how much of it was due to luck?
Personally, it was opening investment accounts for my children — not a lot of luck to date but manifesting some to come my way — and professionally, it was committing myself to the cause at TymeBank.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently and why did you like it?
Oh, The Places You’ll Go, by Dr Seuss. It is a book I often read to my children, simply to watch their body language as they imagine what the world could be for them one day.
What is the hardest life lesson you’ve learnt so far?
If it is too good to be true, it most probably is. With a default position of trust I often overcommit to things that may need a bit more thought or interrogation.
What phrase or bit of jargon irks you most?
“All things being equal.”
What is something you would go back and tell your younger self that would impress them?
The world will present you with many opportunities, they will only matter if you want to change the world.
If you were President Cyril Ramaphosa, what would you change, or do, tomorrow?
Create an environment that enables small businesses to grow without the current bureaucracy.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
BACKSTORY: TymeBank’s Cheslyn Jacobs
The FM speaks to Cheslyn Jacobs, chief commercial officer at TymeBank
What’s your one top tip for doing a deal?
I always look at a deal and ask: “If I had the money, would I spend it/buy it?”
What was your first job?
Food delivery.
How much was your first pay cheque, and how did you spend it?
R2,500 — I gave half to my grandparents, saved 25% and spent 25%.
What is the one thing you wish somebody had told you when you were starting out?
That there would be way more tough and rough days than smooth sailing ones.
If you could fix only one thing in SA, what would it be?
Education (access to information).
What’s the most interesting thing about you that people don’t know?
I actually wanted to be a doctor.
What’s the worst investment mistake you’ve made?
A very specific property purchase that had lofty ambitions, none that materialised and which still continues to cost me money.
What’s the best investment you’ve ever made? And how much of it was due to luck?
Personally, it was opening investment accounts for my children — not a lot of luck to date but manifesting some to come my way — and professionally, it was committing myself to the cause at TymeBank.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently and why did you like it?
Oh, The Places You’ll Go, by Dr Seuss. It is a book I often read to my children, simply to watch their body language as they imagine what the world could be for them one day.
What is the hardest life lesson you’ve learnt so far?
If it is too good to be true, it most probably is. With a default position of trust I often overcommit to things that may need a bit more thought or interrogation.
What phrase or bit of jargon irks you most?
“All things being equal.”
What is something you would go back and tell your younger self that would impress them?
The world will present you with many opportunities, they will only matter if you want to change the world.
If you were President Cyril Ramaphosa, what would you change, or do, tomorrow?
Create an environment that enables small businesses to grow without the current bureaucracy.
Also read:
BACKSTORY: Ross Volk, MD of MSC Cruises
BACKSTORY: Klaus Plenge, MD of Tetra Pak Southern Africa
BACKSTORY: Waldo Marcus of TPN Credit Bureau
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
BACKSTORY: Chris Labuschagne, CEO of FNB Home Loans
BACKSTORY: Barry Chapman, CEO of Alleyroads
BACKSTORY: Ditiro Capital’s Madichaba Nhlumayo
BACKSTORY: Geoff Baars, chair and CEO of NMG Benefits
BACKSTORY: Shenin Singh, managing executive at Absa Everyday Banking
BACKSTORY: Natasha Narsingh, CEO of Sanlam Investments Active Management
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.