In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and governance, Ansa Jordaan stands out as a beacon of inspiration. As the CEO of Exclaim Innovations & Solutions (Pty) Ltd., her journey from aspiring artist to a leading figure in compliance management and software project management is nothing short of remarkable. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of visionary leadership.
From Dreams of Art to the Pinnacle of Technology
Ansa Jordaan’s career trajectory is a testament to resilience and adaptability. “As a teenager, I dreamed of being an artist,” she recalls. However, practical advice from her parents led her to pursue a more sustainable career path. In the 1980s, women in South Africa rarely became CEOs, and respectable qualifications in education, health, or administration were the norm. Ansa’s exceptional school results earned her a bursary to study accounting, a field in which she excelled. She was one of only six women in her class to complete an honors degree and later qualified as a Chartered Accountant with KPMG.
Her academic journey didn’t stop there. Ansa was offered an MPhil in IT, which paved the way for her role as Chief Technology Officer at a large university. It was here that she began developing the Exclaim Software to introduce risk and compliance concepts, a project that has since evolved into a cornerstone of her career. “That was 18 years ago, and many students later, the Exclaim Team and I have been innovating daily ever since to produce unique software,” she explains.
Personal Growth and Team Success
Ansa’s tenure at the University of South Africa was a transformative period of growth and fast learning. Appointed at the age of 25 to start up the Internal Audit Department, she quickly adapted to her role in an academic environment surrounded by older academics and professors. “The department grew quickly and is still an important part of the governance processes at the University today,” she notes with pride.
Her leadership at Exclaim Innovations & Solutions has fostered a culture of continuous learning and innovation. “We have very little red tape and bureaucracy, and all team members’ suggestions are heard and incorporated into our product whenever possible,” she explains. This inclusive approach has resulted in a strong, cohesive team with minimal staff turnover and a track record of successful innovation. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our team’s ideas come to life and make a real impact,” she adds.
Significant Achievements and Challenges
Ansa’s career is marked by numerous accolades, including being a finalist in the Best GRC in Africa awards and the International Compliance Woman Innovator awards. However, she considers the design and release of the fully integrated Exclaim GRC software as one of her most significant achievements. “The software not only surpasses most compliance and risk management standards, but it is also powerful and could change how companies manage regulatory compliance in the future,” she asserts.
The journey has not been without its challenges. Developing innovative software often means creating features and functionality that have never been seen before. “We cannot do research or find answers online; we need to find these answers with critical thinking within a limited time,” she explains. Finding skilled developers and delivering a fully integrated software solution on time with limited resources are among the hurdles she has faced. “A strong team and critical thinking have been the answer to these challenges,” she emphasizes.
Leading with Vision
As CEO, Ansa’s primary responsibilities include determining the company’s strategy, ensuring stakeholder value, and inspiring her team. “I am responsible for acquiring, retaining, and inspiring an amazing team that achieves above expectation,” she says. Her leadership has shaped Exclaim Innovations & Solutions’ approach to integrating advanced technology with best practice governance. “I encourage all staff to enroll in some form of learning every year and to apply their newly acquired knowledge in our daily processes,” she explains.
Ansa is also passionate about influencing the next generation of women and youth in Africa, particularly in technology and governance. “It is so important to me that our next generation understands that anything is achievable,” she asserts. She encourages young women to pursue their passions and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and critical thinking.
“The only advice I can give young women aspiring to enter the technology sector is to do it now! Do not even think about it, just do it,” Ansa exclaims. Her dedication to mentorship and education is evident in her efforts to create opportunities for aspiring leaders.
Balancing Act: Ansa Jordaan’s Dual Role
Managing a demanding role as CEO while maintaining a balanced personal life is no small feat. Ansa admits, “It is embarrassing to admit that I carry a physical diary larger than a dictionary wherever I go.” This diary, along with an electronic one, helps her track her goals and ensure all tasks are completed on time. She emphasizes the importance of a balanced life, starting her day with exercise and setting aside time for family and friends. “It might be old-fashioned, but I also cook meals to ensure that we eat healthily,” she adds. Additionally, she finds solace in reading and occasionally indulges in creative pursuits to unwind and stay inspired.
Championing Excellence and Crafting the Future
Ansa’s relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in the key initiatives she has led at Exclaim. “At Exclaim, it has always been a core principle that every service or product we deliver should exceed customer expectations,” she says. This commitment to quality has ensured 18 years of success, with most sales coming from word of mouth. “We also believe that our customers should enjoy the experience of working with our software as they utilize it for many hours a day,” she adds.
Looking ahead, Ansa’s vision for Exclaim is to automate regulatory compliance worldwide and set future standards for corporate governance. “We have successfully integrated all the components of governance during 2024,” she explains. On a personal level, she aims to complete her doctorate and continue innovating solutions. She also dreams of contributing to the community, particularly assisting children in need.
“We have been in the fortunate position this year to set up a computer center at a children’s village that could assist the kids in obtaining critical skills,” Ansa shares.
Conclusion
Ansa Jordaan’s journey is a powerful example of how passion, resilience, and continuous learning can lead to remarkable achievements. Her leadership at Exclaim Innovations & Solutions has not only driven technological advancements but also inspired the next generation of women and youth in Africa. As she continues to innovate and pursue excellence, Ansa remains a true inspiration in the world of technology and governance.
