Katekani Mabasa, Global Director of Business Operations for Radiology Informatics at Philips, embodies resilience and leadership in a field where diversity remains a challenge. With over 12 years of experience spanning sectors such as Power and Water, Oil and Gas, Transportation, and Healthcare across Europe, North America, and Africa, Katekani has a distinguished track record in M&A Finance and Strategic Business partnering.
In her role, she translates strategic goals into actionable financial plans, enhances key performance indicators, and manages risks. Her journey reflects a commitment to driving business growth and profitability while breaking barriers and shaping the future with innovative solutions. Katekani’s story is a testament to how overcoming adversity and leveraging diverse experiences can lead to transformative success in the business world.
Innovative Leadership, Global Perspective, and Commitment to Diversity in Finance
Katekani’s career, driven by curiosity and a fearless pursuit of innovation, reflects her commitment to making a difference in the world. After earning a BCom Accounting degree from the University of Johannesburg, she joined GE’s finance development program, which equipped her with essential tools and broadened her perspective on becoming a finance manager.
This program launched her international career, leading her to the Financial Management Program (FMP), where she gained experience in Nigeria, Kenya, and the United States. The FMP provided her with a global view of CFO challenges and underscored the importance of understanding diverse dynamics. Returning to South Africa, she took on a tax project management role while pursuing dual master’s degrees in finance and investments.
In 2017, Katekani joined Philips as an Assistant Financial Controller, quickly rising to CFO of Health System Southern Africa. Her roles included Treasury lead and Global M&A Finance Lead, where she learned the importance of integrating operational activities with financial outcomes and embracing digital innovation.
Currently, as Global Director of Business Operations for Radiology Informatics at Philips, she translates strategic goals into actionable financial plans, enhances key performance indicators, and manages risks, working closely with Finance and Leadership. Her approach, anchored in empathy and innovative thinking, aims to shape the future of finance with impactful solutions.
Katekani is also dedicated to mentorship, guest speaking on podcasts, and co-chairing Philips’ Europe Black Employee Resource Group, advocating for diversity and inclusion.
Global Experience Enriches Leadership Style and Cross-Regional Management
Katekani’s extensive experience across Europe, North America, and Africa has significantly shaped her leadership style and approach to managing cross-regional operations. These global experiences have broadened her appreciation for the complexities companies face and underscored the importance of understanding each country’s unique dynamics.
“These experiences have reinforced the importance of going beyond financial knowledge to include a deep understanding of local market dynamics, cultural nuances, and regulatory environments,” Katekani explains. This comprehensive perspective enables her to develop strategies that are both effective and culturally sensitive.
Additionally, working in diverse regions has enhanced Katekani’s cultural competence and empathy. “I believe understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial for effective leadership,” she says. Her cultural fluency has improved her ability to build relationships, fostering collaboration and trust within her teams. This inclusive approach supports effective leadership and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Driving Innovation and Efficiency in Radiology Informatics
Philips is evolving into a health technology company dedicated to enhancing patient care through meaningful innovation. As the Global Director of Business Operations for Radiology Informatics at Philips, Katekani plays a crucial role in this transformation. She is part of the broader Philips Enterprise Informatics (EI) business, which focuses on expanding the company’s offerings from hardware to software solutions.
“Our EI solutions empower customers to leverage clinical and operational data, boosting productivity, streamlining processes, and improving patient outcomes,” Katekani explains. Within Radiology Informatics, her team streamlines workflows in radiology departments by offering a unified strategy for all imaging needs, from order management and image acquisition to processing and report distribution. This comprehensive approach maximizes return on investment for equipment and helps address staff burnout amongst other challenges.
Katekani partners with Finance and Leadership to translate strategic business goals into actionable financial plans. “I focus on increasing the accuracy and transparency of our financial metrics,” she notes, emphasizing how this effort enhances Philips’ ability to influence key performance indicators, impact profit and loss, and manage risks effectively. Additionally, she builds world-class internal operations to meet customer needs faster and better, providing a superior value proposition.
“This is an exciting aspect of my role,” Katekani says, highlighting her commitment to developing innovative processes and systems that enhance efficiency and effectiveness in serving customers. Her work in Radiology Informatics exemplifies Philips’ mission to improve healthcare delivery through cutting-edge technology and operational excellence.
Transforming Strategy into Action with Data-Driven Decision-Making
In her role as Global Director of Business Operations for Radiology Informatics at Philips, Katekani approaches the translation of strategic goals into actionable financial plans with a blend of collaborative leadership and data-driven decision-making.
“My leadership style centers on collaboration and empowerment,” she explains. Katekani fosters a transparent, accountable culture where team members feel empowered to contribute their insights and expertise. By emphasizing open communication and aligning everyone with strategic goals, she ensures diverse perspectives are leveraged to develop comprehensive financial plans that support Philips’ objectives.
Additionally, Katekani is committed to driving data-driven decision-making within her team. She leverages data analytics for informed decision-making, implements real-time KPI monitoring through an integrated reporting framework, and embeds proactive risk management into the planning process. “This approach enhances our ability to meet strategic goals, improve performance, and manage risks effectively,” she notes.
Blending Financial Acumen with Human-Centered Leadership
Katekani’s educational background and diverse industry experience profoundly shape her leadership approach as the Global Director of Business Operations for Radiology Informatics at Philips.
“My education provided me with a robust toolkit for complex problem-solving,” she says, reflecting on her Master of Management in Finance and Investment. Mastering advanced financial analysis enables her to quickly assess financial situations and develop targeted strategies that surpass average professional capabilities.
However, Katekani emphasizes that technical knowledge is only part of the equation. “My diverse experience across multiple industries has taught me the importance of the human part of the equation,” she explains. Her career spans the Power and Water, Oil and Gas, Transportation, and Healthcare sectors across Europe, North America, and Africa. These experiences broaden her perspective on the challenges companies face and reinforce the importance of understanding each country’s unique environment.
“This holistic view allows me to develop strategies that consider both the financial and human elements of business,” Katekani notes, ensuring success beyond mere financial acumen. By blending her financial expertise with a deep understanding of human dynamics, she leads with a balanced approach that drives both business growth and organizational well-being.
A Vision of Transforming Finance and Operations
Katekani has ambitious long-term goals. As a seasoned corporate professional with extensive experience in diverse industries and regions, she aspires to continue her trajectory toward becoming a renowned thought leader in finance and business operations, “I envision leveraging my expertise and strategic leadership to drive transformational growth and innovation in global organizations” she says.
Her goal is to expand her expertise in optimizing processes while leveraging advanced financial strategies for different business types, as these efforts contribute significantly to achieving organizational objectives. Katekani envisions her role today and beyond in her field as a transformative force across various industries.
A Defining Achievement in Leadership and Growth
Katekani cites a pivotal achievement in her career as a defining moment that shaped her path. While working across Europe, North America, and Africa, she was unexpectedly tasked with running a major division in South Africa, which constituted about 70 percent of the company’s operations in the country. This responsibility came after the departure of a leader two levels above her.
Despite the sudden challenge, Katekani successfully managed the division without disruptions. “Not only did I ensure that day-to-day operations ran smoothly, but I also took the initiative to structurally set the growth direction for the business,” she recalls. Her efforts led to continuous growth for the division, showcasing her ability to handle significant responsibilities and drive business growth under challenging circumstances.
This experience was crucial in her career development, strengthening her strategic and operational skills and earning the company’s trust in her leadership. It led to further opportunities, including managing the P&L of another country, roughly ten times the size of her previous scope. “This is how my career went global,” Katekani says, reflecting on how this achievement launched her international career and ultimately brought her to her current role in the Netherlands.
Global Experience Enriches Leadership Style and Cross-Regional Management
Katekani’s extensive experience across Europe, North America, and Africa has significantly shaped her leadership style and approach to managing cross-regional operations. These global experiences have broadened her appreciation for the complexities companies face and underscored the importance of understanding each country’s unique dynamics.
“These experiences have reinforced the importance of going beyond financial knowledge to include a deep understanding of local market dynamics, cultural nuances, and regulatory environments,” Katekani explains. This comprehensive perspective enables her to develop strategies that are both effective and culturally sensitive.
Additionally, working in diverse regions has enhanced Katekani’s cultural competence and empathy. “I believe understanding and respecting cultural differences is crucial for effective leadership,” she says. Her cultural fluency has improved her ability to build relationships, fostering collaboration and trust within her teams. This inclusive approach supports effective leadership and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
Mastering Work-Life Balance Through Discipline and Self-Care
Balancing a demanding career with her personal life is a challenge Katekani tackles with a blend of disciplined work habits and rejuvenating activities outside of work. “In my work, I practice a harmonizing style, allowing flexibility in my schedule to meet demanding deadlines and challenging goals,” she explains.
Katekani sets boundaries and advocates for herself, enabling her to better control her time. This disciplined approach helps her manage professional responsibilities effectively. Outside of work, Katekani engages in activities that help her recharge. “I am a public speaker and I share my knowledge and experiences through blogging or contributing to industry publications,” she says.
This practice benefits others and allows her to reflect on her work and growth. Additionally, she makes time for social connections that provide emotional support and a sense of community. Physical activity is another cornerstone of her well-being. “I exercise regularly, whether it’s a gym session, a run, or a yoga class,” Katekani notes.
These activities help her stay physically fit and mentally refreshed. Lastly, therapy plays a crucial role in maintaining her mental health. “Therapy provides a space for self-reflection, emotional management, and personal growth,” she shares. It helps her navigate the pressures of a demanding career and ensures she remains emotionally resilient.
By combining disciplined work habits with activities that promote personal well-being, Katekani Mabasa successfully manages the demands of her career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Overcoming Bias and Embracing Resilience in a Challenging Industry
Katekani reflects on her career journey, highlighting a significant professional challenge: being underestimated in a predominantly male-dominated finance industry. “As a Black woman in finance, a space where we are seldom seen or expected to excel, my presence is unique and unexpected,” she notes.
This challenge often manifests in being assigned tasks designed to test her abilities or having her critical insights initially ignored. To overcome these obstacles, Katekani employs several strategies. “I focus on my self-confidence, avoid taking biases personally, and lean on my support village,” she explains. Embracing a mindset of living with nothing to lose empowers her to take bold steps and pursue her goals without fear of judgment or failure.
From these experiences, Katekani has learned valuable lessons. “Do not live the results of other people’s thinking,” she advises. Her mantra, “Black child, your dreams are valid,” underscores the importance of pursuing goals wholeheartedly, despite others’ limitations. She also emphasizes the importance of trusting her instincts. “Even when my advice was initially dismissed, I remained confident in my insights,” she says.
This confidence has become a crucial asset in an industry that often questions the capabilities of Black women. Through these challenges, Katekani has not only demonstrated resilience but also learned to navigate and thrive in a challenging industry, reinforcing the value of self-belief and perseverance.
Conclusion
Katekani Mabasa’s career is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation in overcoming adversity. Her ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and leadership underscores a profound commitment to excellence in finance and business operations. As she continues to shape the future with her strategic vision and dedication, Katekani’s impact is a powerful reminder of how embracing diversity and perseverance can drive meaningful change and inspire others to succeed.
