In a constantly evolving business landscape, Raj Nana’s story as the CFO and an Executive Director of Attacq Limited is a narrative of transformation. His journey from the University of Witwatersrand to the forefront of financial strategy at Attacq and his strategic decision to enhance his expertise at Harvard Business School, reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and excellence. At Attacq, Raj’s role goes beyond finance; it is about helping to steer the company through the currents of change with an innovative mindset and a global perspective.
Charting new territories in global business
Raj’s appointment to the helm of finance at Attacq in 2018 was a milestone in a career characterised by an astute understanding of property finance and investment banking. It is this foundation that positioned him to seek out Harvard’s General Management Program, aligning his executive responsibilities with a global management outlook. “It is the perfect blend of flexibility, international exposure and the opportunity for real-life campus engagement,” Raj reflects on his selection of the programme.
Attacq’s commitment to people aspirations
Attacq’s support for Raj’s Harvard journey illustrates our dedication to ‘people aspirations.’ This principle of nurturing talent and fostering professional growth is deeply embedded in our company’s culture, encouraging leaders such as Nana to explore, learn and subsequently enrich the organisation with newfound global business insights.
The Harvard experience: A crucible for leadership
His quality time at Harvard was transformative for him, not just in enhancing his strategic thinking, but in deepening his understanding of diverse leadership styles and the importance of adaptability. “Sometimes you have to play devil’s advocate, but you also realise that in certain types of scenarios, especially when you’re launching new projects, you have to tweak that style a little bit.”
During the course, learning through a multitude of case study analyses was an eye-opening experience: “While preparing for a case study, you think you’ve really thought about everything. And then it blows your mind that you’d have five or six people in the class that have a completely different perspective.”
Building bridges with a global network
The relationships forged during his time at Harvard are portrayed by Raj as more than mere connections; they are conduits for ongoing personal and professional growth and a means to introduce innovative strategies within Attacq. This powerful network underscores the enduring benefits of his academic endeavours.
Inspiring continuous growth
Raj Nana’s narrative is more than an individual success story; it is an embodiment of Attacq’s vision for continuous learning and organisational support. By sharing his journey, Raj becomes a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how education and professional development are integral to personal achievement and organisational success in a fast-paced global economy.
Through this account of Raj Nana’s educational and professional growth, we find inspiration and a compelling case for embracing continuous learning and innovation within an organisation that values and supports its people’s aspirations.