Riana Wessels, CEO of Samba, brings over 24 years of experience in the Financial Service Industry to her role, with nearly 20 of those years dedicated to Samba.
Since her appointment as CEO in January 2024, Riana has been a driving force behind the company’s success, emphasising the importance of loving what you do.
“I am privileged to say that I love what I do,” she shares. Her extensive background in management, customer service and finance has equipped her to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, always striving to exceed their expectations.
Outside of work, Riana finds joy in photography and escaping to the Bushveld, where she can immerse herself in the beauty of nature.
Samba, established in 1938, aims to bridge the gap between business owners and consumers, fostering mutual benefits. Starting with 38 members and 14 stores accepting Samba, it has now expanded to 24,400 cardholders and 27,500 participating stores. During November 2023, Samba paid out R30.36 million to its members. Samba works daily to negotiate services that financially benefit its members.
Riana attributes this remarkable growth to the company’s commitment to integrity and its focus on the prosperity of its members and suppliers. “We perceive our members as family, just as the Samba personnel are one big family,” she explains. “People drive the brand and I have an exceptional Board of Directors and team at Samba.”
Her career inspiration stems from her childhood and university days, when she accompanied her father on business trips. These experiences imparted valuable lessons about the business world.
“His advice was always to be strong, hardworking, and resolute in your decision-making,” Riana recalls. Her mother, a prayer warrior and community servant, also greatly influenced her. “Her example and zest for life inspires me to implement this in my daily routine,” she adds.
A blend of professionalism, determination and strategic thinking is what makes her a woman who means business.
She values diverse perspectives and aims to motivate and empower her team to achieve collective goals. “My goal is to navigate challenges with grace and poise, making a formidable presence in the business world,” she says. “Quiet time with my Heavenly Father gives me strength for each day, striving daily to bear the fruit of the Spirit,” she adds.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for Riana, who schedules quality time for herself weekly and plans weekend getaways to recharge. “I make twice monthly appointments to spoil myself,” she notes.
Outside of work, Riana enjoys quality time with family and friends, watching a movie or series, reading, building puzzles and listening to music. Daily walks in nature helps her refocus and unwind.
“I aim to do this daily before or after work depending on the season to get out and refocus,” she says.
Get in touch:
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Text: JUSTINE FORTUIN Photograph: TANIA ALLEN Makeup: POSH LAB
