After successful careers in government, corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, Risna Opperman has entered a new chapter that is helping women take control of their financial futures. She believes confidence, education and consistency are the foundations of lasting financial independence.
Financial independence is more than a career for Risna, it is a mission. After years in government, corporate leadership at South African Breweries and building the successful Urth lifestyle destination in Bloemfontein, she found herself drawn to a new purpose: helping women take ownership of their financial futures.
Along the way, Risna noticed a common pattern. While many women contributed significantly to their households, they often relied on their partners to manage retirement savings, investments and estate planning. Determined to change that, she completed a postgraduate diploma in Certified Financial Planning and joined Optimum Financial Services.
“My focus is on helping women achieve financial independence and develop confidence in their financial decisions,” she says.
Her days are structured and intentional. Mornings begin with breakfast and coffee alongside her husband before heading to Urth, where she starts each day with a walkabout and team briefing. She believes in planning ahead, keeping priorities clear and tackling the three most important tasks before the day ends.
Risna’s career has evolved through distinct chapters, insurance, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship and now financial planning. A defining moment came when she joined the executive team at South African Breweries at a young age, teaching her the importance of preparation, planning and having the confidence to speak up in a male-dominated industry.
Today, success is measured by the lives she helps transform. Professionally, she finds fulfilment in seeing clients achieve financial stability and watching employees grow into confident professionals. Personally, success means seeing her children flourish while enjoying a balanced life with her husband.
She is equally passionate about mentoring women in business, believing many already possess the talent, they simply need encouragement and perspective. “Women create our own opportunities to connect, collaborate and share business,” she says.
When she isn’t working, Risna finds peace in her garden, where planting seeds and watching them grow reminds her that the greatest successes, in business and in life, are cultivated over time.
Get in touch:
Optimum Financial Services
risna@optimumgroup.co.za / 0737057288
Urth: www.urth.co.za / 0514511913 / welcome@urth.co.za
Photograph: HARMSE PHOTOGRAPHY
