Taimi Shejavali: Breaking Barriers In Namibia's Investment & Wealth Management Sector

They say, “A river carves through rock not because it is powerful, but because it is persistent”. True leadership is not about force but about resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive for progress. Growing up between two vastly different worlds, one of boundless opportunity and another constrained by division, instilled a vision far greater than personal ambition. Education became the bridge, finance the instrument, and leadership the force for lasting impact. Breaking barriers was never the destination but the foundation for uplifting others. This was the life of Taimi Shejavali, an individual who is consistently working towards transforming and enhancing Namibia's economy.

The CEO of Ashburton Investment Managers Namibia (Ashburton Investments), Taimi Shejavali’s journey in finance and investment began with her articles at KPMG in Johannesburg, exposing her to diverse industries and a dynamic, industrialized economy. After completing her internship and three additional years as an accounting professional, she transitioned to SEI Investments in Johannesburg, a US-based investment firm. There, she gained expertise in client administration, institutional investments, and financial services. Her career evolved from finance and accounting roles to leadership, ultimately guiding an asset management firm with strategic insight and industry expertise.

Below is an excerpt of Taimi Shejavali’s exclusive interaction with The Global Women Leader magazine.

Can you share the experiences from your early years that helped shape who you are today? What were some significant influences during that time?

I was born in 1970 in northern Namibia, named South West Africa at that time, which was war torn and ruled by apartheid. My father, a pastor, earned a scholarship to study in the U.S. A year later, my mother and I, then 2 years of age, joined him. In America, my childhood innocence perceived my environment as being equal and fair, I saw a world where colour did not matter. Returning at the age of nine, the harsh reality of segregation hit me. Attending a private school with a handful of black students reshaped my view on equality. University life later strengthened my fight for freedom and justice.

Tell us about Ashburton Investments, its core vision, and the key areas of expertise that define the venture.

Ashburton Investments was formed through the acquisition of PointBreak by Ashburton in 2016. Both companies were licensed asset management firms established in Namibia, with Ashburton Investments founded in 1994 and PointBreak in 1996. Ashburton Investments, the asset management division of the FirstRand Group, fully acquired PointBreak, which originated in Namibia and expanded from there. Today, Ashburton Investments is proudly a leading unit trust management companies in Namibia.

Our expertise spans investments in money market income and equity portfolios, which include money market instruments, bonds, longer-dated bonds, and listed shares. Additionally, we offer segregated portfolios with customized mandates, such as infrastructure and property investments. Our primary focus is in understanding client needs and creating tailored investment solutions and portfolios that meet their desired return expectations.

Taimi Shejavali believes leadership is about resilience, vision, & empowering others, and that success comes from embracing challenges and creating opportunities for lasting impact

What are the main roles and responsibilities you handle as the CEO of Ashburton Investments?

As CEO, my role is to set the strategic pace of our business. Crafting the strategy is essential, and once approved by our board of directors, I ensure its effective implementation. Engaging with stakeholders is another key responsibility. Whether it's shareholders, the board, or clients, I must address their requests while ensuring that Ashburton Investments' vision is understood.

Client engagement is a high priority. Understanding their needs allows us to provide the most efficient financial solution to meeting the financial objective whilst achieving the best possible client experience. Equally important is leading the team and creating an environment where they can thrive. A motivated team is crucial to achieving our goals and maintaining Ashburton Investments' success.

What are the major obstacles you face in your current role, and how do you navigate them?

Challenges are always present, but the key is the attitude we adopt. Rather than seeing ourselves as victims or asking, 'Why me?' or 'Why us?', I believe in asking, 'Why not?' and focusing on our abilities to overcome obstacles and the opportunity to create solutions for the company, its clients, staff, stakeholders and the community in which we operate. This mindset is something I encourage within our executive team, that no challenge should feel too big to tackle when we unite as a Team.

One major challenge is obtaining skilled professionals in our industry. Namibia’s market is limited, especially in areas like listed equities and other financial instruments compared to emerging and developed markets. The solution lies in investing in training and developing talent rather than simply poaching skills. A long-term investment in individuals fosters loyalty and strengthens the company.

I'm deeply passionate about growing our Namibian financial market, ensuring that local professionals gain the expertise needed to compete on a larger scale while building a sustainable future for our economy.

What is your success mantra as a leader?

Watching my team grow and reach new heights in their careers is the greatest success. My success mantra is simple, which is ‘work hard and play hard’. Building a business requires dedication, clear vision, and a strong strategy. Change is growth and should never be feared but embraced, backed by deep professional acumen, and an understanding of regulations, policies, markets, and competitors. Resilience is key, rise above challenges, accept failure as learning, rejection as redirection and keep pushing forward. Success is never handed on a silver platter, it’s about navigating risks, adapting to changes, and staying ahead. Establishing an environment where everyone thrives is essential.

Taimi Shejavali, CEO, Ashburton Investment Managers Namibia

Taimi Shejavali is the CEO of Ashburton Investments, one of Namibia’s leading asset management firms. With a strong foundation in finance and investment, she brings strategic expertise, resilience, and a commitment to sustainable growth. Her leadership drives innovation, financial literacy, and tailored investment solutions that empower Namibia’s economic future.