First Thursdays with Gina Schoeman

What helps you turn your ability into opportunity and make sure people hear your ideas?

In this episode of First Thursdays, Gina Schoeman speaks with RMB chief economist Isaah Mhlanga about the curiosity, choices and determination that shaped his career.

Chapters

01:16 Welcome and Isaah Mhlanga introduction
02:57 Curiosity, everyday economics and an unexpected study path
10:30 Why talent needs hard work and preparation creates opportunity
18:00 Finding his footing: the budget speech competition and the IMF
24:12 Communicating your ideas, building relationships and writing publicly
36:05 Giving back through education and finding joy in ideas
44:20 People skills in the age of AI
48:34 Ambition, overcoming fear and the books that shaped his thinking

Growing up, Isaah wanted to understand the economic realities around him: what his family could afford, why people were unemployed and how circumstances shaped their opportunities. He imagined a future in engineering or actuarial science. Instead, a scholarship took him to the University of Johannesburg, where he shifted from accounting to economics.

From a budget speech competition to a practical forecasting interview at the IMF, Isaah shares the moments that helped him see what was possible. He explains why talent needs sustained hard work, and how preparation puts you in a better position to make the most of luck.

Together, they explore why excellent work needs clear communication, how writing sharpens your thinking, and why relationships and emotional intelligence matter in an increasingly AI-dominated world.

Isaah also reflects on giving back through education, overcoming self-imposed limits and his ambition for a South Africa where your birthplace doesn’t determine how far you can go.

Whether you’re starting out, progressing in your profession or considering a new direction, this conversation offers a personal perspective on developing your abilities and putting them to meaningful use.

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It’s always the economics.

Do you need to have all the answers before you take the next step in your career?

In this episode of First Thursdays, Gina Schoeman speaks with chief economist Sanisha Packirisamy about changing direction, building confidence and the people who help us grow.

Sanisha shares how she moved from actuarial science into finance and economics, started her first job just before the global financial crisis, and found support from colleagues who opened doors before she felt ready to walk through them.

Together, they explore why asking questions matters, how collaboration builds your reputation, and the difference it makes when someone puts your name forward. They also speak candidly about studying while working, balancing a demanding career with motherhood, and knowing when to give yourself some grace.

Whether you’re starting out, changing direction or supporting others in their careers, this conversation offers a reminder that growth involves curiosity, relationships and a willingness to try before you feel completely ready.

The audience Q&A covers CFA versus MBA studies, the rand, getting a foot in the door, useful software skills and ethics in everyday work.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and introducing Sanisha Packirisamy
05:19 Changing direction: from actuarial science to economics
10:22 Sponsors, support networks and finding confidence
16:52 Asking questions and building relationships at work
23:21 Ambition, motherhood and the reality of work-life balance
31:38 Further study, perfectionism and learning from wrong forecasts
43:10 Q&A: CFA versus MBA and understanding the rand
52:47 Q&A: Getting started, software skills and professional ethics

Recorded on 3 September 2026.

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It’s always the economics.

What makes a career meaningful and how do you decide when it’s time to change direction?

In this episode of First Thursdays, Gina Schoeman speaks with former South African Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Kuben Naidoo about a journey spanning anti-apartheid activism, public service, central banking and the private sector.

Kuben reflects on studying maths and computer science, discovering a passion for economics through an influential mentor, and joining the National Treasury team helping shape a democratic South Africa.

He shares lessons from building institutions, navigating the COVID crisis and moving into the private sector after almost three decades in public service. Along the way, he explains why the people you learn from, the culture you work in and the problems you want to solve matter when choosing your next role.

Whether you’re starting out, established in your profession or considering a change, this conversation offers a personal perspective on learning, contribution and finding work you enjoy.

The audience Q&A explores reading widely, South Africa’s investment challenges, making career decisions and using clear writing to stand out.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome: learning to think like an economist
03:30 Growing up in activism and standing up for your beliefs
07:19 From computer science to economics: discovering a new direction
17:49 National Treasury, public service and a move to the UK
25:41 Central banking, building institutions and navigating COVID
32:34 Changing direction: choosing your work, colleagues and culture
43:04 Q&A: Learning about economies and South Africa’s investment challenges
52:42 Q&A: Making career choices and developing skills that stand out

Subscribe for more First Thursdays conversations with Gina Schoeman: https://gina-schoeman.com/#section-subscribe

It’s always the economics.

How do you turn your expertise into opportunities, build a reputation and make a meaningful contribution in your field?

In the second episode of First Thursdays, Gina Schoeman speaks with agricultural economist and Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo about his journey from university to advising on national policy—and the initiative, relationships and experience that helped him get there.

Wandile shares how a conversation at a conference opened the door to his first job, why he submitted his writing before anyone asked him to, and how writing continues to help him sharpen his thinking and communicate complex ideas.

Together, they explore building transferable skills, establishing credibility, handling criticism and learning from others. Wandile also discusses his move into policy advisory work, where economic evidence meets political considerations, national interests and difficult trade-offs.

Whether you’re entering the working world, progressing in your profession or looking to expand your influence, this conversation offers lessons on developing your expertise and putting it to work.

The audience Q&A explores routes into public policy, the role of AI in writing and analysis, and the qualities that help junior professionals stand out.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and the purpose of First Thursdays
08:10 Introducing Wandile Sihlobo and how he met Gina
11:43 From university to a first job: creating opportunities
18:36 Building transferable skills and finding your voice through writing
28:06 Blogging, knowing your audience and handling criticism
32:49 From specialist economist to policy adviser
43:43 Q&A: Finding a route into public policy
46:56 Q&A: AI, writing and standing out as a junior economist

Subscribe for more First Thursdays conversations with Gina Schoeman: https://gina-schoeman.com/#section-subscribe

You’ve been studying economics, PPE or finance—but what does putting that knowledge to work actually look like?

In the first episode of First Thursdays, Gina Schoeman shares what she does as a macroeconomist at a global investment bank and how her work compares with other roles economists can pursue.

She explains why the power of economic analysis lies in exploring different scenarios, rather than relying on a single baseline forecast. She also reflects on her journey from student to where she is today, the chances she took, and the relationships and opportunities that shaped her career.

Whether you’re approaching graduation or considering your next career move, this conversation looks beyond the textbook at the skills, decisions, and experiences that help you find your way in the profession.

The session closes with audience questions about moving into economics, the impact of AI, how economists’ performance is measured, and how government policy influences their work.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and introduction
02:16 What a macroeconomist does at a global investment bank
17:14 Understanding different roles in economics and investment research
28:54 Why Gina started First Thursdays
32:33 From student to economist: taking chances and finding mentors
37:15 Beyond a single forecast: the power of scenarios
47:24 Career Q&A: finding your way into economics
54:29 AI, measuring success and the impact of government policy

Recorded live on 5 March 2026.

Subscribe for more First Thursdays conversations with Gina Schoeman: https://gina-schoeman.com/#section-subscribe