LIEZL LABUSCHAGNE: Managing Director and Legal Entity Controller for TE Connectivity

#AutomotiveAllies: Liezl Labuschagne, nominated by Shivani Singh, is the Managing Director and Legal entity controller for TE Connectivity South Africa. Liezl studied B Comm Accounting at the Nelson Mandela University and completed her B Comm Honours degree in 2004. She completed her Articles at Deloitte in Port Elizabeth and qualified as a CA (SA) in 2007. She stayed on as audit manager until 2013, where after she joined TE and celebrated her 7-year work anniversary in June 2020. She and her team are responsible for all finance and human resource related topics, including statutory and legislative requirements for the South African entity. She also oversees the other functions in the entity including, IT, Sales, Customer service and planning, and the warehouse operations in both locations. Additionally, she is involved in global projects specifically relating to the training of the Europe, Middle East and African finance community. She has been involved in several mergers and acquisitions over her 7-year tenure at TE and this has exposed her to a wealth of experience.

Celebrating its 25th year of existence, TE Connectivity is a component manufacturer in the automotive industry with a warehouse in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg and serving customers nationwide. TE Automotive is one of the leading providers of advanced automobile connectivity solutions. They enable nearly every electronic function in the car — from alternative power systems to infotainment and sensor technologies – all in a harsh environment. No matter which technology path OEMs choose to innovate for the connected car, they’re committed to helping our customers meet evolving challenges and requirements. TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS

Liezl’s thoughts on #ThingsIWishIKnew and #TheFututreIsFemale

#ThingsIWishIKnew – Stand your ground. If you have earned your place – own it. This was something I had to learn very quickly in a predominantly male orientated automotive industry.  I always refer back to a quote from my favourite cartoon character – Winnie the Pooh – “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”

#TheFutureIsFemale – All women should be allowed the opportunity to excel in any function and sector. There is an obligation on all women to ensure that they empower other women to achieve their goals, no matter how small. I firmly believe that any female can, with the correct training and support perform any job if they set their mind to it. I will make it my goal to ensure that I use every opportunity to uplift the females in my organisation and support their career aspirations.