Berry’s hard work pays off

Evany van Wyk





Establishing good relationships with clients and becoming a connector of positive change are among Johan Berry’s future plans.

His vision is to ensure that Bank Windhoek remains the banking institution of choice in Namibia, especially in the ever-evolving digital world.

In order to understand the drive behind this formidable man, we need to first go back.

Born in Johannesburg and raised in Keetmanshoop, this eager and ambitious role model worked hard to be in his current position as Lifestyle branch manager at Bank Windhoek.

After completing high school in 1991, Berry had to make an abrupt entrance into the working world. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond his control, Berry could not embark on the luxury of getting a tertiary education.

“I decided not to waste time and before long I was working my way through the ranks of the various places where I was employed.

February 2008 was my breakthrough, when my journey with Bank Windhoek started.

During his time at the bank, he successfully completed an in-house credit diploma and attended the Capricorn talent academy programme.

“I am also proud to say that I completed the Capricorn Group management development programme last year,” said Berry.

Leading a dynamic team of individuals to not only outperform competitors and manage the Lifestyle branch, he also ensures that clients are treated in a professional manner and that their needs are addressed on a daily basis.

He also has to keep a close eye on the finances of the branch and builds relationships with clients, while advising them to the best of his ability. Mutually beneficial relationships between the bank and its clients are of vital importance.

His biggest challenges has been delegating tasks, because he always preferred doing things his way. “Fortunately, I realised that many of my peers and subordinates can do the job just as good as I can, and even better,” he said.

As a more mature and wiser version of his youthful self, Berry wishes he could tell his younger self that hard work and dedication pays off.

“The amount of effort that you put in will determine the amount of satisfaction that you will be rewarded with. My younger self would gain so much by hearing those words,” said Berry.

As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, he believes that being thorough is reflected in the work he delivers. “I always ensure that my work contains no errors and that it is of immaculate standard,” said Berry. When he is not working, he enjoys hunting, fixing things and generally doing outdoor activities with friends and family.

Laws and rules are things that Berry are very adamant about, as he believes they are there to be adhered to. “

Practice what you preach,” he said.

Berry also happens to be is a firm believer that a humble person is something special, as they remain grounded despite the glory and achievements.

He does not believe that opportunities should be waited for, but that people should go out and create their own.

“Good things don’t come to those who wait, but to those who continuously work at seeking innovative ways of solving everyday complexities,” Berry said.