Q&A with Gabriella Hanna, Transformation Manager (Corporate Services)

Meet Gabriella Hanna, Corporate Services transformation manager who joined Stefanutti Stocks’ Mechanical Discipline in 2012 as an HR administrator. Her career path saw her move to HR officer, senior compliance officer (where her focus shifted towards B-BBEE) and in May 2020 she successfully applied for the position of Group transformation manager.

What is the best thing about your job?

“I get to assist in providing basic items, that we take for granted, to communities with limited access to services; to offer the opportunity for young South Africans to obtain that certificate/ diploma/ trade that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford but so dearly desire; and I get to assist and watch individuals grow their dream companies – all within an industry I love, and with the support of a small but passionate team.”

What are your greatest achievements?

“Without sounding too clichéd but being appointed as group transformation manager was a big deal to me. I had stagnated for a bit and was concerned that I had hit a ceiling, and if I wanted to grow, I’d have to go elsewhere. That was tough to wrap my head and heart around, as when you’ve been with a company for so long, you have more than just a physical tie to it. It is a dream job for me, and incredibly rewarding!

????????????“On a personal level,?there is no greater achievement I can speak of other than my son, Grayson.?His arrival turned my life around in the best ways possible.”

What brings you joy?

“My family, friends, animals, and the outdoors. Even more so when they all coincide and come together with a few glasses of wine.?

“Professionally I find joy in hitting targets and watching the spirit of Transformation culminate in “full circle” projects.??For example, we recently did a phenomenal SED project at a local school on which one of our Enterprise Development partners was the lead contractor!”

Who do you look up to?

“Ironically the people I look up to are all males, within the construction industry, who have supported me relentlessly in my chosen career path and continue to offer advice and guidance on a regular basis. If I had to summarize why I look up them, it would be because I was given the opportunity to explore my professional passions, and always supported via advice, participation, and mentorship throughout each chapter of my career. Without this, I would not be where I am.”

What do you aspire to?

“In keeping with my promise to my late dad, my short to medium term aspiration is working on being the best transformation manager I can be. This includes increasing my knowledge of the industry (across the different disciplines), deepening my understanding of the codes from an Ownership and Management Control perspective, expanding my networking base (from external industry bodies to other woman involved in construction related activities), and working on my presenting and public speaking skills.”

“I have found the subject of B-BBEE Transformation to be a controversial and sensitive topic to many, and often viewed as an enforced compliance measure to remain competitive in the industry. I’d like to think of myself as part of a movement that is redefining that thought. True and transparent B-BBEE Transformation, when driven with the correct intention and focused on qualifying and committed individuals and collectives, is a powerful tool that can move individuals, companies, and communities towards an equitable and stable economic model.”