Michelle Nxumalo is an aerospace and defence expert with over 18 years of experience in the sector.
Rising through the ranks in a traditionally, male-dominated industry, she has made a name for herself by being the first woman to head the South African Aerospace Maritime Defence Export Council (SAAMDEC). She previously served as Chairperson of Women in Defence South Africa (WIDSA) and Chairperson of the South African Aerospace Maritime and Defence Industry Association (AMD).
Michelle completed her MBA at GIBS in 2019/20.
Tell us about your background and how you got to where you are today?
I studied economics and later branched out into project management, investments and portfolio management, as I initially wanted to pursue a career in investment banking.
My career took an unexpected turn into the defence industry where I began in finance at a company manufacturing armoured vehicles. That experience gave me exposure to the highly specialised sector which shaped my professional journey.
I later joined the South African Aerospace Maritime Defence Industry Association (AMD). During this time, I had an opportunity to work closely with a broad range of stakeholders from industry leaders, government representatives and militaries across the world, giving me invaluable insight and knowledge into the defence industry and ecosystem.
I subsequently joined the Africa Aerospace Defence (AAD), one of the continent’s leading defence exhibitions. Today, I serve as International Marketing Manager at DCD Group and Chairperson of the South African Aerospace Maritime and Defence Export Council (SAAMDEC). I have also had the opportunity to travel extensively throughout my career and have visited close on thirty countries to date. Travel has given me an appreciation of different cultures, perspectives and ways of doing business across the world. My favourite destination is Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro, mainly because of the vibrant culture and the warmth of its people.
You completed your MBA during the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Did that effect your experience and what was memorable about your time at GIBS?
To sum it up, I love studying. After completing my undergraduate studies, I continued to invest in my education because I believe that growth comes from constantly challenging yourself. I completed my GIBS PDBA (Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management) in 2015.
GIBS creates an environment that equips you with the tools to think critically, and the courses are structured around solution-driven deliverables.
I subsequently went on to do my MBA in 2019. However, 2020 was difficult: We were in the middle of choosing our international electives for the global module when the Covid-19 lockdown was declared.
It was challenging not being able to interact with classmates in person, and online learning was a new adjustment for GIBS as well. In addition, I had to conduct the research interviews for my thesis on the African Continental Free Trade Area virtually which added another level of complexity.
It taught me resilience and how to navigate through uncertainty. My MBA has equipped me with useful and practical tools that enabled me to deal with anything - from HR, operations to marketing to strategy.
What is it like being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry?
It has been both challenging and rewarding. It requires resilience and confidence.
I have often been the only woman in the room! My advice is: be resilient, speak with confidence and when you have a seat at the table, make sure your voice is not only heard but that it creates impact.
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