VIDEO: Prudential People - Israel Mqingwana

Tell us why you enjoy your role at Prudential.

Having been at Prudential for a year, my role as the Head of Human Capital affords me the opportunity to cultivate the culture of excellence within the company. This is about being intentional about why we do the things we do, from recruitment to retirement.

If you weren’t the Head of Human Capital, what job would you like to have?

Most definitely marketing! I enjoy being of themselves. I believe in progress, not perfection, and therefore spend a lot of time looking at how I can be better at helping others to progress. 

What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?

I was packer at my father’s work, packing refrigerators into trucks. There’s no substitute for hard work. 

A recent favourite read? Why did you like it? 

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek. It’s about the art of leadership, and influencing others to find better versions of themselves. I believe in progress, not perfection, and therefore spend a lot of time looking at how I can be better at helping others to progress.

An ideal evening is…

Playing hide and seek with my sons. 

What is your number one bucket-list activity?

Being a parent is one of the greatest privileges I’m continuously enjoying. Moments with my sons are priceless, so my top bucket-list activity would be to travel around the world with them, across all the continents. I’ve always been one for experiential learning and I can’t think of anything better than experiencing the world with your best friends. 

One thing you’re glad you tried, but would never do again?

Eating Okra, a spicy Nigerian vegetable dish. I nearly died! 

Where do you usually spend Saturday afternoons?

Golf! I enjoy the time of solitude that I get from golf. No game is ever like the previous one. For me, the challenge of overcoming yourself with no-one to blame is what makes the game so addictive, and I enjoy it. 

A topic you’re passionate about?

The pursuit of happiness! Outside of work we are all about activities which we hope will lead to happiness, so I’ve become mindful about the activities which occupy my time and what purposes they serve in my life. 

Best advice you’ve received?

You can do anything but not all things, so choose wisely. 

Who is your hero and why?

My parents. When I see what they have done with what they had, I’m in awe.