Meet the People Behind aurenquilomex
Real expertise from professionals who understand the complexities of modern finance and believe in the power of accessible financial education.
Our Financial Experts
Each member of our team brings unique perspectives shaped by real-world experience in South Africa's dynamic financial landscape. We're not just educators – we're practitioners who've navigated the challenges you're facing.
Zara Hendricks
Chief Financial Officer
Zara spent eight years at Standard Bank before joining smaller fintech companies where she learned that financial education shouldn't be intimidating. She has this way of explaining complex regulatory changes that makes you actually want to listen. Her background in both traditional banking and emerging financial technology gives her a perspective that's particularly valuable for business owners navigating today's rapidly changing financial landscape.
Kobus van der Merwe
Senior Financial Analyst
After completing his CFA designation in 2019, Kobus worked with several JSE-listed companies before realizing his passion lay in making financial analysis accessible to smaller businesses. He has this talent for spotting patterns in financial data that others miss, but more importantly, he can explain what those patterns mean in practical terms. His sessions often start with real case studies from his consulting work.
Thandiwe Mthembu
Business Finance Strategist
Thandiwe started her career in microfinance, working directly with small business owners across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. She understands the unique challenges facing South African entrepreneurs and has developed practical frameworks that actually work in our local context. Her approach combines traditional financial principles with innovative solutions that reflect the realities of doing business in emerging markets.
How We Think About Financial Education
Real-World Application
We believe financial education should connect directly to the challenges you face every day. That's why our programs focus on practical scenarios drawn from actual business situations in the South African market. You won't find theoretical examples here – everything we teach comes from real experiences with real consequences.
Local Context Matters
Financial strategies that work in developed markets don't always translate directly to South Africa's unique economic environment. We've spent years adapting international best practices to work within our regulatory framework, cultural context, and market realities. This local expertise makes a significant difference in practical application.
What Drives Our Work
Accessible Expertise
Financial knowledge shouldn't be locked away in academic textbooks or exclusive consulting firms. We work to make sophisticated financial concepts understandable and applicable for business owners who need practical solutions, not theoretical frameworks.
Honest Conversations
We discuss both the opportunities and limitations of different financial strategies. Our goal isn't to oversell solutions but to help you make informed decisions based on realistic assessments of your specific situation and market conditions.
Continuous Learning
Financial markets and regulations evolve constantly. Our team stays current with industry developments, not just to maintain certifications, but because outdated advice can be costly. We regularly update our programs based on emerging trends and regulatory changes.