While ABB Motion literally keeps the world turning with its drives, motors, generators, mechanical power transmission products and integrated digital powertrain solutions that underpin a low-carbon future for industry, cities, infrastructure and transportation, keeping the company itself constantly on the move is no easy job. This is the task of Lindie Koldas, Local Business Area CFO at ABB South Africa in charge of the Motion and Robotics businesses.

In her current role she not only oversees two integral technology areas, but also ensures that internal controls are implemented. “It is definitely both challenging and exciting, to the point where I often wonder if I have enough hours in a day,” comments Koldas. Last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic she and her team had to steer the company through choppy waters.

“Of course, the current economic environment is difficult business-wise. But I think ABB has pulled through really well. We were pleasantly surprised at our base orders last year and our continued good performance. We are recovering really well given the circumstances,” highlights Koldas. Apart from the business imperatives, ABB like all corporates has also had to adjust to remote working.

“That was quite a mindset shift. Managers in traditional companies suddenly had to manage their staff in a completely different way. We also had to really learn how to manage ourselves as well as our teams. I think it has been quite an adjustment for the entire business landscape. Everybody has also had to create a productive workspace for themselves in their home environment,” she adds.

Another issue has been to look after the mental well-being of remote staff, a role that Koldas gravitates naturally towards as an empathetic leader. “Self-management and awareness of a work-life balance is very important. It is something that ABB acknowledged early on during the Covid-19 pandemic and turned into active discussion points, supported by various programmes.”

Koldas is also very passionate about inclusivity and diversity, as highlighted by International Women’s Month in March. These are core values for ABB South Africa. “I will always remember my time in Nigeria, which was a cultural shock as it was a completely male-dominated working environment. There were a couple of women, but they were typically in administrative rather than financial roles.” Such was Koldas’s impact on the status quo that, upon completion of her five years in Nigeria, her department was largely female.

“For me the focus on inclusiveness has been ongoing in order to change the mindset of those industries that are still mostly male-dominated. This is certainly no longer the case in finance. We know that by the number of females who graduate every year, and the sort of roles they ultimately fill. If you remember what the banking industry looked like many years ago, it is vastly different today. The same can be said about many other industries and business sectors in South Africa.”

Indeed, ABB South Africa has long been a forerunner in this regard. “As I have been with the company for a number of years, I can attest to its progression from quite a traditional corporate structure to one where inclusivity and diversity are key values and drivers. We also touch on softer topics like harassment and personal conduct in the workplace. We have really made huge strides here, and it is something I am very proud of,” adds Koldas.

“Having equal diversity and representation really changes the culture of an organisation and the way it does business. I am also very passionate about young talent development. We have started an internship programme that has been extremely positive, not only for the business, but for the energy and dynamism it injects.”

While her ultimate dream is to have her own wine farm, as she is an amateur winemaker, conservationist and recycler, among other things, Koldas sees her love for business eventually widening her career scope into other avenues. From her initial springboard as a financial specialist, she has gravitated to problem solving and strategising.

“In the modern business world, the line between the role of CFO and COO is increasingly blurred. If you find yourself in an environment where these strict definitions are maintained, then your career progression is naturally limited. However, if you are in a flexible and adaptable company like ABB, you quickly become multiskilled and challenged. The foundation is education to get past that initial entry barrier. Once you do that, however, the world is your oyster,” concludes Koldas.

BIO

Lindie Koldas joined ABB in September 1998 aged 25. A two-year assignment at ABB Bloemfontein was followed by five years in Nigeria. She is currently Local Business Area CFO for Motion and Robotics at ABB South Africa.