FNB’s Carlo Gertze marks 30 years of service
Carlo Gertze, head of enterprise risk management at FNB Namibia, has served the company with dedication for 30 years.His story and upbringing are deeply inspiring, offering lessons that can motivate young people pursuing their careers, while also resonating with fellow long-service employees.
Speaking to Careers, Gertze said leadership is not a final destination but “a continuous journey shaped by experiences, values and the lessons gained over time."
Reflecting on three decades within the group, he said he has moved through diverse roles, adapted to change and learned from leaders who guided him and placed their trust in him. His career, he added, is defined by the principles and insights that continue to shape his leadership style today.
He said the opportunity for continuous growth is what has kept him engaged at FNB. He never spent more than three years in the same role, allowing him to build a broad set of skills. Early in his career, he set himself a clear goal: to become head of internal audit at Namibia’s largest commercial bank.
Although the path took longer than he expected, each step equipped him with the experience and confidence needed to excel once he reached the position.
Personal motivation
A key leadership lesson he has learned along the way is the importance of staying humble and committed and continuously learning through reputable institutions. He also carries with him three pieces of early career advice that still guide his decisions today: Understand all frameworks and policies, always tell the truth even at personal cost, and support your boss, team and organisation.
To maintain balance and focus, Gertze believes in giving his all and working wholeheartedly “as if for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). This mindset keeps him grounded and motivated. He also acknowledges that strength and health come from the Lord, something he never takes for granted.
Gertze identifies AI-driven tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft 365 Copilot as the biggest change in the technology landscape.
Adapting early allowed him to integrate these tools into daily work and improve decision-making. His hope for a lasting legacy is a strong culture of integrity, accountability and continuous improvement.
Integrity, he says, is non-negotiable. It is an unwritten rule he passionately defends and ensures is passed on through consistent transparency and ethical behaviour. The most severe organisational crisis, Covid-19, taught him the importance of agility and resilience.
For rising leaders, he believes the ability to “speak data” is crucial. While he doesn’t directly train future leaders, he models how data drives strategy.
Ultimately, his leadership career path reflects integrity, resilience, faith and values that will continue guiding future leaders in an evolving business world.