Behind the Numbers: How Thabang Pitso is Reshaping Operational Excellence in Financial Services

In the fast-paced world of financial services, operations often go unnoticed, buried behind more visible roles. Behind the scenes, leaders like Thabang Pitso, operations manager at Atlas Finance, are quietly shaping the way organisations thrive. On a brisk Monday morning, Thabang confidently settles into his office, ready to share his inspiring journey. A knowing smile crosses his face as he reflects on the lessons learned, the successes achieved, and the humble beginnings that shaped his path. In an exclusive conversation, Thabang Pitso unpacks the critical role emotional intelligence, strategic goal-setting, and empathetic leadership play in driving performance and stability in the fast-paced, metrics-driven world of financial services.

His financial journey was far from ordinary. Thabang began in the music industry, behind the scenes in production. Although he loved his career in the field, the hustle came with instability. As the industry started to slow down, reality set in. Thabang was married with a child on the way, and the lack of consistency forced him to reconsider.

When the nature of the business changed, he pivoted, applying for a job at Atlas Finance, despite having no background in lending. He applied for a position as a consultant at Atlas Finance — an entry-level role many would’ve dismissed. But for Pitso, it was a door. Despite being told in the interview that he probably wouldn’t last, he promised to prove them wrong. Within three weeks, he was acting as branch manager, and within a year, he was the ‘fixer’, the man who got the job done when others couldn't.

Thabang's unique background in music may seem like an odd prelude to corporate life, but he doesn't view it that way. The discipline, the late nights, the ability to adapt, it all carried him through. “I have always believed that I can do anything I set my mind to”, he shares.

Thabang passionately articulates his core philosophy: the profound significance of emotional intelligence. He firmly believes that a business transcends its geographic limitations, rooted not merely in its physical location but in the people who invest their time and energy into it. It's about the families that wholeheartedly support them and the shared journey of growth that connects them all on a universal scale. His spirit for his field runs deep, infusing every facet of his career with a commitment to this belief, shaping not only his professional endeavours but also the lives of those around him.

Working as a team is a core value in any company, and Thabang credits his dynamic team with his success. “You can’t achieve results without understanding where people are at,” Thabang said. “Emotional intelligence is not optional - it's the baseline for leadership.” At Atlas Finance, where the line between empowering communities and risking loss can be thin, that mindset matters. Thabang is clear about the company’s responsibility, valuing mental health as a core aspect of his philosophy. The conversation, he says, must go beyond surface-level PR and dig into how financial literacy intersects with mental health.

Early in his career, Thabang admits he was more focused on processes and tasks. His evolution came when he understood the sustainability of leadership. He thoughtfully speaks about how when one is a true leader, there is no need to micromanage. The team performs even when no one is around because they are inspired, empowered and aligned.

As Thabang grew, so did the challenges, especially when managing older staff who were uncomfortable reporting to a younger leader, something that is not uncommon in the modern workplace environment. Cultural and age gaps require more than surface-level sensitivity, they demand honest, open communication. Thabang had to strike a balance between cultural respect and professional boundaries, often having conversations to clarify expectations. “I respect you as a person, but we both need to respect the job we’re here to do,” he explained. “We can’t allow culture to be used as a shield against accountability,” Thabang emphasised professionalism over hierarchy and made it clear that respect was mutual. “I don’t go around throwing my weight around. Everything I do is about work.” Over time, Thabang’s leadership evolved from managing tasks to inspiring teams. “You can force people to clock in. But if they don’t want to be there, you won’t get their best work. I want people to be with me, not just for me.”

Apart from emotional intelligence, Thabang believes in personal agency and accountability. He emphasises that opportunities are what one makes of them. Rather than waiting for opportunities to find him, he took initiative, found inspiration from his superiors’ workflows and constantly challenged himself to grow.

Whether he was a consultant or regional manager, he kept asking himself what inspired him at this level and how he could better himself. That forward-looking mindset not only kept him engaged but also aided him in surviving in a demanding environment. He laughs as he admits to getting bored if he isn't challenged.

While Thabang acknowledges that IT and data departments largely drive technological systems and innovations at Atlas, he is far from passive in the process. His contributions lay in the diligent identification of risks and gaps within operational systems. One such example has had a lasting effect on the company.

“I found a gap in the system that could allow internal fraud,” he revealed. “I investigated, reported it, and suggested how the system could be tightened.” His insights led to significant improvements in both technology and process, helping to protect the business from potential exploitation. This moment not only showcased his analytical skills but also his integrity and vigilance. As he modestly puts it, “Thankfully, I did pick it up, and we were able to get rid of those elements exploiting the system.”

As the conversation progressed, Thabang shed more light on how back-end operations drive long-term sustainability in financial services. When asked about the role operations play in scaling a financial services company sustainably, Thabang made it clear: it's all about achieving consistent monthly goals.

“Sustainability is about hitting the numbers—sales, collections, and new business,” he explained. “Without those goals being met, there’s no stability or growth.”

From strategic planning to execution, Thabang ensures that his team aligns with board-level targets. This proactive leadership allows Atlas Finance to not only maintain but also grow its financial portfolio in a competitive industry.

Now, as an operations executive, Thabang continues to view success through a collaborative lens. “The goals we achieve as a team — that’s my success,” he said. “I don’t need to be the one in the spotlight. I just need to make sure the engine runs.”

In a sector too often driven by margins and egos, Thabang’s story shows that real influence happens behind the scenes, in the way you lead, how you listen, and the integrity you bring to the everyday. He’s not chasing the spotlight; he’s building the system that powers it, and by doing so, he’s quietly reshaping what leadership in finance can be.

In his final remarks, Thabang returned to a theme that had been woven throughout the conversation - empowerment. “If I’m surrounded by powerful people, then anything we do can become possible,” he added.

This belief has defined his leadership style and success at Atlas Finance. He sees his role not just as an operations executive, but as a team builder, fixer, and person.