Last spring, Joanne made a brave move from South Africa to England, bringing along her two children and the opportunity to stay within the Bystronic family at our Coventry subsidiary. Her passion for open water long-distance swimming also made the journey, offering her a chance to explore the UK's scenic and breathtaking locales. But let's start from the beginning.
A part of Joanne’s Bystronic legacy has stayed with her, even as she settles into her new life in the UK. In her role as After Sales Business Manager, she oversees after-sales achievements in the UK, Ireland, and South Africa's subsidiaries. This position allows her to excel, ensuring the service products portfolio aligns with the core business strategy of the service unit.
Customer centricity is key
To some, customer centricity might seem like a distant idea, but for Joanne, it’s second nature. No task is too small when a customer needs support; Joanne is always there to help. In South Africa, she often turned the impossible into possible, tackling even the largest tasks. Internal stakeholder management is also crucial for her, fostering positive and growing relationships. This dedication is what makes the Bystronic family credible. However, it's easier said than done, requiring a great deal of adaptability and flexibility to understand different market needs and opportunities. Joanne listens attentively to her customers, finding the best possible solutions. This requires discipline, calmness, and a clear mind—qualities that don't appear out of thin air.
Water gives me the space to think, and I couldn’t imagine anything better.
A Childhood Passion
Joanne’s love for swimming started early. “I began swimming at just two years old,” she recalls, and she started competing at six. Her passion for open water swimming grew over 1.6-mile distances and has been a constant passion. However, long-distance swimming in open waters comes with its own set of dangers, such as rip currents that can catch you off guard. I’ve been caught in rip currents before, and it was utterly exhausting, but I will never take a chance that is too risky,” Joanne remembers.
Mindset: Adaptability in Rough Waters Just Like in Business
What began many years ago in South Africa has blossomed into Joanne’s true passion. Open water long-distance swimming has become an integral part of her life. Whenever she finds time, she explores the ocean. Now in the UK, it's a bit easier—distances are shorter, waves are smaller, and there’s no need for shark nets like in South Africa. While she doesn’t compete professionally, swimming helps Joanne calibrate her mindset for business, as there are many parallels. The sea is volatile and unpredictable, much like the current business landscape. “In those moments, you need to breathe and stay calm. Avoiding mistakes is crucial, and ensuring the customer gets what they expect is paramount. Over promising or underdelivering is never an option for me,” Joanne reflects.
This requires discipline, calmness, and a clear mind—qualities that don't appear out of thin air.
A Space to Reflect
Balancing her job can be demanding, requiring immense energy to perform at her best. That’s why open water swimming is Joanne’s ultimate way to recharge. “Swimming in those conditions is physically demanding, but it puts me in a state of flow. I can turn off everything around me, and I don’t even think about breathing or buoyancy anymore—it’s second nature. These moments allow me to refocus, analyze work topics, think about my role as a mom, and reflect on my personal growth."
Over promising or underdelivering is never an option for me.
