She says increasing efficiency is a top priority for many of her clients. “A lot of opportunities exist for Accenture to assist its clients with business challenges, as operational efficiency is top of mind during uncertain times,” she observes.
While volatility is more or less a given in the transport and travel services sector even at the best of times, Cassim believes that Accenture’s role in helping these businesses remain competitive is more vital now than ever.
This is borne out that there is “plenty of room” for improving operational efficiency in processes and systems, particularly in the replacement of legacy systems. Accenture has worked extensively, over a number of years, with a leading transportation organization to implement back-office financial reporting and budgeting systems, and is currently in the process of assisting the same client with a large HR transformation initiative.
The best way to fulfill her role of creating value for Accenture and its clients, Cassim feels, is to develop her team and build effective relationships with clients. She adds that in the prevailing climate it is important to spend more time with clients and to listen to them carefully.
Cassim held senior positions at competitor firms prior to joining Accenture in April 2005. What distinguishes Accenture, and makes it ”phenomenal” for Cassim is the level of support she receives. She says the company’s global nature and its knowledge-sharing networks mean there are always opportunities for learning. “I grow through delivering solutions to clients and want to build on my leadership skills,” Cassim says. She describes Accenture’s leadership culture as being based on trust, integrity, stewardship, respect for the individual and teaming.
Cassim hails from Vryburg in South Africa’s North West province, and has a Bachelor of Commerce and an Honours degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. She enjoys travelling and has spent time in Europe and the United States, partly for business and partly for leisure. But her idea of ”pure holidaying” is shopping in places like New York’s Fifth Avenue or spending time at home with her family and friends.
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