Athisha Singh

Position and company name: General Manager at AMIS

Main activity of company: AMIS is a leading global manufacturer of matrix matched Certified Reference Materials, primarily catering for the mining and exploration industries. It is committed to providing solutions that assist mining companies and mineral laboratories around the globe with the highest quality of products that allow for an improved accuracy and precision of their analytical data.

Place of birth: In Durban. 

Education: BSc Pure and Applied Biochemistry, post graduate diploma in Management (Cum laude), Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Management style: I use a mixed approach - employees are the ones that make a company successful, so I pride myself in their needs and well-being in addition to leveraging my experience and knowledge to mentor and develop them into leaders enhanced by innovation and change. 

Personal best achievement: The pinnacle of my personal achievements was reaching the point where I could pursue a master's degree, which allowed me to grow and develop into the confident and capable woman I am today. I deeply connect with my master’s degree as I successfully completed it during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Amidst the pandemic, I discovered the strength to embrace change, cultivate resilience and nurture the well-being of both myself and others. I had to adjust to remote working, being a mother of two, studying, and the unpredictable curveballs that life threw my way. 

Two things that I hold dear to my heart during this period as a feeling of achievement is: the day I received my accepted research book which was on training and development and the effect it has on organisational performance. 

The day I graduated. The joy on my parents face showed their accomplishment in the key values that they instilled in me. The sparkle in my kids eyes as they watched their mom on stage setting a great example for them to be leaders one day, and the support from my husband because he constantly reminded me that I can do this. 

Professionally this has promoted me into sales management and now into a general manager role. I apply my learnings daily and I am eager to share knowledge and experience with my colleagues and employees. 

Person you would most like to meet: Kamala Harris – she is the result of an incredible journey that included numerous firsts, each of which broke down barriers and cleared the path for future generations to follow. 

Philosophy of life: Never stop learning, always be curious and pursue knowledge.

Message for other women leaders and aspiring leaders: As you advance into leadership, never forget that your distinct viewpoint, resilience and tenacity are invaluable resources. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world. Continue inspiring, guiding and illuminating!

www.amis.co.za