#WomensMonth2023: Tamara Bobani embodies EPIC values

CSIR employees are encouraged to embody the EPIC values and incorporate them in their work. Tamara Bobani, Human Capital (HC) manager at Advanced Production and Security is EPIC personified. She believes that her career in HC is a calling - it is more than just hiring the right people, it is also about assisting them to progress in their careers. Tamara is recognised as a phenomenal CSIR woman this Women's Month and beyond.

Growing up with a single mother and a grandfather who was a businessman, Tamara knew for sure that she had to escape poverty through education and develop a commendable work ethic - this was drilled in her from a young age. "Every chance I get, I remind those around me not to take the privilege of having a job and an opportunity to study for granted," Tamara shares.

Continuous self-development

It is imperative to stay relevant in the workplace, especially now with the introduction of artificial intelligence, which has made it easier for things to get done without human intervention. One needs to acquire knowledge and skills, either by formal qualification or continuous learning. Tamara explains how the CSIR is offering opportunities for development that are relevant in these changing revolutions. "I'm fortunate to work for an organisation such as the CSIR where development remains a key investment for everyone, irrespective of the role or level they occupy."

Embodying the EPIC values

Tamara explains that the CSIR EPIC values resonate with her own personal values and this shows in the way she interacts with stakeholders, clients and peers.

Refilwe Teleka, an HC practitioner and Tamara's team member, shares how Tamara's leadership style, which is rooted in CSIR's EPIC values, has impacted her in a positive way. Refilwe says that Tamara encourages innovation, excellence and urges us to always stretch beyond what is expected. "Tamara always recognises and celebrates her team. In our bi-monthly meetings, there is a slot dedicated to acknowledging a team member who has lived the CSIR EPIC values. This is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise employees who are doing a good job," Refilwe says. Refilwe adds that Tamara does not shy away from recognising the team and encourages them to do greater work in the future, making her people-centred.

Adding to this, Dumisani Sibande, HC manager, says Tamara is not only a strategic leader who aspires to partner with the business in delivering strategic objectives, but she fosters excellence and collaboration in the HC team - here she leads passionately. "Tamara holds the team to high ethical and performance standards, which is demonstrated in what the HC team has achieved thus far. She believes in excellence and allows the HC team to grow within their space. The team is allowed to exchange ideas and question the 'old way of doing things' without fear," Dumisani remarks.

Tamara's team is called the 'A team' and it is very becoming of the A team to start an initiative such as 'caught in the act of EPIC', which recognises and rewards team members for incorporating the CSIR EPIC values in their daily work. "Everyone wants to be validated and given a pat on the back for doing great work, therefore providing an opportunity to the team to recognise each other for living the values encourages everyone to strive to also be recognised," Tamara elaborates.

Talented speaker

Being asked to speak at the Talent Management conference 2023 and Human Resources (HR) Partner to the Mining, Energy and Resources Industry Conference 2023 came as a surprise to Tamara. While presenting the values moment at the Excellence Awards ceremony for the CSIR Future Production: Mining cluster, guest speakers extended an invitation to her to be a speaker at upcoming conferences - she rose to the challenge. "The conferences were about the challenges of adopting fourth industrial revolution technologies in the HR value chain to manage talent post the pandemic, as well as how you can incorporate those initiatives in an attractive employer value proposition. It broadened my perspective on such issues and gave me an opportunity to share why the CSIR is an employer of choice," she explains.

Influencing policy, achieving equality

Tamara believes that Women's Month is a month to celebrate women who make a difference in their respective fields and roles. It is about inspiring each other and knowing that goals and dreams can be achieved in any circumstance. "It's possible to make a difference and lead in a male-dominated work environment, to influence policy and shift the dial to achieve equality and to be a nurturer and a warrior at the same time," Tamara advocates.

The CSIR offers support to women through various initiatives, one being the CSIR Women's Forum. The CSIR Women's Forum provides a platform to raise real issues that affect women and propose effective solutions. The forum also gets support from executive leadership on the implementation of these solutions. Furthermore, the CSIR offers flexible working arrangements, webinars that encourage work-life balance and the management of stress, affordable and flexible childcare facilities on campus and career development interventions that prioritise women. "I would advise our young female leaders to participate in these initiatives and be the voice for change, as well as pave a way for those who are coming after them - the ground is fertile enough to create a CSIR that is an employer of choice for women," Tamara concludes.