In life, the only constant is change. Not everything goes according to plan “and sometimes you just need to roll with it,” says Janine van Deventer, marketing manager at Ackermans.
“I am a working mom with two beautiful kids, but balancing a grueling work schedule, managing a sizable team and running a household (while still trying to find some time for myself) often means that the line separating my home-life and office-life becomes blurred. Luckily, I have learnt a couple of tricks through my years as corporate manager which have helped me stay organised and come out smiling on the other side... most of the time,” laughs Janine.
Janine incorporates small but effective techniques to maintain an organised flow at home and at work:
“As a working mom, I know there is often a tinge of guilt that comes with being away from your little ones, but I have noticed that my kids’ are always quick to adapt and grow in certain situations. In fact, a recent Gender Initiative study from Harvard noted that this is a common characteristic among kids from a home with working parents, which is something I believe to be true.
“At the end of the day, my advice to working moms is to find a good balance and to be present wherever you are – whether it is at work or at home,” concludes Janine.
Marketing Manager of Corporate and Commercial at Ackermans
Since graduating with a degree in marketing and a qualification in retail management – both with honours distinctions - Janine van Deventer has dedicated her professional life to South Africa’s leading value retailer, Ackermans.
Janine first joined Ackermans’ as a marketing intern in 2000. With her strong work ethic, attention to detail and friendly, helpful nature, Janine quickly connected with the company’s culture, and has been a key part of the marketing team ever since.
Over the years, Janine has occupied a number of positions in the business, including advertising manager, communications manager and brand manager. Today, Janine is the marketing manager of corporate and commercial, and manages a team of seven. Her portfolio includes financial services, cellular, reputational marketing, public relations, business communication, Club magazine, monetising of assets and third-party relationship management.
Janine is driven by knowing that she plays an important role in delivering value to moms and families across the country. Some of her proudest moments include successfully growing the revenue of the Club magazine, launching Ackermans centenary campaign together with her team, as well as overseeing Ackermans’ fashion design competition for young fashionistas, Style Squad. In 2017, Janine was nominated for a talent programme to participate in international project work solutions in London and Austria.