Brass Bell Bulletin | April 2024

A CHANCE TO GET TO KNOW YOUR NEW COLLEAGUES A LITTLE BIT BETTER...

Sylvester Mashaba Sales Executive

My name is Sylvester and I am a New Business Sales Executive.

I am a 26-year-old father of one.

I love travelling and exploring new places, and always looking for a new challenge. I spend most of my time with my family.

Tevin Hlebela Technical Operations Intern

My name is Tevin and I am an Anime enthusiast who also enjoys a good game of chess.

I’m into tech stuff and come from a family of five (born and raised in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga)

I own a German Shepherd named “Shepherd”. I’m an outgoing person and I love trying new things.

Sashlyn

My name is Sashlyn and I hail from Kwa-Zulu Natal.

My loved ones are the most important thing to me, and my favorite person in the world is my girlfriend, Kelsey. I have a foreverbaby, my pet Cockatiel, Leo.

I also have 8 tattoos, I like reading when I have the time, playing board games and my favorite beverage is beer.

I am an enthusiastic person who finds joy in the outdoors through hiking.

When not at work I am always busy with a DIY project at home.

If I’m not navigating the outdoors or getting entangled in power tools, I am a full time referee to a pint-sized 3-year-old boss who keeps life hilariously exciting.

Nadine Botha Senior Account Executive

Govindasamy Technical Operations Intern

DEPARTMENTAL TEAMBUILDING

Team Finance took part in a sip-andpaint outing. Whose painting do you like best?

Team Sales used their wits and problemsolving skills at an escape room. Well done team!

3. What personal characteristics do you believe have contributed toward your success?

Nurturing the following characteristics has empowered me to attempt to achieve my goals and in various aspects of my life.

Resilience: Success isn’t a straight path and the ability to bounce back from setbacks and persevere through challenges is essential for success. Resilience ensured that I remained focused on my goals despite the obstacles in my path.

Effective Communication: Effective communication has been critical. It has allowed me to navigate numerous dynamics and foster collaboration to build strong relationships across the business with different stakeholders. Clear and effective communication facilitates understanding - it is pivotal in the road to success.

4. How do you foster a positive and productive mindset within yourself and your team?

I believe in co-creating a supportive and empowering environment that my team is excited to be a part of. I continuously aspire to lead by example and positivity by demonstrating actions through my work ethic and maintaining a positive outlook even during difficult times, that’s when true characters are built! As previously mentioned, celebrating successes, big or small, is important in building the right behaviours as this will reinforce the required productive and growth mindset.

5. Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have had a significant impact on your personal and professional growth?

While completing my Postgraduate degree, my Economics professor shared a simple yet powerful quote with me saying “you are either going to make your circumstances work for you or against you” and I’ve lived my life in that manner. I’ve implemented those learnings into my professional work, personal relationships with friends and family, and now in motherhood.

6. Do you have any habits or routines that you follow daily that you believe contribute to your high performance?

Self-care is a priority for me, and I encourage and welcome activities that drive relaxation and rejuvenation into my daily routine. This may include hobbies, leisure activities, or spending time with loved ones. But most importantly, remember to laugh! Being in a pleasant mood despite daily challenges has been a key differentiator for me.

In closing, thank you to those who casted their votes and to my manager Ryan Cohen for his continued support and contribution to not only my success but the success of the entire team. The award is a true reflection of the collaboration and desire to drive growth in the business.

MERCHANT CAPITAL

X BLACK UMBRELLAS MENTOR PROGRAMME

- Are you someone who has a high EQ?

- Do you possess valuable insights and have relevant experience in your field?

- Are you enthusiastic about empowering entrepreneurs in South Africa?

If you answered yes to all these questions, then you might be the right fit to become a mentor to the next generation. GET

How to Improve your Sitting Posture

Computer work may not be an active job, but it can definitely take a toll on the body.

When you’ve got emails to read and clients to call, thinking about the way you sit can feel like just another task. But being mindful of your sitting posture can help you feel your best.

Here’s what good sitting posture looks like:

Our body and spine should be in a neutral position. Your hands and forearms should be parallel to the floor, while your elbows should be at 90-degree angles. Keep your head, neck, and torso upright. Place your feet flat on the floor to support your legs.

TECH CORNER

Excel hack!

Create a Replica of a Sheet

Often, we require creating a replica of the worksheet that we are working on. Use this smart, time saving technique in this case.

Select the worksheet that we need to create a replica of.

Now hold the “control” key, use the mouse’s left side, drag it to the right of the worksheet, and release it to create a sheet replica.

Keep an eye out on future editions for more tips and tricks

STAFF RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Pour oil to a hot pan. Add the whole spices & curry leaves (optional). When they begin to sizzle, add the onions and green chili. Saute until golden.

Add the ginger garlic and saute for a minute. Lower the heat and stir in the ground spices, followed by tomatoes.

Saute until the tomatoes cook down and begin to release oils. Optionally add the cashew cream or coconut milk, reserving 2 tbsps. to garnish.

Add all the vegetables and saute for 2 to 3 mins on a medium high heat. Pour half of the hot water & mix well.

Cover and cook on a medium heat until the veggies are fork tender, adding more hot water only as required.

Taste test and add more salt and garam masala if required.

Crush kasuri methi in your palms and sprinkle.

Garnish Vegetable Curry with chopped coriander leaves & cashew or coconut cream. Serve with fluffy Basmati Rice, Coconut Rice, Jeera Rice, Turmeric Rice, Chapati, roti, Naan.

MIXED VEGETABLE CURRY

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons oil

• 1 cup (1 large) onion very finely chopped

• 1 green chili slit or chopped (optional, leave out for kids)

• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (or 1 tablespoon each grated or crushed)

• 1½ cups (4 medium) pureed tomatoes or finely chopped

• 2 to 4 tablespoons coriander leaves (chopped to garnish)

• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (optional, dried fenugreek)

• 1¼ to 2 cups Hot water (use as required)

• ½ cup cashew cream (or coconut milk or 1 tablespoon nut butter, optional, read notes)

Whole Spices (Optional):

• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (Jeera)

• 1 sprig curry leaves or 1 bay leaf (or both)

• 3 green cardamoms

• 1 inch Ceylon Cinnamon piece (or ½ inch cassia)

• Ground Spices

• • ¾ to 1¼ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to taste, leave out for

• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (Jeera)

• 1 sprig curry leaves or 1 bay leaf (or both)

• 3 green cardamoms

• 1 inch Ceylon Cinnamon piece (or ½ inch cassia)

Ground Spices:

• ¾ to 1¼ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (adjust to taste, leave out for kids)

• 1 teaspoon garam masala or mild Curry Powder as needed (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder (optional, for more flavor, omit to use curry powder)

• 1 to 1½ teaspoon coriander powder (optional, for more flavor, omit to use curry powder)

• ⅛ teaspoon turmeric (omit to use curry powder)

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

4½ cups Mixed Vegetables

• ¾ to 1 cup carrot (peeled, chopped, 1 medium)

• ¾ to 1 cup potatoes (peeled, chopped, 1 medium)

• ½ to ¾ cup fresh or frozen peas

• ½ cup green beans (chopped or French beans)

• 1½ cups cauliflower florets (substitute with peas, potatoes & carrots)

• ¼ cup sweet corn kernels (optional)

DAD JOKE CORNER

WHY couldn’t the bicycle stand up by itself?

RIDDLE

I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish.

it was two tired...

GUESS THE MOVIE...

What am I?

DID YOU KNOW?

Martial artists who smile before the start of a match are more likely to lose. This could be as a smile can convey fear or submissiveness.

ANSWER FROM PREVIOUS EDITION:

Don’t forget to make your mark!

2024 South African general election - 29 May 2024

Financial Wellness Month at Merchant Capital – June 2024

Keep a look out for articles, quizzes and more to help you make better money choices!