Jolandie Binneman is our Operations Director. Her journey with CPM began 19 years ago in our accounts department. From there she moved on to Dispatch Manager and ended up in the refinery as Production Manager. [She also had a flying stint as CPM founder Sharon Eades’ PA – but a successor was employed very quickly as this was not her zone of joy and genius!] She has only gone from strength to strength in her soul role as manager, and her commitment and outstanding performance is a shining light for her colleagues.
She has built positive relationships over the years with our clients and her team members alike, which has enhanced productivity within all departments immensely. She has done so much for the upliftment of African women particularly on the refining side of things, and CPM’s Lab is now run by an all-woman team under Jolandie’s stewardship.
As the Operations Director her responsibilities are to manage employees, as well as the day-to-day operations within the branch, department and company. She works closely with Sharon to find innovative ways to streamline CPM’s processes, from refining to the daily running of the company.
She is very driven and thrives on challenges. Jolandie is constantly setting goals for herself so that she always has something to strive towards, and aspires to grow her knowledge in all aspects of this industry – which is in a constant state of flux.
We asked Jolandie to share a few words of wisdom, and a little more about herself:
Q: What’s the number one tip you’d give jewellers, based on your vast experience serving this industry?|
“I am proud to work with the best team in the industry and expect only exceptional work from them. As the General Manager, I delegate assignments based on their strengths. My advice would be to give your very best every single day you go to work, no matter what the assignment is!”
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you ever received, or the one thing you wish you’d known or implemented earlier in your life?|
“You are only as strong as your team, and its weakest link”
Q: Tell us some facts that most people probably don’t know about you
“I am the youngest of 4 children and was born in a small town in Standerton, Mpumalanga. I believe that growing up outside the city made me appreciate life even more. I lived and worked in London for 3 years where I met my wonderful husband. I was ready to spout roots in England, but my husband missed South Africa too much, so here we are back home!
My personal interests include reading mystery novels, taking my dog for walks, and watching NETFLIX – but everything has been put on the backburner, as I just became a Mom. Spending time with our little one Liam has changed my life forever and I am so grateful.”
Q: What do you love most about this industry?
“The challenge of the constantly shifting dynamics within the industry and its markets, as well as the price fluctuations which certainly keep one on one’s toes.”