A leader InTouch with his team

Desiree Gases

Derick Briers studied mathematical statistics at Stellenbosch University. Very early in his career he realised that three pillars exist in every business: the first being finances, the second being people and human relationships and, lastly, information technology.

He concentrated on schooling himself as best as possible in those three disciplines. Briers qualified as chartered management accountant through CIMA in London, UK.

“Computers and technology have always been one of my pet projects and I was fortunate enough to eventually become an IT manager in various business entities, eventually even working myself up to the level of CIO, or chief information officer,” says Briers.

In the various positions that Briers held, he regularly had to deal with human resource issues and in several instances the HR department reported directly to him, exposing him to invaluable experience of working with people and managing relationships.

“I've been privileged enough that my career and my studies complemented each other and every day I'm getting exposed to even more and more opportunities and knowledge that I would have never dreamt possible,” adds Briers.

Briers says being the CEO of InTouch has been a humbling experience, “but also one of the richest experiences I've been privileged to have. That vastness of exposure on so many fronts cannot be captured in a few words.”

When it comes to accomplishments, Briers feels that he and his team have been privileged to be exposed to tackling some pretty wonderful challenges, especially during 2020 and the outbreak of the pandemic. In a couple of weeks, they put together a Covid-19 registry that enabled churches, schools and businesses of all sizes to effectively and confidentially manage people visiting their places of business. And that created some strong relationships and future endeavours with some of their clients.

“In the same breath, is also worth mentioning that the onset of the financial crisis since 2017, and the drought and then the subsequent pandemic set the stage for one challenge to be superseded by the next challenge and to try and outdo the previous challenge,” he says.

So, although the road has not been easy, the InTouch team learned a lot along the way that they can use to create solutions for their clients to reduce their overheads and maximise productivity.

Outside the office this tech guy loves dabbling in any kind of technology but for the last decade or so he has been very interested in renewable energy, specifically solar power.

10 facts about Derick Briers.

? A fantastic and loving family.

? Loves details.

? A huge Ferrari and Formula One fan.

? A workaholic.

? Loves Namibia and the freedom it offers its citizens and visitors.

? A huge fan of the great outdoors, the tranquillity and revitalising blessings it offers.

? There are three kinds of accountants: those who can count, and those who cannot.

? I may not be good at jokes but I sure do love them.

When Careers asked Briers what advice he would give his younger self, he said: “I think I would quote my mother: ‘If things go wrong, you are not that important that it is always your fault.’’

His advice to young people aspiring to become CEOs is: “Never give up; what is a stumbling block today is actually a stepping stone in your career to achieve higher heights.”