@Your take
BrightRockers share their change perspective!

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by
Fundi Maseko
|
October 2026
Change is in the air! And who better to tell us what they really think about it than our BrightRockers?
We put three change-related questions to the team – from embracing the unexpected to navigating life’s twists and turns – and the answers were as varied, honest and entertaining as the people behind them. Here’s what some of our Bright Sparks had to say …
Michelle Nortjé
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
At work, I’m taking more time to check in and collaborate with my team instead of swapping emails. And at home, I’m making sure I take time to catch a walk with my dogs in the late afternoons and early evenings, my best chill time.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
At work, I’m genuinely enjoying what I do but sometimes I procrastinate so, I’m working on doing better to avoid last minute rushing. At home, I’m usually late for personal appointments and what I ‘m trying to change is get to places on time to avoid others waiting for me.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
My puppy Olive, I have watched how she experiences every new thing in her life with enthusiasm, and I’ve realised how it affects me. As her trainer, I’ve been helping her learn new things and navigate change – from a small cage at a rescue centre into the big world. I feel very blessed to watch her live this change in circumstances every day and enjoy the little things.
Michelle Nortjé
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
At work, I’m taking more time to check in and collaborate with my team instead of swapping emails. And at home, I’m making sure I take time to catch a walk with my dogs in the late afternoons and early evenings, my best chill time.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
At work, I’m genuinely enjoying what I do but sometimes I procrastinate so, I’m working on doing better to avoid last minute rushing. At home, I’m usually late for personal appointments and what I ‘m trying to change is get to places on time to avoid others waiting for me.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
My puppy Olive, I have watched how she experiences every new thing in her life with enthusiasm, and I’ve realised how it affects me. As her trainer, I’ve been helping her learn new things and navigate change – from a small cage at a rescue centre into the big world. I feel very blessed to watch her live this change in circumstances every day and enjoy the little things.
Yanelisa Notyesi
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
I plan to spend more quality time outdoors with friends, fostering meaningful relationships and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
A key milestone in my career was the successful completion of my audit articles and registration with SAICA as a CA(SA), a goal I had pursued for many years. I also had the privilege of travelling internationally for the first time, which provided valuable personal growth and new experiences.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
If change were a person, it would be the friend who pushes you beyond your comfort zone, exposes you to new people and experiences, and, despite the initial discomfort, helps you grow into a stronger, wiser, and more refined version of yourself.
Yanelisa Notyesi
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
I plan to spend more quality time outdoors with friends, fostering meaningful relationships and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
A key milestone in my career was the successful completion of my audit articles and registration with SAICA as a CA(SA), a goal I had pursued for many years. I also had the privilege of travelling internationally for the first time, which provided valuable personal growth and new experiences.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
If change were a person, it would be the friend who pushes you beyond your comfort zone, exposes you to new people and experiences, and, despite the initial discomfort, helps you grow into a stronger, wiser, and more refined version of yourself.
Masindi Makungo
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
I’m changing my mindset around growth, being more intentional about stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing new opportunities and trusting myself through the changes.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
A lot but let’s cap it to just work-related change. In terms of my career, I’d say I’ve gained more knowledge in relation to what I do, grown in confidence and continued progressing professionally. It’s been a reminder that sometimes you’re growing even when you don’t realise it.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
It would be an over authentic life coach who never knocks twice, always showing up with a new challenge, pushing me out of my comfort zone and reminding me that staying comfortable isn’t the same as moving forward.
Masindi Makungo
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
I’m changing my mindset around growth, being more intentional about stepping outside my comfort zone, embracing new opportunities and trusting myself through the changes.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
A lot but let’s cap it to just work-related change. In terms of my career, I’d say I’ve gained more knowledge in relation to what I do, grown in confidence and continued progressing professionally. It’s been a reminder that sometimes you’re growing even when you don’t realise it.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
It would be an over authentic life coach who never knocks twice, always showing up with a new challenge, pushing me out of my comfort zone and reminding me that staying comfortable isn’t the same as moving forward.
Mario Bondesio
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
My work naturally revolves around numbers and making sure everything adds up. So, this Spring, I’d like to spend more time focusing on the things that can’t be measured like getting outdoors, hiking, spending more time with family and being more present.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
There’s been a lot of change in my family life – I’m becoming an uncle, and my parents are becoming Oupa and Ouma for the first time.
I’m really looking forward to watching my parent’s step into their new roles as Oupa and Ouma, and to experiencing this new chapter with my brother and his growing family.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
I think change would be the friend who quietly shows up and reminds you that you’re not meant to stay in the same place forever. For me, this year, change feels like a reminder to look up from the numbers every now and then and appreciate the life behind them.
Mario Bondesio
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
My work naturally revolves around numbers and making sure everything adds up. So, this Spring, I’d like to spend more time focusing on the things that can’t be measured like getting outdoors, hiking, spending more time with family and being more present.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
There’s been a lot of change in my family life – I’m becoming an uncle, and my parents are becoming Oupa and Ouma for the first time.
I’m really looking forward to watching my parent’s step into their new roles as Oupa and Ouma, and to experiencing this new chapter with my brother and his growing family.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
I think change would be the friend who quietly shows up and reminds you that you’re not meant to stay in the same place forever. For me, this year, change feels like a reminder to look up from the numbers every now and then and appreciate the life behind them.
Patricia Weir
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
Spending more time outside in nature and fresh air. I hope to go to the beach for long walks, spend time in my garden, do a few hikes and admire the beauty that surrounds us. To find some places that are hidden gems and enjoy the peace and serenity. To worry less about things out of my control.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
I have decluttered at home, donated bag loads of stuff to charities. I have rearranged my furniture and added more colours to my home – it’s like a new home and I love it. At work, I apply the same principle of keeping my space uncluttered – less distractions and more focus.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
It would be my husband. He’s energised and not scared to start over (he started a new job this year) and stamp his mark on things. He also supports me, especially when I’m overthinking something. He has the ability to make me laugh and that is the best medicine.
Patricia Weir
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
Spending more time outside in nature and fresh air. I hope to go to the beach for long walks, spend time in my garden, do a few hikes and admire the beauty that surrounds us. To find some places that are hidden gems and enjoy the peace and serenity. To worry less about things out of my control.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
I have decluttered at home, donated bag loads of stuff to charities. I have rearranged my furniture and added more colours to my home – it’s like a new home and I love it. At work, I apply the same principle of keeping my space uncluttered – less distractions and more focus.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
It would be my husband. He’s energised and not scared to start over (he started a new job this year) and stamp his mark on things. He also supports me, especially when I’m overthinking something. He has the ability to make me laugh and that is the best medicine.
Terrance Ndlovu
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
This Spring, I’m choosing to be more intentional with my time and energy. I have learnt that growth is not always about doing more but sometimes, it’s about knowing what deserves my attention and what doesn’t. I’m focusing on making space for myself while continuing to grow professionally and personally.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
I think I have changed a lot mentally. I am more confident in myself in what I want and what I do, especially when it comes to my career and my future. I have also learnt to set boundaries and not put soe much pressure on myself.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
A life coach and a dietician combined. The type of person who is constantly telling you to step out of your comfort zone, drink more water, eat better, hit the gym and become the best version of yourself. You may not always want to hear it, but deep down you know they’re right and this is the change your body and mental health needs.
Terrance Ndlovu
What’s the one thing you’re changing this Spring?
This Spring, I’m choosing to be more intentional with my time and energy. I have learnt that growth is not always about doing more but sometimes, it’s about knowing what deserves my attention and what doesn’t. I’m focusing on making space for myself while continuing to grow professionally and personally.
What’s something that has changed in your life since the year started?
I think I have changed a lot mentally. I am more confident in myself in what I want and what I do, especially when it comes to my career and my future. I have also learnt to set boundaries and not put soe much pressure on myself.
If change were a person, who do you think it would be?
A life coach and a dietician combined. The type of person who is constantly telling you to step out of your comfort zone, drink more water, eat better, hit the gym and become the best version of yourself. You may not always want to hear it, but deep down you know they’re right and this is the change your body and mental health needs.
#LoveChange
Welcome to BrightRock, the needs-matched money company
When you think about your money, you’re actually thinking about your life. About the people you love and the things you want to do. And about life’s big Change Moments – like when you land that job, make a home, tie the knot or start a family.
At BrightRock, we want to help you make money decisions that reflect your life, your changing needs, and all the things that are really important to you.