Answers Part 1 submitted by

Gerald Mariemuthoo

I consider the future of the business when making decisionsConsistently
I have ideas for improving the business or our solutionsConsistently
I respectfully question how we do things to make improvementsOften
I speak to colleagues to obtain their expertise and perspectivesConsistently
I use my initiative and am not afraid to get involved in solving issuesConsistently
I am a pioneer and encourage others to find new and better ways of workingConsistently
I invite people with different views to co-develop solutions to problemsConsistently
I recognise and reward creativityOften
I work with others to turn my best ideas into realityConsistently
I look for ways to use technology to improve the businessConsistently

Please provide examples of how you have shown vision and the ability to innovate in your career 

(Approx 100-300 words)

Throughout my career, I have made it a priority to anticipate challenges and find better ways of working. In my current role as a Currency Integrity Investigator at the South African Reserve Bank, I observed that investigations into counterfeit currency were often slow and relied on traditional methods. I introduced a new digital tracking process that allowed us to monitor currency flows more effectively. This not only improved the accuracy of our investigations but also reduced turnaround times, enabling the team to respond more quickly to emerging threats.

Collaboration is a central part of how I innovate. I regularly engage colleagues and external partners to co-develop solutions. For example, when working with law enforcement agencies on high-risk currency networks, I organised joint workshops to gather insights and brainstorm approaches. This allowed us to combine expertise and create strategies that were more effective than any single perspective could achieve. The process encouraged experimentation and fostered a culture where creative ideas are welcomed and tested.

I also actively look for ways to leverage technology to improve outcomes. Beyond introducing new digital tools, I encourage my team to explore creative approaches, pilot new methods, and continuously improve processes. Recognising and rewarding innovative thinking is a key part of this, as it motivates others to contribute their ideas and strengthens the culture of problem-solving.

For me, innovation is about more than just ideas but rather about taking initiative, collaborating with others and turning solutions into tangible results that make a real impact. By challenging established ways of working, embracing technology, and engaging diverse perspectives, I aim to create long-lasting improvements that benefit both the business and the people we serve.

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Talented people make things happen, are highly committed to achieving goals, innovate very rapidly, and create a great deal of value (for companies and/or themselves) when their talent is spotted and harnessed.

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