Every leader’s journey begins with a moment of clarity—a realization of the role they are meant to play and advance to empower others and create meaningful impact. For Chose Modise, that moment was less about a single event and more about a growing awareness, shaped by the environment and experiences around him.
In his career, he witnessed how access to financial resources could transform lives and how the right economic structures could uplift entire communities. It was this early understanding combined with a deep sense of responsibility that sparked his path into the world of finance.
Growing up in Botswana, he saw firsthand the transformative power that financial inclusion and sound economic management can have on communities and individuals. This inspired him to pursue studies in finance and later build a career that would enable him to contribute to the country’s growth story. For Chose, contributing to national progress is both a civic duty and a personal responsibility – a role he takes seriously. Thus, he plays the part as best as he can.
Over the years, he’s been fortunate to work across various segments of the financial services sector, both locally and regionally, gaining valuable experience in corporate banking, strategy and leadership. Each step along the way reinforced his belief in the importance of a purpose-led approach to banking, one that balances commercial success with societal progress.
Becoming Chief Executive (CE) of Stanbic Bank Botswana was a humbling continuation of this journey. It was a privilege for Chose to lead a team that is passionate about unlocking Botswana’s potential and empowering its people to grow. He asserts, “Botswana is our home; we drive her growth.”
Driving Sustainable Growth and Inclusive Innovation
As the CE, his foremost responsibility is to provide strategic direction that positions Stanbic Bank to deliver sustainable value to all its stakeholders – clients, employees, shareholders, and the communities it serves. This involves stewarding the organisation towards long-term growth while ensuring that the operations remain agile and responsive to the dynamic financial services environment. This allows the organization to create value and deliver its purpose of delivering its purpose of driving Botswana’s growth.
Botswana’s financial landscape is advancing at a fast pace and is being shaped by digital transformation, shifting customer expectations, and economic diversification efforts. To remain competitive, the organization prioritizes innovation and client-centricity, designing solutions that respond directly to the needs of our clients, whether they are individuals, SMEs, or large corporates. The organization also invests significantly in digital capabilities and partnerships that enhance its service delivery and operational efficiency.
At the heart of it all is the commitment to creating value, access and inclusion. Reflecting upon these strategic implications, Chose Modise shares, “We see ourselves as a growth partner for Botswana, enabling progress and prosperity for the nation.”
Principles that Define True Leadership
To begin with, Chose Modise emphasizes his approach of constantly exploring and learning. He is always mindful that there is more to learn. That being said, he describes this leadership style as collaborative, purpose-driven and empowering. He elaborates further, stating, “I believe leadership is not about command and control, but about creating an environment where people feel inspired, trusted, and supported to bring their best selves to work.”
Chose’s leadership philosophy is reflected in the culture of Stanbic Bank Botswana. It is where growth and continuous learning are embraced and cherished. He therefore tries to place great emphasis on authenticity, accountability, and shared vision. When it comes to developing leaders, Chose strives to encourage curiosity, resilience and a strong sense of responsibility towards his clients and communities.
Thus far, he believes this – and the support and efforts of an incredible country leadership committee and passionate staff – have surpassed the targets of our 3-year strategy in just two years. While he gives this credit to the resilient team, he thinks it reaffirms that the leadership style is evolving in the right ways.
He adheres to a fundamental fact that defines no presumption to know everything; he further asserts, “You are always learning and can always learn from others. In fact, you will be better for it, so be open to learning and growth. Listen. Absorb. Process.”
What Defines Resilience?
Leadership, by its very nature, comes with challenges – some expected, others unforeseen. One of the most significant has been navigating uncertainty, especially in times of economic pressure or rapid change, such as during the pandemic or in responding to evolving regulatory and technological landscapes. These moments test your business acumen but also your ability to lead with empathy and purpose.
It was the moment of realization for Chose Modise during COVID-19, like many other leaders. He had to rally his team and face the imminent health and safety concerns of the community and country. He sheds light on the need for balance while ensuring value-added services for clients and maintaining a competitive edge for the company to stay in business.
This extended after the pandemic, as he had to build a leaner and stronger organisation and thus re-designed the structure along with the ways of working. In a time of such change and uncertainty, your team looks to you for reassurance, while the business looks to you for results. It was a tough time, but the approach of ‘We are in this together’ was key for Chose – “No man is an island, and our collective efforts are what made me feel stronger as a leader and more valuable as a team player,” he expresses.
Operational Advantage in Innovation, Customer Service and Market Leadership
Staying ahead requires a mindset of continuous evolution. Under Chose’s leadership, Stanbic Bank Botswana embeds innovation into its DNA, not for novelty, but to better serve its clients and anticipate their changing and evolving demands. The organization strategically invests to enrich its digital platforms, data insights, and partnerships that allow it to provide relevant, seamless and accessible banking experiences that truly empower its customers and businesses.
Chose shares, “Apart from technical advancements, human touch is equally important. Technology is an enabler, but it is our people who make the difference. We focus on equipping our teams with the skills and mindset to serve with excellence, empathy and agility.” Through these aspects, the team stands as a changemaker because it is the mindset everyone adheres to. By aligning innovative efforts with the real economy and the clients’ aspirations, the organization leads with a purpose, creating value and positive change.
Chose Modise is proud of the role he has been playing in positioning Stanbic Bank Botswana as a trusted partner in driving national development. From supporting the growth of key industries to empowering SMEs and advancing financial inclusion, the impact has been tangible. He observes this in such momentous funding deals such as that of Wilderness and Norsad, both advancing social, economic and environmental (SEE) causes for these two valued clients, as well as playing meaningful roles in such developments as the Mohembo Bridge on northern Botswana.
He expresses, “On a personal level, every moment where I’ve helped develop a future leader or contributed to someone’s growth stands out. Leadership is not only about driving results; it’s about leaving a legacy of empowerment. Seeing our people thrive and knowing that we are playing a role in building Botswana’s future is what I value most, and so the COVID-19 recovery noted above is also a memorable time for me.”
Living Fully—Inside and Outside of Work
Balance is something Chose Modise values more with each passing year. The reality is that the demands are high, but so is the importance of being intentional about wellbeing, stress management and setting boundaries. He prioritizes time for family, reflection, and physical wellbeing as best as he can because he believes a healthy leader is a more effective leader.
More importantly, he implements this model for the team. In Chose’s perspective, “Wellbeing should not be a luxury; it is a necessity for sustainable performance.” Stanbic Bank fosters a People & Culture team that constantly nurtures a culture and recognizes the whole person, not just the professional. By creating supportive environments, the organization enables its people – and ourselves – to show up fully, both at work and in life. Chose is proud to share, “We learn this from each single day.”
Imagining the possibilities
Shedding light on the strategies Chose Modise implements to achieve sustainable growth, he thoughtfully shares, “Our Letsema 2025 strategy culminates this year, and we have already surpassed a number of key targets as well as set new ones, in terms of profitability as well as impact.” Chose hopes to continue on the trajectory and then redevelop an even more formidable new strategy. He shares, “So that when we say Botswana is our home and we drive her growth, it is seen and felt by all – our staff, our customers, communities and country.”
In this vein, Chose Modise clearly focuses on the areas of impact across social, economic and environmental fronts. He wants to drive prosperity for all in line with the government’s vision, create value for communities, and empower the livelihoods of customers and staff. It is about growth in all of its various forms – economic, social, and personal – taking everyone along on the journey and leaving no one behind. Whether it is enabling an SME to access funding, supporting a student through financial literacy, or building digital inclusion for remote communities, his aim is to ensure that progress is shared and inclusive.
Chose Modise thrives while envisioning a scenario in which if even one person, one community, or one business can say Stanbic Bank has helped empower or fuel their growth, it brings him immense happiness. “If I can contribute to that, I know I am on the right path,” he concludes with an optimistic note.
