Jordaan combines international excellence, local flair

Richard Havenga (left) Dr Amanda Hamilton-Atwell, Michael Jordaan and Daniel Munslow at the presentation. (Image: Eben Liebenberg from Photo-elements)

The award was made at the gala dinner that concluded the first day of IABC Africa Region's successful 16th annual conference, held at Kievits Kroon Country Estate and Spa near Pretoria on 8-9 October 2009.

This award is made to a person who is not an IABC member but a captain of industry and one who spends time speaking with and listening to stakeholders around the world. It recognises active engagement and genuine interest in listening to and learning from all people.

Sincerely successful

One of the main requirements for selection as an Excel Award winner is a personal, humorous and selfless communication style; a style that resonates with diverse groups within broader audiences.

As a recipient of the Excel Award, Jordaan is hallmarked as someone who personally participates in leading-edge communication activities and happily joins in on the creative development of content. For instance, Jordaan drives FNB's innovation programme vigorously and is personally involved in all presentations and promotions, as well as corporate social investment initiatives.

This award singles him out as someone who is always accessible, as is evidenced by “On MJ's Mind,” a two-weekly email to all FNB employees that Jordaan started when he was appointed CEO. It invites a response, which goes direct to Jordaan. He also answers his own phone and replies to his own emails when he is in the office.

Another requirement for selection for an Excel Award is that the recipient should be engaged in real-time company announcements and discussions. His excellent response to FNB's recent internet banking downtime certainly confirms the validity of choosing Jordaan for this honour.

In his acceptance speech, Jordaan quoted Mark Twain on the requirements for public speaking: “Be sincere, be brief, be seated.” This humble and practical spirit underlies the achievements that resulted in him being selected for the award.