This month we’re in conversation with Beaumont Beasley, Managing Director, Ford Credit, Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
Welcome to South Africa, Beau! To start, tell us more about yourself. Who is Beau and where did you grow up?
I grew up in Kansas City, MO, with my mom and older brother. I grew up in a small neighbourhood with close friends and family. I have two other younger brothers who grew up a few hours from me, and one younger sister who grew up in Miami, FL. I played sports a lot growing up, and it ended up being a big part of my life journey. I have three nieces (Gia, Aspen, and Willow) and one nephew (Gipson) now, and the best part of my days is when I get to talk to them.
What was your very first job (Ford or otherwise), and what is the most important lesson you carried from that experience into your executive career?
My very first job was working at a bakery/deli called Panera Bread. My older brother worked there before me. When he came home for the summer from his freshman year in college, he came into the house and saw me and some friends sitting on the couch playing PlayStation. He cut the game off, told all of them to go home, and took me to Panera Bread to apply for a job. He made it clear to me that I was going to do more than just run around the neighbourhood and play with friends; I was going to work as well. The most important lesson I have carried with me in my career is, “The best version of you is you!” When I came to work as my authentic self, I came to work better and was a better leader. I want 100% of team members in the company to feel that exact way.
Ford Credit is a vital engine for the brand. In your view, how does the South African financial landscape differ from other markets you’ve worked in?
What I have learned in my short time is that there are more similarities in the South African financial landscape and economy than differences, specifically with the dealers here. The one big difference here in the South African market is the competition with the number of automotive OEMs. In North America, trade policies have kept some competitors out of the landscape, and that market has mostly been dominated by legacy automotive OEMs with a few homegrown players that have come into the mix over the past decade. Here in South Africa, the number of automotive OEMs competing for a smaller market is staggering, and that number continues to grow.
Before your career in finance, you were a standout basketball player (notably at North Alabama). How did you make the transition from the hardwood to the corporate world of Ford?
It’s a journey that I can share more details about in conversations with people, but in short, my family and others wanted me to continue to chase my dream of playing professionally. But some bad experiences with agents and seeing things my friends were dealing with who were professionals made me sceptical. Ford Credit came knocking, and I decided that all the hard work and dedication I put into basketball, I would put into my career with Ford Credit. If I was going to trade this for my dream, I was going to give it my all. It’s the best decision I ever made.
In basketball, the point guard is the floor general. How does that "on-court" leadership style translate to your role as Managing Director of Ford Credit South Africa?
So many things come to mind, but two things stick out: Servant Leadership and Accountability. As a point guard, not only does the team go as you go, but it’s your role to ensure you are setting up your teammates for success. I believe in a people-first mindset whereby prioritising the team’s success, growth, and development, everyone will win. Just like basketball, setting your team up for success will lead to winning. With accountability, as a leader of anything, a sports team, a work team, etc., if you yourself are not accountable, how could you expect your team to be? When playing basketball, there were plenty of times my coach challenged me with being accountable not only for my own actions but those of my teammates as well. Because if they are failing at something, the team will as well. The same applies to a leader in the organisation.
What is your favourite Ford vehicle of all time, and what is your current “daily driver”?
Ford Bronco! I think the company did a fantastic job with that vehicle. I had one before I came over and I was sad to turn it in. I currently drive a Ford Everest and have been very impressed with it. We don’t have that vehicle in North America, but it is an incredible vehicle.
Moving to a new country is a major transition. What are you most looking forward to exploring in South Africa, perhaps a local cuisine or a famous landmark?
I can’t wait to travel and see the different parts of the country. I remember watching the World Cup on TV in 2010 and seeing the opening game in Cape Town. The soccer stadium sitting on the water with a beautiful view is etched in my brain, and at the time, I couldn’t help but think that would be a cool place to visit. Sixteen years later, I am living here. Who would have thought?!? I have never been to the Indian Ocean, so that is at the top of my list, and I understand I would be remiss if I didn’t go on a few safaris, so I’m looking forward to that as well.
Have you had a chance to experience a South African "braai" yet? If so, what’s your verdict?
No, I haven’t, and this is a very sensitive topic for me here as I am from Kansas City, home of the best BBQ in the world! I will not debate that with anyone either! 😊…But I understand the braai is a big deal, so we will have to have a cook-off one day!
When you look back on your tenure in South Africa a few years from now, what do you hope your legacy will be?
My hope is that Ford Credit is seen as the best captive in the country, hands down! Best-in-class service to our dealers, customers, and motor company colleagues is a standard we have set in all the markets we operate in. I want Ford Credit to be seen at the same standard here, and I know we will achieve that!
If you could give one piece of advice to a young professional, starting their career journey today, what would it be?
Don’t quit! I truly believe that’s the most distinguishing quality between those who achieve their goals and those who don’t—the ones who didn’t quit!
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