Magda

My Journey

By: Magda Wierzycka

Narrated by: Jolanta Durno

How did a teenage refugee from communist Poland become one of the richest women in South Africa? In what ways did she disrupt the financial services industry? What drove her to become an activist exposing corporate and government corruption? What are her secrets for succeeding in business and life?

The founder of multibillion-rand financial services empire Sygnia Limited, Magda Wierzycka is South Africa’s most successful businesswoman. In this engaging and insightful book, she tells the story of her life, from her childhood in communist Poland, her family’s escape and relocation to South Africa, her early struggles in the male-dominated financial services industry and the formation and growth of her own company, Sygnia. With a business model built on transparency and low fees, it was a natural step for Magda to become an outspoken critic of corporate and government corruption, exposing wrongdoing and making her many powerful enemies in the process.

In this book, Madga shares the life lessons and business principles that have driven her and brought her success. This is a fascinating story that will inspire you to speak out, lean in, break out and ultimately empower yourself not only to survive in life and business, but to thrive.

©2022 Magda Wierzycka (P)2022 Penguin Random House South Africa

Highly Recommended

Magda can come across as arrogant or like she's boasting at times, but I don't think that is the case - she's telling a story of her life which is filled with success, so I guess it's difficult not to come across that way at times. I really enjoy her direct nature and telling it how it is. Her stories are interesting and enlightening, and I recommend this to anyone, whether interested in business, entrepreneurship, politics, the financial services industry, women in business or state capture, it's a must read.

Inspirational and enlightening!

Having never really felt knowledgeable about the financial investment world I was a bit apprehensive about starting this book but Magda’s straightforward delivery and inspiring insights into her life and the choices she has made kept me riveted. I don’t normally leave reviews but I decided to on this one as I would like to whole heartedly recommend this book. Her insights are enriching and her story is inspirational. A person like Magda with her intelligence and business ethics could make a real difference to all our futures!

Bold and brave

I have casually followed Magda's journey in the media for many years, having worked in the same industry and having a personal interest in SA business and politics. So it was a refresher for me, yet revealed much more of Magda's personal perspective which many people could learn from. It is amazing to me how much she has achieved. Magda is bold and brave in many ways and we are fortunate that a SA bureaucrat saw fit to admit her family as refugees. Well written and well narrated. Grateful for the audio book.

What a BOOK

What a book! What a story! What a woman!

I am SOOOO in awe of this Super Hero.

Thank you Magda for writing this book

I have 3 daughters and my plan is to encourage each of them to read this book and then to encourage as many woman to do the same.

A true role model not only to woman but all leaders. This book gives me hope!
That despite the most horrendous challenges we as humans can overcome and rise above them to achieve our wildest dreams.

Thank you for your honesty, your courage and your willingness to put yourself out there. You are an inspiration.

I wish you all the best in all your new ventures.