Day in the life of a

Portfolio Analyst

Delving into the details of our portfolio, Ilze Coetzee, a portfolio analyst, runs us through a day in her role, from waking up to winding down.

Morning

Cycling and coffee

I believe an early start is the secret to having a productive day. When I’m in the office, I start with an early morning bike ride alongside my colleague and fellow portfolio team member, Morne Nortje. We cover  around 45 kilometres from our Cape Town office to Hout Bay and back, setting the pace for the day ahead.

On work-from-home days, I opt for a more relaxed start. I take a leisurely stroll in the park with my two sausage dogs or hop on the indoor bike for a workout.

No matter the routine, my day doesn’t officially begin without that crucial cup of coffee. Whether it’s grabbed en route to the office or a freshly brewed cup on my patio, it’s my morning ritual that seals the deal.

To-do list planning

Every day brings something new, which is why I love what I do. My schedule revolves around the ever-evolving needs of my portfolio companies.

Yet, despite the variability, my initial morning routine remains consistent. I weave my to-do list into my calendar each morning, ensuring I have time to tackle the most pressing tasks of the day. 

Taking calls

While no two days are the same, my schedule will always involve calls both internally and externally. 

We have a portfolio team meeting every Monday morning, which is our opportunity to come together and chat through the portfolio, problem solve together and share key learnings and ideas.

I catch up with my portfolio manager twice a week to discuss my portfolio companies in more detail, align on priorities and we put our heads together to figure out next steps on any challenges we might be facing.

Externally, I regularly speak with clients during the week. These discussions often revolve around monthly management accounts, updated budgets and forecasts, and a general check-in on the company’s progress. We might delve into potential transactions, spanning from approving an acquisition to restructuring a company.

During quarterly reporting I try to have all my calls within the first two weeks of the month, leaving enough time to draft the quarterly reports and clear up any review queries before the deadline.

Lunch

Lunch varies based on my location: at the office, I take the opportunity to join colleagues for some food; when working from home, I aim for a break on the patio away from my laptop. 

Afternoon

Catch-ups, coaching and credit papers

Afternoons depend on how busy my portfolio companies are and whether we are in our quarterly reporting cycle or not. 

Typically, I spend more time catching up with clients, lawyers or team members. 

There are also instances where we have company-wide training sessions scheduled or individual coaching with our Organisational Psychologist, Heather Worsfold. 

The afternoon might also be spent working on credit committee papers, relating to our existing portfolio companies or delving into the details of our USDA bridge loans.

Last tasks of the day

Before logging off, I write up a rough to-do list for the next day, which I’ll always go over the next morning in case any emails came through overnight. 

Evening

A balanced wind-down

My evenings vary based on the day and where I am. On Mondays, the portfolio team often gathers for a post-work drink.

When I’m at home and miss my morning exercise, I make it a point to move in the evening. Whether it’s walking the dogs with my husband—perfect for unwinding and chatting about the day—or a session on the indoor bike.

Given the chance, I also enjoy a Netflix series with a cup of tea to cap off the evening.