A conversation with Amanda Packery, Head of Services at SurTech
The best leaders don’t simply manage people—they create an environment where people feel trusted, supported and empowered to do their best work.
As part of our Women’s Month celebration, we sat down with Amanda Packery, Head of Services at SurTech, to reflect on the experiences that have shaped her leadership journey. From embracing every opportunity to learn to building high-performing teams founded on trust, Amanda shares the lessons that continue to guide both her career and the way she leads others.
Watch the full interview or read the blog post below:
Q: Looking back at the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?
Amanda:
“It’s a tricky one because I still think I’m young at heart!”
“Looking back at the start of my career, I would tell my younger self to stay curious, embrace every opportunity to learn and never shy away from challenges that seem outside of my comfort zone. Growth often comes from the moments that feel the most uncertain.
I would also remind myself to be patient and consistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built by showing up every day, delivering value and committing yourself to continuous learning.
Every role I’ve held—even the ones that seemed routine at the time—has contributed to the skills, resilience and perspective I rely on today.
Building strong relationships, communicating openly and earning the trust of colleagues and customers have shaped my career just as much as the experience and knowledge I’ve gained along the way.”
Q: Finish this sentence: “The woman I am today is…”
Amanda:
“The woman I am today is confident, resilient, driven and deeply committed to making a positive impact in both my professional and personal life.”
Q: What does exceptional service really mean to you?
Amanda:
“Exceptional service means consistently delivering more than what is expected by putting our customers at the centre of every interaction.
It’s not just about solving problems. It’s about understanding our customers’ needs, communicating openly, following through on our commitments and creating a positive experience from start to finish.”
Q: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learnt about leading experts and high-performing teams?
Amanda:
“Leading experts isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, where they can share their expertise and where they’re encouraged to take ownership of their work.
High-performing teams thrive when they’re trusted, empowered and supported. When people feel aligned around a common goal, they consistently deliver exceptional results—for both the business and our customers.”
A Surprise Tribute from Her Team
As part of our Women’s Month celebration, Amanda’s team was asked one simple question:
“What makes Amanda an inspiring leader?”
She had no idea these messages had been collected until this moment – and her team had a lot to say. Here is just a taste of their special messages for Amanda:
Isaley Ngobeni
“Amanda is someone who leads with confidence and always treats people with respect. She sets high standards but is also approachable and willing to help when needed. I really admire how she remains calm under pressure and always handles situations professionally.
She’s a great example of the kind of leader people want to work with. Her support, positive attitude, and commitment to the team make a real difference, and I think those are some of the qualities that make her such an inspiring woman and leader.”
Jesse Govender
“Amanda has been my manager, mentor, and trusted advisor for nearly a decade. Over that time, I have come to know her not only as one of the most capable and respected leaders in our organization, but also as someone I am fortunate to call a friend.
Amanda has consistently demonstrated exceptional strength, resilience, and professionalism.
I have witnessed her navigate complex and high-pressure situations with confidence, composure, and grace. Where others may have struggled, she has led with clarity and determination, earning the respect of colleagues, clients, and teams alike.
As Head of Services, she has built a culture that is open, supportive, inclusive, and driven by merit. She empowers people to succeed, encourages diverse perspectives, and inspires her team to be the very best version of themselves.”
Beyers Henning
“Amanda is an exceptional leader because she gives her team clear direction and trusts us to determine the best way to achieve the required outcome, without micromanaging. Although her role is not technical, she takes the time to listen, understand the advice provided, and supports us during difficult discussions with customers or other departments.
Amanda is fair, supportive, resilient, compassionate, and empathetic.
She understands when personal matters need attention and helps guide us back on track when we become distracted. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from her is that relying on others and working together is a strength, not a weakness, and is often the best way to deliver quality work on time.
I truly appreciate working with Amanda, both as a colleague and as a friend.”
Hemita Govind
“Amanda is one of those leaders who makes a lasting impact on the people she works with. She consistently demonstrates compassion, authenticity, and strength, while always encouraging her team to do their best. I appreciate how approachable and supportive she is, and how she creates a space where everyone feels valued and heard.
Her guidance, trust, and confidence in her team have helped me grow professionally and take on new challenges with greater confidence. Amanda leads with purpose, inspires through her actions, and exemplifies the qualities of a truly outstanding leader and an inspiring woman.”
Vereese Moodley
“Amanda has had a significant impact on my career, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities she has given me. She believed in my potential by giving me the opportunity to move into Project Coordination and later approached me to join the Change Management team.
Beyond her leadership, Amanda genuinely cares about her team. She is understanding and accommodating when life happens, especially when we need to take leave for circumstances beyond our control. She leads with empathy without compromising on professionalism, creating an environment where people feel supported and valued. Even though our Change Management department is still in its early stages, she has consistently encouraged me, recognised my efforts, and reminded me that I am doing well.
She is not only an exceptional leader but also an inspiring woman whose belief in others leaves a lasting impact.”
Shaaista Khan
“Amanda has been one of the most influential leaders in my professional journey. From the beginning, she has believed in my potential, even at times when I doubted myself, and she has continuously challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new opportunities.
Her guidance has played a significant role in my growth from an audit background into a confident Functional Consultant. By trusting me with client engagements, encouraging me to take ownership of my work, and providing constructive feedback, she has helped me develop both my technical expertise and my confidence.
She remains calm under pressure, treats everyone with respect, and creates an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Her resilience, professionalism, and genuine investment in her team’s growth make her not only an exceptional leader but also an inspiring woman and role model.”
Women’s Month is about celebrating women whose leadership leaves a lasting impact—not only through what they achieve, but through the people they inspire along the way.
Amanda’s journey reminds us that exceptional leadership isn’t about having every answer. It’s about staying curious, building trust, empowering others and creating a culture where people can thrive together.
From everyone at SurTech, thank you, Amanda, for your dedication, your leadership and the positive impact you continue to make every day.
Happy Women’s Month!
