The spirit of innovation thrives in environments where the unknown and uncertainty stop being obstacles and become catalysts for success — for those bold enough to think fast and differently. In today’s ever-evolving market, solving business challenges requires more than well-defined processes. It demands creativity, agility and the courage to do things differently.

Innovation is no longer limited to product or technical teams. It is now a transversal skill — essential across every department.

In many companies, complex challenges stall at the meeting-room stage. Not because ideas are lacking, but because rigid processes end up slowing progress instead of enabling it. The focus often shifts from solving the problem to ticking boxes. Brilliant ideas remain on paper. There is motivation, but little room to test, fail, and learn. A space where even the most unconventional idea could turn out to be the breakthrough solution.

Often, what’s missing is an environment that encourages agile collaboration, practical thinking and the freedom to experiment without fear. Daily routines don’t always allow for moments of creativity and disruption. That’s why it's so important to create initiatives, time and spaces that allow innovation to happen — and last.

At FNB, we believe innovation emerges from the meeting point between challenge and action. That’s what drives DisruptFest, an internal event where teams from across the FirstRand Group come together to tackle real problems, propose practical solutions and build working prototypes — in just two days.

Beyond the final results, the true value lies in the collaboration across countries, the mix of skills, and the opportunity to shine in a fast-paced learning environment.

DisruptFest showed us that innovation isn’t just about technical skill — it’s about motivation, trust, connection, and above all, creating space for new ideas to thrive. Seeing the Mozambique team earn 2nd place out of fourteen competing teams was proof that, when the right conditions are created, people exceed expectations — technically and personally.

Initiatives like this bring out the best in people. They foster pride, build unity and encourage the courage to think differently.

In a world defined by rapid change, the companies that stand out are those that embed innovation into their culture. The ability to adapt, respond and lead with creativity is what drives sustainable value.

Creating environments that encourage solution-driven thinking is not just good strategy — it’s a commitment to future-readiness. These are the spaces where transformation begins: where services improve, processes evolve, and customers benefit.

Innovation should not be an isolated moment — it must become a continuous mindset.
Because to shape the future, we must start today — using the talent, ideas and resources we already have.

 

Adela Querol

Head of Project and Change Management 

FNB Moçambique