On today’s episode of Extra Credit…There are moments throughout your career when you might be looking for guidance. Whether you are just getting acquainted at your very first job, you’ve made a career transition or you just need some advice, a mentor can make a world of difference in your confidence at work.  

The Canadian economy showed growth over the fourth quarter, with increased consumer spending, business investments and exports boosting the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2.6% in the final months of 2024. While the growth is a good sign for the Canadian economy, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s imminent resignation and the looming threat of tariffs from the United States create uncertainty.

The credit and sales departments share a complex relationship that varies by company. While their level of interaction differs across organizations, their functions are fundamentally intertwined—credit departments vigilantly oversee accounts acquired by sales teams, evaluating both potential risks and opportunities for growth.

“I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So, if I’m going to learn, I must do it by listening.” — Larry King, CNN. King emphasizes how much more you can learn by listening rather than speaking. However, that’s easier said than done for most people. In fact, studies show that people typically remember only about 20% of what they hear immediately after listening, with retention dropping significantly over time.

As credit managers, your day-to-day work focuses on maintaining the delicate balance between extending credit to customers and protecting your company from potential risk. This determination hinges on your initial credit investigation, your first deep dive into a customer’s finances, payment habits and professional relationships. Financial records play a major role during the determination of creditworthiness, offering a well-rounded and comprehensive fact-based view into your customer’s finances.

By earning certifications through NACM’s and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Programs, credit professionals can gain in-depth knowledge and learn about different strategies to thrive in their field. 

Earning a designation through one of NACM’s and FCIB’s six professional designation programs is not only an opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the credit field, but a means to boost your career with newfound creditability. 

South Africa’s economic outlook has improved since last year and set to continue to do so in 2025. Despite easing core inflation, the economy faces rising debt, political instability and a weakening currency. Nevertheless, better fiscal policies and a focus on domestic growth are expected to sustain economic growth.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) can be transformative for businesses, often leading to greater efficiencies, market expansion and cost savings. However, for credit professionals, these transactions can introduce a range of complexities and risks.