Tilman Friedrich’s path of perseverance and leadership

Tilman Friedrich’s life story shows how focus, discipline and mentorship can shape a career. Born in Swakopmund and raised in Karibib, he grew up in a family that valued hard work. Over more than fifty years, he built a career that led to the establishment of Retirement Fund Solutions (RFS) Administrators.

After completing his studies at Unisa, Friedrich began his career at Deloitte. Those early years gave him the foundation to take on senior roles and eventually establish RFS Administrators.

Friedrich said that his years of leadership and technical guidance at RFS were marked by dedication and continuity, helping to grow the company into a trusted institution. “I served as managing director of RFS from its establishment in 1999 until 2018, when I handed over the baton to Marthinuz Fabianus as my successor."

Nevertheless, his work did not stop there.

"I continued working full-time as a technical adviser until February of this year,” he told Careers.

Friedrich’s path was not easy. He had to make sacrifices and face moments of doubt while studying and working at the same time. 

Professional lessons

Recalling those early years, Friedrich said balancing studies with other responsibilities required discipline. He overcame moments of doubt with persistence and support from close friends who helped him stay focused.

“During my part-time studies, I initially found it difficult to extricate myself from my social circles. I had to find my own answers in one way or another, and there were times when I was about to throw in the towel,” he said. 

Every career starts somewhere, and Friedrich’s first job was at Deloitte.

He said the demanding environment at Deloitte taught him discipline, resilience, and the importance of commitment, shaping his professional character. “My first job was that of an articled clerk at Deloitte. It taught me the ins and outs of accountancy, from the ground up,” he said. 

Sharing his advice to young Namibians, Friedrich said perseverance, ambition, and self-reliance are principles that every young person should follow to succeed and overcome challenges. “If it were not for perseverance in the face of challenges, identification of a goal in life and focus, commitment and total dedication towards its achievement, as well as a good measure of ambition, I would not have been where I am today,” he said.