Hi, I’m Gina
After more than two decades in financial markets as an economist I’ve experienced more than enough ups and downs to share my experience.
I am passionate about giving back, especially by motivating the youth. I’ve seen too many brilliant minds trapped in roles and industries that limited them from finding their way and I’m here to provide some guidance in your journey.
I host monthly ‘First Thursday’ sessions which is a relatively casual conversation about what us economists actually do.
The first session started in March 2026 and I was blown away by the sign-ups! Thank you!
I will introduce you each month to the most interesting and fascinating minds I’ve been fortunate to work alongside all these years. Each monthly guest will explain what they do and the journey that brought them there.
Economists have so much value to add, but we all do very different things. It’s important to understand the varying roles that you can transition to after studying economics or, if you’re inclined to study again, pursue the career at a later stage.
Economics is far simpler than many make it out to be. It’s everyday living, current affairs, politics, policy reactions and human behaviour. The more aware you become of the ability of an individual to influence the world, the better you understand how the collective creates trends and patterns.
Humans are not rational. We live in an irrational world. Understanding what drives us, our decisions, our countries, our policy makers and our politicians becomes the backbone of the intuition that some of the best economists possess.
Make no mistake, it takes time, and courage. You have to learn across multiple economic cycles that the humility of your analysis creates the reputation you earn; admit when you’re wrong, and humbly accept when you are right. The more you experience, the stronger your intuition becomes. It is a truly beautiful thing when you wake up one day and realise that you possess the intuition you always wanted.
I look forward to building both a motivational movement and a powerful influence that will help us push forward and grow as a society.
I’m a proud wife, proud mom, and proud South African. I can’t wait to share what I’ve learnt with you but mostly, I look forward to what I learn from you.
Never underestimate your influence on the world around you; you always have more to give back than you realise.
Come learn with me,
Gina
FIRST THURSDAYS
A monthly conversation series exploring careers, economics,
and the real stories behind the professionals shaping our world.
Monthly Conversations
A 1-hour session between Gina and a selected guest discussing their careers, what they do, and how they got there.
Industry Guests
Guests include economists, bankers, policymakers, analysts, and journalists from different fields.
Live Q&A
Each session includes time for audience questions and open discussion.
UPCOMING SESSION
Session #3 - Mamokete Lijane
What does an economist actually do?
Tuesday 5 May 2026 (not a Thursday but I unfortunately have a clash!)
5pm – 6pm SAST (GMT+2 / BST+1 / EST+6)
‘First Thursdays’ is a non-work-affiliated personal gesture to those who would like a 1-hour conversation between me and a chosen guest about what our careers look like, what we do, and how we got here.
Monthly guests will range from other economists, bankers, policymakers, political analysts, economic journalists, speakers, etc.
I’m so happy to let you know that for this session our guest will be:
Mamokete Lijane,
Fixed Income Strategist, Presidential Advisor & columnist
Read her biographies here:
Career: www.corporateandinvestment.standardbank.com
Presidential Advisor: www.peac.org.za
ERSA: www.econrsa.org
Columnist: www.businessday.co.za
Linked-In: www.linkedin.com
RSVP by Monday 4 May 2026
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
- Please keep in mind that I am doing this in my personal capacity as Gina Schoeman Ackermann (professional/married name), and it has no affiliation to my place of work.
- None of the content is investment advice.
- I will provide advance notification if the first Thursday of each month does not work.
- The session is not permitted to be recorded.
- I will work on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Cameras on and please make your name visible (also indicate student/young professional, and where/location if possible)
PREVIOUS SESSIONS
Catch up on past conversations and insights from First Thursdays.
First Thursdays, Session 1 with Gina Schoeman
Thursday 5 March 2026
In the first session, we spent time on what I do in my current role as a macroeconomist in a global investment bank, comparing this to what other types of roles economists can take. We addressed the power of scenarios instead of only one baseline forecast. I also described my career journey from student to now, and the many chances I took.
Session Passcode: *80B?6gS
First Thursdays, Session 2 with Wandile Sihlobo
Thursday 2 April 2026
Our guest, Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economists and AgBiz and Presidential Envoy and Advisor, revealed his path to being a specialised sector economist. The conversation led us to highlight how important it is to market yourself in order to expand your readership, brand and network. You have to take chances, show up and put yourself out there.
Session Passcode: GY33^%MA