Hi, I’m Gina
I’m an economist, speaker, and storyteller, bringing clarity to economics, markets, and real-world decisions that shape our lives.
After more than two decades in financial markets, I’ve experienced my fair share of ups and downs alongside the beautiful chaos of growing up, navigating working-mom life, and discovering a deep love for health, wellness, learning, and personal growth.
This space brings those worlds together: economics, mentoring, self-awareness, career development, and the conversations that help us grow into ourselves.
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 can learn from you.
It’s always the economics.
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 #4 - Kuben Naidoo
What does an economist actually do?
Thursday 11 June 2026 (the second Thursday)
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:
Kuben Naidoo,
Former National Treasury DDG, former SARB Deputy Governor, Presidential Advisor & banker
Read Kuben’s biography here:
Career: www.peac.org.za
Don’t forget to register!
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