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
IT’S ALWAYS THE ECONOMICS
Every profession sees the world through a different lens. Journalists ask what really happened. Policymakers ask what should change. Economists ask why people make the decisions they do.
Each month I sit down with someone an economist works closely with, to trace how they got there. From the career journey, to life behind the scenes, and the lessons along the way.
Somewhere in every story, you’ll see, it’s always the economics.
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 CONVERSATION
Conversation 9 - Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist, RMB South Africa
Thursday 5 November 2026
5pm – 6pm SAST | 3pm – 4pm UK
I have known Isaah for so long I struggle to recall where and when we actually met. Needless to say, I’ve watched a very hard working, very thoughtful person grow into one of South Africa’s most prominent voice on all things macro.
We’ll be talking about Isaah’s journey, from his early days of admirable studies and hours at the library, to placing as a finalist in the Nedbank-Old Mutual Budget speech competition, to his career starting at the IMF.
Biography below.
We always make time for your questions, so get ready.
Always the economics,
Gina
Isaah has more than a decade of industry experience spanning both the public and private sector. He started his career as an economist at the International Monetary Fund in Pretoria and then moved to National Treasury’s economic policy unit. His private sector experience spans roles as an economist at Absa and then RMB, where he was responsible for macroeconomic strategy and forecasting before he joined Alexforbes as its Executive Chief Economist. Isaah returned to RMB in 2023 to head up the Research unit and take on the Chief Economist role.
RSVP by Wednesday 4 November 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)