From the outside, he is a smartly dressed man in a crisp suit, tie, and a red handkerchief neatly tucked into his top pocket. But behind this polished presence is a man who built his 25-year career the same way he built his client base – one conversation at a time.
George Mahlakgane, Franchise Principal and Financial Adviser at Consult Flora Park in Polokwane, has a journey in financial services defined by resilience, growth, and deep purpose. He started at the very bottom as a young claims clerk at the then short-term insurer, Mutual & Federal. It was there that he learned a lesson many professionals take years to grasp: this industry is not about selling, it is about serving.
Those early years taught him that people trust you with their most important assets only when they feel seen, heard, and supported. That understanding became the foundation of his career.
As he transitioned into advisory roles, George took full ownership of his personal and professional growth. He spoke to people everywhere he went, listened before offering solutions, and committed himself to continuous learning. Relationships came first, long before the client book. With every milestone – from retaining long-standing clients to winning multiple top adviser awards – his belief was reinforced: long-term success is built on relationships, not transactions.
In November 2017, George joined Consult, drawn to a business whose purpose aligned seamlessly with his own: “We consult to build and protect our clients’ dreams.” The Consult model offered him the independence he desired, the support he needed, and the space to grow into a top-performing adviser and, eventually, a leading Franchise Principal.
“Consult gave me the freedom to pursue my own dreams while helping clients realise theirs,” he says.
At Consult, George lives the heart of the advice philosophy – understanding people first. He doesn’t arrive with ready-made solutions; he arrives with thoughtful questions. By taking the time to understand each client’s goals, fears, family realities, and future plans, he delivers personalised advice that genuinely improves lives. Whether guiding a young professional through their first investment or supporting a family during a major life transition, every interaction is an opportunity to build or protect someone’s dream.
One defining moment that reminded him why this work matters came when a client’s home burnt down. From guiding the family through the claims process to seeing them return to a restored home, George describes it as “a reminder of why service matters.” It was about far more than insurance – it was about protecting a family’s future and restoring peace of mind at a critical moment.
Another proud moment came when a young boy from the community approached him on behalf of his local school rugby team, confident that George would help. He sponsored their rugby kit – a small but powerful reflection of the trust he has built within his community.
Joining Consult also enabled George to grow a thriving business that empowers others. Several of his top-performing advisers began their careers under his mentorship, inspired by his excellence, attention to detail, and genuine care for people. His role as a Franchise Principal has become a way to multiply impact.
“I enjoy my work, and the rest follows,” he shares.
George has also found meaningful ways to honour his clients through golf days, Women’s Day celebrations, and ongoing mentorship for young referrals. For him, consulting is never just an appointment in the diary – it is a relationship. Every interaction should leave someone better than before.
Reflecting on his 25-year career, George is proud of the lives he has touched, the dreams he has helped build and protect, and the boundaries he has pushed. As the first black adviser to win multiple Invictus Awards at Consult, he views his achievements not as trophies, but as proof that opportunity, discipline, and service can open doors for anyone.
His message to aspiring advisers is simple yet powerful:
“Follow your passion, commit to the people you serve, and focus on making a difference. When you put people first, success will find you.”
Looking ahead, George remains grounded in Consult’s purpose and inspired by what lies ahead. He aims to expand his vision globally while staying true to the principles that shaped him – service, relationships, and building holistic, generational impact. Through Consult, he has created a platform that allows him to fulfil his own dreams while helping others achieve theirs.
His story is proof that when passion and purpose meet, possibilities are limitless.
