Equip and Elevate

Bonus Episode: Empowering the Next Generation with the Motsepe FoundationIn this special partnership with the Motsepe Foundation for the IO Expo 2023, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with some extraordinary guests, including Nomzamo Mbatha (actress, producer, and businesswoman), Cedrick Diphoko (Managing Director at Bathu Shoes) and Linda Appie (Chief Marketing Officer of TymeBank), among others.The Information & Opportunities Expo 2023, organized by the Motsepe Foundation, is dedicated to equipping young people with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the job market. Throughout the episode, we engaged in rich and insightful conversations with the Expo's speakers, sponsors, and delegates.Tune in to hear inspiring stories and valuable insights that will leave you motivated to seize every opportunity in your own journey to success!

In the season 2 finale, we had an amazing conversation with Sinovuyo Mondliwa, content creator and founder of Love Kinks. I absolutely loved Sino's honesty in the lessons she has learned in building and scaling “Love Kinks”. The conversation was raw, practical and filled with so much insight! I loved that Sino understands her customers and is able to refine her ideas based on what the customer needs. “Love Kinks was specifically created with your healthy hair journey in mind. Love Kink's goal is to celebrate our innate beauty and love our hair in its natural state. Love Kinks echoes that healthy natural hair is achievable and it is not a chore.” Love Kinks offers hair care range (Hairline Serum, Hair Oil and Conditioning Moisturiser), satin doeks, satin pillowcases, satin hair ties, satin bonnet and satin. I truly hope that it will help any entrepreneur on the verge of building and scaling their business or ideas. 

Today on the Equip & Elevate Podcast, we are chatting to Lwanele Khasu, a clinical Psychologist about starting a conversation about mental health with yourself. Lwanele is the Founder & Director of Oasis Mental Wellness Hub and Mental health speaker.On today's episode, Lwanele will be sharing insight on the following points:Setting boundaries and communicating your boundaries How to recognise trauma and the process of healing from trauma Better ways of dealing with burnoutImportance of celebrating yourselfThe importance of being aware of your mental healthHow to build a wellness tank in your corner Episode is sponsored by Solal - https://solal.co.zaIf you would like to reach out to Lwanele and her team, please send your email to the following email address: admin@omwhub.co.za

Today on the Equip & Elevate Podcast we got to chat with Zulaikha Patel regarding “prioritising your mental health while championing social change”. Zulaikha is anti-racism activist, best-selling author & international speaker. She became a symbol of the fight against school policies regarding black girls' hair in 2016, at the age of 13. She's a BBC 100 women list 2016 and Brand SA Play your part ambassador.On today's episode, Zulaikha will be sharing her overall journey, purpose and what drives her life.  Zulaikha also explains how she navigated through burn-out and depression. She also touches on her journey in creating a safe space and how she protects her mental health and well-being.Her book, "My Cowly Crowny Hair," targets young African girls with a positive message reflecting what she calls "the narrative of young girls of colour growing up. She hopes to empower young girls to embrace their natural hair and ignite a passion for African literature through her first book, My Coily Crowny Hair.1This was such a rich conversation. We thoroughly enjoyed learning on how Zulaikha tackled “Prioritising her mental health while championing social change.”

For the next 3 episodes, I've partnered with Solal and together we'll be bringing you conversations that cover themes around mental health through the month of October. For today's episode, I sit down with my friend, Lebo Mehlomakhulu and we speak about “Adulting 101: A guide to surviving being a young adult”. For this episode, Lebo and I will be sharing our journeys & comparison on:-Lessons learned in navigating adulthood;-Why navigating your 20s are so hard; -Navigating relationships & friendships; -The process of becoming;-Building a wellness tank and refilling;-Lessons from building a business & career etcLebo is an advocate of love, wife, mommy, entrepreneur, digital content creator, sold out for Christ  curator of Marriage Monday.This episode was special because I got to bring you into my world alongside my friend Lebo. We hope that this episode will serve as a space to remind you that you are alone and remember to breathe and be gentle with yourself.Episode sponsored by SolalWebsite for Solal: https://solal.co.za

Today on the Equip & Elevate Podcast we got to chat with Nomazibulo Tshanga, the CEO of Ziyana Business Consulting and Training about building and scaling your business. Noma takes us through her upbringing, corporate journey and her journey of building a business ground zero. Nomazibulo Tshanga is a mother and wife to an amazing husband, a sister, a daughter and a friend. She is a founder, speaker, people management strategist, philanthropist, executive coach and a women empowerment advocate. She has 15 years experience in HR, having worked at Coca-Cola, Schaffler South Africa, Bidvest, CSIR. Her last position in corporate was that of a HR Director at Bidvest Steiner.  She is currently an executive MBA candidate through Henley Business School.She founded a Non- Profit Organisation called Ziyana Foundation, which aims to ensure that economic stability and growth is inclusive for all communities, especially those that are disadvantaged (young, black and women).She is passionate about gender transformation, the growth of women in leadership and corporate, entrepreneurship, mentorship and skills development. She has played a vital role in corporate by promoting women development and leadership.

Today, on Equip & Elevate Podcast we got to chat with Liziwe Ntshweza-Freemantle on navigating corporate as a young black professional and tips to build your career in corporate. Liziwe is an economist with research interest in inclusive and sustainable market development with a specific focus on Financial Economics and development. She has several years in economic and strategy consulting across sub-Saharan Africa. Her work has focused on financial sector development and strategy development for corporate and commercial banks, other financial service providers and policy makers across Southern and West Africa. Most recently she has been working in the world of insurtech within a leading listed financial services organization.She also has interests in Gender economics, specifically as it pertains to issues affecting African women and black women of African descent in the global diaspora.Liziwe studied a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Economics Honours at Rhodes University and then completed an MSc in Development Economics from SOAS, University of London.

During Money Smart Week South Africa, we will be chatting to Gladness Rupare ( Investment specialist) & Nomsa Ngwenya (Client Relationship Manager) about Build your future, Be smart about Money. MSWSA is a financial literacy campaign aimed at motivating and empowering all South Africans to become more educated about their finances. Nomsa and Gladness will be providing tools on how you can equip yourself with financial knowledge in order to elevate your finances. They will also be discussing their personal insights, financial journeys and tips for you to build their future, be smart about money. Nomsa is a Client Relationship Manager at a  leading asset management firm in SA. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce and an Economics Honours degree, both from the University of Pretoria, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. She is passionate about financial literacy, investment education, financial markets, client servicing and relationship management.Gladness started working in the financial services industry in 2007 and is currently an investment specialist with one of the leading asset management firms in SA. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computational and Applied Mathematics from the University of the Witwatersrand. Gladness is passionate about uplifting and inspiring youth and enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.MSWSA is taking place between 29 August and 4 September 2022.

Today, on Equip & Elevate Podcast we got to chat with Zoe Msutwana about her upbringing, career journey and Public Relations tips for SMMEs. Zoe Msutwana is currently a Head of Strategy at a boutique PR Agency with over 10 years experience, Founding Editor of GUIDE, and Content Creator. Zoe started her career at At Vogue Communications, where she worked on the NBCUniversal brand, which houses TV Channels including E! Entertainment, The Style Network, Universal Channel and Studio Universal on the DStv platform.Following this, Zoe went on to join DNA Brand Architects as a Senior Brand Architect where she oversaw PR/Reputation Management & Strategy Development. She later went on to join Africa's premier luxury brand agency, Vivid Luxury as a Senior PR Account Director.With the Pop-Culture itch coupled with her horned PR entrepreneurial spirit, Zoe took a move that would see her cement her position as one of the most influential voices in the fashion and beauty economy in SA followed by the launch of her coveted platform, GUIDE  — South Africa's very own Beauty & Wellness insider.

Today, on Equip & Elevate Podcast we got to chat with Hlengiwe Ntombela (better known as HLE) about her upbringing, her career journey and diversifying her career portfolio. HLE, is a gospel singer, songwriter, host of VIP Invite and owner of YKOE. Hle began her career as a backing vocalist for Ntokozo Mbambo, and has collaborated with Hlengiwe Mhlaba and Benjamin Dube. She is a former member of the gospel choir Joyous Celebration and has been recently signed by the intentional record label, Motown Gospel. She will also share some key values that have shaped her life as well as her career journey. She also shares some hurdles she experienced during her journey and how she persisted.

On the Season 2 premiere of the Equip & Elevate Podcast, I had a beautiful conversation about her upbringing, purpose and building a career with an authentic edge with Pamela Mtanga, an award-winning Multimedia Entrepreneur and Brand Influencer. Pamela Mtanga best known for her formidable career as an MC, voice-over artist and TV/Radio presenter. Most recently, she is a Massive Music presenter on Channel O. Pamela is a public relation graduate from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Mtanga was named top personality and influencer at the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards hosted by Pat on Brands. Pamela also shared insight on how you could tap into your influence and build a career in the digital space. 

On the season one finale of the Equip and Elevate Podcast, I had a beautiful conversation about Purpose, Identity and Redefining success with Rorisang Thandekiso. Rorisang is a Radio and TV Presenter, musician and overall powerhouse within the entertainment industry.On today's episode, she will also be taking us through her upbringing and some key values that have shaped her life as well as her career journey. She also shares some hurdles she experienced during her journey and how she persisted and found purpose during those hurdles.

Lindelwa Skenjana Marketer, Author, Mother and Master of Social Sciences. On today, Lindelwa and I unpack the themes of her newly published book The Black Girl's Guide to Corporate South Africa. The Black Girl's Guide to Corporate South Africa focuses on Black women at various stages of their careers as they navigate the pitfalls of the corporate world. The guide helps black women learn what wishes she knew before going into the corporate environment.She is passionate about marketing, digital technology, women empowerment and the development of the African continent. Lindelwa is an award winning professional and holds a number of qualifications from different institutions. She considers herself an Afro-optimist and believes with the right leadership, with considered effort towards holistic wellbeing (mind, body, soul), Africa can achieve great things. 

Today we will be talking to Boipelo Mabe who is a multimedia personality, a digital communications and marketing professional and speaker. She was crowned Miss South Africa first princess in 2017 and is currently a Digital Communications Manager at one of South Africa's top Techcos.Boipelo will be taking us through her upbringing and sharing some key values and lessons that have shaped her life. She will also be taking us on her journey on finding purpose and owning her journey. Lastly, Boipelo will share insight on how she mastered balancing multiple passions and how you can merge your skills and passions into one personal brand. Boipelo is extremely passionate about community development, women empowerment and education. Her mission is to contribute towards the greater development of the African continent and it's youth through mentorship, entrepreneurship and information sharing through digital means. She works with civil and faith based organisations to reach and impact young people especially girl children.

Today we will be talking to Keitumetse Lekaba, the Managing Director and Head of Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) at I AM AN ENTREPRENEUR about funding your business. Keitumetse will be discussing the different types of funding available to entrepreneurs and how you can position your idea or business to unlock some funding. She will also discuss on why entrepreneurs do not get funding for their businesses.  In addition, Keitumetse will she insight on the essential qualities investors look for in their founders/ entrepreneurs as well as what you should consider before they accept funding from an investor.Keitumetse has over 15 years of experience, she has led the implementation of ESD Programmes for companies such as Coca Cola Beverages South Africa, Exxaro Mine, Sasol, Barloworld, SA Tourism and many more. Keitumetse is a co-founder of Mediwell Medical Centre in Johannesburg, as well as the founder of Karabo Business Solutions. Outside of finance and SMME development, she is the founder and chairperson of Goddess Girls, an NGO facilitating girl child mentorship in Soweto.Keitumetse has a passion for human and business development, business coaching and sustainability of SMMEs. She is an exceptional leader, with charisma and extensive knowledge in her field.

Today we will be talking to Luyanda Duma about creating and cultivating your dream career. She will be sharing some insight and tips on how to create and cultivate your dream careers. We will be discussing how to define, refine and build your dream career. Luyanda will also be taking us through her journey in her career and sharing some key values that have shaped her life.Luyanda is a speaker, corporate queen, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Luyanda is making her mark by inspiring the youth daily through personal mastery, education and talent development. She is the founder of Stripped by Luyanda, which is a platform that seeks to empower young women and is also a budding philanthropist running 'The Malusi Duma Foundation' - an organisation that changes people's lives one project at a time. In 2020, Luyanda launched her own brand of personal organisation stationary named 'She WhoDreams. Her footprint on social media has been defined as a young woman who's ready to change the world and her growth as a speaker has placed her up on diverse andimpactful stages.

Today I will be talking to Onkgopotse Khumalo, the founder of The Pocket Couch and co-founder of Mediwell. She will be sharing her journey on building a mental health care startup, The Pocket Couch. The Pocket Couch enables psychologists to conduct virtual consultations, to help make mental healthcare accessible, yet affordable.Onkgopotse is a management consultant and financier by training hailing from her alma mater, UCT.  She has a deep passion for social impact at the interception of business. Soon after graduating, she co founded a 100% women owned primary healthcare facility, Mediwell, that seeks to provide quality healthcare to those who would otherwise not afford it. She is setting out to democratise access to mental healthcare help and  to challenge the stigma attached to it. She prides herself in her most important role of all, being mom to a beautiful 15 month old baby boy, Mehluli

Today I will be talking to Liz Letsoalo is an entrepreneur and Speaker who is on a journey to public service as well as the founder of Masodi Organics. She will be sharing her journey on building and scaling Masodi Organics. She will be discussing raising funding for your business, building the dream team and more. She will also be sharing her career journey and some key values that have shaped her life.Masodi Organics prioritises kindness to your body and to the planet by focusing on what she calls ‘thoughtful beauty'.  As the founder of a beauty brand, she considers herself to be primarily in the business of transforming beauty and its standards to achieve more equitable, realistic and thoughtful standards that empower and uplift beauty in all its forms. Liz Letsoalo  also has experience in strategy and operations from three multinational companies.

Today we will be talking to Kabelo Mohale co-owner of Lived Loved and founder of BE'LOVED. Kabelo will be sharing her journey of launching her wellness business, Live Loved, during the pandemic. She also discusses some biblical business strategies and principles she has learnt in the process of setting up her business.Live Loved is a wellness store which allows customers to fill and refill their favourite whole foods and pantry goods without being wasteful and avoiding unnecessary packaging. The mission is to add meaningful value by improving people's health and well-being, and inspiring the awareness of the need to safeguard the planet for the future generations to come. Kabelo is also the founder of  BE'LOVED is an inspired movement of arising women, who chose to ignite lives to restore identity; refreshing of souls and awakening to purpose.

Today, we will be talking to Zizipho Moloko a social-media content creator and investment professional with four years of experience in Asset Management, Corporate Finance and Private Equity. Zizi will be sharing sharing insight and tips on taking control of your personal finances. She will be touching on points around financial habits that keep people broke, effective ways of saving, budgeting and more financial tips!Zizi mainly creates Financial Education and Lifestyle content that is aimed particularly at women between the ages of 18 and 35. She holds a BCom in Economics & Statistics from UCT as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Finance from the Stellenbosch University Business School. She is passionate about Financial Inclusion and ensuring that everyday South Africans, particularly black South Africans have a fair and equitable chance at economic participation and building financial stability & security for themselves and their families.

Today we will be talking to Zimasa Mabuse, a financial regulation specialist and an award-winning writer and blogger. She will be sharing some insight and tips on balancing a side hustle while working a 9-5. Zimasa will also be taking us through her career journey and sharing some key values that have shaped her life.Zimasa started her career at one of the big Banks in 2013 then she launched her online magazine, The Corporate Canvas - a platform geared at exchanging knowledge on climbing the corporate ladder for young professionals. Her most notable achievements include winning the McKinsey & Company Next Generation Women Leaders award, and being listed in True Love magazine as a “Mbokodo to watch” in 2018. 

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your career? Are you not progressing in your career?  This is the episode for you! In today's episode we will be talking to Vumile Msweli about feeling stuck to accelerating in your career. She will be some sharing insight and tips on how to accelerate in your career! Vumi is founder of Hesed Consulting, a Pan-African coaching firm with presence in Botswana; South Africa; Rwanda; Nigeria and the United States of America. She is the voice behind the world of work with Vumi careers feature on Botswana's Duma FM as well as South Africa's Kaya FM. She has been featured on international media outlets including CNBC Africa, Business Day (Nigeria), and ENCA (Ghana). She holds an Accounting Sciences degree, Honours in Financial Planning, postgraduate from New York University, a MBA from the University of London and is currently studying her Doctorate in Switzerland.Her business accolades include being named Mail and Guardians Top 200 young South Africans, CEO Magazine's Pan-African Business Woman, Avance Media Top 100 South Africans twice and Brand South Africa's “Play Your Part” Ambassador.

Today we will be talking to Nompendulo Mkatshwa the Youngest woman on the benches of the African National Congress in the National Assembly of the South African Parliament and an aspirant specialist in education. She will be taking us through her upbringing and sharing some key values that have shaped her life. She will also discussing her journey in her student activism and politics as well as her hopes for South Africa.She the is former President, Wits SRC and one of the leaders of the Wits Fees Must Fall in 2015/2016.  As the Whip to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology in the National Assembly of the South African ParliamentShe sits on the Board of Trustees of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. The Founder of Yenza Foundation which focuses on youth, women, the environment, knowledge and the African continent. A regular newspaper columnist on Polity.Org.Za. To sum her up she is an activist!

Today we will be talking to Buhle Mbele about taking control of your job search. She will be sharing some insight on how to position yourself in the job market and advise on ways to stand out to recruiters. Buhle will also be taking us through her career journey and sharing some key values that have shaped her life.Buhle is heading the Gauteng Regional Audit Graduate Recruitment programme for a Global Audit Firm that provides Bursaries and Training Contracts to young top talent that want to build their career towards a Chartered Accountant Qualification. She's also an entrepreneur which has led her to collaborate with The Professionista and Wanawake Holdings.

Today we are going to be talking about Jabulile's journey on leaving her 9-5 to pursue entrepreneurship during the pandemic.  Jabulile will be taking us through her journey in corporate as well as sharing some tips on building a business.Jabulile  is the founder and CEO of Blac Lyon a holding company housing Africa's first Nguni print inspired athleisure wear and the women empowerment platform called In Good Company . The company also has a communications brand which manages all brand partnerships, influencer marketing strategies and brand building experiences.She has worked on partnerships with power brands like Brand South Africa, DStv, Dark & Lovely, Mall of Africa, Miss South Africa, Maybeline and many more. In corporate she has worked as a brand manager, marketing manager and finally Head of Marketing of a big corporate before leaving corporate sa to pursuit her business interests.