Jerry Smith said, “I may be a twin, but I am one of a kind.” This sentiment captures the two individuals I am speaking to on this episode of Wisdom Personified Conversations with Dudu Msomi. Tumi Mphahlele is the Chief Executive Officer of I-G3N Energy, one of the few women #entrepreneurs involved in the energy industry. She is a Recreational Ultra Endurance Athlete, Mountaineer, and a Board Member. At this time, she has completed 8 Comrades, 6 Two Oceans and climbed three of the seven summits around the world. Tumi has a BSc. Chemistry, Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management, Diploma in Datametrics and an MBA. Dr Lebo Mphahlele- Ntsasa is the Managing Director of Amperion Energy which is a renewable #energy project developer. Lebo’s career has spanned the energy, petrochemical, business services, management consulting and government. Her qualifications include a BSc. In Chemistry, an MBA, and a Doctorate in Business Leadership. Tumi and Lebo truly capture the spirit that being a twin is like being born with a best friend. #Africa has exceptional talent that it has yet to harness fully to solve its socio-economic problems. With #talent like Lebo and Tumi being the norm rather than the exception, Africa, the sleeping giant can finally rise. Enjoy this episode of Wisdom Personified Conversations with Dudu Msomi.

Walt #Disney said: “You must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your #soul”. For this episode of Wisdom Personified Conversations with #DuduMsomi, I am having a conversation with Mike Teke whose life journey is captured in this quote. Mike Teke is the Chief Executive Officer of #SeritiResources, a diversified energy company in SouthAfrica. He is a former schoolteacher and human resources executive who is now the chairperson and controlling shareholder in a multibillion-rand #coal #mining and energy company. He is a past president of the Minerals Council South Africa (previously the Chamber of Mines) and currently serves on its council. In 2022 he and co-author Muzi Kuzwayo published a book called This Generation Leads, a compilation of thoughts about #leadership from young #entrepreneurs. He has also authored a book titled; The Future of Leadership is Collegiality. Mike believes that the future is going to be about #energy, food security, water and the fastest person to make life better for humanity. Mike’s life is about the #wisdom of believing that all your dreams and even more, can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them. This conversation is also about debunking the #stereotype that you cannot be successful in #Africa without #corruption. Mike Teke is striving to prove this is a myth. I hope you are inspired by this conversation to pursue your dreams no matter how improbable they may seem. #WisdomPersonified #leadershipdevelopment #mentorship #coaching #vision #personalleadership #courage #boards #executiveremuneration

There is a quote that says, “Show me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are.” Sangeeta Leach is someone I proudly claim as a friend. From the instance you meet Sangs, her intelligence is palpable. Even at a young age, she was also undoubtedly wise as evident in her good judgement, behaviour, problem solving abilities and understanding of the human condition. Sangeeta Leach is the co-owner of The Leach Partnership based in #Sydney, Australia which she runs with her husband William Leach. I first met Sangs, as I call her, in 1996 when she moved to South Africa from #India via #Nairobi, #Kenya where she worked and lived for a couple of years. We were colleagues at #Saatchi & Saatchi #Advertising and soon became firm friends. Not even the distance of her moving to Sydney, #Australia could break the bond. One of Sangeeta’s core principles is that one should interact with people as people to be met rather than people to be solved. I love her #wisdom when she says, “A principle is not a #principle until you put it to the test”. Priceless! You know the times when you engage in something. And after it is done, you are so dissatisfied with how you have spent your time that you decry that you want your time back? This is not one of those conversations. There are themes that come out of this conversation that can be fleshed out into a #Masterclass. Do yourself a service. Make time for this episode of Wisdom Personified Conversations with Dudu Msomi! #entrepreneurs #creativity #creativecompanies #strategy #value worklifeintegration #diversityandinclusion

Nthati Moshesh is one of the most accomplished actresses on the African Continent, professionally trained, having studied Performing Arts in Natal Technikon (now called Durban University of Technology). There is something so comforting about growing in this world alongside people you knew when you were younger. Seeing them charter a successful journey in their chosen careers. I first came to know Nthati Moshesh when she was studying at Natal Technikon, now called Durban University of Technology, where she was one of the first graduates in Performing Arts. Her sterling career has seen her in productions such as Isono, Human Cargo, Home Affairs and Saint and Sinners amongst numerous others. She has received the respect for her craft through prestigious nominations and awards over her career. Though our interactions are not regular, I always gain some wisdom and love our candid conversations. Though she guards her privacy, when she is in your presence, her generosity, kindness, and passion shine through. Enjoy this #African #Diva of outstanding talent on stage and screen. #actor #actress #Nthati #NthatiMoshesh #acting #Zulu #SouthAfrica #showbiz #DuduMsomi #WisdomPersonified #AfricanActor #DurbanUniversityOfTechnology

Jim Rohn says, “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” There are very few individuals that I have observed that carry these contradictions with Grace and Wisdom. Lerato Molebatsi is a person that epitomises that power doesn’t have to be loud and showy. Her character, her mind and heart are what keep you in her life in the long-term. Lerato is a former Managing Director of General Electric (#GE) South Africa. She has over 25 years of experience in diverse sectors such as Financial Services, Mining, Government, Non-profit and Professional Services. She has several non-executive #board roles including on the South African Reserve Bank (#SARB), as a Lead Independent Director and Chair of NEDCOM and a non- executive on Adrian Group #Kenya, an engineering company providing #technology and infrastructure solutions. This conversation is timely for April which is Freedom Month in #SouthAfrica because we commemorate our liberation on the 27 th of April. Lerato believes that you got to stand for something. To live by your convictions. She says, “Every single one of us. Can make a difference. And we should.” What are you recommitting to do for your yourself and your country this day to ensure that Freedom is experienced and lived by everyone. #boards #leadership #CEOs #womeninleadership #training #masterclass #wisdom #SouthAfrica #womenleaders #Africanwomenleaders #womeninbusiness #freedomday #nelsonmandela

“So often people assume that everyone has good parents”, was the answer to the response of my very first question. I knew that this conversation will be the epitome of what I hoped for when I conceived “Wisdom Personified Conversations with Dudu Msomi”. I foresaw individuals opening up. Being vulnerable and courageous. Revealing to us their journey to #Wisdom. Which is not always a straight-line. So that their fellow human beings can be inspired. Learn from. And do better than they may have. As Maya Angelou said, “When you know better, you do better.” This video #podcast series is about appreciating how individuals use good judgement in everyday life (both in their personal and professional lives). It is the interplay of the use of one’s intelligence, knowledge, creativity, common sense, and experience, and how it impacts their intra-personal, interpersonal and community relationships. It is not about perfection, but rather how they relate and cope in a world of challenges, changes, complexities, and crises. Dr Renate Volpe is an expert in the field of strategic #leadership and people development. She is the founder of Dr R Volpe Leadership Consulting which has a vision to be a catalyst to the development of a more competent, positive and healthier South African society. Renate has sound experience in the world of business and academia. A renowned public speaker and author of publications such as The Entrepreneurial Mindshift and the Lessons from the School of Hard Knocks. Dr Renate’s story is raw. Unpretentious. Courageous. A living testament of a journey to Wisdom! You are privileged to be let in. Hope you are a better Human after watching or listening to this conversation. #mentalhealth #womenabuse #GBV #internationalwomensmonth #genderbasedviolence #womensmonth #africanwomen #womeninleadership

In this episode of #WisdomPersonified, Conversations with #DuduMsomi, I am speaking to Santie Botha, one of South Africa’s most respected and accomplished businesspersons. She believes that to do big things, you need to do the hard thinking first. With the presence of formidable universities, with bright sparks in our country, in a world that is digital, Santie questions where our investments in research and in quality people are? And where is South Africa’s #SiliconValley? Observing the seeming lack of a big vision for the country. She reasons that we need a unified vision, not just pockets. This sense of reinvention is echoed in Santie’s own life. “You only have one life. You have to pack it in,” she says. Santie Botha has achieved numerous firsts and been the youngest in many of her career milestones since graduating from the University of Stellenbosch with a Bachelor and Honours in Economics. Including being appointed to the #ABSA Board at 34 years making her the youngest member of the Group #Board. Was the youngest Chancellor in South Africa at 48 years, when she was appointed at Nelson #Mandela Metropolitan University. Her roles at present include being Chair of #Capitec Bank and Famous Brands. Hope you enjoy this candid and insightful conversation. A rare privilege. #SantiBotha #ABSA #Wisdom #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #BusinessLeadership ##NelsonMandelaUniversity

“Have to choose your hard.” A statement made by Farayi Mangwende during our conversation when I asked her why she has not emigrated from Zimbabwe like millions of professionals have done to make a better life for themselves in other countries because of the prolonged political and economic crisis in their country. Farayi’s detested cross country running when she was at school. Her father shared wisdom, “How can you be beaten by something that doesn’t talk.” That got me thinking about how I want to Live in 2023. Farayi Mangwende is Group Marketing & Strategy Executive in First Mutual Holdings Ltd in #Zimbabwe. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Communication and Public Relations from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom. I first met Farayi in 2010 in the US when we were nominated as thirty-five emerging #women #leaders from various parts of the world to participate in the Fortune / US State Department Global Women Mentoring Programme where we were matched with women #CEOs and Executive #Leaders of #Fortune500 companies to be our #mentors over a four-week period. “What is your hard in this life? How are you approaching it in 2023?” Wishing you a resourceful, rewarding and a Significant 2023 in all the ways that matter to you. #resilience #mentalhealth #power #faith #vision

I so love no nonsense, simple advice. In this conversation with Sis Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube, she shares salt of the earth wisdom. May I dare say, in this conversation, it is as though Sis Nonhlanhla is paying tribute to her parents and gives us a glimpse of the legacy that they have enriched the family with. Sis Nonhlanhla is motivated by what her father used to say. That for any constraint, there is a solution. She has lived what Eric Hoffer says that the only way to predict the future is to have power to shape the future. Sis Nhlanhla is the CEO of Eziko Investments with interests ranging from housing, construction, property, and finance. She holds an B.A. from University of Fort Hare, an M. Sc in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Cape Town and a certificate in Engineering and Technology Management from Warwick University, amongst other qualifications. She sits on various boards such as #ABSA and Emira Property Fund. She pursues a higher purpose as a developmentalist and activist. “Inside ourselves we have the power to make a difference, so we must believe in ourselves. Don’t let your purpose be small,” says Sis Nonhlanhla Mjoli-Mncube. This is a timely episode of Wisdom Personified Conversations with Dudu Msomi to end 2022! To facilitate our reflections about the year that is ending and to inspire us to look forward to new beginnings in #2023. With its gifts, possibilities, and wonders. Wishing you a love-filled, enjoyable, and safe holiday season! #wisdom #womeninleadership #leadership #business #boards #NonhlanhjaMjoli-Mncube #DuduMsomi #EzikoInvestments #WisdomPersonified

My guest for this new episode of Wisdom Personified Conversations with Dudu Msomi is Molefe Mputamputa, the Chief Operating Officer of Royale Energy. Dr Seuss says, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose". I think this quote captures the spirit that seems to have driven the life of Molefe Mputamputa. Molefe has a B. Sc. Engineering (Chemical Engineering); a B. Comm degree and an MBA. He is passionate about developing emerging business leaders to reach their potential. Molefe is a renown #jazz aficionado who posts enthusiastically about his person on IG (Instagram). Do follow him. Hope you enjoy this conversation with another wise African. #leadership #coaching #mentoring #business #careerguidance #worklifefusion #worklifeintegration