What type of work do you do?
I am an entrepreneur, global brand and innovation strategist and I do wellbeing and spiritual mentorship along with supporting humanitarian organisations such as global citizen and parley for the oceans.
How did you get into this line of work?
I have always been an entrepreneur. We moved from Zambia when I was very young, with no money at all, so I was hustling selling sweets on the side of the road since the age of 5.
Is your industry female or male dominated and how did you stand out?
I guess I am more of a masculine energy, so I have never navigated my career or work paying attention to how many males or females are in the room.
I am a researcher, strategist, and healer, so I just connect with the essence of people. I like to connect with all humans, bring my gifts to the world, and get the work done. Perhaps it is because I have always owned and run my own businesses, I have not personally been exposed to this bias.
How long have you been at this company for and what has your career progression look like here?
I have created and grown OLC for the last 15 years.
What recommendations do you have for other young women looking to enter your industry?
Generosity and care. I believe these are the two magic ingredients for success. Rather than asking for a job, share your ideas freely. Put care into everything you do, take care of your own well-being and success will be inevitable.
What is the one thing you absolutely love about your organisation?
We have created an entrepreneurial culture, where everyone cares about the work they do and for each other. Plus, we get to work on super fun campaigns from fashion to creating amazing experiences. We get paid to have fun and I believe that is the way it should be. Be great at what you do and have fun along the way.
Why should other women join your industry?
Anyone that loves a fast pace, variety, and having to be at the top of your game should join. This industry is not for sissies, you are only as good as your last job, so you have to be on top of your game and elevate higher and set the standard daily.
Are you currently hiring and where can other women go to, to apply for roles within your organisation?
You can visit our website for job openings on www.offlimit.co.za or contact our HR Manager Duran Govender duran@offlimit.co.za We are constantly uplifting up-and-comers.
What motivates you?
Seeing people reach their highest potential, being empowered and believing in themselves and their own potential motivates me.
What do you do differently to give yourself a competitive edge?
From the young age of 13 I have invested in my own personal development and well-being. I am a trained meditation instructor, energy medicine, and heart math practitioner. Our inner state and wellbeing is 110% linked to creating success.
Are you a mother and if so, how do you balance being a full-time mother and leader and how do you believe corporate SA can empower mothers to achieve more balance?
I am present in whatever I am doing. Present when with my girl, present when doing strategy or coaching teams.
How do you manage criticism?
Every challenge is an opportunity to get better and more brilliant. I do not believe in criticism; I believe in truth and honesty.
How do you motivate and inspire your people?
The most important thing is always to identify what other people need and then give it to them. Do not fit others into your own frame of reference, see them for who they are, their gifts and their strengths. I exist to inspire by staying true to myself and doing all the things that I do. This naturally inspires others when we stay in our authentic selves and our light.
What has been your biggest failure in your career and what did you learn from it?
I do not see failures; I see challenges and respond to them when they come. The biggest superpower we have as humans is our ability to respond to experiences. Often, we want to run away and that’s when problems get bigger, but when we choose to respond, there really are no failures.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently on your journey to success?
No. I think our journeys are our story and they unfold every day to take us into our full potential and greatness.
What did you study, and does it relate to your field of work?
BA and honours in brand communication.
Do you believe in power dressing?
I believe in being authentically you and showing up in whatever way you look like. People will resonate with you when you are true and authentic and let your brilliance shine.
What advice would you give to young people entering your industry?
Always take opportunities and do things aligned to your values. When we do things aligned to what we value most, we are always successful.
What is the most courageous action you have ever taken in your career?
Honestly, I think entrepreneurship is about making bold and brave decisions every day and constantly seeking opportunity in the unknown. I continuously push myself into the unknown and consciously say yes to things that are out of my comfort zone, as in my experience that’s where the magic lies.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given regarding your career?
Do what you are good at. Focus on your strengths.
How did you master your skillset?
We become the masters when we do what we are good at and bring our gifts to the world.
What is your leadership style and who taught you how to lead?
My leadership style is about accountability and seeing what people are good at and placing them in roles doing what they are good at. I am very much about lifting others up and caring for their well-being. I have coached my full team on well-being and constantly support them here.
What are the three biggest assets that you bring into your role?
Perception, and care and I have an energy to make things happen & attract greatness.
Has load shedding affected your industry and if so, how so?
Not hugely, we roll with the punches and adapt.
The budget speech took place on 22 February. Do any of those announcements impact your industry and if so, how?
At the moment our industry is on a winning streak as people and brands want to release and have fun. We also always follow and foresee the growth trends.
We see that millennials and Gen Zs are job hopping every 2-3 years citing mental health and toxic working environments. What advice do you have for someone who is unhappy in their organisation or struggling with their mental health due to work related pressures?
I would say always make choices aligned to your highest values and what you value most, and you will not be hopping because you will be in alignment. This requires taking conscious decisions, vs making choices from a place of fear or lack. Know your worth and what is most important to you and make choices based on that.
How important do you believe upskilling is and what type of upskilling do you promote/advise?
I think the best investment we can ever make is in ourselves. I am a lifelong learner and constantly discover and learn new things in any area of interest to bring to the table. It is important to choose wisely how we want to spend our time and think of time as an investment.
