00:57 Introductions and casual banter 04:27 Primary and High School Years 09:38 Discovering Metallurgy as a Career Path 10:26 Freezing through a Paid Test 12:40 Killing the Game in Metallurgy 16:42 Late for the Interview, but Still Got the Job 19:19 First Salary Goes to Supporting Family and Rent 22:17 Importance of People Skills in Mining Industry 25:13 South Africa's Riches in Minerals and Metals 32:40 Embracing New Responsibilities and Learning Multiple Roles 35:29 The Importance of Delegation and Trusting Subordinates 40:24 Hiring Smarter Individuals and Empowering Them to Speak Out 43:12 The Importance of Freedom at Work for Growth 44:32 Fear of Speaking Up in the Workplace 46:42 Personal Work-Life Balance 54:26 Overcoming Challenges: The Biggest Win of Being Alive 55:56 Job interview disaster in Belgium 1:03:14 Managing Fear: The Excitement and Sinking In In this episode, we are joined by Chris Mabunda, who shares his upbringing in the villages of Rabutokwane and his love for studying. Despite family expectations, Chris excelled academically and chose the science stream in high school. He reflects on the impact of growing up with his grandmother and how it shaped his love for studying and independence. The conversation then moves on to social awkwardness and personal space issues in South Africa, including the lack of trust in giving lifts. We also discuss the crime problem in the country. Chris shares his experience studying metallurgy and relying on Padco buses for transportation during university. Due to financial constraints, Chris completed his studies quickly and went on to an internship in a mine. He discusses the challenges of being a young intern and the importance of building relationships. We delve into the field of metallurgy, discussing its applications and career prospects. Chris emphasizes the value of interpersonal skills and the need to adapt and learn in the industry. We also touch on the importance of trust and delegation in leadership roles. Chris encourages open communication and creating a culture of freedom in the workplace. He shares his experience of initially feeling scared to speak up but realizing the importance of expressing oneself. We also touch on the idea of work-life balance, with Chris emphasizing the need for personal fulfillment outside of work. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the demanding nature of Chris's role as a senior manager in a factory and the importance of diverse personality types in the field of metallurgy. Chris advises caution when considering a career in metallurgy due to the difficulty and challenges involved. He also shares his experiences of mentoring others and expresses gratitude for his own mentors. The episode ends with Chris sharing his gratitude for his mentor and reflecting on the ups and downs of his life. The host teases upcoming content and thanks the listeners for tuning in