What do you do when your professional life is soaring but tragedy strikes you where it matters most?

A legend in the banking sector Agatha's leadership journey has not been without its challenges. In this conversation, we talk about grieving, resilience, and dealing with personal loss as a professional in leadership. A student of lifelong learning, Agatha's story is inspiring and insightful.

A certified Life coach with over 28 years of corporate experience both at local and international levels, Agatha’s corporate background and experience have given her unique skills for managing teams leading to peak performance and people management.

A transformational leader with a passion for women, Agatha is also the President of Legacy Building Leaders Zambia - a regional coaching organisation that looks at mind-set-transformation and leadership competencies. Throughout the years of experience and training, I have developed excellent skills at unlocking potential and guiding individuals and teams to find their purpose/core and pursue the same with determination and focus.

LadyTshawe is a multi-talented award-winning artist. Her artistic style, expression and image embody her abilities, aspirations and achievements. She is a force whose convictions and views about equal opportunities for self-expression influence her writing, theatrical roles, music and conversations.

Her professional artistic journey began in 2009 and she advocates for expressing herself as a person, which is far from the need to be afforded privileges because she is a woman. She aspires to influence the performing, entertainment and research sectors globally.

Lady Tshawe has performed in numerous theatre productions in and outside the country such as Zambezi Express, Tellers: The Musical and Blood Tongue which saw her win best theatre actress in 2018 at Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA), to name but a few.

Also in 2017 she was selected as the Zimbabwean Scriptwriter for the Zimbabwe/UK collaboration ‘Unified Women’ under Nhimbe’s WiTT programme. Under the same WiTT programme In 2021 she was selected to be the Zimbabwean Lead Artist for a Zimbabwe/UK collaboration 'Here, There, Now'. In 2019 she wrote and directed her first theatre production ‘6.55’ which saw her win the 2020 BAA Best Theatre Production, started her own theatre company in 2021 which staged its first play ‘Kumnyama’ in the same year.

Lady Tshawe plans on creating a hub where artists can be mentored and trained in poetry, script-writing, and acting, assist them to get published or have platforms to perform and create work. She is currently the Project Coordinator at The Oasis: Creators Hub.

She one day hopes to create a tea brand as she is addicted to tea and thinks coffee ain’t all that :)

Clare Chambers A.K.A The Personal Branding Stylist started out as a celebrity fashion stylist working with the likes of Mariah Carey, Naomi Campbell, and Rene Zelwegger before turning all her experience and knowledge of creating globally recognisable images, to help businesswomen transform their own wardrobes not just into a style sanctuary, but their ultimate visual storytelling tool and tactic for helping their standout and be seen in the world of work.

Clare is a firm believer in the power of each us creating our own Personal Brand Style so that it acts as both our business calling card and a wrapper of self care.

To connect with Clare, find her on Instagram: @thepersonalbrandingstylist 

Or you can get started with finding your Personal Brand Style by downloading The FREE Personal Brand Style Starter Kit:

https://the-personal-branding-stylist.mykajabi.com/raise-your-visibility 

Linda Mabhena-Olagunju is the Founder and CEO of DLO Energy Group Resources. At the age of 27 she became the owner of one of Africa’s largest wind farms. Globally she is one of the first black women to own renewable energy power plants. She is a unique African voice on matters of climate change and the just energy transition. DLO Energy Resources Group operates as an independent power producer, driving the transition to clean and sustainable energy solutions in South Africa and other parts of the African continent. With a track record of successful operational and financial involvement in the sector, DLO Energy Resources Group has established itself as a leading force in the renewable energy industry.

Over and above her roles in the energy sector Linda is an experienced executive. She was the youngest member to be appointed to the University of Oxford’s International Advisory Board. In 2023 she was listed as one of the most influential women in Africa by New African Magazine. She was also listed on Oprah Winfrey’s Power List and has been featured on the cover of Forbes Africa. She is the recipient of the 2017 Veuve Clicquot Businesswomen Award as well the prestigious CNBC all-Africa Business Leaders Awards.

Instagram: @lindamabhena_olagunju

LinkedIn: Linda Mabhena-Olagunju

Twitter: @linda_mabhena

Sapi Bachi is the co-founder of Queen Productions. She has over 20 years’ experience in the Marketing and Communications industry. She has worked in various capacities including leading a regional multimillion dollar business. Sapi is an entrepreneur whose focus is on Africa and Africa’s potential to be self- sufficient. She is passionate about storytelling and changing the narrative of Africa by shining a light on the untold stories of African Women.

Nozipho (Mbanjwa) Tshabalala is a conversation strategist moderating global conversations that are designed to have measurable outcomes. She is in demand for her unique and insightful ability to facilitate difficult conversations with courage, depth and breadth. As an internationally acclaimed conference moderator and Human Capital Advocate for The World Bank and Global Citizen, she has successfully moderated conversations for global and African institutions including, leading listed and unlisted multinational corporations, business schools, and civil society organisations that seek to leverage conversations for change.

Nozipho is also an award-winning financial markets broadcaster lifting the African business story through the lens of leadership, performance, the political economy, development finance, gender mainstreaming, and youth development.

Nozipho is an executive director at LRMG, supporting the LRMG transformation journey, a faculty member for Duke Corporate Education in Africa, a fellow of the Gordon Institute for Business Science’s Centre for African Management and Markets (CAMM), a Tutu fellow, and in 2019 was named one of 2019 100 Most Influential Young Africans.

She is an alumni of the following academic institutions:

• Said Business School, Oxford (Tutu Fellow)
• University of London (Masters in International Studies)
• Stellenbosch Business School (|Masters in Development Finance – cum laude), • University of Pretoria (Hons: International Relations)

Zandile Zazalicious Ndlovu is a media personality, public relations consultant and SRHR Gender Rights Advocate with over 20 years work experience in media communications, marketing, business development, financial and conference management. She was that familiar face that conducted public health awareness campaigns on tv, radio and roadshows across the country during Covid 19 pandemic with the Ministry of Health and Childcare, Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and SME Development. Her love for journalism and broadcasting started at Solusi University where she worked in the Student Media Centre and was trained as an intern at the ZBC Bulawayo Montrose studios. After graduation she became a banker for 7years before moving into the NGO sector in South Africa. She worked as the Operations Manager for Media Monitoring Africa and helped train journalists from across Africa on Media Ethics and Child Rights. Her project with Children in Media won her a 1 million euro grant and got her to showcase the child journalists presenting a petition to the Heads of State in Durban for COP17 in 2010. She returned to Zimbabwe in 2012 to care for her mother and concurrently made a name for herself as a Radio personality and TV News Anchor. She served 4 years at ZBC First on the Main News then on Good Morning Zimbabwe as well as on the Current Affairs desk as host and producer.

A highly sought after Master of Ceremonies with experience with the UN, Zimbabwe Government, Corporates and Embassies. She is a multi-lingual and passionate creative. An Events Planner as she has been the Executive Producer for the NAMA from 2011-2014 and ZIMA. Has MCd national musical galas. Current Affairs TV Producer having been the tv host at State functions such as Heroes burials, and most national day holiday events. She brings life to an event with her bubbly, energetic and highly interactive engagement approach.

She founded BrandZa Communications in 2014 upon her return from the USA. It’s a media consultancy company that designs media content and messaging for clients. They Film and do tv shows or documentaries such as the NDS1 dialogue series for Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Office of the President and Cabinet. She also does public relations and crisis management with solutions for corporates, politicians and artists. She also offers conference and events management services including professional MCing. She is currently in university pursuing a Masters in International Trade and Diplomacy with the University of Zimbabwe with the aim of becoming an Ambassador serving the nation.

She has a vast network of government, corporate industry experts, service providers and entertainment talent she works with and has carved a niche in working with most notable corporate brands in Zimbabwe and South Africa. She is a Media Entrepreneurship (IVLP) USA International Visitor Leadership Program Fellow and Women In News Africa Accelerator Program Fellow. And she was the Zimbabwe team manager at the 2017 World Championships of Arts held in Hollywood with her team bringing home 12 gold medals, 1 bronze and 2 silver medals.

Yes, we're back. It was a long time-out, but a productive one. In this solo episode, I'll be sharing some of the reasons I needed to get away, and what i think is so good about spending some time away from the hustle and grind.

Sicelo Dube is The STEM Lady. She gets this name from her passionate contribution to the field of STEM in education, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Endowed with drive, determination, and dignity, she is the role model that many of us wish we'd had.  Sicelo brings glamour, grace, and a touch of genius to the field of STEM, successfully expanding her business interest across the continent and inspiring young women and girls to follow in her footsteps. 

Consider the time you spend with family and friends - cocktail parties, family lunches, networking events, birthday celebrations… you make time for all these. Apart from time, you also invest money and effort - think about what it costs to raise a child from infancy to adulthood, or the amount you spend on bachelor parties, kitchen teas, birthday presents for people who are close to you. What about the effort you put into resolving family disputes, counseling friends through career crises and relationship drama. 

But when you are asked to take 15 minutes a day to meditate or write in your journal, suddenly the time seems so scarce! Why?

In this episode, host and life coach Thembe Khumalo shares some reflections on what it means to invest in yourself and some ideas on how Brandbuilder can help you do that. Because, as she says, "You are worthy."

Instagram / LinkedIn: @brandtobuildco @thembekhumalo

Trish Carmen is a consultant and coach in image, personal branding, grooming & etiquette. She helps individuals, executives, scholars, celebrities, and entrepreneurs showcase the best version of themselves through their appearance, behaviour, communication, and digital footprint. She has 16 years' experience in the Fashion Industry.

www.trishcarmen.design

Instagram: @trishcarmen.firstofhername

Emmanuella is an excellent Non-profit communicator and result-oriented strategist with proven expertise in non-profit communications, brand management, content creation, digital marketing, and copywriting. She is also a French language tutor.

Emmanuella is the Director of Communications NOB Foundation and Health Volunteers Nigeria Initiative alongside the Founder of Ellah communication, a communications agency she founded to help nonprofits build and grow their brands and influence online and offline.

While non-profit communications consulting is her primary job function by the day, she also enjoys mentoring young ladies.

Tsitsi is Founder and Lead Consultant at Nhaka Legacy Planning. She is also Co-Founder at African Family Firms (A nonprofit Africa Family Business Association) Tsitsi Mutendi is a well-versed, award-winning businesswoman with over 12 years of experience building her own successful publishing and education businesses, during this time Tsitsi developed a passion to assist family businesses to build multi-generational businesses which translate into multigenerational legacies.

Tsitsi is recognised globally for her business acumen and world-class delivery. Through various board appointments in numerous industries, Tsitsi has had exposure to many global business development strategies, especially in Africa. Tsitsi has vast international business and family business experience. Today, Tsitsi is the founder and owner of Nhaka Legacy Planning which she formed in 2018. Her main focus is on working with Individuals, Family Businesses, and Families of wealth in Family Governance and Family governance tools as well as working with Family Offices to create relevance between Family and Office.

Her other areas of expertise include; family communication coaching, family & business strategic planning, corporate governance, succession planning, business continuity strategies, conflict resolution & mediation, coaching, and mentoring.

Tsitsi is a certified Family Business Advisor and Family Wealth Advisor through the global Family Business Education Network, Family Firms Institute.

Her passion for family business has awarded her the opportunity to be an international speaker and author on the subject, particularly on family governance and business continuity. Tsitsi has a weekly podcast called Enterprising Families that focuses on discussing issues that affect Families Enterprises and family businesses to manage better their journeys as families in business and issues that are of interest to them.

Tsitsi also owns and runs a successful group of Montessori Primary Schools.

Most importantly Tsitsi is wife and Mom to 3 cherished children (Jasmine Mufaro, Daniel Djimon and Nyasha Maia) who have given her more motivation to leave an impactful legacy.

Betty Sibeso is the creator of Namibia’s leading digital magazine, Monochrome Magazine,
and the founder of creative agency, Beso Media.  She is a graphic designer by profession and a passionate creative entrepreneur.

IG & Twitter: @bettysibeso

Ntombi is an experienced designer, brand marketer, cultural insights lead and content creator. Driven by the love for creative brand strategy and culture, she takes pride in providing the best possible opportunities for growth for companies and teams. As a Head of Brand, her goals include brand growth and developing insight led solutions. In addition to her primary job functions, Ntombi has been recognized by TBWA\ for her extraordinary commitment to Backslash and leads the Backslash Africa & Middle East chapter.

Ntombi has worked in the advertising industry for 8 years, gaining experience in design, marketing, and brand management. Ntombi is widely known for her multiple talents, agile work ethic, strategic thinking and depth of knowledge on contemporary cultural trends impacting Africa. Outside of the office, Ntombi enjoys content creation, reading and traveling.

Get in touch with Ntombi here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntombi-malaza-7b545955/

My name is Mark Xolile van den Bergh. I have extensive experience across a variety of businesses in South Africa, and abroad. Part of my experience lies in digital marketing and compliance and this has led me to have vast experience in small to large enterprise business operations. I have contributed to the success of many organisations by entrenching myself into problem solving and collaboration on projects, with clients and non profit organisations.

My interest in creating digital platforms and presences began in High School (King’s School Bryanston) and I have always been highly driven to achieve outstanding results. My studies led me to explore a creative outlet through Art and Design while abroad on a GAP Year to London and Edinburgh. Leith School of Art saw my initial interest

From initial brainstorming and design sessions, I try to holistically understand what the client needs – oftentimes this is something they are unable to voice themselves as they do not know what is digitally possible. I work closely with teams that I am in to ensure that their expectations are met, and that future long-term business relationships are not only possible, but ensured – believing in the longevity of integral business relationships. The process of developing these initial designs into a working and successful model has enabled me to maintain good relationships and continue to grow or augment online offerings.

Alongside my personal drive to always produce quality digital experiences, I am equally motivated by working within a team. I am a natural leader and pride myself on the professional and encouraging relationships I foster with my team members. I enjoy upskilling and training members of the team, and have an unwavering patience (I do live up to my Xhosa name). I believe that the success of a team lies in the ability for the leader to create a well-communicated, clear and concise project brief that the team are then able to follow, develop and implement with the least amount of misunderstandings. When this process is correctly implemented in a team, the flow and success of each member is evident. It also easily highlights members of the team who may need further upskilling.

Currently I head up a UX/UI team and am a Product Manager overseeing a development cycle in an award-winning marketing business. Using an in-house platform we provide solutions that enable engagement and position businesses through a multi-layered approach, focusing on mobile-first technologies. I also run my own digital systems company, Mobile Moment, with a few clients, both enhancing currently deployed systems that automate work-process and leveraging my experience with IOT technologies to bring about simple automations for complex solutions.

On a more personal note, I believe in a mindful and balanced lifestyle, and part of achieving this for myself is to pursue regular running, cycling, gardening and home maintenance. I'm a DIY-kinda-guy who loves the challenge of renovations, restorations and more – never shying away from hard-work! I also give back to my community by being part of a Men's Mentorship program. All in all, I want to be a good ancestor and leave behind a better work environment, world and situation when I need to step aside or leave.

Atang L.S Arnold is the founding manager of “The Space Botswana” a newly established Art Gallery / Creative Hub based in Maun, Botswana. She holds a Creative Multimedia Degree and runs her own Multimedia Production company- Lipstick and Dust (Pty) Ltd .

She is a voluntary Public Relation Officer of Okavango Artists Association ( O.A.A). She also holds a Creative Hub Entrepreneurship Academy accreditation for The Space Botswana - by British Council South Africa, in collaboration with Nesta and Hivos - Completed in July 2020 and Social Entrepreneurship 2021 by British Council Botswana.

Atang recently facilitated at the 2020 Ngamiland Creative Network Project (NCNP) funded by CIPA on “ Creative Block and COVID-19 Challenges as an Artist, also 2021 Project Mobilization Manager for the NCNP through O.A.A. Atang is national Top 10 in the Creative Business Cup -Botswana 2021.

She has exhibited her paintings in Namibia and Botswana.
Atang aims to constantly innovate, share knowledge and educate other individuals in the arts and community.

Shingirayi Sabeta is a Brand Strategist and Creative Director who helps businesses grow and be more innovative by helping them understand and connect with their customers. In short, he designs businesses.  Before starting brnd. consultancy in 2008, Shingirayi worked across several branding and advertising agencies in South Africa, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, and also gained experience in corporate marketing as a Regional Brand Manager at Coca-Cola Southern Africa. When not spending downtime with his family, Shingirayi enjoys producing music, DJing, writing and blogging, and a spot of pick-up basketball every now and then. Shingirayi is available for branding consultations and speaking engagements. You can reach Shingirayi at shingi@brndconsultancy.com or visit brndconsultancy.com for more info. 

Follow him on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook using the handle “Shingirayi Sabeta”.

Kuda Musasiwa is a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, musician, communications practitioner and music producer. He is known largely for airing his fearless and outspoken views on social media, and also known for founding tech-based businesses Fresh In A Box, Fresh Ideas and Fresh Logistics.

Musasiwa was born in Harare’s oldest suburb of Mbare and lived in the UK where he moved to after school. In 2008 he made a decision to return. Commenting on his decision to come back home, Kuda says “I decided to come back to Zimbabwe in 2008 when I was working as a cleaner & Night Porter at a local 3 star hotel in Essex. I was that cleaner whom the MD used to call into his office every night to assist him with his million £ pound Excels, then send me to make him a cuppa.”

Kuda is also known for his brutally honest #TeaTime videos on Facebook and has been one of the young vocal voices on Zimbabwean political and socio-economic issues over the past couple of years. We would call him #onetowatch

Fresh in a box https://freshinabox.co.zw/shop

Kuda on twitter https://twitter.com/begottensun

Being a reflective leader means that you are interested in, and committed to, examining your own reactions, thoughts, and feelings about the work you do, the people you work with, and the processes you use to get work done. So why do so many leaders struggle to make reflection a part of their leadership practice? 

In this episode, I'm going to give you a few ideas for simple and easy reflection and relaxation practices, as well as taking you through a simple body scan. I am also encouraging you to download a free copy of my collection of meditations called Words for Word. You can find it here.