Empowering the Future: South Africa’s Business Leaders Share Wisdom for Youth Month
As Youth Month unfolds in South Africa, the nation’s business leaders are stepping up to provide invaluable insights and guidance to the next generation. Recognizing the immense potential and ambition of young professionals, seasoned experts are sharing their hard-earned experiences and tips to inspire and steer the youth on their career journeys. From embracing discomfort and persistence to seeking growth opportunities and daring to shape their own futures, these leaders offer practical wisdom and encouragement to help South Africa’s youth navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Veronica Moleele, CEO of the brand and communication agency Penquin, emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone to advance your career. “Networking and visibility are crucial for personal and professional growth,” she explains. “The business world thrives on connections and relationships, and putting yourself out there is the first step toward building a robust professional network. Meeting new people can lead to business opportunities, partnerships, and collaborations.”
Say Yes: The Power of Putting Yourself Out There
Veronica Moleele also highlights the benefits of public speaking, attending events, and networking. These activities not only build confidence and communication skills but also make your presence known within your industry. “Striving to continually learn and grow, whether through formal training or experiences, broadens our perspectives and propels our careers forward. It’s in the doing that we learn more about ourselves and others and how to navigate the world around us. So step forth and conquer—the world is yours to explore.”
Wilson Tauro, Country Manager Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, stresses the importance of staying updated with the latest trends, technologies, and skills in a rapidly evolving business world. “Staying informed about industry trends keeps you competitive, helps you acquire new skills, and ensures long-term success by being adaptable to changes,” he says. He also emphasizes the importance of listening to customers, as their insights can guide the development and improvement of products or services, enhance satisfaction and loyalty, and keep you ahead of market trends.
Prioritize Continuous Learning
Wilson Tauro adds, “Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning ensures that you remain relevant and competitive in a changing business environment. This mindset will help any professional get ahead and make a positive impact in their respective field.”
Deirdre King, Managing Director at Jacaranda FM, believes that embracing discomfort is essential for career acceleration. “Discomfort is where growth happens, and growth requires a proactive mindset and initiative. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; seek them out by volunteering for projects, proposing new ideas, and tackling challenges beyond your defined role.”
Embrace Discomfort
Deirdre King continues, “This proactive approach showcases your enthusiasm and dedication, building resilience and adaptability—qualities highly valued in today’s dynamic work environment. Engaging in diverse experiences helps you gain new perspectives, foster creativity, and develop a broader skill set, all crucial for long-term career success.”
Puleng Mathabatha, owner of Math Restaurant in Waterfall, Johannesburg, shares advice that has guided his professional journey. “The journey can be daunting and consuming, but the reward is beautiful. A friend once told me, ‘Going after your dreams will always take longer than you expect and will be much harder than you are prepared for, but you will get there if you persist.'”
Growth is a Journey: Embrace Every Part of It
Puleng Mathabatha emphasizes, “Persistence and resilience in the face of challenges are vital for career progression. Embrace your youth as a time for gathering experiences, trying new things, and refusing to take no for an answer. By maintaining a tenacious mindset and continuously pushing forward, you set the stage for long-term success and personal fulfillment.”
Conclusion
This Youth Month, South Africa’s business leaders offer a wealth of wisdom to the nation’s aspiring young professionals. By stepping outside their comfort zones, prioritizing continuous learning, embracing discomfort, and recognizing that growth is a journey, the youth can navigate their careers with confidence and resilience. The future is bright for those who dare to take the leap and make their mark in the business world.
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