Breaking stereotypes, embracing opportunities

My childhood was filled with the rich cultural diversity and dynamic energy that Johannesburg is known for. I come from a close-knit family that has always been my pillar of support. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance, and kindness, which have guided me throughout my life. Growing up, I was always curious and eager to learn new things. This curiosity led me to explore various fields and eventually find my passion.

I was created to be me. This simple yet profound statement encapsulates my journey at Hollard Insurance, a journey that began almost 14 years ago when I joined as a security officer. From the outset, I was determined to enrich my life through hard work and the belief that I could achieve anything I set my mind to.

I’m proud of where I come from and deeply grateful for the journey that has taken me. My career took a pivotal turn when I approached the Reception Manager with a desire to work as a receptionist. Despite the prevailing belief that reception roles were meant for women, the manager saw beyond stereotypes and recognised my warm smile and charismatic personality, which had the power to brighten everyone’s day. I was given the chance to volunteer at the reception during my off days as a security officer, and after two months of dedication, I was hired permanently at Hollard as their first male receptionist.

During my interview for the receptionist position, I was asked where I see myself in five years. My response was clear: I aspired to be the next Reception Supervisor. Fast forward to when the Reception Supervisor was promoted to the Finance Department, I applied for the role and was successful. Once again, during the interview for the supervisor position, I was asked about my five-year plan. I confidently stated that I saw myself as the Reception and Switchboard Manager – and I was promoted to that role last year November 2023!

Recognising my potential, my manager suggested that I enrich my practical experience by studying at a business school, so I came to Henley Business School. I eagerly embarked on a journey of continuous learning, starting with a Higher Certificate in Management Practice (HCMP) and, a year later, enrolled on the diploma-level Advanced Certificate in Management Practice (ACMP). Graduating with my ACMP is a milestone that fills me with immense pride, as I was the first in my family to graduate with a diploma.

Throughout my journey, I remained true to myself, understanding the profound impact I had on others. I believe my story motivated other contractors at Hollard, including security officers and cleaners, to stay authentic and mindful, knowing that their efforts would eventually be rewarded. Balancing my studies at Henley with my responsibilities at work was challenging, often requiring late meetings and weekend group sessions. However, I remained steadfast in my belief that there was nothing I couldn’t achieve. I was in charge of my own destiny, driving the car of my life with determination and purpose.

Since completing my studies at Henley, I have made several changes to the way I work. I have adopted a more structured and strategic approach to problem-solving. The analytical skills and methodologies I learned during my studies have enabled me to break down complex issues into manageable parts and develop effective solutions. I have also become more proactive in seeking out opportunities for continuous learning and professional development by attending workshops and staying updated with the latest industry trends.

My studies highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives and collective effort in achieving success. As a result, I have made a conscious effort to foster a collaborative environment within my team, which has led to improved productivity and a more cohesive work culture. Overall, these changes have not only enhanced my efficiency and effectiveness at work but have also contributed to my personal growth and satisfaction. I am grateful for the education and experiences that have guided me to this point.

Active engagement, curiosity and resilience are some of the qualities that helped me succeed at my studies. Participating in class discussions and engaging with my peers enhanced my learning experience and my understanding of the course content. I also came to realise the value of keeping an open mind and being willing to explore new ideas and perspectives, because they can lead to deeper understanding and innovation.

My journey has been shaped by the experiences and people who have supported me along the way. One of the most significant influences in my life has been my community church. The sense of unity and the spirit of ubuntu – the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity – has impacted me deeply. It has taught me the importance of giving back and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Deciding to better myself through study is one of the most important decisions in my life so far. Putting into practice what I learned at Henley is one of the reasons why I was promoted to Consumer Junior Manager recently, an achievement that reinforced for me the importance of perseverance, innovation and hard work. I have learned so many valuable lessons from my studies that have motivated me to continue striving for excellence in all areas of my life. I consider each challenge and every triumph I experienced to be stepping stones on my path to success.