Finding her voice: Elekanyani Ndlovu’s journey of self-mastery

When you meet Elekanyani Ndlovu, you notice two things immediately: her deep love for music and her belief in the power of love. Alongside her faith, family, and friendships, these form the pillars that keep her grounded and whole. She channels this same care and energy professionally. 

I love music and I believe in the power of love. Music is my sanctuary, a place where I celebrate, heal, and connect. Love is my compass, shaping my worldview alongside my faith, family, and friendships. I’m married to what I call a “high-quality human being,” and together we’re raising two beautiful children who inspire me daily. They remind me every day that life is richer when you slow down to enjoy the simple moments.

I grew up in a high-achieving family and wondered, “What’s my thing?” As the fifth of seven children, I admired my siblings but also felt the pressure to define myself. Before leaving for UCT to study electrical engineering, my father gave me the words that became my anchor: “Everything you need to succeed is within you… Get into a relationship with yourself where you don’t lie to yourself.” I didn’t fully understand it then, but over the years, those words became my blueprint for navigating challenges.

At UCT, I learned that success is about more than academics. My years were filled with lectures, volunteering, coaching netball, and community work. I discovered the value of relationships, service, and balance. I learned that leadership wasn’t about titles but about influence and service. After graduating, I began my career at Sasol in Secunda as part of a bursary agreement, navigating the shift from student life to a high-pressure work environment with its own politics and pace.

My career in engineering took me from design to renewables. Moving to Eskom and later into consulting broadened my skills in project management, strategy, and international collaboration. I worked on projects that spanned continents, cultures, and time zones. On paper, I was winning but I realised I was working from obligation, not passion. I had to ask myself whether this was the life I wanted to live 20 years from now.

Coaching and reflection shifted my path toward people. I wanted my work to be rooted in human connection and growth. I began saying yes to projects that energised me and no to those that drained me. That’s how I built my “portfolio life”: engineering consulting, organisational design, strategy, teaching, and coaching. Every piece connects back to empowering others to thrive, and every role allows me to live in alignment with my values.

Teaching at Henley Business School is one of my greatest joys. Henley’s purpose, "We build the people who build the businesses that build Africa”, feels personal. I love the creative freedom, the energy of learners, and witnessing those “lightbulb moments” that change the way people think. There’s nothing quite like watching someone realise their own potential and take bold steps toward it.

One of my proudest moments was seeing a coaching client transform. They arrived feeling stuck, doubting their abilities, and questioning their worth. Through consistent reflection, goal setting, and honest conversations, they not only secured a leadership role but also rebuilt their confidence. Witnessing that shift reminded me why I do what I do.

I measure success by the lives I’ve touched, not the titles I’ve held. Achievements fade, but the impact you have on people’s growth and courage lasts far longer than any award or job title. This is what keeps me grounded and fuels my work.

To my 20-year-old self, I would say: Keep asking questions. Don’t stay in places out of fear. Move sooner, trust the process, and stay consistent.

To every woman reading this: self-awareness is just the beginning. The real work comes after; aligning, growing, and mastering yourself. And if my journey has taught me anything, it’s that who you’re becoming is always worth the effort.

Find out more about Henley Africa's Work Readiness Programme here.