Turning grief into growth

My story began with a devastating loss that reshaped the path I had expected my life to take. When I was just fifteen years old, my father – our family’s sole breadwinner – passed away, leaving behind my mother, my siblings, and me with no financial security. Everything changed overnight. The comfortable life we had known was replaced with a daily struggle to put bread on the table.

Tough times for my family led me to drop out of university – a sacrifice that, at face value, should have closed doors rather than opened them. Yet this decision led me to Standard Bank, where I began as a call centre agent with only my high school education and the determination to build something better for myself and my family.

My sister and my mother both passed away while I was studying, and then I lost my wife to COVID in 2021. Each loss could have been the final blow that knocked me down permanently. Instead, I found ways to transform grief into fuel for growth.

I owe my transformation in large part to my employers, Standard Bank. The company introduced me to Henley Business School Africa and supported my enrolment for the Advanced Certificate in Management Practice (NQF 6) and later the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice (NQF 7).

Henley’s unique approach resonated deeply with me because of the real-world challenges I have faced. Here was an institution that recognised that the person behind the professional mattered just as much as the skills they were acquiring. Henley doesn’t just teach you about business; it teaches you about yourself.

The Personal Mastery module changed my life. It wasn’t just about mental models and business frameworks – it was about understanding grief, decision-making, resilience, and a change in mindset. These modules gave me tools not just for the boardroom, but for life itself.

My studies at Henley enabled my rise through the ranks at the bank. From that initial call-centre position, I progressed steadily, eventually reaching my current role as Head of Demand Generation and Retentions – a journey spanning 17 years with the same company that had believed in my potential when I had nothing more than a high school certificate.

The transformation wasn’t just professional, and I found myself equipped to handle the complex challenges of leadership, from managing teams to navigating high-stakes business decisions. The imposter syndrome that had once plagued me – that nagging voice suggesting I didn't belong in rooms filled with highly educated executives – gradually gave way to confidence and self-assurance.

Throughout my Henley journey, I found inspiration in leaders like Lincoln Mali, whose approachable style and genuine care for people shaped my own leadership philosophy. I learned that true leadership isn’t about creating distance between yourself and your team, but is about building bridges and empowering others to reach their potential.

Leadership is about being human. It’s about combining professional excellence with genuine care for people – a lesson I learned from my mentors and from Henley’s teachings. It has become a philosophy that guides me through every promotion and new challenge.

Henley has given me purpose beyond the classroom, and my goals are ambitious. I want to complete an MBA, write two books – one on leadership and the other about my personal journey. Then there’s also the Doctorate in Business Administration, which I would love to do.

My story isn't just about personal triumph, it's about possibility. It's about what can happen when someone refuses to let circumstances define their future, when they embrace education as transformation, and when they commit to lifting others as they climb.

THE QUICK Q&A

What are your passions in life?

I am passionate about helping others, and I want to inspire those who may be facing similar challenges to me by telling them my story as a motivational speaker. If I can inspire just one person to believe they can overcome their circumstances, then sharing my story will have been worth it.

What do you do in your spare time?

Despite my demanding role, I've learned the importance of balance. I cherish time with my family, particularly my role as a father. Whether it's taking trips to the coast, watching my beloved Orlando Pirates play soccer, or simply being present for daily moments that matter, I understand that success means nothing without the people you love beside you.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

I would impress upon him that nothing is impossible if you put your head down and keep focused.

What advice would you give to others considering studying at Henley?

Studying at Henley is life changing. If you want to partner with an organisation that understands that true leadership development requires addressing the whole person – their fears, their potential, their humanity – then look no further than Henley.