Future Readiness with Za

“.. Burnout is when you have nothing left to give, there is no bandwidth left. When we have no bandwidth, we get really impatient with the people we love, we start making mistakes… and we lose the ability to celebrate what is wonderful in life…”
We are nearing that time of the year when time seems loopy and we feel tired and unmotivated, which is understandable. In our practice, we have Wellness Days to help us catch our breathe and press pause.

“If you aren’t able to commit to a full body yes, it is a lot more respectful to say thank you, you’re so kind, I’ll consider the invitation, please give me time, so that you when you do finally say yes, it is a full body yes”.
When you agree to join someone in a thing they have invited you to or take on an extra assignment at work when already stretched, consider the domino effect for yourself and for the other person.

“Joy for me feels a lot more dense than happiness.”

How do you nurture your joy?

Listen. Comment. Share.

Let me know which topics you would like me to speak on.

“If you are going to wait for the perfect conditions, then your boat is never going to leave.”

A good friend of mine once said “Boats are not built to stay in the harbor”, and this remains true.

The truth is that conditions will never be perfect and you cannot control or create an excellent external condition, what you can do is build a brand/life that you are proud of.

Phakamisa Ndzamela is an award-winning former business journalist for Thomson Reuters, E-News Africa, Moneyweb, Business Day, Financial Mail and Financial Times of London. He holds an honours degree in journalism from the University of Witwatersrand. He lives in Cape Town.

 The story of black business in South Africa remains under-explored and poorly understood. Dispossession of fertile or mineral-rich lands through colonial wars, as well as the landmark 1913 Land Act, are among the root causes of the economic precarity of black South Africans to date. Inadequate attention has been paid to how racist policies and discriminatory practices thwarted black business initiatives and success. That’s why Phakamisa put pen to paper to present the world with his book – Native Merchants: The Building of The Black Business Class in South Africa 

In this episode, Sizakele and Phakamisa explore the root causes of the current material imbalance in South Africa and he, through structured thought and deep scholarship – presents a case for correcting stereotypes and according due praise to those forebearers who founded and grew businesses in the darkest times of South Africa’s history. Despite these biased systemic impediments, black South African men and women built successful enterprises in industries as diverse as hospitality, mining, media, agriculture, financial services, and real estate among others. Phakamisa seeks to show the long tail of entrepreneurship among black South Africans and to consequently correct a historical stereotype that implies that black people in South Africa are only able to do business as ‘tenderpreneurs’. More importantly in bringing these stories to the fore, he offers, the young black girl and boy – a NorthStar - as well as a renewed sense of pride premised upon an unshakeable truth, that they descend from a lineage of people who, from the beginning – we remarkable and resilient.

“When you place the human at the centre of everything that you do, then you can truly design for inclusive futures.”

Designing for inclusivity is not about meeting a quota, it is about considering the complete human and how their daily experiences may be intertwined with your business. These futures ensure that no community is marginalised and that the collective thrives.

Listen. Comment. Share.

Let me know which topics you would like for me to speak on.

Future-ready brands are understanding more and more that you pay attention to what is happening in culture... and apply your creative lens in a way that solves for society”

High-influence brands are intentional about placing humans at the centre of everything as this benefits them commercially and aids in their reputation.

Connect with us so that we can elevate your brand to a high-influence one.

Listen. Comment. Share.

Let me know which topics you would like for me to speak on.

#SizakeleMarutlulle

#FutureReadinessWithZa #HowToSeries

Today marks Women's Day in South Africa and we thought it would be wonderful to offer you a gift of reflective thoughts to feed on today and the days ahead.

“Returning to wholeness is about slowing down and paying attention to how things feel.”

During the pandemic, we were forced to slow down. Most of us vowed in that period to be more present and engage in experiences that bring joy.

Have you kept your vow to fully immerse in moments or have you returned to the “busy-ness” of life?

The How To Series is my guide on how to go through life in the most humanistic way based on my own experiences

Listen. Comment. Share.

“We have become so wounded as human beings that we can’t even recognise kindness.”

Any  act of kindness should never be considered uncool. In the moments where yours may be rejected, may you never be discouraged to be kind to others 

Remember that kindness has the best aftertaste.

The How To Series is my guide on how to go through life in the most humanistic way based on my own experiences

Listen. Comment. Share.

#SizakeleMarutlulle

#FutureReadinessWithZa

#FutureReadinessWithZa Presents Dr Sizakele in Conversation with  Dr Neeraj Mistry – a Medical Doctor turned economist and now a social scientist. In this discussion, rich with laughter and peppered with deep anecdotes, we talk about his practice and work at Future Africa (https://www.futureafrica.science/). As one deeply invested in contributing to the healing of social ills and the advancement of Africa and her people, his job is aligned with his purpose.

In this episode, we discuss the transdisciplinary approach – which is the uniqueness of the Institute, responding to the urgent need for transformative ideas, and the importance of Africa in and to the World. With a chuckle to soften the heavy lifting required, he hones in on how we (leaders, party masters, policymakers, citizens, etc) can also advance the human family if we are strategic about the levers we push to effect transformative and sustainable change. He walks us through what the Institute has termed ‘challenge domains’, he laments the loss of technical colleges as these produced skilled people needed in the industry, and he advocates for the respect of ALL work. 

Neeraj expands on the importance of ‘eating an elephant one piece at a time’;  of leaning into the wisdom of Biko’s beckoning to us all to reach towards the ‘envisioned self’. We also touch on the topic of training and how it can become invaluable in both the private and public sectors if done correctly. He expands on the importance of early childhood development as the seed that will one day sprout whole and engaged citizens and reflects on the necessity of a systems approach to solving social ills such as safety in the home and youth employability in the future. 

You can reach Dr Neeraj here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neeraj-mistry-md-mph-b9b888/

See more of Future Africa’s work here:  https://www.futureafrica.science/

IT’S BACK

Future Readiness with Za presents: The How To Series: Season 2

This series is my guide on going through life in the most humanistic way based on my own experiences.

We start with the highly requested How to speak to a pre-adult. “Lead with questions and not with judgement and remember that you too were once young.”

The goal of having a conversation with a pre-adult is to be open and curious so that everyone feels heard.

Listen. Comment. Share.

Let me know which topics you would like for me to speak on.

#FutureReadinessWithZa Presents Dr Sizakele in Conversation with Gillian Rightford – a seasoned practitioner, lecturer and the founder of School Of Thought and Adtherapy, a company that aims to help marketers optimise their advertising through skills, structure, strategy, and relationships.

In this episode, Gillian expands on the journey of her work in the advertising sector and how an evening watching television, intercepted by bad ads – was the genesis of her new business AdTherapy. Although the intention was to rid the world of bad ads, she later understood that it’s the quality of the agency-client relationship which determines the calibre of work produced and the joy experienced while doing so. So her mission is to heal relations so good work can thrive.

She also dives more deeply into the changes that are upon the sector – and what critical steps ad agency leaders must take, to become more relevant to their client’s business strategies not just their marketing campaigns.

We touch on how some companies have fear embedded into the culture is one element that needs to be discussed

Connect with Gillian - @gillianrightford

See more of Adtherapay: https://www.adtherapy.co.za/

See more of School of Thought: https://theschoolofthought.co/

On a blistering afternoon, there was a gathering whose origin was a simple (but deep) question, ‘what else can we do to help humans in this time?” so we

got our heads together and Brad and I got deep into conversation. When we care deeply, we move carefully with clear intentionality. The desire was to

create a space where each of us (evolved in different ways by the pandemic, world of work and other life’s torrential rains) could share from these lived

experiences to offer a light-house to folks in positions and in life as well as across various geographies and leadership levels.

This episode captures those raw and candid reflections from Brad Shorkend (https://www.stillhuman.co.za/about-still-human )- who is obsessed, and I

mean with a capital O, about finding and retaining what switches humans on and off in the professional and personal realms. His input is as diverse and

multi-lateral as his energy -sparks. He centred our thinking on our relationship with words, the meaning of work, leadership challenges, and the opportunities emerging to lead ourselves and others differently. The goal is the noble pursuit of better humaning in and out of work. By way of contribution, I offered my own perspective from my time leading teams and organisations as well as reflections on my decade-old journey as a Fentrepreneur. The discussion also touches upon the ideas behind pro-human styles of leadership and the interconnection between servant

leadership, productivity and wellness. We end on a high note, reflecting on what future-facing and future-readiness means.
Enjoy.

Remember to share and subscribe - because when we make the circle bigger, we advance humankind as well as help improve the calibre of the

content we create. Be sure to let us know - via our socials – if there is a specific person and/or topic you would like us to converse about in future

episodes.

Future Readiness with Za presents: The How-To Series

This series is informed by my lived experience – and is offered as guide on going through life in the most humanistic way.

How to Use Your Voice As The Youngest Sibling.

“My heart goes out to the last born siblings that carry this pain with them.” You may be the person in the family who received the hand me downs, who was not given the space to cultivate your own voice, who may have been spoken over at a family gathering. Your childhood experiences can influence the way that you express yourself in adulthood.

I wish you courage on your journey to using your voice especially within your family in a way which makes you feels seen, heard and held

Are there any topics that you would like me to offer other tips on ?

Enjoy, like and share

#FutureReadinessWithZa

#SizakeleMarutlulle

#Zaism

#Podcast

Future Readiness with Za presents: The HowTo Series

This series is informed by my lived experience – and is offered as guide on going through life in the most humanistic way.

How To End A Friendship.

Ending a friendship is about terminating a contract to your heart and that is not an easy decision to make. We don’t stay in relationships for the history, we have to stay for the present and how they make you feel today.

Ending a friendship that no longer serve you is about self-love, an act of self-care.

What are some of the reasons that you have ended a friendship

Click the link in my bio to watch the full interview on YouTube alternatively listen to the conversation on the podcast platform of your choice

Enjoy, like and share with your community

#FutureReadinessWithZa

#SizakeleMarutlulle

#Zaism

#Podcast

How to Use Your Inside Voice.

Your inside voice is your calm voice. It is the voice you use when making a statement or expressing how you feel.

Using your inside voice does not diminish your power in any way but adds to it.

Are there any topics that you would like me to offer other tips on?

Enjoy, like and share

Future Readiness with Za presents: The How To Series  

This series is informed by my lived experience – and is offered as guide on going through life in the most humanistic way.  

Not all conversations are easy, some conversation are about letting friends down, setting boundaries and letting go. For me, difficult conversations are easier because they are coming from a place of truth, clarity and ownership.   Listen to the full talk on the podcast platform of your choice  

Are there any topics that you would like me to offer other tips on ?  

Enjoy, like and share  

#FutureReadinessWithZa #SizakeleMarutlulle #Zaism #Podcast

Future Readiness with Za presents: The How To Series  

This series is informed by my lived experience – and is offered as a guide on going through life in the most humanistic way.  How to Say No in a compassionate and kind tone. 

There are ways to say no 

By acknowledging the request 

Do not over explain why you are saying no 

Keep the door open so should they need you in the future there is a possibility for you to help them 

BE CLEAR  

How have you said no in the past?  

Are there any topics that you would like me to offer other tips on?  

Enjoy, like and share  

#FutureReadinessWithZa #SizakeleMarutlulle #Zaism #Podcast

This month #FutureReadinessWithZa brings you Dr James Lappeman.  

He is the Head of Projects at the UCT Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing.  

He has a PhD in consumer behaviour and has published on the subject of South African consumer behaviour in international journals like the Journal of International Marketing, the International Journal of Market Research and the European Business Review to name a few.   

You can download his most recent textbook Marketing to South African Consumers (https://openbooks.uct.ac.za/uct/catalog/book/29)   

Connect with James Lappeman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslappeman/?originalSubdomain=za)  

Follow him on Twitter @JamesLappeman    

Enjoy, like and share with your community   

#FutureReadinessWithZa #SizakeleMarutlulle #Zaism

Future Readiness with Za presents: The How To Series  

This series is informed by my lived experience – and is offered as guide on going through life in the most humanistic way.  Leaving a toxic work environment can be difficult.   When you do finally leave you need to do so in a manner which protects your integrity and honors you. This may remove  any opportunity for someone else to define your character.    

Exiting gracefully is about owning your own narrative, so you can always look back with pride and not shame at your own conduct.   

Are there any topics that you would like me to offer other tips on?  

Enjoy, like and share  

#FutureReadinessWithZa #SizakeleMarutlulle

This month on Future Readiness with Za, we connect with Niven Postma. Niven is a strategy, leadership and culture consultant partnering with clients in diverse industries around the world, to (re)ignite the discretionary energy of people and teams, build an enabling culture and develop meaningful strategies. In addition to this, she laughs easily, is a generous spirit and a fierce connector (trust me, I’ve experienced all these parts of her being)   In this episode – we build upon our recent focus on humanising the workplace – by talking about office politics and its effects on leadership and wellness. Niven suggests that if you don’t understand nor master workplace politics – they can limit your success and influence.   

You too can connect with Niven Postma - https://www.nivenpostma.com/  

Her LinkedIn is Niven Postma and her Instagram is @nivvy_pops

Future Readiness with Za presents: The How To Series 

This series is informed by my lived experience – as is offered as guide on going through life in the most humanistic way.     

How do you ask for help?  

Are there any topics that you would like me to offer other tips on ?  

Enjoy, like and share  

#FutureReadinessWithZa #SizakeleMarutlulle #Zaism

Leading Like a Human   

The people who vouch for us, whether we call them bosses or leaders or allies, often see in us what we will become and it is up to us then to live out the full expression of our purpose, and by extension, their aspirations for us. I was really excited about a particular promotion and the prospect of  growing myself, the team and the organization. That excitement didn't fade, but it was tempered by the realization that I actually did not know how to lead people. For context, this was during the sunrise of South Africa’s democracy, I was in advertising and one of the few women at the time who would be at the helm or in an executive position in an ad agency. There were not many examples for me to look to. By default, I looked at the males and noticed that they could issue instructions and things would get done, that they could chastise people, and that feedback would be welcomed and/or well-received. In error and with the arrogance and ignorance of youth, I thought that I could emulate a masculine engagement style. This backfired badly. Much later I would receive counsel that leadership was not about me barking orders, but rather a responsibility of care for those I led. I would also learn that my gender was neither a plus nor minus but a mere fact. I would later then evolve into a being who led, and still leads as a human (who just happens to be a woman). I accept and respect that others feel strongly about leading like a woman. 

The human path is one I have chosen for myself as it makes both head and heart sense to this evolving being.

Our guest for this episode on Future Readiness with Za is the amazing Dr Ngao Motsei. 

She is a seasoned exec and leader whose work on Bullying In The Workplace demands attention now and into the unfolding future.  We explore this topic as well as other challenges she has observed and her counsel for current and emerging leaders in the workplace and beyond.  She talks about how leaders must become good listeners and lead with care and compassion as this births belonging. She suggests that belonging trumps inclusion - because the latter could breed a pressure to fit-in. Whereas belonging is about being taken and accepted, just the way you are. She shows the linkages between people-happiness and productivity.  Most profoundly, she advocates that  leading with care is important for the sustainability and growth of enterprises.   The world of work of the future requires leaders to create environments where people feel they belong.   

You too can connect with Dr Ngao Motsei on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngao-motsei-phd/ )  

Alternatively listen to the full conversation on the podcast platform of your choice   

Enjoy, like and share with your community

Giving of or from ourselves  

Which is easier for you, giving from yourself by sharing your material possessions or giving from yourself which requires vulnerability?  

Are there any topics that you would like me to offer tips on ?  

Enjoy, like and share  

#FutureReadinessWithZa 

#SizakeleMarutlulle 

#Zaism

Future Readiness with Za presents: The How To Series 

This series is my guide on going through life in the most humanistic way based on my own experiences.  How have you approached someone you know online in person? I was at a gallery with a friend of mine and someone I did not recognise approached me with so much energy that it frightened me, they mentioned that they know me from the social streets.  I am grateful that I am able to reach more people with the help of social media but what I ask and strongly suggest is that when you recognise and plan to approach someone you know from the social streets, you greet and introduce yourself in the calmest tone. This allows the person  to gather their thoughts, excuse themselves from their guests  and thus extend to  you the same courtesy that you would have extended.  How have you approached someone you know online in person ? Are there any topics that you would like me to offer tips  on ?  Enjoy, like and share 

 #FutureReadinessWithZa #SizakeleMarutlulle #Zaism

ANNOUNCEMENT 

Applying polish to an old surface is always a good thing – as it releases a new shine and magical reflections. We have just polished our old podcast. This is not a new podcast -  it is me building on the one that I started in the midst of Covid-19 to connect with beings who are doing amazing things to advance humankind.  Future Readiness will still have the thought-expanding conversations and the streams of encouragement that you enjoy.  

If you have already subscribed to #FullCircleWithZa you are automatically subscribed to #FutureReadinessWithZa. You can listen to all the conversations on the podcast platform of your choice.  Are there any topics that you would like me to speak on? 

Enjoy, like and share  

#FutureReadinessWithZa 

#SizakeleMarutlulle 

#Zaism

Much has been lost in the proverbial fire in the last while , whether it be life, jobs, relationships, opportunities, faith, trust, etc. We each have dealt with them in our own unique ways. As we prepare to shut it down for the working/school year - I urge you to also look at the wins that you have achieved during this time and be proud of yourself. Take a moment to say thank you to yourself and to all you love and are loved by. It takes a village to stay whole.   

A big thank you  - to all of you who supported us in business and online. We look forward to winning with you into the future. May you have a restful and safe break.  

Namaste.

There are times when we are running, chasing our goals and dreams or trying our best to check items off our to-do list that we sometimes forget to take a moment to put our safety-belt on. As we near the end of the year and get caught up in the rush to meet our targets, check things off the 5 or 10-year plan, I urge you to take a moment to put your safety belt on, take a  deep breath and in the exhale – acknowledge more than what you’ve done but who you’ve become in the months past.

Being a fierce female who works and has a family means more often than not you are asked the question "How do you keep that work-life balance?" The question is gendered which is problematic. However, it does present us with an opportunity to reflect on what balance is and what it means to each of us.   

Work-life balance can be choosing a day, a time where your mind is clear, it can mean being present in a certain space, it could also be about creating boundaries within your professional and personal relationships. My balance-creation ceremony happens at 04:30 am on a mat. How are you creating balance for yourself?

"Knowledge becomes wisdom through action." Knowledge does not only come from books and lecture halls, it also comes from being practical and immersing yourself in the task at hand.  There are things that you may need to learn, unlearn and relearn and by doing so you make yourself and those around you, willing to learn, smarter and more knowledgeable human beings.  

How do you share your knowledge with others?

Take advice from nature

Listen to my conversation with David Baldwin (CEO of Baldwin & author of The Belief Economy) as we discuss his journey in advertising and how COVID has impacted the advertising space.

David is an award winning copywriter and creative director who is challenging advertisers about the ways they speak to the market

Today, Adama Sanneh (Co-founder & CEO of Moleskine Foundation) and I discuss the importance of creativity and its impact on the future of economics and Africa's development.

You know that person you meet when they are fired up and ready to take on the world ? You know you get the feeling that they will land on their own feet and do something magical in the world ? .That’s  who the multi-dimensional  Nkgabi is to me. From our first connect almost a decade ago (in the company of Mukondi Ralushayi-Kgomo her partner in business) I sensed something ‘bigger than the moment’ was happening. Later, they would talk to me about their dream- and I was super delighted when they took the biggest leap in service to themselves and their truth and started their own Agency - known to the world as Think Creative Africa.    

Nkgabi is equal parts creative and sensitive, she’s whip-smart and compassionate. A drop in gaze prepares you for her unique humour and a toss back of the head precedes a laughter emanating from the back of her belly button. She’s grounded, ambitious, mindful, and all things fierce…I have the privilege of calling her a beloved. Whether on creative award panels, on social and on the streets- Nkgabi leaves an indelible mark.    

We got into conversation one cold afternoon at https://www.gallerymomo.com/ for a delightfully immersive catch-up.  

You can follow her here: 

www : https://thinkcreativeafrica.com/ 

Twitter  - @Nkgabi_Motau 

Instagram: @nkgabi_motau & thinkcreativeafrica

You know that person you meet when they are fired up and ready to take on the world ? You know you get the feeling that they will land on their own feet and do something magical in the world ? .That’s  who the multi-dimensional  Nkgabi is to me. From our first connect almost a decade ago (in the company of Mukondi Ralushayi-Kgomo her partner in business) I sensed something ‘bigger than the moment’ was happening. Later, they would talk to me about their dream- and I was super delighted when they took the biggest leap in service to themselves and their truth and started their own Agency - known to the world as Think Creative Africa.    

Nkgabi is equal parts creative and sensitive, she’s whip-smart and compassionate. A drop in gaze prepares you for her unique humour and a toss back of the head precedes a laughter emanating from the back of her belly button. She’s grounded, ambitious, mindful, and all things fierce…I have the privilege of calling her a beloved. Whether on creative award panels, on social and on the streets- Nkgabi leaves an indelible mark.    

We got into conversation one cold afternoon at https://www.gallerymomo.com/ for a delightfully immersive catch-up.  

You can follow her here: www : https://thinkcreativeafrica.com/ 

Twitter  - @Nkgabi_Motau 

Instagram: @nkgabi_motau & thinkcreativeafrica

Not everything broken needs to be fixed. Not every wounded/ailing person needs to be saved by you. Sometimes you just need to let the wind carry those things and folks past and beyond you

Phumeza is the giant soul behind SISTAHOOD HOUR - an online platform through which she connects, converses, creates and shares her gift with the world. Her heart is pure gold, her interior work never-ending - she walks through life with the mindfulness of an old soul and the tenderness of one with no ill-intention. Over time, distance and several conversations in person and remotely - we have developed a kinship so deep as to be truly called a sister ship. We enter a shared space together with no ‘fake’ - we share truths with kindness, we reflect with honesty about our journey as women and about the wider community of sisterhood.  

One morning - with coffees in hand at the wonderful and peerless https://www.gallerymomo.com/   Phumeza and I set down to have a candid and deeply enriching conversation.   

Enjoy.  

Follow her here:  

Sisterhood Hour: https://sistahoodhour.com/  

Twitter: @phumeza_shh  

Instagram: @phumeza_shh and @sistahoodhour

Phumeza is the giant soul behind SISTAHOOD HOUR - an online platform through which she connects, converses, creates and shares her gift with the world.   Her heart is pure gold, her interior work never-ending - she walks through life with the mindfulness of an old soul and the tenderness of one with no ill-intention. Over time, distance and several conversations in person and remotely - we have developed a kinship so deep as to be truly called a sister ship. We enter a shared space together with no ‘fake’ - we share truths with kindness, we reflect with honesty about our journey as women and about the wider community of sisterhood.    

One morning - with coffees in hand at the wonderful and peerless https://www.gallerymomo.com/ Phumeza and I set down to have a candid and deeply enriching conversation.  

Enjoy. 

Follow her here: 

Sisterhood Hour: https://sistahoodhour.com/ 

Twitter: @phumeza_shh

Instagram: @phumeza_shh and @sistahoodhour

After an interaction with someone - I often rely on my sense of energy and vibration to evaluate. If I feel drained, I know that there was a mis-match somewhere. If I feel uplifted and energised then I know that we were in sync.  It’s been my experience that those who are good for you, are good to you. How do you think you make people feel once you have left them?

There is no solo act here, life is a duet and the Zebra knows this. For, it matters not whether the bullet lands on the black or white stripe, the whole animal feels the pain. So next time you lull yourself into thinking what happens over there cannot affect you over here, think again. We rise or fall together as one race, the human race.

You know that person you see from afar at all the cool events? They are always supremely dressed, confident in their stride and just well-put-together? You see them once, twice and eventually your paths overlap - an introduction is made and it feels like you’ve known them all your life. That’s who Felipe is to me – he is a being my soul recognised from the get-go. Never mind that I want to raid his cupboard for his white shirt collection ;) He is as whip-smart as he is kind. Deeply reflective yet does not take himself seriously. Self-aware without being self-promoting. An early sense of who he is and what he is placed on this earth to do means he has carved a self-directed path and designed a life he loves and enjoys.  You may know him as a style architect, a creative disrupter, a deep thinker on fashion, the go-to person for those who want to up their creative ante - I have the privilege of calling him a dear friend. Whether on film, print, runways or screens big + small - Felipe blazes a trail.

We got into a conversation one cold afternoon at https://www.gallerymomo.com/

Enjoy. You can follow him here 

Twitter: @ItsFeli 

Instagram: @felipemaz

The more you share of yourself, the more people feel invited by you to share more of themselves with you. When you connect with an openness, you may find a soft-landing place for your heart and a growing awareness of yourself. How could you share more of yourself without disrespecting your boundaries?