A Deep Dive into Motherhood, Grief, and the Power of Intentional Friendship.
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Friends of Amandla, Mpeo Nkosi sits down with her dear friend, Yolandi Michaels, co-CEO of Living Masks' experiential agency, for a raw and honest conversation about life's complexities. Prepare to be moved as they explore Yolandi's journey through motherhood, navigating business struggles during COVID-19, and the profound impact of grief, all while highlighting the importance of intentionality in relationships and self-discovery.
Key Discussion Points:
- Motherhood Manifesto
- Family and Intentional Parenting
- Navigating Business Struggles During COVID
- Understanding Grief and Honouring Memory
- The Depth and Value of True Friendship
- Creative Power in Times of Flux
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46:46
DO IT AFRAID WITH LEBO MOTSWENYANE
Adoption, Audacity, and Obama - Lebo on Living a Life Without Limits.
Premiere episode of the 4 Part Special "Friends of Amandla The Power Within," host Mpeo Nkosi sits down with Lebo Motswenyane, CEO of Lucky No 8 Events, to explore themes of courage, gratitude, vulnerability, and making brave decisions. Lebo shares her incredible journey, from growing up in Khuma township to building a successful events company that has worked with high-profile clients like President Obama and Oprah Winfrey.
Discover how Lebo navigated challenges like learning English as a pre-teen, starting her own business at 35, adopting her daughter Pelo, and coping with grief and loss. Lebo and Mpeo discuss the importance of supportive partners, modelling vulnerability, and the realities of "adulting" while caring for both children and ageing parents.
This episode is a powerful reminder to embrace life's uncertainties, choose your tribe wisely, and to "do it afraid."
Key Discussion Points:
- Lebo's Journey from Township to Success
- Starting a Business and Building a Career
- The Obama Event and Challenges of the Events Industry
- Lebo's Adoption Journey
- Family Support and Raising an Adopted Child
- Grief and Losing Parents
- Navigating Adulthood and Caring for Aging Parents
- The Importance of Supportive Partners and Modeling Behavior
- Turning 50 and Looking to the Future
- The Power of Community
- Embracing a Brave Future
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1:03:31
COMPETENT & CONFIDENT
Why your Workplace May be Trying to Silence You (Part 2)
Are you a strong, capable leader who's faced pushback and undermining in the workplace? Do you feel like your competence is seen as a threat rather than an asset?
In Part 2 of this empowering conversation with Executive Coach Alicia Pieterse, we expose the hidden dynamics that can sabotage your confidence and competence. Discover how to navigate cultural nuances, address conflict with grace, and reclaim your power in any professional setting.
Alicia and Mpeo dive into:
• The "Strong Black Woman" Paradox: Unpack the frustrating reality that competent, confident Black women often face in the workplace, where their strengths are both sought after and rejected.
• Navigating Cultural Minefields: Learn how cultural practices (like familial terms of address) can create unhealthy power dynamics
• Decoding Power Trips: Recognise the signs of stonewalling, gaslighting, and undermining from those in positions of authority
• Owning Your Worth: Discover how to establish yourself as an adult, rather than approaching leadership with fear
• Breaking the "Yes Men" Cycle: Understand how a lack of honest feedback and political savviness can lead to organisational dysfunction.
• Setting Boundaries with Cultural Respect: Find the balance between honouring cultural norms and maintaining professional boundaries
• Conflict Resolution as a Superpower: Discover why conflict management is a crucial skill for thriving in any workplace
• The Art of Active Listening: Master the underrated skill of truly listening to others, suspending your own opinions, and creating a safe space for open dialogue.
• Turning Wounds into Wisdom: Process your emotions, find support, and transform toxic workplace experiences into opportunities for growth
• Taking Action and Mobilising Change: Move beyond complaining and trauma bonding
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34:52
WE NEED MORE MATURE LEADERS
Mastering Workplace Dynamics with Emotional Intelligence (Part 1)
Is your workplace a breeding ground for drama and frustration? Do you dream of leading with confidence and building strong, authentic relationships with your colleagues?
In Part 1 of this game-changing conversation with Executive Coach Alicia Pieterse, we expose the secrets to becoming a mature leader and transforming your workplace into a thriving environment. Get ready to ditch the office politics and unlock your true leadership potential!
Alicia and Mpeo crack the code on:
• Taming the Workplace Jungle: Discover how to spot the telltale signs of a toxic work environment
• Your Emotional First Aid Kit: Equip yourself with practical, actionable techniques for managing your emotions in the heat of the moment.
• The Inner Child Decoder: Learn how to identify and manage your "inner child's" knee-jerk reactions in professional settings.
• The COIN Method: Your Secret Weapon for Feedback: Master the art of giving and receiving feedback with the COIN model (Context, Observable behaviour, Impact, Next steps).
• Navigating the People Maze: Get practical strategies for building bridges with colleagues you dislike.
• Demystifying Power Dynamics: Understand the impact of power dynamics in different organisations
• Brave Conversations, Bold Results: Discover how to prepare for and initiate "brave conversations" that address tough issues head-on.
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OFFICE POLITICS: THE GAME YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO IGNORE
Decoding the Hidden Rules of the Workplace: a Guide to Office Politics.
In this episode, Mpeo Nkosi dives deep into the often-dreaded world of office politics with guest Niven Postma, a strategy and leadership consultant and author of "If You Don't Do Politics, Politics Will Do You."
Niven and Mpeo dismantle common myths surrounding workplace dynamics, revealing that political intelligence isn't about manipulation, but rather about understanding the unspoken rules, building relationships, and ethically wielding influence to achieve your goals and support your team.
Key Discussion Points:
• Defining Office Politics
• The Inevitability of Politics
• The Five Myths of Office Politics
• Ethical Influence
• Understanding Your "Otherness"
• The Power of Visibility
• Avoiding Political Suicide
• Toxic Work Environments
• The Problem with "Empowerment" and "Authenticity"
• Mistaking Activity for Achievement
The Power Within.
A podcast about the questions we all face as we navigate life, love, work, purpose, and the absurdity of middle life. Together, we’ll laugh, learn, and dig deep into what it means to face this season with courage, grace, and authenticity.
Let’s unlock the power that’s already within us.
South Africa