Given the chance to sit down with their younger selves this Youth Day, what are the three things South Africa's HR leaders would say?
Answering this question is HR leaders Melissa Gangen, HR director at Digital Planet; Busi Xulu, group head of HR at Mwelase Group of Companies; Sifiso Gasa, CHRO at Röhlig-Grindrod Logistics South Africa; Sikhumbuzo Mkhwanazi, group HR manager at Autoboys; Kedibone Letsika, people and culture director at JTI; and Dr Nceba Ndzwayiba, group HR and transformation director at Netcare, reflecting on the things they would tell their younger selves if they were having a coffee conversation across the table.
The advice reveals the experiences, setbacks and turning points that helped shape the leaders they are today. Here's what they had to say:
Melissa Gangen, HR director, Digital Planet
If I could tell my younger self three things, the first would be to embrace the difficult moments. Early in my career, I viewed challenges as obstacles to overcome. Today, I see them as opportunities to grow. We often celebrate the successes, but it's the setbacks, restructures, difficult decisions, and moments of uncertainty that shape our character and leadership style. Your hardest challenge today will often become your greatest learning tomorrow.
Secondly, learn to compartmentalise and protect what matters most. There will always be pressure at work, competing priorities, and moments where the business demands more of you. But success isn't measured only by your career. Some of life's most important achievements happen outside of work – in your family, your relationships, your health, and the moments that bring you joy.
Finally, learn to listen more than you speak. Early on, I thought leadership was about providing answers. Over time, I've realised that leadership is far more about understanding. The best solutions are often found when you listen carefully, read between the lines, and create space for people to be heard.
Busi Xulu, group head of HR, Mwelase Group of Companies
One of the things I would tell my younger self is to embrace every opportunity to learn. Every role, project, and task, no matter how small it may seem, is an opportunity to build skills, gain experience, and develop your character. Some of the most valuable lessons in my career came from responsibilities that others may have overlooked.
Secondly, be intentional about your career journey. Growth is rarely linear. There will be delays, setbacks, unexpected turns, and moments when progress feels slow. Don't be discouraged by the twists and curves. Stay focused on your goals, continue investing in yourself, and trust that each experience is preparing you for the next chapter.
Finally, find mentors and learn from those who have walked the path before you. A good mentor can provide perspective, challenge your thinking, and help you avoid unnecessary mistakes. While some lessons must be learned through experience, many can be learned more effectively from those who have already navigated the journey.
Sifiso Gasa, CHRO, Röhlig-Grindrod Logistics South Africa
I am distinctly myself; there is no replica of Sifiso. This understanding is crucial, as every contribution I bring to the table is driven by my unique talents. Education and experience serve to further strengthen and elevate this.
Secondly, I appreciate the diversity of the next person as each and everyone has something valuable to offer, the key is to identify those strengths and continuously learn from them. I see the workplace as a stage, where every opportunity for development, exposure, and experience allows me to sharpen and showcase my capabilities.
Lastly, place great importance on maintaining strong professional relationships to build a robust network. These networks provide coaching, mentorship, and professional counsel.
This is an invaluable resource that continuously supports personal growth and impact.
Sikhumbuzo Mkhwanazi, group HR manager, Autoboys
If there are three things that I could tell myself, the first is that it all comes out in the wash. Early on, I wanted to get there instantly and always focused on the “next big thing” without cherishing the experience that helped get me there. In retrospect, each strike, dispute, negotiation, and leadership opportunity served as an important stepping stone toward bigger roles. There are no overnight wins; hard work and perseverance are the building blocks for future success.
The second one I would say is “work hard, just don't let your work ethic wear you down.” While hard work and ambition can lead you far, it's important to take care of your health-both physical and emotional, and make time for loved ones to prevent burn out.
Finally, never stop learning and don't neglect your relationships. It's true that credentials and technical skill will get you in the door, but your relationships, integrity, and personal growth will build sustained success and open additional doors. My entire career in HR leadership has taught me that at the end of the day, what people remember about leaders is how they treated them, how they navigated a crisis, and if they could count on them. Patience, hard work, taking care of yourself, and constant growth provide the foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Kedibone Letsika, people and culture director at JTI
It all comes together at the right time, having always been ambitious my entire career and having a very prudent view on where I wanted to go- patience was a true virtue I acquired over time. The vision I had for my future and my leadership journey a few years ago was difficult to articulate, it began to shape and take form when I stopped focusing on the destination and really immersed myself in the journey of truly honing my capabilities, sharpening my emotional intelligence, and building tremendous resilience. Opportunities presented themselves, sponsors and mentors availed themselves in an orchestrated fashion that made me aware that: what is sufficient is the self-belief of who you want to become and the “how” is up to God and the universe.
Secondly, feedback is a gift. Those who take the time to steer you in the right direction or propel you forward on your path, are true angels in your career journey. It’s important to receive it well, reflect and allow it to improve your self- awareness. This in turn will also enable you in the future to provide constructive feedback to others with empathy, kindness and respect. You also need to have a substantial amount of discernment that will help you establish whether the provided feedback is there to help you grow or to make you shrink. To my younger self I would say kudos for figuring out the difference, taking the gems and evolving with wisdom and never allowing the insecurities of others dim your light.
Lately, a quote by Sheryl Sandberg that says, “if you are offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on”. Don’t get too caught up in the details, embrace opportunities. You may think you are not ready, but those who know better can see the potential, trust the positivity, and GO FOR IT!
Dr Nceba Ndzwayiba, group HR and transformation director, Netcare
The first would be that not every door that is closed is locked. Too often than not, the gap between our dreams and current reality seems too wide; and doors seem closed and far from reach. It is easy to be discouraged and doubt settles in. Those are the moments to draw from inner courage and realise that it is not enough to just knock at the door and wait for the answer – sometimes you need to gently turn the knob/handle follow with a curious yet intentional tender push. You’d be surprised to find the universe waiting on the other side with either a direction to an, or the actual, answer.
Another would be to breathe. Life can feel like a non-ceasing treadmill especially when you aspire to be more, know more, do more, and make a positive impact. The more you give – the more life demands. The more you learn, the more you realise you don’t know. Just always remember to pause and breathe. You’ll be surprised how much perspective that can bring.
The last one would be to bring your authentic self into any place and space. When you come from dusty villages, entering new spaces whether it is at university, or the corporate world, it can all be daunting. Imposter syndrome settles in and you shrink yourself or wish you were like the person who seems to have it all figured out in the room. Bring your authentic self anyway, hold your voice even if your voice is shaking, and understand that courage is not the absence of fear and doubt – but the trusting that you were invited to the table, because you have something to contribute.
