Simphiwe Mbonambi has been leading and influencing for over a decade and is the proud recipient of the Leader of the Year Award. She is also an international speaker whose travels have seen her engage with top business leaders from around the world such as the legendary Jack Welch, Former CEO of General Electric and George Ross, Donald Trump’s right hand man; to mention a few.
My Definition Of Success | My definition of success has definitely evolved as I have grown and matured over the years. Early on success was measured in financial terms and material possessions. However, as I acquired these things I found myself searching for meaning and purpose in my life. What success means to me now is being able to use my time and talents to make a difference in people’s lives in a more direct manner and being instrumental in bringing positive change to the many people who need a helping hand.
I Am Driven By | I’ve always been ambitious and driven by progress in whatever I am doing. I’m often asking myself “what’s next.” I am sometimes accused of not being satisfied with what I’ve got, but I won’t say I’m not satisfied with what I’ve got, but rather I’m on a quest for continuous improvement. We live in a rapidly changing world and in order for me to stay relevant and to be able to better contribute and add value to others I need to continuously adapt to the world as it changes around me.
My Highlights | Considering where I grew up, in a town called Mtubatuba in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, everything that I’m doing now is a huge achievement and is testament to the fact that you can do anything that you set your mind to, regardless of your background or current situation. The achievements that really stand out for me are winning the Eskom Leader of the Year Award in 2012, being invited to speak at an international conference in the United States, meeting the legendary former CEO and Chairman of General Electric, Jack Welch, as well as meeting Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. I am also proud of the fact that I actively mentor and coach aspiring leaders and help them redefine their leadership possibilities. To book a complimentary coaching discovery session
A Key Talent | My ability to think and be a creative problem solver has enabled me to embrace challenges and adversity. In so doing I have learnt valuable lessons from the challenges that I have faced and have found that I am now better equipped when dealing with other difficult situations. As a result where others see problems, I see opportunity and I’m able to generate solutions that keep me moving forward.
The Characteristics Of Success | I am what you might call a lifelong-learner. I am always looking to learn; from my own experiences, to those of the people around me. I read a lot of inspirational books and quotes. I attend networking events and conferences where I can learn from those who have achieved success in the areas that I want to develop myself in. I invest in coaching and surround myself with people who make me want to become a better person. Learning has really been the fuel in my journey because when I learn I grow. I am also very open to feedback and I go out of my way to solicit feedback on how I can improve myself.
Principles I Live By | Take time getting to know who you really are and what you stand for and then go about being true to yourself. By all means, run your own race.
How I Use My Mind | I truly believe that my thoughts shape my reality and I have learnt to trust my instincts. I believe in the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction. We attract that which we think about; therefore I make sure that as far as possible I think positive thoughts. They allow me to expect the best and not be paralyzed by fear.
Dealing With Doubt | Fear is something that I have had to deal with on a number of occasions. For example when I had to speak at a conference in the U.S. and again when I was getting ready to launch my leadership newsletter, AMPLIFY. What I have come to learn is that fear is something that we should embrace and learn from, because it is really just a warning mechanism. We shouldn’t allow fear to paralyse us and prevent us from reaching for our goals. We should rather use it to our advantage and be prepared in the unlikely event that something does go wrong. How I deal with fear is that I expect the best and plan for the worst.
My Future Dreams And Ambitions | I am passionate about personal development so what’s next for me is to do work in which I am positively impacting the lives of others in a more direct manner by providing access to education for our disadvantaged youth as well as providing job and entrepreneurship opportunities in disadvantaged communities.
The Meaning Of Life | I believe that we were created in God’s image in order for us to be God-like in everything we do. We need to be a blessing to all of God’s creation in the same manner that God is a blessing to us. We need to continually ask ourselves in every situation “how can I be a blessing?”
The Best Advice I’ve Received | Run your own race. When I started running my own race I could focus on what I wanted and could live my life according to my own terms, and not according to what others expected or believed I should be doing. It has been a truly liberating experience and has shifted my focus from the mundane to the truly meaningful.
Advice On Building Wealth | Being rich and wealthy should not be an end in itself, it should be a means to an end, and one that is bigger than yourself.
