By Ayanda Mzondeki
In May this year, I attended the EY Entrepreneurial Winning Women annual conference held in Turkey and had the honour or participating in the panel discussion on assembling a winning team. Preparing for this engagement, I worked extensively with my public speaking coach, as I have done before major speaking engagements. His guidance over time has transformed my initial fear of public speaking into confidence. He took me from barely being able to say a few sentences in front of a crowd without secretly—or not so secretly—breaking a sweat, to still feeling some fear but boldly speaking on stage with the invaluable tools and practice he has provided.
As I flew to Turkey, my speech remained unfinished. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I realised the core of our approach at Liyema Consulting—Ubuntu—perfectly encapsulated the theme of building a winning team. It became crystal clear that was what I needed to share with other women in the room. I was going to speak Ubuntu. Ubuntu meaning “I am because WE are,” is more than a catchphrase; it’s a fundamental African philosophy that emphasises community and interconnectedness.
Growing up in communities that thrive on a human-centric approach, we naturally understand and live by Ubuntu. Despite witnessing its power within our homes and friendships, we often overlook its potential to transform our workplaces. Whether you are a business owner or an employee, integrating Ubuntu into your workplace culture can significantly enhance your interactions and systems.
My appreciation for Ubuntu was rekindled by the 150 women who gathered to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, and the unique challenges faced by women in business. The energy in the room, during our dinners, and in our excursions was pure Ubuntu. We collectively identified strategies to elevate our ventures, willingly and intentionally sharing insights and motivations to help fellow women in business. This was Ubuntu in action.
Sharing the stage with Kuntal Fisher, Bevin Mahon, and Suwin Lee, I gained valuable insights that contributed to my personal growth and to the success of my team at Liyema Consulting.
This experience led me to reflect on how businesses can thrive by intentionally embracing a human-centric approach. I envisioned a business landscape anchored by mentors, coaches, and supportive partnerships, both locally and internationally.
At Liyema Consulting, we prioritise a human-centric approach—from our collaborative workspaces to our client delivery structures. This ensures that support is readily available to empower our team to achieve their goals without fostering dependency.
The benefits of adopting a human-centric approach in business are manifold. It fosters employee satisfaction and retention, enhances productivity and performance, elevates customer satisfaction and loyalty, and enhances the company’s brand reputation.
Ultimately, embracing a human-centric approach enables businesses to cultivate a positive and supportive workplace culture, leading to enhanced employee satisfaction and organisational success. By adopting the principles of Ubuntu, we can create thriving business environments where everyone feels valued and connected.
As we commemorate Mandela Day, we are reminded of the shared values of Ubuntu that guide us towards a common humanity and a shared destiny to build a more just and inclusive society. At Liyema Consulting Group, embracing Ubuntu ensures unity, collective responsibility, and shared success within our team and beyond.