While going through my old files and profile articles that I’ve written/published in magazines over the past couple of years, I realized that I could compile some valuable insights into an article. Although many of the individuals have achieved greater success since then, their words of wisdom are still relevant today. Here are a few success tips: While going through my old files and profile articles that I’ve written/published in magazines over the past couple of years, I realized that I could compile some valuable insights into an article.
Many individuals have moved on to achieve even more success, yet their wise words linger as relevant years later. Here are several tips for success: “It’s permissible to dream big,” according to Stephany Ogbonmwan, a Motorola regional (sub-Saharan) sales manager. Ogbonmwan, who was born in Nigeria, believes that one should cling to their dreams and persevere against all obstacles. “Invest in yourself,” advises Maria Ramos, CEO of Transnet, a multi-billion rand transportation institution that is government-owned in South Africa.
Ramos stressed the significance of attaining a high-quality education regardless of starting with disadvantaged backgrounds. She urged people to seek education through multiple avenues including employment, scholarships, or loans. Ramos, who came from a working-class family, heeded her own guidance and ultimately rose to the role of director general in the Department of Finance during the interview. Presently, she serves as the CEO at Transnet, a transportation company owned by the South African government. Ramos’s achievements epitomize the necessity for adaptation and personal growth.
Look for opportunities to grow, advises Zandile Nzalo, an award-winning businesswoman and the founder of Zanenza Communications, a multi-million rand South African Communications Company. During the interview, she was already a highly popular radio and TV presenter, poised for national fame. “I don’t want to wake up one day and discover that the audience has quit listening and I have turned dull and uninteresting,” she expressed. She was determined to pursue personal development programs, such as obtaining a communications degree and gaining work experience away from broadcasting.
Nzalo and Ramos both emphasized the importance of staying updated with industry developments and being able to quickly absorb and retain information. They advised constantly seeking new ways to apply this information to benefit your business. Additionally, Ramos advised against being intimidated by challenges and suggested choosing battles wisely, focusing only on what is necessary to succeed and disregarding peripheral distractions.
Remain calm during crises and refrain from panicking when faced with problems. Instead, take a step back and assess the necessary actions for resolving the issue. Do not surrender; keep trying until you achieve the desired outcome. These words of wisdom originate from a letter to the editor of “Move,” a women’s magazine in South Africa. A reader shared an insightful analogy, stating that a cheetah typically misses its prey in nine out of ten attempts, yet it never considers becoming a vegetarian. This analogy encourages us to emulate the cheetah’s persistence and never give up. Although it is unclear if cheetahs truly require such persistence to secure their meals, the analogy remains powerful. Regardless of our dreams, we should fight for them against all odds and never surrender. Damaria Senne, a journalist and author based in Johannesburg, South Africa, is known for conducting interviews with executives from multinational companies, government officials, and regulators within Africa’s communications market. She anticipates significant opportunities for content development in Africa within the upcoming years.
