“Your well-being is crucial to sustaining your drive and passion“ — Thandolwethu Tsekiso for Career Quick Five
A Durban native with a growing presence in Johannesburg, Thandolwethu Tsekiso is a driven woman dedicated to personal and professional development. Her early experiences in competitive sports and modeling have shaped her into a poised and confident individual.
Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in BCom. Marketing Management and Supply Chain Management, Thandolwethu has developed a strong interest in Marketing Communications. She excels at creating engaging, high-quality content that resonates with online audiences and helps brands achieve their digital marketing goals. Her expertise extends beyond the digital realm, as she also possesses a solid foundation in traditional marketing.
Thandolwethu believes in delivering value by understanding her audience’s needs and guiding them towards meaningful experiences. Her approach is centered on aligning brands with authentic convictions that resonate with both the brand and its audience. This philosophy drives her to forge strong connections and ensure that every interaction leaves a lasting impact.
What skills do you believe are essential for women to succeed in the modern workplace?
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) : Emotional intelligence fosters strong relationships, effective communication, and a harmonious work environment.
Leadership and Confidence: Strong leadership skills, coupled with confidence, enable women to take charge, inspire others, and drive their teams towards success.
Adaptability and Resilience: Being adaptable and resilient in the face of change and setbacks helps you navigate challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth.
Networking and Relationship Building: Building a strong professional network is vital to opening doors to new opportunities, mentorship, and support systems that can help you advance in your career.
Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is key to expressing ideas, negotiating, and collaborating.
Technical Proficiency: In a technology-driven world, staying updated with relevant technical skills is crucial
Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: The ability to think strategically and solve problems efficiently is highly valued.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Being innovative, taking calculated risks, and being proactive fosters the creativity todrive to initiate positive changes within your organization.
Self-Advocacy: Advocate for yourself, your accomplishments, and your worth.
Do you work better under pressure, or do you thrive under a relaxed schedule?
I enjoy the best of both worlds. Under pressure, I tap into my resilience and resourcefulness, channelling the energy into focused and efficient productivity.
On the other hand, a relaxed schedule fosters creativity, strategic thinking, and innovation. When I have the space to breathe and think deeply, I can approach problems with fresh perspectives and develop thoughtful, well-rounded solutions.
Casual connections or strategic networking?
As you might have noticed, balance is essential to me – I’m a Libra. Casual connections and strategic networking are both integral to building a robust and supportive professional network.
Casual connections are exciting in how they can lead tounexpected opportunities and genuine relationships. Built on mutual interests and natural rapport, these connections foster a sense of community and support.
On the other hand, strategic networking is about intentionality and purpose. One requires confidence, clarity, and a proactivemindset in order to connect with mentors, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.
What book is currently on your bedside table?
Eckhart Tolle – A New Earth
What is that one thing every woman just starting out her career should know?
Believe in yourself and advocate for your worth. Recognize that your voice, ideas and contributions are valuable. Self-belief is the foundation of your confidence, and it will drive you to pursue your goals with determination and resilience.
Be proactive, innovative, and willing to take risks.
While you’re at it, prioritize your mental and physical health. Your well-being is crucial to sustaining your drive and passion. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries to protect your time and energy.