Last night, we had the privilege of hosting Ms Charlotte K. Mokoena Deputy Chairperson of our Advisory Board and former Executive Vice President: Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Sasol, for a fireside conversation facilitated by Lerato E. Mdaka .
Charlotte began by taking us back to where it all started. Her professional journey began in nursing before she pivoted into Human Resources, ultimately rising to executive leadership. Her story reminded us that careers are rarely linear. They are shaped through courage, curiosity, and a willingness to evolve. Her reflection that “every job you land in shapes your life and the trajectory of your life” resonated deeply with our students. In a world that often glorifies titles and speed, she reminded us of the power of apprenticeship, of learning, and of patience.
As the conversation moved to leadership, Charlotte emphasised the importance of strategic awareness. Leaders must understand the strategy of the organisation they serve, its leadership architecture, and its business model. Leadership without context creates confusion. Leadership aligned to strategy creates momentum. She also underscored the importance of cultivating a shared vision within teams. Excellence is never individual. It is built through collaboration, clarity, and mutual accountability. In complex organisations and in complex societies, collective success depends on shared purpose.
Drawing from her experience across multiple industries, she offered another important lesson. When transitioning between sectors, do not attempt to reinvent yourself entirely; land on your strengths. Competence travels. Integrity travels. If you understand your core capability, you can reposition yourself in any industry with confidence.
When asked about failure, her response was marked by humility. She spoke candidly about mistakes made over the course of her career and the personal lessons that accompanied them. Growth, she reminded us, does not happen in comfort. It happens in reflection. Her advice to emerging leaders was clear: enter new organisations with an open mind. You are joining an existing team. Listen first. Learn first.
Her closing reflection captured the essence of her leadership philosophy. Be a professional first before you are a business leader. Be a leader who is committed to excellence.
We thank her for pouring into our community. And we thank Prof Lerato Mdaka for guiding a conversation that reminded us that true leadership leaves a legacy long before it leaves an office.