Advertise on podcast: Wellness in the Workplace

What does it really take to survive and succeed in corporate South Africa?In this episode of Wellness in the Workplace, Mbali and Yolisa unpack Boardroom Dancing: Transformation Stories from a Corporate Activist by Nolitha Fakude, exploring the invisible “dance” of navigating corporate spaces.We talk about code-switching, emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, office politics, power and the unwritten rules that often determine who gets ahead.We also explore the difference between representation and real transformation, the emotional cost of constantly performing professionalism, and why mentorship, community and institutional readiness matter.Ultimately, this conversation asks: When does professionalism become performance — and how do we learn to navigate power without losing ourselves?📚 Part of the final season of Wellness in the Workplace, where we use books to rethink work, leadership and professional development.#WellnessInTheWorkplace #BoardroomDancing #NolithaFakude #CorporateSA #WorkplaceCulture #BlackProfessionals #Leadership #WorkplaceWellness #Transformation

What happens when we stop asking, “Where is the talent?” and start asking, “What conditions allow talent to thrive?”In this episode of Wellness in the Workplace, Mbali and Yolisa explore the lessons from Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby by Rassie Erasmus and David O’Sullivan, using South African rugby’s Elite Player Development (EPD) Programme as a blueprint for human development.We unpack how mentorship, coaching, investment, visibility and intentional talent development can transform potential into performance — and what this means for organisations trying to build diverse and sustainable talent pipelines.From rugby to the workplace, we explore the difference between recruitment and real inclusion, and ask whether great leadership is about finding talent or creating the conditions where talent can emerge.📚 Part of the final season of Wellness in the Workplace, where we use books to rethink work, leadership and professional development.#WellnessInTheWorkplace #TalentDevelopment #Leadership #RassieErasmus #WorkplaceWellness #CareerDevelopment

Welcome to the final season of Wellness in the Workplace.After years of conversations about workplace wellness, careers, professional relationships and the realities of navigating the world of work, we’re closing this chapter of the podcast but not before one final season of meaningful conversations.This season, we’re doing things a little differently.Mbali is joined by Yolisa Mdiya for a workplace "book club", where we’ll explore four books that offer different perspectives on professional development, workplace culture, identity, ambition and success.In this first episode, we introduce the new format and reflect on our own experiences of entering the professional world — from the culture shock of our first corporate environments to the unspoken rules we had to learn along the way.We also explore some of the ideas that have shaped our understanding of being Black professionals, including cultural capital, mentorship and sponsorship, and the reality that Black women can often be overmentored and underfunded.Most importantly, we ask: What can books teach us about the way we work, the way we navigate professional spaces, and the kind of workplaces we want to create?This season is about reading, reflecting and having the conversations that sit between the pages.Join Mbali and Yolisa as we turn the page on Wellness in the Workplace.#WorkplaceWellness #BookClub #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #BlackProfessionals

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with menopause advocate, coach, and author, Xoli Madlala, to unpack the realities, challenges, and opportunities surrounding menopause in the workplace. From breaking the silence to redesigning workplace policies, Xoli shares evidence-based insights, lived experience, and practical tools to help organisations create healthier, more supportive environments for women navigating menopause. In this episode, we explore: - What menopause really is — beyond the misconceptions - How menopause impacts performance, mental health, and productivity - The stigma and silence surrounding menopause in African workplaces - Why menopause policies matter and how companies can implement them - Practical support strategies for employees and leadersXoli’s journey into menopause advocacy and her mission to empower women Xoli Madlala is a renowned menopause advocate, coach, and author who is transforming how workplaces understand and support women’s health. Through her talks, coaching, and educational programs, she is helping organisations build compassionate, inclusive, and productive work environments. #Menopause #WorkplaceWellness #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Mazaleni, Personal Stylist and Founder of The Style Up, to explore how personal style can become one of the most powerful tools for self-expression and professional confidence.Lisa shares practical insights on how what we wear shapes how we feel, how we show up, and how others perceive our personal brand especially in professional spaces where authenticity and presence matter most.Together, we unpack:- How personal styling supports confidence and wellness at work- Building a personal brand that feels true to who you are not just what you do- Small style shifts that can help you show up with intention every dayWhether you’re leading a team, returning to work, or simply redefining your professional identity, this conversation is a reminder that how we present ourselves is an act of self-care and self-belief.#WellnessInTheWorkplace #PersonalBranding #TheStyleUp #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceWellness

In this episode, I’m joined by Khethiwe Nkuna, entrepreneur, executive leader and author of Tear Her Down: Unpacking Scarcity, Insecurity and Sisterhood in the Workplace. This conversation is a deep dive into the often unspoken dynamics between women at work where competition, comparison, and scarcity mindsets can quietly erode not just relationships, but also mental and emotional well-being. Khethiwe sheds light on how insecurity plays out in professional spaces, why we sometimes see women being pitted against each other, and how these patterns can undermine both individual growth and collective progress. But more importantly, she shares powerful insights on what it looks like to rebuild sisterhood: shifting from rivalry to collaboration, from guardedness to vulnerability, and from scarcity to abundance. We also explore the role of leadership in creating workplaces where women can thrive, support each other, and reframe “success” as something we rise into together. This episode is a call to courage, compassion, and collective wellness. Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded that true wellness in the workplace begins with how we show up for ourselves and for each other. #WellnessInTheWorkplace #TearHerDown #WomenAtWork #Leadership #Sisterhood #WorkplaceWellness

In this episode of Wellness in the Workplace Podcast, we sit down with Mushambi Mutuma — tech entrepreneur, international speaker, and author of The Adaptability Code: Recoding the DNA of Future-Ready Leadership. Mushambi shares his insights on:- Why adaptability is the new superpower for leaders in a rapidly changing world- How technology and innovation are reshaping the future of work- The balance between resilience, agility, and wellness in leadership- Practical strategies for leaders to build teams that thrive amidst uncertainty Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional navigating change, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what it means to be future-ready — while staying grounded in wellness. 🎧 Don’t miss this transformative discussion on adaptability, leadership, and well-being in the workplace. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on workplace wellness, leadership, and mental health. #Leadership #WellnessInTheWorkplace #Adaptability #MushambiMutuma #FutureOfWork

What does it mean to lead with wellness at the core? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ashika Pillay to explore the evolving role of the Chief Well-Being Officer (CWO) and why this position is becoming essential in today’s organisations. From driving employee engagement and resilience to shaping healthier workplace cultures, Dr. Pillay unpacks the impact of well-being leadership on both people and performance. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why companies are embracing the Chief Well-Being Officer role - How wellness leadership transforms organisational culture - Practical strategies leaders can use to prioritise mental health at workThe future of workplace well-being and leadership Tune in and discover why wellness is not just a benefit, but a business imperative. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you believe in a healthier future for the workplace. #WellnessInTheWorkplace #Leadership #ChiefWellbeingOfficer #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAtWork

In this episode, we sit down with Duduzile Nyumbeka, Managing Director at Youth Development Collaboration Lab, board member in the NGO sector, and passionate youth development advocate to explore what Next Generation Leadership really means in today’s world. Duduzile shares her journey as a millennial executive, the lessons she’s learned leading youth-focused initiatives, and her vision for empowering young leaders to take up space and drive meaningful change. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation, the role of mentorship, and how values-driven leadership can transform communities. If you’re passionate about leadership, youth empowerment, and making an impact, this conversation will inspire you to step up, lead with purpose, and invest in the leaders of tomorrow. 💬 Join the conversation in the comments: What does next generation leadership mean to you? #Leadership #YouthDevelopment #NextGenerationLeadership #MillennialLeaders #NGOSector

In this episode, we sit down with Tumelo Mathe, Digital Marketing Manager and rising star in tech space, to explore how mentorship shaped his career journey. From personal connections to structured support through the All4Youth Mentorship Programme, Tumelo shared this: - How a personal mentor helped him build confidence and find direction early in his career - What he learned from the All4Youth structured mentorship experience - Key skills, mindset shifts, and opportunities that mentorship unlocked - Advice for young professionals looking for mentors and becoming one. Whether you're a student, a recent graduate, or a working professional wondering "How do I find the right guidance?" - this conversation is for you. 🔗 About All4Youth Mentorship ProgrammeAll4Youth is a pan-African initiative that connects young talent to experienced professionals across various industries, helping bridge the gap between education and employment. #MentorshipMatters #DigitalMarketingCareers #All4Youth

Workplace politics can feel like a minefield - complex, challenging, andsometimes unavoidable. But what if we could learn to navigate them effectively and ethically? In this episode, I sat down with Niven Postma, a leading expert on workplace dynamics and leadership, to uncover strategies for understanding and mastering office politics without compromising integrity. Niven Postma is a renowned leadership expert, speaker, and author specialising in workplace politics, strategic leadership, and organisational culture. With extensive executive experience across multiple industries, she helps professionals and leaders develop the skills they need to navigate complex workplace dynamics with confidence and purpose. Leave a comment to tell us what your key takeaway is from this episode.

In this powerful and deeply important episode, I sit down with psychiatrist and mental health specialist Dr. Clementine Chawane to discuss suicide awareness and prevention specifically in the workplace.With rising levels of stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue across industries, it's critical that we address how mental health challenges manifest on the job and how employers, managers, and colleagues can respond with compassion, support, and proactive care.Dr. Chawane shares clinical insights and practical strategies for creating psychologically safe workplaces where mental wellbeing is prioritised, and lives can be saved.🔍 In this episode, we explore: Early warning signs of emotional distress and suicidal ideationThe role of workplace culture in mental healthHow to have difficult conversations with empathyPractical tools for leaders and HR teamsWhy mental health should be a shared responsibilityThis episode is a must-listen for employers, HR professionals, colleagues, and anyone committed to building healthier, more human-centred workplaces.⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses topics related to suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please seek help from a mental health professional or contact your local support services.Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations that break stigma and promote healing.#SuicidePrevention #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAwareness #PsychologicalSafety #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence

In this episode, we sit down with Farai Ntuli, Youth Employment and Skilling Consultant and a working mom, to explore how to prepare for and navigate maternity leave in a way that supports both personal well-being and professional growth.From managing expectations at work to setting boundaries at home, Farai shares her lived experience, practical tips, and wellness insights for new and expectant moms balancing career and motherhood.What we cover:- How to plan for maternity leave (emotionally + logistically)- Conversations to have with your employer- Returning to work: challenges and strategies- Self-care and mental health during early motherhoodCreating a more supportive workplace cultureWhether you're a new parent, HR professional, or employer looking to support your team better, this conversation is a must-listen.#wellnessatwork #maternityleave #workingmom

A lot of us may have heard of the term "organisational culture" but might have a vague understanding of what exactly it is and how it affects our experience at work. I sat down with the Head of People, Culture and Change at e-motion Consulting, Themba Chakela to demystify what organisational culture is. Sure, the pizzas and drinks on a Friday afternoon are great for camaraderie and team morale but this discussion with Themba shows that it takes vision, intentionality and consistency to build a workplace culture that is healthy and productive. Themba has two decades of "people" experience. His roles have ranged from tactical delivery, strategic planning, capability creation and organisational effectiveness advisory.

On the final episode for this season, I sat down with Tantaswa Fubu CA(SA), CEO of Greatwell Consultancy for an insightful conversation on how organisations and leaders have to reimagine employee wellness for the future of work. Drawing from her personal and professional experience, Tantaswa emphasised the importance of psychological safety as a key factor in a health promoting culture and how this can help fight the stigma against mental health in the workplace. She highlighted how concepts such as love, kindness and care are vital in creating a culture of wellness and how these are leadership principles that managers and senior leadership should embody when showing up in the workplace. Lastly, she shares how the reimagination of employee wellness requires a radical approach that challenges the current status quo and prioritises tailored and individualised care for employees. So many insights and gems were shared on this episode - by far my favourite episode of the podcast. #employeewellness #Wellnessatwork #mentalhealth