What hurdles did you face before you started your career?
I have always wanted to be in marketing, ever since I was a child. Before I started my career in Marketing, I researched more about it to understand it better and make sure this was something that I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
I also spoke to people in the industry and learned first-hand experiences of what it would be like working in the sector. Then I decided to jump in with both feet, study it full time, and start working in the sector.
What do you hope to accomplish within the next year?
After starting Got Legs Digital a few years back, I always knew that I wanted to grow and expand the company but with purpose. The name Got Legs Digital has two purposes. The first is to help businesses get legs and grow, and the other is donating prosthetic legs to amputee survivors throughout Africa.
Our dream for next year is to double the number of legs that we can donate and impact the lives of more people.
Tell us about an accomplishment that shaped your career.
I would have to say planning an event on Robben Island for Nelson Mandela Day in 2013. We managed to take children from disadvantaged communities on a cultural trip to Robben Island Prison to learn about the history of South Africa, the struggles, and the legacy that is Nelson Mandela.
This event ended up being voted the 6th best event in the country and positioned my mind toward purpose-led campaigns and business.
Which celebrity are you most inspired with?
I follow many celebrities and micro-celebrities; however, my biggest influence has been Tony Robbins. From a young age, he has helped mold my mind into thinking differently and keep pushing myself. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think that I would have taken risks or been where I am today.
What is the best and the worst part of being a CEO?
The best part about being a CEO is that you get to inspire people and make change happen. As a leader, you have the vision to help others, and it is great to see it happen.
The worst part about being a CEO is that sometimes you are alienated from the broader team, and people don’t express their true feelings because you are the boss.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from it?
I don’t think that we face challenges in business; they are just situations that we have not yet found a solution for. Once we know what to do, it is no longer a challenge.
I believe that things happen for us and not to us. The more challenges, knockdowns, disappointments we face, the stronger it makes us. Those who succeed in life experience bigger challenges than those who have already quit along the way.
What do you think about the qualities a leader should have?
A leader is very important for a business. They are the driving force and an inspiration to the team. In my opinion, three traits make a good leader; People focused, Great Communicator, and Visionary. An old African saying says, “if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together.” The success of a business is based on the team.
Describe yourself in one word
I think that my word would be understanding. I try to understand every situation before deciding on the next move. Understanding my team, clients, suppliers, and the broader community. Business is done between people. The better we understand each other, the more we will align and build up a rapport.
Inspire others
Don’t let anything hold you back. If you want something in the world, go out there and get it. We live in the information age, and there is so much information out there at the moment to use to further yourself. There has been no greater time to be alive than today.
Don’t let your internal limiting beliefs hold you back because they are your own, and they are not real. Push the boundaries and discover possibilities.
Narattor: Gareth Bain
Company: Got Legs Digital
Website: www.mytaskpanel.com
