Amandla with Mpeo

What People-Pleasing Is Really Costing You with Alicia Pieterse

What if being “nice” isn't always kindness?

What if sometimes it's fear? The fear of disappointing people. Of not being liked. Of not being needed. Of discovering what might happen if you finally put yourself first.

In the first episode of Season 2 of Amandla: The Power Within, Mpeo Nkosi reconnects with Alicia Pieterse — executive coach, author, and the resident coach from Season 1 — for a conversation about people-pleasing, self-abandonment, self-worth, boundaries, purpose, and freedom.

A lot has changed since they last spoke. Alicia has written Patches: Coaching Stories of Overcoming and Possibility. Mpeo has moved through grief and a period of creative disconnection. And their reunion opens up a much bigger conversation about what it means to come back to yourself.

Alicia explores the childhood strategies many of us develop to get our needs met — and how those strategies can follow us into adulthood, often without us even recognising them.

Together, Mpeo and Alicia ask:

When does kindness become people-pleasing?

What are you giving up to be liked?

What relationships require you to abandon yourself to keep them alive?

And what happens when you become still enough to hear what is really going on underneath the performance?

The conversation moves from people-pleasing into innate freedom, Alicia's exploration of Sankalpa — a commitment to living from your highest purpose — and the difference between achieving what you want and becoming who you want to be.

This isn't about becoming less caring. It's about learning that you can care for other people without abandoning yourself. A conversation about the courage to notice, the freedom to choose differently, and the ongoing work of becoming.

Welcome back to Amandla. The power is already within you. Purchase a copy of Patches

What's Your Time Worth? Lebo Mbethe on Designing a Life You Won't Regret.

In this series finale of Friends of Amandla, join Mpeo Nkosi in a profound conversation with Lebo Mbethe, a resilient entrepreneur and a true "spirit animal." Lebo shares her inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, building a successful business, and intentionally designing a life that aligns with her values.

Key Highlights:

- Entrepreneurial Resilience (Entrepreneurship, Resilience, Overcoming Obstacles)

- Time Management Mastery (Time Management, Productivity, Work-Life Balance)

- Parenting Teenagers (Parenting, Teenagers, Communication)

- The Power of Travel (Travel, Culture, Perspective)

- Navigating Professional Spaces as a Black Woman (Black Women, Career, Leadership)

- Living Intentionally (Mindfulness, Purpose, Intentional Living)

From Corporate Exec to Health Crisis: Reinvention as a tool for survival.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Friends of Amandla, Mpeo Nkosi sits down with Thato Cassuto, a multifaceted woman who embodies resilience and reinvention. Thato shares her incredible journey of self-discovery, navigating life's unexpected twists and turns with grace, humour, and unwavering determination.

What You'll Discover:

- Interracial Marriage in South Africa

- Parenting Different Personalities

- Career Challenges & Retrenchment

- Health Crisis & Identity Loss

- The Power of Self-Discovery

- Reinvention as Survival

A Deep Dive into Motherhood, Grief, and the Power of Intentional Friendship.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Friends of Amandla, Mpeo Nkosi sits down with her dear friend, Yolandi Michaels, co-CEO of Living Masks' experiential agency, for a raw and honest conversation about life's complexities. Prepare to be moved as they explore Yolandi's journey through motherhood, navigating business struggles during COVID-19, and the profound impact of grief, all while highlighting the importance of intentionality in relationships and self-discovery.

Key Discussion Points:

- Motherhood Manifesto

- Family and Intentional Parenting

- Navigating Business Struggles During COVID

- Understanding Grief and Honouring Memory

- The Depth and Value of True Friendship

- Creative Power in Times of Flux

Adoption, Audacity, and Obama - Lebo on Living a Life Without Limits.

Premiere episode of the 4 Part Special "Friends of Amandla The Power Within," host Mpeo Nkosi sits down with Lebo Motswenyane, CEO of Lucky No 8 Events, to explore themes of courage, gratitude, vulnerability, and making brave decisions. Lebo shares her incredible journey, from growing up in Khuma township to building a successful events company that has worked with high-profile clients like President Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

Discover how Lebo navigated challenges like learning English as a pre-teen, starting her own business at 35, adopting her daughter Pelo, and coping with grief and loss. Lebo and Mpeo discuss the importance of supportive partners, modelling vulnerability, and the realities of "adulting" while caring for both children and ageing parents.

This episode is a powerful reminder to embrace life's uncertainties, choose your tribe wisely, and to "do it afraid."

Key Discussion Points:

- Lebo's Journey from Township to Success

- Starting a Business and Building a Career

- The Obama Event and Challenges of the Events Industry

- Lebo's Adoption Journey

- Family Support and Raising an Adopted Child

- Grief and Losing Parents

- Navigating Adulthood and Caring for Aging Parents

- The Importance of Supportive Partners and Modeling Behavior

- Turning 50 and Looking to the Future

- The Power of Community

- Embracing a Brave Future

Why your Workplace May be Trying to Silence You (Part 2)

Are you a strong, capable leader who's faced pushback and undermining in the workplace? Do you feel like your competence is seen as a threat rather than an asset?

In Part 2 of this empowering conversation with Executive Coach Alicia Pieterse, we expose the hidden dynamics that can sabotage your confidence and competence. Discover how to navigate cultural nuances, address conflict with grace, and reclaim your power in any professional setting.

Alicia and Mpeo dive into:

• The "Strong Black Woman" Paradox: Unpack the frustrating reality that competent, confident Black women often face in the workplace, where their strengths are both sought after and rejected.

• Navigating Cultural Minefields: Learn how cultural practices (like familial terms of address) can create unhealthy power dynamics

• Decoding Power Trips: Recognise the signs of stonewalling, gaslighting, and undermining from those in positions of authority

• Owning Your Worth: Discover how to establish yourself as an adult, rather than approaching leadership with fear

• Breaking the "Yes Men" Cycle: Understand how a lack of honest feedback and political savviness can lead to organisational dysfunction.

• Setting Boundaries with Cultural Respect: Find the balance between honouring cultural norms and maintaining professional boundaries

• Conflict Resolution as a Superpower: Discover why conflict management is a crucial skill for thriving in any workplace

• The Art of Active Listening: Master the underrated skill of truly listening to others, suspending your own opinions, and creating a safe space for open dialogue.

• Turning Wounds into Wisdom: Process your emotions, find support, and transform toxic workplace experiences into opportunities for growth

• Taking Action and Mobilising Change: Move beyond complaining and trauma bonding

Mastering Workplace Dynamics with Emotional Intelligence (Part 1)

Is your workplace a breeding ground for drama and frustration? Do you dream of leading with confidence and building strong, authentic relationships with your colleagues?

In Part 1 of this game-changing conversation with Executive Coach Alicia Pieterse, we expose the secrets to becoming a mature leader and transforming your workplace into a thriving environment. Get ready to ditch the office politics and unlock your true leadership potential!

Alicia and Mpeo crack the code on:

• Taming the Workplace Jungle: Discover how to spot the telltale signs of a toxic work environment

• Your Emotional First Aid Kit: Equip yourself with practical, actionable techniques for managing your emotions in the heat of the moment.

• The Inner Child Decoder: Learn how to identify and manage your "inner child's" knee-jerk reactions in professional settings.

• The COIN Method: Your Secret Weapon for Feedback: Master the art of giving and receiving feedback with the COIN model (Context, Observable behaviour, Impact, Next steps).

• Navigating the People Maze: Get practical strategies for building bridges with colleagues you dislike.

• Demystifying Power Dynamics: Understand the impact of power dynamics in different organisations

• Brave Conversations, Bold Results: Discover how to prepare for and initiate "brave conversations" that address tough issues head-on.

Decoding the Hidden Rules of the Workplace: a Guide to Office Politics.

In this episode, Mpeo Nkosi dives deep into the often-dreaded world of office politics with guest Niven Postma, a strategy and leadership consultant and author of "If You Don't Do Politics, Politics Will Do You."

Niven and Mpeo dismantle common myths surrounding workplace dynamics, revealing that political intelligence isn't about manipulation, but rather about understanding the unspoken rules, building relationships, and ethically wielding influence to achieve your goals and support your team.

Key Discussion Points:

• Defining Office Politics

• The Inevitability of Politics

• The Five Myths of Office Politics

• Ethical Influence

• Understanding Your "Otherness"

• The Power of Visibility

• Avoiding Political Suicide

• Toxic Work Environments

• The Problem with "Empowerment" and "Authenticity"

• Mistaking Activity for Achievement

Perimenopause Symptoms, Stages, and Self-Advocacy with Xoli Madlala.

Are you feeling lost in the confusing world of perimenopause? Hot flashes, mood swings, sleep troubles... where do you even begin?

Join Mpeo Nkosi as she sits down with South African menopause advocate Xoli Madlala, author of The Perimenopausal Globetrotter, to unravel the mysteries of this significant life transition. In this candid conversation, they dive into the 34 symptoms of perimenopause, discuss how to advocate for yourself with your doctor, and share practical tips for thriving through this often-challenging time. Learn about healthy lifestyle changes, the importance of partner support, and how to navigate the cultural and religious perspectives surrounding menopause.

If you're ready to take control of your health and embrace this new chapter, this episode is for you!

You can follow Xoli Madlala on @maskoffwithxoli on Instagram to order her book.

Meet yourself with compassion.

In this powerful episode, Mpeo Nkosi and Coach Tumi Sibanda dive deep into the vital practice of self-forgiveness. If you've ever struggled with letting go of past decisions, this episode is for you.

Coach Tumi Sibanda is a recalibration catalyst, author, and coach who helps professionals and entrepreneurs align their lives with their authentic selves. She is the author of "You Are Enough" and owns SAHNO (Sahno.africa), a company focused on personal and professional development.

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding the difference between shame and guilt, and how shame can hinder self-acceptance.

• The importance of recognising human evolution and change in the context of personal growth.

• A practical four-step process for moving forward from past mistakes: acknowledgment, personal responsibility, emotional processing, and forgiveness.

• The power of daily rituals, including a mirror session, to reinforce self-forgiveness and commitment.

• How idealistic notions and societal pressures can drive decisions that aren't aligned with your true values.

• The role of self-awareness in making deliberate life decisions and aligning your choices with your authentic self.

• How to make new choices

• How to give yourself some grace Tumi Sibanda's website