In this conversation of My Top Five, we sit down with Cape Town-based lifestyle and fashion creator Saatiyah Dante, whose digital world is all about romanticizing life and finding beauty in the everyday. From leaving her 9–5 job to building a career rooted in storytelling, Saatiyah opens up about her creative journey, faith, and the lessons that keep her grounded.

She also shares her Top 5 grounding practices—from setting boundaries and embracing the process to leaning on her support system, her mother’s wisdom, and her unshakable faith. It’s an honest and heartfelt conversation about growth, gratitude, and the power of staying true to yourself in a fast-paced online world.

In this conversation, Tshepiso Sishuba sits down with Noluthando Mgotyibana, an HR and payroll professional with over 20 years of experience. From starting out with no knowledge of payroll to leading in human capital management, Noluthando shares her journey of resilience, continuous learning, and adapting to change.

She opens up about the misconceptions around HR, the balance between people and policies, and the crucial role of technology in shaping the future of the profession. Whether you’re in HR, payroll, or simply curious about workplace culture and career growth, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, compliance, and navigating a career with purpose.

In this conversation, we speak with Gugulethu Zwane, an Area Manager, who takes us through her journey in the retail and fashion industry. She reflects on her academic path, the value of strong leadership, and the often-overlooked human element in retail. Gugulethu also shares the challenges of relocating to a new province, highlighting how resilience and adaptability shaped her career.

At the heart of her story is the importance of kindness, mentorship, and recognizing the opportunities the retail sector holds for future leaders.

In this conversation, we sit down with Rilwele Tshikovhi, a geologist whose journey is marked by resilience, persistence, and purpose. From navigating unemployment to carving her path in the oil and gas industry, Rilwele opens up about the realities of her field—the balance between technical expertise and human impact, the power of teamwork, and the importance of continuous growth. She also shares her vision for the future of geology and why community engagement matters just as much as science.

In this conversation, Lizah Nyemba Makombore takes us through her academic journey from Zimbabwe to South Africa and now the United States. She opens up about the realities of navigating academia as a young African scholar — from cultural shifts and imposter syndrome to finding strength in resilience and community. Lizah unpacks why African voices are essential in global conversations around sustainable development and ecological economics, and shares her experience teaching in both South Africa and the U.S., offering thoughtful reflections on student engagement and local context. She also shares advice for aspiring scholars and her hopes for the future of research and policy rooted in justice and relevance.

In this conversation, we’re joined by Mandisa Mtembu — safeguarding specialist, youth advocate, and passionate protector of young lives. Mandisa opens up about her personal journey into child protection, the influence of her grandparents, and how her background in psychology informs her work. We unpack the emotional realities of safeguarding, the deep impact of broken trust, and why schools must prioritize practical safeguarding systems. Whether you're in education, youth work, or simply care about the well-being of children, this conversation offers vital insights into why safeguarding should be everyone's responsibility — and how accessible training can make a difference.

In this Conversation, we sit down with Rene Dinkoanyane, a seasoned marketing and communications professional whose journey from Limpopo to the boardrooms of South Africa tells a powerful story of resilience, creativity, and purpose. Rene shares insights on brand building, navigating the evolving media landscape, and the importance of human connection in every campaign.

Whether you’re an aspiring marketer, entrepreneur, or simply curious about the world of branding, this conversation will leave you inspired and motivated to think differently about the stories we tell.

In this conversation, Tshepo Matlou unpacks the power of coaching in both personal and professional growth. From his early experiences as a young leader to becoming a coach, Tshepo emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and a holistic approach to leadership. He challenges common misconceptions about coaching, explores its relevance across all life stages, and reflects on the internal and external battles leaders often face. A thoughtful and insightful conversation for anyone interested in personal development and impactful leadership.

In this conversation, we sit down with Lutho Zono, an admitted attorney and associate specializing in employment law. Lutho takes us through the intricate journey from law school to admission, sharing the challenges of board exams, the intense demands of articles, the emotional toll of imposter syndrome, and the resilience it takes to thrive in the legal field.

From learning how to study smart to understanding the importance of mentorship and workplace balance, Lutho opens up about the lessons that shaped her — not just as a legal professional, but as a young Black woman navigating the corporate legal world.

In this conversation, we chat with Tlotlo Lekgoba, a senior data scientist whose work is shaping the future—one algorithm at a time. From her roots in actuarial science to building AI-driven solutions, Tlotlo unpacks the real world of data science beyond the buzzwords. She talks imposter syndrome, mentorship, the skills that matter, and why curiosity is her compass in a fast-changing tech world.

Whether you're into data or just curious about the humans behind the code, this episode is for you.