What does real leadership look like when your identity, purpose and certainty are shaken? In this episode of When Shift Happens, Saray Khumalo speaks with Khensani Nobanda, Group Chief Marketing Officer at Nedbank, about the deeply personal shifts that reshaped how she leads, lives and defines success.

Behind one of Africa’s most respected executives is a story of profound loss, difficult decisions and the courage to rebuild from within. Khensani shares how stepping away from her career after her brother’s death, and later navigating further personal tragedy, forced her to confront who she was beyond her title and what kind of leader she wanted to become.

This conversation offers powerful lessons for leaders navigating uncertainty, pressure and change.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why authentic leadership begins with self-awareness

• How personal adversity can reshape your leadership style

• Why vulnerability builds stronger, more trusted teams

• How to separate your identity from your job title

• What it means to lead with purpose, not position

Khensani’s story is a reminder that leadership is not defined in moments of control, but in how you respond when everything shifts. More about Episode 1 · Saray's website