the breakthrough sessions

the breakthrough sessions

By Refilwe SegoeEducationSelf-Improvement
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the breakthrough sessions episodes

  • s3 e8: Rorisang Mabogoane | navigating ageism in the workplace | managing your health in corporate

    In this episode, I sit down with Rorisang Mabogoane, a dynamic young professional who made the bold leap from strategy consulting into a managerial role in banking — all before turning 25. But her journey wasn’t without obstacles. From navigating ageism in corporate spaces to battling health challenges like COVID-19 and scoliosis, Rorisang’s story is one of unwavering resilience, faith, and purpose.


    She opens up about:


    - Breaking barriers as a young manager in a high-stakes industry

    - The toll that chronic illness and recovery took on her personal and professional life

    - The role that her faith in God played in holding everything together


    For more on Rorisang's journey, follow her on her socials:


    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/rorimabogoane?igsh=eXN6MjVtd3JqMG42


    TikTok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@rorimabogoane?_t=ZM-8wyP3pYVaEA&_r=1


    Youtube:

    https://youtube.com/@rorimabogoane?si=s_bozSHqU-x61Qxg


    Press play and be inspired by a story where grace meets ambition and where setbacks make way for breakthroughs.

    1 hr 17 min
  • s3e7: Isabella Makhura | the plight of unemployment | living with disability | struggling with faith

    In South Africa, 60% of youth are currently unemployed (as of April 2025, the recording of this episode).


    In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with Isabella Makhura, a bright young lawyer and social media voice of encouragement, who opens up about the silent battles so many face behind closed doors. Isabella shares her journey of navigating unemployment after completing her law degree and articles, and how this season tested more than just her patience — it tested her identity, her faith, and her emotional strength. She reminds us that being unemployed does not mean being unworthy.


    Together, we unpack:

    • The emotional and spiritual weight of waiting for a breakthrough
    • The financial reality of being without work
    • The power of vulnerability, purpose, and redefining success in your own time


    This isn’t just a story about jobs. It’s about faith in the waiting, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when life doesn’t go according to plan.


    For more on Isabella's story, follow her on her socials:


    LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-makhura-437048160?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app


    Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/isabellamakhura?igsh=MXZ3YXQyNmhpN3htbA==


    Tiktok:

    https://www.tiktok.com/@isabellamakhura?_t=ZM-8wNuGW4n91T&_r=1


    1 hr 45 min
  • s3 e6: blast from the past | the silver linings episode
    original air date: 25 September 2020
    In this pulled-from-the-vault episode, I reflect on a word that’s been my anchor for over 13 years: Excelsior—Latin for "ever upward." It’s more than a motto; it’s a mindset. Inspired by The Silver Linings Playbook and its powerful reminder that “if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining,” this episode explores how I’ve used Excelsior to reframe pain, loss, and uncertainty into something hopeful.
    I also share the personal acronym BREATHE—a survival tool I created during some of my darkest seasons. It’s a step-by-step reminder to pause, persevere, and push forward. Through BREATHE and the spirit of Excelsior, I’ve learned that silver linings aren’t always obvious—but they are always there for those willing to look up.
    25 min
  • s3e5: blast from the past | the microsteps that are too small to fail
    original air date: 10 April 2020
    Originally aired in 2020, this episode is close to my heart—and today, I’m bringing it back as a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey.
    Inspired by Arianna Huffington’s idea of “microsteps”—small, actionable habits that are too small to fail—this episode explores how seemingly tiny shifts can lead to meaningful breakthroughs. Back when it first aired, the world was navigating uncertainty, and this message of gentle progress felt deeply needed. Now, five years later, it feels just as powerful—if not more.
    As I revisit this conversation, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. Re-airing it is my way of honoring the growth, the lessons, and the person I was becoming back then—and still am today.
    Let’s take a moment to reminisce on the good old days, and maybe find something new in something old.
    31 min
  • s3e4: Mbali Mzinyane | wellness in the workplace | workplace bullying | toxic work environments
    This week on the breakthrough sessions podcast, I sit down with the powerful and insightful Mbali Mzinyane—a woman whose story and voice shed light on some of the darkest corners of the modern workplace.
    In this episode, we open up about workplace bullying, navigating toxic work environments, and the often-unspoken toll these experiences take on our mental health. Mbali shares her personal journey with honesty and strength, and we unpack what self-preservation looks like when your workplace becomes a battlefield.
    During our conversation, Mbali also references the book "Building Psychologically Safe Spaces: Safeguarding Your Workplace Against Bullying" by Dr. Ngao Motsei—a compelling read that unpacks the importance of creating healthier, more human-centered professional spaces. Be sure to grab your hands on a copy of that book!
    Whether you're currently in a difficult work situation or simply want to better understand the impact of workplace culture on wellbeing, this conversation is a must-listen!
    Follow Mbali Mzinyane for more on her incredible story:
    Website:
    https://www.mbalimzinyane.com/
    Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lifewithmbali_?si=SOvEGSh0ybpavUCK
    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/wellnessintheworkplace_?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbali-mzinyane-1411b4152?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wellnessintheworkplace?_t=ZM-8vFHEj8We6H&_r=1
    Tune in, reflect, and share with someone who needs this breakthrough.
    1 hr 17 min
  • s3e3: introducing "the side conversations" | let's talk about identity | finding purpose in failure
    Who are you—really? Welcome to "the side conversations"—a space for raw, unfiltered reflections on the things that weigh heavy on my heart. These are the conversations that I can’t keep to myself— a deep dive into the lessons, struggles, and revelations from my own journey.
    In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the weight of identity and the danger of tying it to just one thing. We often define ourselves by our careers, achievements, relationships, or even failures. But what happens when those things shift? When you lose the job, the title, or the sense of certainty you once had?
    Failure is not your identity. Neither is success. Your worth isn’t determined by a single moment, a role you play, or a season you’re in. It’s easy to get so consumed by one aspect of your life that you start believing it is your entire existence. But you are more than that.
    Let’s have an honest conversation about detaching from false identities, embracing growth, and rediscovering who you are beyond what you do.
    Instagram
    https://www.instagram.com/thebreakthroughprojects?igsh=MTVmcjBheHp2dHM2NQ==
    Tiktok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@refilwe.segoe?_t=ZM-8uqZZ8rKORi&_r=1
    38 min
  • s3e2: Mpumi K. Mbonane | purpose | career pivots | entrepreneurship | fighting for your dreams
    Meet Mpumi K. Mbonane —a dynamic force who knows what it means to chase purpose, pivot when necessary, and fight relentlessly for her dreams. In this powerful conversation, we dive deep into the journey of career alignment, the courage it takes to start over, and the challenges that come with stepping into your calling. We unpack the battles of pursuing your passion, the importance of having a strong support system, and the faith required to navigate uncertainty. If you're at a crossroads in your career, questioning your path, or seeking inspiration to push forward, this episode is for you!
    2 hr 14 min
  • s3 e1 - the rebirth | starting over | unemployment | accidents | grief...& the elephant in the room
    After a long hiatus, the breakthrough sessions podcast is back—bigger, bolder, and ready for a rebirth. In this episode, I have my bestie Nsuku Mabundza join me as we dive into why I’ve been away, the lessons I learned during my time away, and what’s next. Plus, I introduce an exciting new co-host who’s bringing fresh energy to the conversation!
    This season is all about second chances, new beginnings, and the power of reinvention. Tune in as we set the stage for an inspiring journey ahead.
    For more updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on our socials:
    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/thebreakthroughprojects?igsh=MTByb29peTNpcmo1MQ==
    Tiktok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@refilwe.segoe?_t=ZM-8u5a5ICPVdV&_r=1
    1 hr 24 min
  • season 3 trailer: the rebirth series
    the breakthrough sessions podcast returns with Season 3 - the rebirth series. Hosted by Refilwe Segoe, this season is dedicated to second chances, fresh starts, and the power of beginning again. This is more than just a comeback; it’s a testament to resilience, growth, and the breakthroughs that make it all worthwhile. It’s been a long time coming, but trust me—it was worth the wait.
    2 min
  • s2e8: session with Emmanuel KS Bope, current Medical student from Wits University

    In the mid-season finale episode of the podcast, I had Emmanuel KS Bope on. Emmanuel is currently a third-year Wits Medical Student and the business owner of Q Fitness. He was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa within a Congolese household, which is why his home language is French. However, he is proud of both his origins and is looking forward to making an impact in most African countries someday.

    In our conversation, we spoke about Emmanuel's experience with starting two businesses while studying, his SIX-YEAR journey of getting into medicine, his experience with failure and how he dealt with that, how his family reacted to his failure and so much more! 


    For more on Emmanuel's story please check him out on:

    1. Instagram and Twitter: @emman_bope

    2. LinkedIn and Facebook: Emmanuel KS Bope

    If you enjoyed this episode please let us know by sharing it on Instagram and tagging @thebreakthroughprojects!

    Like this show? Please follow us on Instagram for more great content: @thebreakthroughprojects. https://www.instagram.com/thebreakthroughprojects/

    If you want to send in any podcast topic requests please send them to [email protected].

    Thanks for listening. And always remember, even if you feel the fear, do it anyways!



    1 hr 12 min

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