the breakthrough sessions

By Refilwe Segoe

CALLING ALL YOUNG TRAILBLAZERS!

I’m Refilwe Segoe, and I want to help YOU find your breakthrough! Every 2nd Thursday, I sit down with incredible guests who have faced challenges, defied the odds, and... more

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FAQs about the breakthrough sessions:

How many episodes does the breakthrough sessions have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.

the breakthrough sessions episodes:

April 18, 2025 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.
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31min
April 04, 2025 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.
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1h 17min
March 20, 2025 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
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38min
March 06, 2025 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!
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2h 14min
February 21, 2025 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
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1h 24min
February 16, 2025 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.
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2min
December 03, 2021 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!

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1h 12min
November 19, 2021 s2e7: session with Holiness Sma, current Bsc Agricultural Economics student from the University of Limpopo
In this episode, I had Aphane Kgalalelo Holiness, aka Holiness Sma on. Holiness was born on the 31st of May 2001 in the Limpopo province. She is a first born in a family of five children. She's a young South African poet, a Spoken - Word Artist, a YouTuber, and is currently pursuing her 3rd-year Bachelors of Sciences degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Limpopo
In our conversation, we spoke about Holiness' experience with failing a module in 1st year. We spoke about the struggles she faced leading up to and after she failed, how the failure impacted her life, the changes made to overcome and eventually conquer the module, and so much more.
For more on Holiness' story please check her out on:
1. Instagram:
@holiness_sma
https://instagram.com/holiness_sma?utm_medium=copy_link
2. Youtube:
Holiness Sma
https://youtube.com/channel/UCF8VoEV3BV9rng1Jy_9loVg
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!
...more
40min
October 29, 2021 s2e6: session with Tumi Pitswane, former Corporate Finance and Investments student from Wits
In this episode, I had Goitumetswe Pitswane on. Goitumetswe, aka Tumi, is a BCom Honours Finance and Investments Graduate from Wits who is currently working as a Real Estate Banker. She has a passion for youth development as she shines her light on employment strategies by creating content on her youtube channel. She sees herself as a go-getter and aims to inspire as many people as she can just by shining her light onto the world.
Our conversation was filled with incredible gems and insights stemming from her life at varsity. From her own experience with failing a module in first year, to gaining support from friends and family to help her get through that shock, to finding her feet again and conquering that module and subsequently attaining her degree, and so much more!
For more on Tumi's story please check her out on:
1. Youtube - Tumi Pitswane
2. Instagram - @tumipitswane
3. Twitter - @tumipitswane
4. Tiktok - @tumipitswane
If you enjoy this episode please let us know by sharing it on Instagram and tagging @thebreakthroughprojects!
Hope you love it! And always remember, even if you feel the fear, do it anyway!
...more
46min
October 15, 2021 s2e5: session with Precious Molepo, current UJ CTA student
In this episode, I had Precious Molepo on. Born and bred in Paulshof Johannesburg, Precious had no idea that she wanted to go the accounting route, as she was torn between following her creative side and following her academic goals. However, being raised by a single hardworking mother, she made it one of her primary goals to work on achieving a degree and postgraduate qualification, in order to embark on a stable career path and independently find financial freedom. So, Precious went on to study her Bcom Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and thereafter bridged into her postgraduate year. She is currently studying her CTA, which is where she faced her biggest challenge: failure and more failure.
In our conversation, we spoke about her struggles with BCTA (bridging course for a certificate on the theory of accounting), and eventually failing her CTA (compulsory post-grad qualification on the path towards becoming a chartered accountant, or CA(SA)). We also talked about how she dealt with her failure, and how she is coping now in her 2nd attempt at CTA.
For more on Precious' story please check her out on:
1. Youtube:
Presh
https://youtube.com/channel/UC-acFwbQhcYg8G69bhOHo0g
2. Instagram:
@preciousmolepo
https://instagram.com/preshmolepo?utm_medium=copy_link
If you enjoy this episode please let us know by sharing it on Instagram and tagging @thebreakthroughprojects!
Hope you love it! And always remember, even if you feel the fear, do it anyways!
...more
49min

FAQs about the breakthrough sessions:

How many episodes does the breakthrough sessions have?

The podcast currently has 36 episodes available.