What does it really take to build a career beyond having a degree and a strong CV?

In Episode 2 of The Economic Diplomat’s Women’s Month Special Series, we explore what it means to intentionally build a career as a young professional in an increasingly competitive world.

From networking and putting yourself in the right rooms, to developing leadership skills, pursuing opportunities beyond university and learning how to position yourself professionally, this conversation explores the experiences and decisions that can shape a career long before you reach a senior position.We also reflect on the role young professionals can play in shaping Africa’s economic future, and why building meaningful careers should extend beyond simply finding employment towards developing skills, relationships and experiences that allow us to contribute meaningfully to our industries and communities.Whether you’re still at university, entering the workplace, or navigating the early stages of your career, this episode is a reminder that your CV tells part of your story......but the relationships you build, the rooms you enter, the opportunities you pursue and the value you create can shape where that story goes next.

About The Economic DiplomatThe Economic Diplomat is an Africa-focused platform exploring the ideas, investments and people shaping the continent’s economic future.

Our conversations span development finance, infrastructure, mining and critical minerals, sustainable finance, trade and investment, public policy, economic development and the experiences of the next generation of African professionals.Join the conversationIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Economic Diplomat on YouTube and follow the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to stay updated on upcoming episodes.You can also follow The Economic Diplomat on LinkedIn and Instagram for new episodes, insights and announcements about upcoming live webinar conversations.Like. Subscribe. Share. Join the conversation.

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DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by the host and guests in this episode are their own and are shared in their personal capacities. They do not necessarily represent or reflect the official views, policies or positions of their respective employers, affiliated organisations or institutions.This podcast is intended for informational, educational and discussion purposes only.

From Campus to Corporate | Navigating Your First Year as a Young Professional | Women's Month Special Series

The transition from university to the workplace is one of the biggest milestones in any young professional's career.

In the first episode of The Economic Diplomat's Women's Month Special Series, host Olwethu Pityana-Matji sits down with Phindile Lisa Ngozi and Bokang Phoshana from Old Mutual for an honest conversation about navigating the transition from campus to corporate South Africa.

Together, we explore:

• Transitioning from university into the workplace

• Expectations vs the reality of corporate life

• Building confidence as a young professional

• Mentorship and continuous learning

• Professional growth and career development

• Lessons we wish we had known before starting our careers

• Advice for students and recent graduates.

Whether you're preparing to graduate, beginning your first job, or looking to grow professionally, this conversation offers practical insights and honest reflections to support your own career journey.

About The Economic Diplomat

The Economic Diplomat is an Africa-focused podcast exploring the ideas, investments and people shaping the continent's economic future.

Through conversations with industry leaders, policymakers, development finance professionals and young changemakers, we explore topics including:

• Development Finance

• Infrastructure• Mining & Critical Minerals

• Sustainable Finance

• Trade & Investment

• Public Policy

• Economic Development

Connect with The Economic Diplomat

🌍 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olwethu-p-40047b207/

📰 Newsletter: Subscribe on LinkedIn https: //www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7392460782233530368

🎙️ Follow The Economic Diplomat on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube for new episodes every month.

Partnerships & Sponsorships

Interested in partnering with The Economic Diplomat, sponsoring an episode, or featuring on the podcast?

📧 Email: [email protected]

The Economic Diplomat

Where Capital, Policy and Africa's Future Meet.

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Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests in this episode are solely their own and are shared in their personal capacities. They do not necessarily represent or reflect the official views, policies or positions of their employers, clients, affiliated organisations or any institution with which they may be associated.

The content of this podcast is intended for educational, informational and discussion purposes only. Nothing contained in this episode should be interpreted as financial, investment, legal or professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any decisions based on the topics discussed.

Why I Joined the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2027 Influencer Programme

What does mining have to do with infrastructure, energy, logistics, investment and Africa's economic future?

In this episode of The Economic Diplomat, I officially share my journey to becoming part of the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2027 Young Leaders & Influencer Programme and explain why I believe mining is about far more than extracting minerals it's about financing development, enabling industrialisation and shaping the future of our continent.

I also introduce The Economic Brief, a new recurring segment providing a concise roundup of developments in corporate South Africa, infrastructure, public policy and the broader economy.

Whether you're a student, young professional, policymaker or industry leader, this episode explores why mining remains central to South Africa's future and why more young people should be part of the conversation.

In this episode:

• My journey to the Mining Indaba 2027 Influencer Programme
• Why mining matters to South Africa's economy
• The role of young professionals in the sector
• Introducing The Economic Brief

Connect with The Economic Diplomat

🌍 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olwethu-p-40047b207/ 

📰 Newsletter: Subscribe on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7392460782233530368 

🎙️ Follow The Economic Diplomat on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube for new episodes every month.

Partnerships & Sponsorships

Interested in partnering with The Economic Diplomat, sponsoring an episode, or featuring on the podcast?

📧 Email: [email protected]

The Economic Diplomat

Where Capital, Policy and Africa's Future Meet.

In the very first episode of The Economic Diplomat, host Olwethu Pityana-Matji, introduces the vision behind the platform and explores why conversations around infrastructure, development finance, energy, logistics, and economic transformation matter for Africa’s future.

Drawing from experiences across G20-related engagements, development finance studies, and broader industry conversations, this episode reflects on the importance of understanding how Africa finances growth and why young professionals must become part of those conversations.

This episode introduces the themes that will shape the podcast moving forward, including infrastructure finance, climate finance, industrialisation, logistics reform, energy transition, investment promotion, and Africa’s evolving economic architecture.