Samson Sakoane's Journey

My Journey

On this page, I will be posting stories about my leadership journey, including successful people that I meet along the journey.

A Transformative Encounter with Mr. Mteto Nyathi

Reflections on the “Road to CEO” Masterclass

Growth and Transformation: Insights from Dr. Mzamo Masito.

A Pivotal Mentor in My Journey with Mr. Archie Vermeulen

Meeting Mr. Mteto Nyathi was an unexpected yet profoundly exciting experience—a moment that I had long hoped for but never knew how to manifest. For years, I had admired his leadership, integrity, and commitment to transformation, drawing inspiration from his journey in the corporate world. His ability to lead with both strategic foresight and humility has left an indelible mark on many, including myself.

On July 25, 2024, I attended the IODSA Evening of Artful Connections, an event designed to foster meaningful discussions among thought leaders, professionals, and executives. My initial goal was to meet Prof. Wiseman Nkhulu, a distinguished figure whose book, A Life of Purpose, was being showcased. I was eager to hear his reflections on leadership, ethics, and governance, as his work has had a significant impact on shaping corporate thought in South Africa.

As I entered the venue, scanning the room for familiar faces, I was suddenly stopped in my tracks by a presence I instantly recognized but had never met in person—Mr. Mteto Nyathi. The moment felt surreal. For years, I had followed his thought leadership, strategic insights, and the principles that guided his career, and there he was, standing right in front of me. It was a moment of realization that sometimes, the opportunities we seek are closer than we think—we just have to act on them.

I took a deep breath and knew that I had to seize this rare opportunity. Gathering my thoughts, I approached him with a mix of excitement and determination. I introduced myself and expressed my sincere admiration for his unwavering leadership, ethical decision-making, and ability to drive transformation in complex corporate environments. I spoke about my own professional journey, my aspirations for growth and leadership, and how his career had inspired me to push forward despite challenges.

To my great honor and gratitude, he listened attentively, engaging with me in an insightful and meaningful conversation. His presence was not just commanding but also warm, open, and encouraging—qualities that make a great leader even greater. After sharing my passion for leadership development and my desire to be mentored by someone of his caliber, I took a bold step and asked if he would be willing to guide me on this journey.

To my astonishment, he agreed without hesitation. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of validation—a confirmation that boldness, when paired with preparation and authenticity, opens doors that once seemed unreachable.

This encounter was more than just meeting a role model; it was the beginning of a transformative chapter in my professional and personal journey. It reinforced my belief in aspiration, mentorship, and the power of putting oneself in the right spaces to attract the right opportunities.

On July 27, I had the privilege of attending the “Road to CEO” Masterclass, an event that underscored the critical role of coaching, mentorship, and executive search professionals in navigating the path to C-suite success. This transformative experience provided invaluable insights into the strategic actions and mindset shifts required to excel in executive leadership.

A key highlight of the event was the panel discussion on executive coaching and career development, where industry experts shared their perspectives on professional growth and leadership progression. The panel featured:

  • Errol van Graan, a seasoned business coach with extensive global leadership experience, whose mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my own leadership journey. His strategic guidance and candid feedback have helped me refine my executive approach, ensuring I remain focused on deliberate growth and career advancement.
  • Jaydev Chiba, a former Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) who now coaches top industry leaders, offering valuable insights on leadership agility, executive presence, and career positioning.
  • Disebo Ramonyalioa, an esteemed HR consultant, facilitator, and executive search professional, who emphasized the importance of talent strategy, personal branding, and boardroom readiness in securing leadership roles.

Beyond coaching, the masterclass featured a CEO panel discussion, where top executives shared firsthand experiences of leading organizations and navigating complex corporate landscapes. The panel included:

  • Jorge Mendes (CEO, Cell C)
  • Thabo Molekoa (MD & Chairman, Siemens Energy)
  • Angela Mhlanga (CEO, Hollard Group Risk)
  • Nthabiseng Kubheka (CEO, Bombela Operating Company)

Each CEO provided powerful insights into leadership, resilience, and decision-making, reinforcing the importance of mentorship, networking, and continuous learning in executive success. Their collective wisdom offered actionable strategies for aspiring leaders, highlighting the necessity of adaptability, strategic thinking, and intentional career planning.

Attending this masterclass was not just an opportunity to learn—it was an eye-opening and inspiring experience that reinforced my commitment to executive leadership development. The lessons shared, particularly by Errol van Graan, continues to shape my leadership journey, equipping me with the strategies and mindset needed to drive meaningful impact in the corporate world.

I had the privilege of engaging in a candid and thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Mzamo Masito, a leader whose direct and insightful approach left a profound and lasting impact on me. His feedback was blunt yet constructive, cutting straight to the core of hard truths I had long been aware of but had yet to fully act upon. His ability to distill complex ideas into clear, actionable insights challenged me to rethink my approach to both personal and professional growth, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and forcing me to confront my own blind spots.

His honesty and clarity compelled me to engage in deep self-reflection, forcing me to confront difficult but necessary questions: Why am I still where I am today? What limiting patterns, behaviors, or habits are preventing my progress? Am I truly maximizing my potential, or am I holding myself back in ways I have yet to acknowledge? What concrete steps do I need to take to break through barriers and move forward with intention? These were not just passing thoughts but critical reflections that made me re-evaluate not only my goals but also the mindset, discipline, and strategies I apply in pursuit of them.

As our conversation unfolded, he introduced me to the 70-20-10 rule, a framework that emphasizes how to structure learning and development for maximum impact—with 70% of growth coming from real-world experiences and challenges, 20% from mentorship and social learning, and 10% from formal education and training. While I had come across this concept before, hearing it from him in such a direct and impactful way hit hard. It made me realize that I had been allocating my time inefficiently, often focusing too much on certain areas while neglecting the experiential learning that truly drives growth. It was a stark reminder of the importance of prioritization, deliberate practice, and focused execution in making meaningful progress.

This conversation was more than just career advice—it was a wake-up call. It challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, take accountability for my own growth, and make intentional choices that propel me forward. It was a powerful reminder that success demands resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to take bold, decisive steps toward progress. More than anything, it reinforced the idea that continuous learning, disciplined execution, and strategic action are the true cornerstones of long-term success.

I walked away from this conversation feeling both challenged and inspired, with a renewed sense of clarity and urgency. It was a turning point—one that reminded me that growth is not just about acquiring knowledge but about actively applying it, embracing discomfort, and committing to the pursuit of excellence with unwavering determination.

My professional journey would be incomplete without acknowledging Mr. Archie Vermeulen, whose support and mentorship played a defining role in shaping my career. He was the first person to interview and hire me at Vodacom, recognizing my potential from the start. More than just offering me a job, he provided the training, guidance, and resources that helped me gain confidence, refine my skills, and excel in my role. His belief in my abilities instilled in me a sense of purpose and determination that continues to guide me today.

Beyond professional development, his generosity extended to my education, offering me a bursary to continue my studies—an investment that not only shaped my career trajectory but also changed the course of my life. He understood that learning was the key to long-term success and made sure I had the opportunity to grow beyond my immediate role. This was more than just an act of corporate responsibility—it was a genuine investment in my future, and for that, I will always be grateful.

When my training program ended, and it was time to say my goodbyes, I took the opportunity to visit his office one last time to personally express my appreciation. We spoke about my journey, my aspirations, and my hopes for the future. As we wrapped up our conversation, I handed him my father’s CV, as my father had recently been retrenched and was struggling to find employment. I had no expectations—I simply saw an opportunity and took a chance, hoping that perhaps Mr. Vermeulen could offer some guidance.

To my complete surprise and gratitude, he called my father the very next day, scheduled an interview, and offered him a job. It was an act of kindness that went beyond professional duty—it was a reflection of his character, his willingness to uplift others, and his ability to recognize potential where others might overlook it. While I was thrilled for my father, I suddenly found myself in an uncertain position—without a job of my own. I had completed my training, but there was no clear path forward for me at that moment.

That uncertainty, however, did not last long. Soon after, I received a call from Mr. Vermeulen. He asked where I was, and when I replied that I was at home, his response was simple yet life-changing: “Why aren’t you at work? Your permanent contract is ready—come in and get started.”

That moment marked a turning point in my career, a testament to his belief in me, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to empowering others. It was not just about securing a job; it was about the recognition that my hard work, dedication, and potential had been seen and valued. That opportunity set me on a path of growth, leadership, and success—one that I continue to walk today with gratitude and determination.