Name: Thabang Monyokolo

Title: Chef

Organisation: Chicks & Chips

Thabang Monyokolo is a Chef at hear, DJ in spirit, with vast experience in retail sector and administrative skills. A quick learner and hardworker with great customer relation skills which can all be vouched by previous employers.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Thabang's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

It's impossible to lack confidence as a leader. There will come times when tough decisions need to be made on the spot on the lack of acting with confidence says alot on your part. Telling friends and family "No" when seeking employment without being qualified is also a challenge with comes with consequences. The seperation between work and family is something surely still barely taught but learnt through experience.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I've worked in many industries and unfortunately also studied quite a few times courses which were always unrelated as I was trying to figure out what I wanted in life. Eventually I grew tired of seeking employment for years to no avail and decided to start my own business. At first my consultation business did not require employees but it had taught me how to work towards deadlines, the incompetence of some government departments open my eyes to opportunities too which lead me to seeing their weaknesses and how they may be strengthened. However because of not being linked to any political parties it became difficult to work which forced me to shift to a different industry completely. Hospitality, something I've come to grown into and realise my joy of working with clients and bringing their homes to wherever they are.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

It took years of practice but my body automatically gets tired and sleepy between 6pm - 8pm and I automatically wake up between 3am - 6am without fail.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Employee theft is a thing. Trusting employees is very difficult especially after theft, it isn't your fault as a leader and an example should be made to prevent future issues.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The bible.

I didn't ever think I would be saying this but the word of God is helping me alot.

The lord guides me through all as long as I've put my trust in him.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Do not employ friends or family. Do not be afraid of risks.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Customer service is everything. Do not judge people on appearance. How you treat customers says alot on how far your business will go.