“If you’re going to do something inherently difficult [like working in corporate], the least you can do is do it as yourself” - these are some of the wise words Ziningi Hlophe empathetically shared with us in this raw episode of the VOTF, and I was particularly struck by these words because they ring true for almost individual trying to make a name for themselves in a different or challenging environment while balancing the need for acceptance and assimilation. I’m convinced that if there was a global ambassador role for authenticity, Ziningi would be the proud mascot - you don’t have to meet her in real life to get the sense that she is the epitome of walking and living in your truth - no matter what. But she also gently extends so much grace to herself and others who aren’t able to fully tap into their authenticity early in their career because she recognizes that sometimes you need to learn an environment and prioritise your survival before you can safely lean into your authenticity. She recounts three years of her life where she was inauthentic because she admits that at that time all she was trying to do was survive and learn the “currency” of her new environment- which was vastly different from her environment back home in Durban (where she says she was a surfer girl, who listened to punk and rock and really only had dreams of being a lawyer so that she could fund her surfer girl lifestyle).If you’ve ever been curious about (i) when the right time is to leave practice as a legal professional, (ii) how one can tap into their authenticity and ease into who they truly are when no one is watching, (iii) how to build and nurture meaningful connections and networks, this is the episode for you.Ziningi is truly a fountain of wisdom and joy, you will laugh just as much as you will take notes because she shares things that will undoubtedly make you reevaluate your life.This episode reminded me that one of the things that make this world and the people in it so interesting is the fact that there’s always an opportunity to learn something new, whether or not that thing may appear novel or obvious. I’ve known Ziningi for years (and maybe I subconsciously thought that I knew everything there was to know about her), but I found myself marvelling and learning something new with every word she spoke. I hope you enjoy drinking from the fountain of Ziningi’s wisdom as much as I did.Thank you for listening, liking and engaging in the comments section 🫶🏽

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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