For my next feature of #MindsoftheYouth, I caught up with Amu Hlabano. She is a podcaster with an infectious positive energy.
An amazing woman who advocates for women leadership, African spiritual philosopher and generally an interesting and curious individual. See below the conversation that I had with her, you might learn a thing or two.
Tell me about your upbringing and where you come from?
Born and raised in Soweto, Orlando East by my mother and grandfather. A lot of people don’t know that my mother and I once lived in a shack for a while. I moved to Centurion in my early teens and finished my high school there. Growing up in Soweto contributed to who I am today and shaped my identity, I will forever identify myself as a Sowetan.
The transition from Soweto to Centurion was challenging for me because of the differences in culture. Any kasi person would resonate to what I am saying. Every weekend I wanted to go back to Orlando East because I felt more comfortable there. I never felt like I belong in Centurion.
To people who don’t know you, how would you describe yourself?
I am a soft-hearted person, people mostly think I am this hardcore person. I am a sensitive person who cares a lot about other people.
What did you study and where?
I have a Master of Technology degree in Operations Management from the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
My thesis topic was understanding the importance of internship programmes in business development.
Tell us about your Women of Movement Podcast. Why did you start it and what is it all about?
It is a resource centre and reference book for black women to keep going and moving in their different stages of life. Especially when starting out. It was inspired by my own challenges when I was starting out in the industry.
What does it mean to be a Woman of Movement?
Changing behavioural patterns that are holding us back as women. A Woman of Movement is a woman who has a growth mindset and strives to be a better person every day.
Do you think more people are now listening to podcasts in South Africa more than radio?
Definitely. People are more specific with what they want to consume now. I don’t think podcasts are taking over radio, I think radio has just evolved to incorporate podcasts. There is a lot of potential in podcasting.
What is your philosophy of life?
Respect and love of other people and their energies. I believe in my ancestors and God, they come first before anything else.
What are you willing to struggle for?
For my purpose and my destiny. Which is being a speaker and a business owner.
What are you most proud of in your life thus far?
Getting things done without much assistance. It has been a bumpy journey, but it has shaped me to be a better person.
What is your quake book(s)?
Capitalist Nigger by Chika Onyeani
Purple Cow: Transform Your Business by Being Remarkable by Seth Godin
The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life by Robin Sharma
Anything by Ben Okri
Do you have a favourite quote or mantra?
Makwande, kukhanye, kuvele kuvuleke kubekuhle kubemhlophe (Let there be abundance, let my path be clear and wide, let everything that belongs to me open up, let me live in joy and let it be pure).