About Tshamani

From introvert to dynamic public speaker, corporate facilitator, mentor, and coach, Tshamani is living testimony to her passion and drive. When she engages publicly, it is essentially to inspire individuals, aspirant leaders, and teams to identify their life’s purpose, uncover their true selves and enhance their contribution to their organizations so that they can live a fulfilled and balanced life.

Tshamani’s unique insights are drawn from the wealth of experience of over 20 years in corporate in Human Resource Development. In this challenging space, she designed and implemented Learning and Development, Employee Engagement, Organisational Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development, Culture Transformation, as well as Coaching and Mentoring strategies. Tshamani is passionate about Women Empowerment and facilitates Group Coaching sessions for women.

Q & A

1. Tell us about your book.

The book is about my Transformation journey. I seemed to have a perfect life: a loving husband, two beautiful daughters and a fulfilling career that offered me financial security. My identity and perceived success was centred around being a wife, mother and career woman. Then, after 13 years of having it all, my life was severely shaken by divorce.

My beautifully crafted life had fallen apart. I saw myself as a failure in the eyes of my family, people who looked up to me and, most importantly, myself. With the help of a coach, psychologist and trusted people within my circle. I went through a process of transformation that helped me to identify who I am, my purpose, vision, values, the kind of relationship and partner I need in my life. I was able to change my mindset from failure and shattered dreams to one of power and forgiving myself for circumstances outside of my control and embracing who I am.

I started writing my book, From My Belly to Yours, after the passing of my dad as a way of celebrating his wisdom and legacy. In the book, I share real-life stories from my childhood to the queen I see in the mirror today. As a coach and mentor, I challenge readers to reflect on their purpose, relationships, barriers created by ego and encourage an abundant mentality and a conscious, soul-led approach to life.

2. What is your favourite animal?

My favourite animal is a Tiger. I just love the way it looks and walks with such grace and power. I admire its strength and courage.

3. What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about developing people, unleashing their potential, and challenging them to find their purpose in life so that they are able to live a fully integrated and meaningful life.

4. Talk us through ‘a day in the life of Tshamani’.

I wake up very early at about 3:30. Spend a few minutes in prayer and meditation, and then rush to meet my fellow runners at the gym. We start running at about 4:30 in the morning, covering anything between 12 to 16 km’s a day.

Anytime between 8:00 and 9:00, I start work at the company I am appointed at as an Organisation Development Specialist. I knock off at 17:00 or later, depending on what needs to be done and deadlines. At home I prepare dinner. After eating, depending on how I feel, I either read or write. I love journaling, so I will either write something in my journal or if I feel that it is something I want to share with others, I will post on my Facebook page, website or LinkedIn as Tshamy’sMusings.

5. Is there anything you regret in life?

Not really. I would probably say getting married at a very young age without having known who I was and what I wanted out of life. But then I would not have my two beautiful daughters and would not be where I am today. I appreciate everything that I have gone through and the life lessons that came with it.

If I really had to think, it would probably be that my dad did not to see my book published. He was a book lover and an avid reader, I know that wherever he is, he would have been and is very proud of me.

6. What do you like to do for fun?

I love travelling to the country where there are few people around and just spending time hiking, walking and playing with my children. My perfect, quality time by myself is sitting on a rock surrounded by mountains or water.

I also love going to the theatre, and obviously reading. When I read, I get transported to an imaginary world that keeps me happy and sometimes help me to escape from some of the challenges that I may be going through.

7. Where would you go on holiday if money wasn’t an issue and why?

Hawaii. I just love the weather, and the beaches. I picture myself in a place where no one knows me, wearing a bikini, reading and soaking myself in the sun and water the whole day. And then going out alone to experience the night life with no care in the world.

8. If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Winnie Mandela. I think she is one of the strongest, courageous, brave, wise, and misunderstood woman who was unfairly treated, firstly by the Apartheid government and then secondly by her people. I would love to hear her side of the story, the experiences she went through and how she managed to keep her head up even after being ostracized by the people who she fought for.

9. Why did you choose the genre that you write in?

I write non-fiction because I do not consider myself a wordsmith or creative. I respect people who write fiction because of their creativity. However, as much as I have a lot to say, I do not have the talent to write fiction. For me, non-fiction is reality and straight to the point. When I was younger, I loved reading fiction. But as I grow older, I also enjoy reading non-fiction more.

10. Do you have a small piece of advice for any new writers out there?

What I learned during the process is never to skimp on editing. The first time I gave one of my author friends the manuscript to read, I realised that English was not even my second language. I felt like it was my fourth language. Most importantly, use a professional editor!

The second thing is being humble and learning to handle feedback. Writing is a roller-coaster ride. Sometimes you feel you are on the zone, sometimes no word comes to mind no matter how much you try. When you give people your work to read, you become vulnerable and open yourself for feedback. It is sometimes not easy to handle feedback on what you thought was your best idea or work. But it is an opportunity for growth.

Tshamani’s has a powerful story to tell in her book and if you feel that you are going though the same thing, then you should definitely give it a read to help steer you in a good direction.

If you would like to find Tshamani, you can find her at the following places:

Email: infor@tshamanirivombo.com

Facebook: facebook.com/tshamani.mathebula

Go and have a look what Tshamani is up to.

That’s it from me for now…

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