Hello Family.
I’m thrilled to celebrate my 22nd year in the speaking industry this year. Throughout this 22 year journey, I’ve faced triumphs and challenges that have shaped me in countless ways. As I mark this milestone, I invite you to join me over the next few days as I recount the story of this journey.
THE GENESIS. Part 1. #JoinTheJourney
Lucy Tembakau. Lucy Timber. Timber Clio. It's people. You ever speak to a group of people and all of a sudden you see glimmer in the eyes? You actually see them smiling when they you know and they have that moment. Or you say something sad and there's a tear? That for me was just it once. Once that happened, I knew, hey, you've got to be in this space. This is you. One of the difficulties for me is that I've been very intentional over the past 20 years of not sharing everything I do and not sharing everything I achieve. And so when you kind of like want to put it down on a timeline, it's actually quite a fair bit to, to try and put down and to try and stem down and to try and be like, this is what God has allowed me to do over this period of, of time. So, so let's talk back. So I've, you know, I'm now, I'm now 19 years old. I'm a professional speaker. I've now had a national platform launching me both on Take 5 and on Mojo. You would think then that what happens is like the phone is like ringing off the hook. I'm getting booked left, right and center. And the truth is not really, not really. I've got a couple of like stand out moments. I remember I remember vividly being booked by Mother Sikana, who today I think is a part in a private equity firm. Then he used to run Umm Sobon for youth fund. The fact that I'm naming these places should tell you how old I am. This is before someone who youth fund was consolidated with the National Youth Commission to create the National Youth Development Agency the NYPD. A I had a long tiff with them many years ago, about 10 years ago publicly available. You can go and read on it. We don't need to get into the details, but I then get invited by Lusaka to come and speak at this event right and he was hosting like an entrepreneur event happening, I want to say in Bombala and I get up on stage to speak and I was speaking and. This silicon was speaking and listen, you can talk about your about your peers and your competitors in, in, in, in the manner that is, you know, that is that is reflective and honest. And I thought Billy did a great job that stage, but the truth is I was just this 19 year old kid and I buried him. Billy's gonna see this and he's not gonna like that. But that's true. It's absolutely true. I was this 19 year old kid. I got up in front of this like whole audience. And Billy, I remember I was talking about from, I think it was like from barefoot to snakeskin Shoes, which is I think the title of his book. A great speaker, by the way, a true credit to the industry. And that is illegal. But I've got up on that stage and I buried it. And those moments for me have just been moments where I've, I've looked and gone wild. Man, this is an unbelievable stage. I remember the first time. Sharing the platform on the stage with David Molapo, there was an event held by prime stars. I think it was Martin who had invited me to speak at this event and David Muir had been a hero of mine. For those of you who don't know, data multiple, kind of like created the public speaking industry in South Africa is one of the 1st and few people who was earning a living from public speaking in the late 80s, nineteen, early 90s. And so for me to get on the stage with this unbelievable, incredible man, share the platform with him and then walk it. I suppose for those of you kind of like watching this, we don't know the side of me, right? Like it's, I'm, I'm ruthlessly competitive and I think it's a, it's a natural and, and a very important part of how it is that I've come to be where I'm at. I'm actually very competitive. Once that competitive thing inside you switches on. It never goes off. And for me it's switched on when I started competing in public speaking at school, then becoming a professional speaker, coming into an industry that was dominated with people in their third in their late thirties, 40s and 50s, being a kid in his teens, being completely sidelined and people thinking you're just a fad. And then dominating year after year after year after year, award after award, stage after stage. And and so I kind of. Got my public speaking life and I remember the very first website I had and you're not allowed to laugh, OK?
Inspiring journey! Congratulations 👏 on your achievement. It's quite amazing knowing that you're celebrating your 22nd year in public speaking.
To me, today is exactly a year after resigning to commit fully on my startup. Maybe the universe is telling me something 😊.
Thank you Vusi Thembekwayo Inc for being an inspiration to young entrepreneurs like me and many others.🫶
Found out about you through Facebook. Your videos really changed my way of communicating in terms of speaking, fixture of posture and gestures, eye contact, grooming, and the main one is insight and inspiration towards entrepreneurship.
Wishing you the best in the future to come, sir VT.
Happy Celebrations!
Following all the way from Papua New Guinea 🇵🇬
You are an inspiration to the African youths Sir
The vision, the fire, the work and dedication despite distractions is a testament that we can build ecosystems of peak productivity in Africa.
Once more congratulations sir
Sales Coach || B2B Sales Leader || 2x Founder || 💫 12 Years Expertise in Sales.
I teach African entrepreneurs in the Creative Space how to Sell and Thrive.
Thank you for being a source of inspiration to upcoming entrepreneurs.
Your excellence, passion and consistency serve as motivation to everyone that listens to you.
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The jury's still out.... Not sure if you're fake or fact.... Your net worth means nothing. Dont judge me, There's just something not genuine and natural....
Beyond the years of Service
We often pat ourselves on the back for sticking around a place for a long time. "Look at me, ten years here!" we boast. But let's be real: it's not just about the number of years you've clocked in. It's about what you've done with that time.
Think of your career like a garden. Sure, you can brag about how long you've tended it, but the real beauty lies in the flowers you've grown, the challenges you've overcome, and the lessons you've learned along the way. Those are the things that truly matter.
Every day at work is a chance to learn something new. You've probably faced some big challenges, celebrated some huge wins, and worked with all sorts of amazing people. That's the stuff that makes you who you are professionally.
So, next time you're thinking about your work anniversary, don't just count the years. Take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey you've been on. And remember, the best way to celebrate is to share your knowledge and experiences with others. You never know who you might inspire.
What do you think? Have you ever felt like your career was more about the journey than the destination? pls write to me your thoughts
Happy New Year everyone!
The turning of the year (and my work anniversary, see below!) always turns my thoughts to a simple question - How have I evolved in the last year?
For me 2024 was a year of “leaning in”. By that I mean turning towards things that create tension, discomfort or conflict and exploring them to uncover a deeper insight, new perspective or surprising connection.
The big lesson from leaning in this last year is that letting go of expectation is hugely liberating! Expectation leads to disappointment, impatience and frustration. If I embrace things as they are, paradoxically they become more able to change. And life flows more easily with less friction. There’s still disagreement and conflict, but it doesn’t get stuck as often. Also energy is freed up to apply to the things that really matter.
I’m excited to see what 2025 has to offer! If you’d like to share in the comments - how did you evolve in 2024?
Do you take the time to celebrate milestones?
A big promotion
A big deal you closed
An anniversary
Wrapping up a team project
Honoring a team member for living out your company’s core values?
Last night, on the eve of her 6th birthday, my youngest lost her first tooth. It’s a big deal in our house. She’s growing up and we’re proud of her!
When I was younger, playing sports, I struggled to be satisfied with the performance of my most recent game or race and always wished I was a little better.
As a professional, I’ve wrestled with hyper focus after speaking engagements, thinking I could have said “that” slightly different to have a greater impact or I could have asked “one more question” to unlock the key to closing a sale.
Don’t get me wrong, the desire to constantly be 1% better is a great asset to a team and to your own personal growth.
At times, however, we be can become too focused on improving that we neglect to celebrate real wins.
One of the best things you as a leader in your home, your workplace, your marriage, or your community is to take time to celebrate.
Enjoy the wins. Celebrate the milestones.
#dothingsdifferently
Well done to a big 8 years at Hays Michael Li. I admire the belief you have in what you do.
You have taught me what it really means to be a Learner. “I like understanding new things” or “I’m open minded” is miles and miles away from what you are - CliftonStrength #2 Learner.
To be a Learner is an insatisable desire and talent to know every nook and cranny of a complex system with no direction but your own volition to acquire knowledge. What most people would take one look at and say “too hard” or “I just need you to tell me what to do”, Learners possess an incredible power to dissect every aspect of the task at hand, understand it, and rebuild it better.
You listen to every point that is being said and you’re not fooled by the fluff or “charm” or charisma. You will stand your ground, even if no one else is there to back you.
You have my admiration. Keep being everything that I’m not so I can continue to learn from you.
Thank you.
#congratulations#8years#learninganddevelopment#cliftonstrengths
======The Last Quater Of The Year.======
As I sat at my desk having my late lunch while getting shocked when i looked at my watch only to learn its already 4pm , a thought struck me: "We are in the final evenings of 2024—what remains in your hands as night approaches?" It reminded me how the closing moments of any season, project, or year are critical.
The energy you bring as you approach the end determines the trajectory for what comes next. Just as the last rays of sunset prepare the sky for the dawn, the effort and focus you put into wrapping up one chapter directly influence how you start the next.
Whether you're reflecting on personal goals, professional growth, or relationships, now is the time to take stock of what you've accomplished and identify where you're headed and also very crucial thing is to also not to hold on to the past glory or lost failure, they can be used as a point of reference but not as a point of reflection when its already evening on your assignments and tasks.
It’s easy to feel tired as the year winds down, but remember that the way you finish will set the stage for your new beginnings.
Don’t let this evening pass by without holding onto what matters most, shaping the future you want to see tomorrow.
Use the final energy of this year to push yourself higher, and set the foundation for your success in the next morning.
Thee Black Jaguar
Online Mathematics Tutor || Customer Service Specialist || I Empower Students to Succeed with Ease and Deliver Exceptional Customer Experiences for Businesses
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.
That’s how I’ve felt,
Not just at weddings, but in life.
Watching others celebrate their big moments
While I’m still waiting for mine.
Engagements. Promotions. Babies. Success stories.
And I couldn’t stop asking:
Why not me?
But here’s what I’ve learned:
Comparison only makes you forget how far you’ve come.
Just because my path is different doesn’t mean it’s less meaningful.
Here’s what helped me find peace:
1. Celebrate your small wins.
Every step forward matters—even the tiny ones.
2. Stop measuring yourself against others.
You’re not behind—you’re just on your own timeline.
3. Find gratitude in where you are now.
When you see what you have, it feels like enough.
Your time is coming.
And when it does, it will be beautiful.
I recently celebrated my 36th work anniversary with Furst Group (rocking that 90’s hair)! As I look back on my career so far, I’m struck by how much I’ve grown—professionally and personally. Every step of the journey has taught me something valuable. Here are a few lessons that have shaped who I am today.
1️⃣ Growth starts outside your comfort zone.
The moments I once feared the most in the beginning—speaking up in a meeting or speaking at a conference—and later—acquiring an existing company and starting a new one—were the ones that taught me the most. You grow when you dare to try.
2️⃣ Failure is part of the process.
I used to fear making mistakes, but now I see them as stepping stones. Each failure brought lessons that no success could have taught me.
3️⃣ Never stop learning.
The world—and the workplace—evolves constantly. Staying curious and continuously building my skill sets have kept me adaptable and open to new opportunities.
4️⃣ Celebrate progress, not perfection.
It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the next milestone. But I’ve learned to pause, reflect, and appreciate how far I’ve come—even if there’s more to achieve.
To everyone out there navigating your career: trust the process, embrace the challenges, and never stop believing in your potential.
#WorkAnniversary#Growth#CareerLessons
We’re all so focused on the destination—the big goals, the next milestone, the “I’ll be happy when…” moments. But let’s be honest… how often do we stop to appreciate the journey? 💫
I recently spoke to a client who had just hit a huge milestone. Instead of celebrating, she was already focused on the next big thing. I get it—we’re driven, ambitious, always reaching for more. But sometimes we forget that every step forward is worth celebrating. 🎉
Here’s the truth:
1️⃣ Growth happens in the journey—not just at the destination.
2️⃣ Small wins fuel big results—take time to acknowledge them.
3️⃣ Reflection brings perspective—look back and see how far you’ve come. 🌟
Take a moment today to appreciate your journey. You’re doing amazing things, and every step forward deserves a little celebration. 🎊
💬 What’s one win you’re celebrating this week—big or small? Drop a 🙌 in the comments and let’s celebrate each other’s journeys!
CEO & Founder Silver Talkies | Co-Author of Rethink Ageing (Penguin India) | Winner of Visa Inc's She's Next grant | Goldman Sachs 10K program NSRCEL IIM Bangalore
Some dates are always special such as today, the date when we launched Silver Talkies Club six years ago in 2018, based on the inputs from attendees of our events. They wanted to meet more often, know their co-participants better and have more fun and engaging opportunities. Hence Silver Talkies Club was born in a time and age when active ageing, loneliness and isolation among older adults were not spoken about or discussed much in our country. I was in fact told by many peers that I was playing in a small niche field. Fast forward to 2024, almost every new player in the senior care space is looking at addressing similar issues with similar models.
Did we start too early or did they start too late? I think it is immaterial for as they say that all's well that ends well. What is most heartening for me is to note that in the pic below all the people who became members in 2018 are still members in 2024, with the exception of one member whom we lost a few months ago. Six years of relationship still doing strong! So we must be doing something right:)
Cheers to healthy ageing!
#olderadults#activeageing#seniorcare#healthyageing#anniversary
Six incredible years have flown by, and today we're celebrating a remarkable milestone - Happy 6th Anniversary to the Silver Talkies Family!
A heartfelt shoutout to each and every one of our amazing members who've been with us since day one, your support and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind our journey.
While we celebrate our triumphs, we also remember our dear friend and pioneer member, Arun Bhatia, whose spirit continues to inspire us every day. And a special mention to Akila Krishnakumar, our beacon of wisdom and guidance, thank you for being our mentor and advisor throughout this incredible journey.
Here's to many more years of laughter, learning, and cherished memories together!
|| •Horticulturist •||• Validate.Global Fellow •||• WASH Advocate •||• ACTIVATE YAC •||• KIC Agritech Challenge Alumnus•||• Pitch to Save the world winner •||• SDG’s activist •||• Co-Founder,AgroCold Ghana Ltd•||
4moInspiring journey! Congratulations 👏 on your achievement. It's quite amazing knowing that you're celebrating your 22nd year in public speaking. To me, today is exactly a year after resigning to commit fully on my startup. Maybe the universe is telling me something 😊. Thank you Vusi Thembekwayo Inc for being an inspiration to young entrepreneurs like me and many others.🫶