Nozipho Tshabalala
Softline Pastel’s head of support
Date and place of birth: Swaziland, 28 February 1976.
Education? School in Swaziland Waterford Kamhlaba. Studied clinical psychology at Wits and read for a masters degree in psychology.
First job: Lecturing to undergrads at Wits,
teaching cultural psychology.
Career history? I started consulting on employee wellness
but later worked at the employee wellness company ICAS. Thereafter I headed up the HIV unit at ICAS. In July 2008 I joined Softline Pastel.
Size of first pay packet? R1,500.
First job with present group? I joined as an
organisational development manager with Softline Pastel.
Describe your current job? My job is to keep our employees motivated and engaged. A support division relies heavily on motivated people so the job is one of people management. I also deal with organisation issues and strategies.
Personal best achievement? Finishing my masters thesis is my best achievement thus far. I went through a particularly rough time during that period and it was quite a struggle to get where I am today.
The most exciting recent pastel product? Pastel My Business. I can say that without hesitation because it works even for non-accountants like me.
who had the biggest influence on your career? A French lady called Vijè Franchi. She lectured me third and honours year and motivated me to further my studies in psychology beyond graduate level. She was amazing and helped me celebrate my culture and my background. I must also add Sandy Lewis who is an example of someone who effectively combined psychology and business. She continues to mentor and support me.
what technology do you wish you invented? The iPod. It is just so much part of our lives today. I can honestly say I wish I had invented it – not for the money it generates, but for the social revolution it started.
Management style? Consultation and trust. I am generally laissez-faire and allow people to harness their creativity through ownership of their function at work.
What do you believe every SMME owner should have? Any Pastel product and good advertising. Don’t mess with money
and don’t fly below the radar.
who had the biggest influence on you? My dad. He was a strong character and gave me a lots of feedback throughout my life. He taught me to be honest through living an honest life.
Philosophy of life and business? Speaking your truth.
Favourite reading? Any South African author such as Fred Khumalo, Gillian Slovo or J.M. Coetzee.
Favourite TV programs? Grey’s Anatomy and Isidingo.
Favourite music? Anything sort of jazzy, I suppose. Sade, Gloria Bosman, Miriam Makeba, that type of style.
Hobbies? I bead, read and do mega crossword puzzles.
Car? Polo (Black).
Married? No.
Children? No.
Your favourite gadget? Corkscrew.
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