Asambe

Asambe - Let's Go!

Asambe means “let’s go” in Zulu, and that’s exactly our mission; we invite listeners to step into new fields and discover what it’s really like to work in them. Each episode features a conversation with someone from a different profession, from baristas to journalists to human resource employees, giving listeners a grounded introduction to the work you do, the challenges you face, and the joys you find in it.

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  1. 2월 25일

    Asambe with Thembi, a director | On failure, how to network and build your skills

    In the second episode of Asambe, Aliasgher and Saleha speak to Thembi Shangase, a development leader dedicated to equity and early childhood education. Drawing on her own journey as a young woman from rural South Africa, she offers a grounded perspective on overcoming systemic barriers to socio-economic mobility. Thembi holds a Master’s in Development Studies and serves as the Executive Director of Book Dash, an innovative non-profit that aims to ensure every child owns 100 books by age five. In this powerful episode, Thembi takes us on a journey from her childhood in the valley of a Thousand Hills to the executive office, illustrating how access to information acts as the ultimate lever for social mobility. We discuss her "mastery of pivots"; how she navigated transitions from sports science to development economics, and eventually into leadership. Thembi shares the profound impact of her mother's sacrifices, specifically the 2,000-rand set of Childcraft books that opened a window to the world long before she ever left her village. We dive deep into the reality of youth unemployment, the "scaffolding" required to help graduates bridge the gap between education and employment, and why the SMME space is often where the richest career growth happens. From the design of the Finnish welfare state to the front lines of South African education, this conversation is a masterclass in building a career rooted in purpose. Inspirational Takeaways & Quotes Thembi’s story is filled with madness and courage. Here are the standout moments and pieces of advice from our talk: - On Ambition: "I am this Thembi that wants the kid from the deepest village of our country to have a future they’ve never thought of." - On Self-Belief: "You gotta believe in your madness, because everything out there that is being done is because somebody believed in their madness." - On Failure: "Failure is in essence an opportunity to tweak what you’ve put out in the world. Fail fast, fail publicly, and redesign." - On Networking: "Networking is about being in the room, telling your story, and listening. Be human first, before you are the job you are trying to get." - On Productivity: "We work because we want to have life. When you center family in policy, you are working at the true motivations of people." - The "Shaq" Strategy: "Name your inner critic. When that voice tells you that you can't do it, tell it: 'Shut up, Shaq. I’m doing this."

    1시간 21분
  2. 1월 15일

    Asambe with Cameron, the tour guide | How to build your confidence and navigate neurodivergencies

    In the first episode of Asambe, Aliasgher and Saleha speak to Cameron Peters. Cameron Peters is a 29-year-old writer, reader, teacher, editor, bookseller, tour-guide, Oxford graduate and critic, but a Capetonian above all. Having founded Cape Town Heritage Tours in 2021, he spends his weeks and weekends traipsing about the city, educating the general public about the lore and fascinations of South African history. He aspires to reach a very broad audience with his gospel of curiosity and make South Africa a more walkable country by hook or by crook. Cameron talks about his unconventional career path, exploring how he transitioned from a background in screenwriting and academia to becoming a full-time storyteller on the streets of Cape Town. Cameron opens up about navigating the world as a neurodivergent professional, explaining how Asperger’s syndrome became his "superpower," granting him the intense focus and memory needed to master South African history. The conversation covers the grit required to build a business from scratch, moving from "bootleg" informal tours for friends to a professional heritage brand. We also discuss the importance of intellectual exercise through reading, the value of public libraries, and why South Africans need to reimagine their cities not as colonial relics, but as evolving spaces belonging to the people. Cameron’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and the missionary faith required to pursue a niche passion. Here are some of the most striking moments from the talk: * On Finding Your Niche: "Because no one else is doing it doesn't mean there isn’t demand for it; it just means it hasn't been presented in a way that people will actually love yet." * On Consistency: "Don’t be a bad boss to yourself. Give yourself the grace to grow, but show up for your passion every day as if it’s your job." * On Neurodiversity: "Your isolation can be a way of connecting with other people in a better way than you thought you could." * On the Power of Reading: "Reading is exactly for your brain what exercise is for your body... it’s not just for you; it’s a treasure you can give to other people." * The Ultimate Advice: "Enjoy being the weird one in the profession. Being weird is underrated."

    51분

소개

Asambe means “let’s go” in Zulu, and that’s exactly our mission; we invite listeners to step into new fields and discover what it’s really like to work in them. Each episode features a conversation with someone from a different profession, from baristas to journalists to human resource employees, giving listeners a grounded introduction to the work you do, the challenges you face, and the joys you find in it.