Asambe

Asambe - Let's Go!
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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.

Episodes

  1. 20 Aug

    Asambe with Alex, a public health researcher | How to find your voice, value community and manage career arcs

    In this episode, we sit down with Alex, a public health researcher and epidemiologist who shares her journey from a comfortable, middle-class upbringing in Cape Town to working on the front lines of global health. Alex reflects on her time at Livingston High School, a space rich in political legacy that grounded her in activism, consciousness, and academic focus. We trace her evolution from the confines of a biomedical lab coat at UCT to tracking concentrated epidemics with the CDC in Atlanta, and eventually returning to Johannesburg to manage national emergency responses and vaccine rollouts during the Covid-19 pandemic. We dive deep into the psychological impact of navigating historically exclusionary spaces as a person of color, the critical importance of human connection over a curated digital presence, and why true freedom means creating the stability required for people to reach their full potential on their own terms. Alex also opens up about her personal growth in handling workplace conflict, transitioning from being conflict-averse to lean into empathy, Lowering the temperature, and asking questions to lower defensive barriers. Inspirational Takeaways & Quotes Alex’s story is a beautiful reminder that a life’s work is built iteratively through diverse experiences, active citizenship, and an ongoing willingness to self-reflect. Here are the highlights from our conversation: * On Finding Your Voice: "It takes a while to find your voice and feel comfortable within big spaces... but you have a right to be there, and you have a right to inhabit that space more fully." * On the Illusion of Perfection: "A lot of us are doppelgangers right now because we have our in-real-life profile and our social media profile... but showing up authentically in real life is what saves you from the exhaustion of maintaining a perfect image." * On Workplace Dynamics: "When you interview with people, what is important is: 'If I was stuck with this person in an airport lounge for five hours because our flight is delayed, would I enjoy that experience?' Character building is just as key as the academic piece." * On Productive Conflict: "Conflict is inevitable, it’s actually really important, and it’s such an important way for relationships to grow and deepen. But you’ve got to go through the entire cycle of engaging, resolving, and repairing." * On Mentorship: "Have conversations with individuals who are just a step or two ahead of you. They are often the most insightful because they are currently dealing with the exact same challenges you are facing right now." * The Value of Stepping Out: "There are experiences you go through that teach you so much about what you like doing, and often what you don't like doing... you genuinely do not know what could come from putting yourself out into different spaces."

  2. 17 Jun

    Asambe with Francesca, a political researcher | On taking chances, local government and the power of side quests

    In this episode, we speak to Francesca, a political researcher with a background in law who works behind the scenes in Parliament to support the public representatives of a political party. Francesca takes us through her journey from an all-girls high school to studying law at Stellenbosch, followed by a unique stint in corporate intelligence in the UK and a master's degree at UWC where she unexpectedly fell in love with local government. We discuss the demanding, fast-paced nature of legislative work, balancing highly reactive political news with the proactive work of breaking down dense, complex policies into formats that everyday citizens can understand. Francesca also shares an incredibly transparent look at being a professional navigating ADHD and autism, explaining how she relies on detailed note-taking and custom time-management setups to adapt to the daily demands of her role. Inspirational Takeaways & Quotes Francesca’s experiences show how much value lies in staying deeply curious and embracing the unexpected side quests of a career. Here are the highlights from our conversation: * On True Networking: Networking is about being in the room, getting to know people, having conversations, and building a community of people you can rely on for advice. * On Lifelong Learning: The world is your oyster. You’re never stuck with the skills you have and the knowledge you have; you can always learn something new. * On Overcoming Hesitation: Take the chance. What's the worst thing that can happen? You can get a no. The best thing that can happen is you open doors for yourself. * On Embracing the Journey: You are building a puzzle of your life and your career. If it doesn't make sense yet, you're just not there yet. The picture starts coming together as you go along. * The Value of Curiosity: I am a big believer that you can learn something new from every single person in the world. Genuinely engage, see more, and learn more.

  3. 12 May

    Asambe with Sidebane, a barista | On accidental careers

    In episode 3, we sit down with Sidabane, the talented barista behind the counter at Bertha House, to uncover the journey behind the perfect pour. Sidabane shares a candid look at his upbringing in Khayelitsha, navigating the pressures of the streets and the vital role his mother played in keeping his future on track. We talk about the gruelling reality of being a commuter student, waking up at 5:00 AM to travel for education, and how that exhaustion shapes a young person's focus. Sidabane opens up about his accidental career path: how a season of unemployment and a love for jogging led him to the cycling community and, eventually, to a coffee machine he initially wanted nothing to do with. We discuss the transition from being a shy, quiet observer to a confident barista who views coffee as a social bridge and an intricate craft involving math, sensory science, and even emotional intuition. Inspirational Takeaways & Quotes Sidabane’s story is one of evolution, resilience, and the surprising ways our interests can chain together. Here are the highlights: - On the barista's intuition: "Coffee senses your mood. If you’re under stress, it’s not there in that cup. I’ve learned to switch my personality to make sure I care for my customers." - On personal growth: "Doing coffee teaches you about yourself. I couldn't look someone in the eyes before; it taught me how to be confident." - On non-linear careers: "You almost have four careers in your life. This isn't my last one, but I've learned to be into it as much as possible while I'm here." - On taking the leap: "Don't be afraid to try an informal version of your job first. Enlist your friends, find your grace, and let the profession grow into you." - The golden rule of coffee: "Never have the first cup of the day. Patience is the secret to fresh beans and a great start."

  4. 25 Feb

    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."

  5. 15 Jan

    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."

  6. 9 Jan

    Welcome to Asambe

    Welcome to Asambe, which means let's go! in Zulu. This is a podcast where we'll be interviewing people in careers you didn't even think were an option, and they will be sharing their tips on how to get to where you want to be, what you should consider when you're looking to pick a career or move careers, and what your choices are.

  • 6 Episodes

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Asambe - Let's Go!
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Asambe - Let's Go!
  • Show Website
    Asambe