An Inspirational Note From Vusi Thembekwayo

32-year-old serial entrepreneur, Vusi Thembekwayo is a force to be reckoned with in the business field. He shares his success tips with entrepreneurs.

Last week I was privileged to attend the Global Entrepreneurship Network business seminar. The event brought many renowned business and academic guests to 22 on Sloane in Bryanston, Johannesburg. One of them was the highly esteemed author, businessman, and entrepreneur, Vusi Thembekwayo. I really couldn’t help but share his inspirational address that he gave to aspiring business people. This is what he said:

“Think about the world as a global village and your oyster. You can play in it the way you want, no matter where you come from. In the world of business, there are dark moments where you think you are crazy. Every entrepreneur knows what it’s like to be there. I have learned that failing is an eventuality that is part of the business process. When I started out, I wanted to take my talent to a global platform because I think that it is of global caliber. I have also learned that the naysayers are often louder than those you support you.

I have taken the time to analyse the psychology of what it takes for one to be a hater. What do you go through for you to pick up a device in the morning and decide to pull someone else down, especially through social media? How does one find the pleasure of seeing someone ascend only to bring them down? A lot of us pull others down because of our backgrounds. In such instances, the only reference to the success we see is either in crime or when it is unearned. Where I come from people with money were either criminals or into bribery.

Instead of finding inspiration from our young peers we want to bring them down. It’s sad that in our black communities, we’ve come to believe that the only way to succeed must have a dark side attached to it.  There are things I want entrepreneurs to know; firstly, there is no such thing as a risk but only eventuality. Failure isn’t a risk but an eventuality. The question you should not ask yourself is what happens if but what happens when.

Also, don’t let where you come from limit where you are going. I refuse to let where I come from be my identity because I didn’t choose it. If you come from the township you will understand that the architect behind such places stems from a system that aims to give you a specific message: that your aspirations and dreams are valid and as narrow as the streets of that township. When one narrows streets, they narrow people’s imagination.

There must be a deep conversation about what it’s going to take for those of us who want to break the mould and become global citizens in this journey called entrepreneurship. We have to rewire what and how we think. People who really move the trajectory of the world have a common thread: they are not limited in their thinking.

I have reached a point where entrepreneurship is not about how I am going to make profits, it’s about how do we shape and reshape the minds of the people we work with. How do we exist for something much bigger than ourselves?

We live in a world that is incredibly biased. Unfortunately, we live in a time where when we make it people will find any excuse and not give you the truest reason for your success: that you deserve it.

If you find yourself on the brink of giving up just know that your life’s bigger than what you can imagine. Your success should not be about what car you drive or where you live. It should be about whether or not you can write a new script for the next generation.

Lastly, be kind. Before you pass judgment or rebuke someone who is probably fighting their internal battles, extend a kind hand at all times.”

Who in the business field inspires you and why?

Connect with Vusi on:

https://www.facebook.com/vusi.thembekwayo

Twitter: @VusiThembekwayo

Instagram: @vusithembekwayo)

Image: Instagram