Amandla with Mpeo

Why your Workplace May be Trying to Silence You (Part 2) Are you a strong, capable leader who's faced pushback and undermining in the workplace? Do you feel like your competence is seen as a threat rather than an asset? In Part 2 of this empowering conversation with Executive Coach Alicia Pieterse, we expose the hidden dynamics that can sabotage your confidence and competence. Discover how to navigate cultural nuances, address conflict with grace, and reclaim your power in any professional setting. Alicia and Mpeo dive into: • The "Strong Black Woman" Paradox: Unpack the frustrating reality that competent, confident Black women often face in the workplace, where their strengths are both sought after and rejected. • Navigating Cultural Minefields: Learn how cultural practices (like familial terms of address) can create unhealthy power dynamics • Decoding Power Trips: Recognise the signs of stonewalling, gaslighting, and undermining from those in positions of authority • Owning Your Worth: Discover how to establish yourself as an adult, rather than approaching leadership with fear • Breaking the "Yes Men" Cycle: Understand how a lack of honest feedback and political savviness can lead to organisational dysfunction. • Setting Boundaries with Cultural Respect: Find the balance between honouring cultural norms and maintaining professional boundaries • Conflict Resolution as a Superpower: Discover why conflict management is a crucial skill for thriving in any workplace • The Art of Active Listening: Master the underrated skill of truly listening to others, suspending your own opinions, and creating a safe space for open dialogue. • Turning Wounds into Wisdom: Process your emotions, find support, and transform toxic workplace experiences into opportunities for growth • Taking Action and Mobilising Change: Move beyond complaining and trauma bonding

Mastering Workplace Dynamics with Emotional Intelligence (Part 1) Is your workplace a breeding ground for drama and frustration? Do you dream of leading with confidence and building strong, authentic relationships with your colleagues? In Part 1 of this game-changing conversation with Executive Coach Alicia Pieterse, we expose the secrets to becoming a mature leader and transforming your workplace into a thriving environment. Get ready to ditch the office politics and unlock your true leadership potential! Alicia and Mpeo crack the code on: • Taming the Workplace Jungle: Discover how to spot the telltale signs of a toxic work environment • Your Emotional First Aid Kit: Equip yourself with practical, actionable techniques for managing your emotions in the heat of the moment. • The Inner Child Decoder: Learn how to identify and manage your "inner child's" knee-jerk reactions in professional settings. • The COIN Method: Your Secret Weapon for Feedback: Master the art of giving and receiving feedback with the COIN model (Context, Observable behaviour, Impact, Next steps). • Navigating the People Maze: Get practical strategies for building bridges with colleagues you dislike. • Demystifying Power Dynamics: Understand the impact of power dynamics in different organisations • Brave Conversations, Bold Results: Discover how to prepare for and initiate "brave conversations" that address tough issues head-on.

Decoding the Hidden Rules of the Workplace: a Guide to Office Politics. In this episode, Mpeo Nkosi dives deep into the often-dreaded world of office politics with guest Niven Postma, a strategy and leadership consultant and author of "If You Don't Do Politics, Politics Will Do You." Niven and Mpeo dismantle common myths surrounding workplace dynamics, revealing that political intelligence isn't about manipulation, but rather about understanding the unspoken rules, building relationships, and ethically wielding influence to achieve your goals and support your team. Key Discussion Points: • Defining Office Politics • The Inevitability of Politics • The Five Myths of Office Politics • Ethical Influence • Understanding Your "Otherness" • The Power of Visibility • Avoiding Political Suicide • Toxic Work Environments • The Problem with "Empowerment" and "Authenticity" • Mistaking Activity for Achievement

Perimenopause Symptoms, Stages, and Self-Advocacy with Xoli Madlala. Are you feeling lost in the confusing world of perimenopause? Hot flashes, mood swings, sleep troubles... where do you even begin? Join Mpeo Nkosi as she sits down with South African menopause advocate Xoli Madlala, author of The Perimenopausal Globetrotter, to unravel the mysteries of this significant life transition. In this candid conversation, they dive into the 34 symptoms of perimenopause, discuss how to advocate for yourself with your doctor, and share practical tips for thriving through this often-challenging time. Learn about healthy lifestyle changes, the importance of partner support, and how to navigate the cultural and religious perspectives surrounding menopause. If you're ready to take control of your health and embrace this new chapter, this episode is for you! You can follow Xoli Madlala on @maskoffwithxoli on Instagram to order her book.

Meet yourself with compassion. In this powerful episode, Mpeo Nkosi and Coach Tumi Sibanda dive deep into the vital practice of self-forgiveness. If you've ever struggled with letting go of past decisions, this episode is for you. Coach Tumi Sibanda is a recalibration catalyst, author, and coach who helps professionals and entrepreneurs align their lives with their authentic selves. She is the author of "You Are Enough" and owns SAHNO (Sahno.africa), a company focused on personal and professional development. Key Discussion Points: • Understanding the difference between shame and guilt, and how shame can hinder self-acceptance. • The importance of recognising human evolution and change in the context of personal growth. • A practical four-step process for moving forward from past mistakes: acknowledgment, personal responsibility, emotional processing, and forgiveness. • The power of daily rituals, including a mirror session, to reinforce self-forgiveness and commitment. • How idealistic notions and societal pressures can drive decisions that aren't aligned with your true values. • The role of self-awareness in making deliberate life decisions and aligning your choices with your authentic self. • How to make new choices • How to give yourself some grace Tumi Sibanda's website

Thandi Domingo on Single Parenting, Co-Parenting, and Blended Families. In this episode, Mpeo Nkosi welcomes Thandi Domingo, a leading coach specialising in single parenting, co-parenting strategies, and the unique dynamics of blended families. She is the author of "To Single Moms with Love" and co-author of "The Blended and the Beautiful." Thandi shares her transformative personal journey from navigating the challenges of single motherhood to successfully co-parenting and building a thriving blended family. Thandi dives into key topics such as: • The "Single Mom" Label: Understanding its impact and redefining motherhood beyond marital status. • Co-Parenting Evolution: From parallel parenting to effective communication and a functional co-parenting relationship. • Mediation in Co-Parenting: How mediation can regulate emotions, establish structure, and create court-ordered parenting plans that prioritise children's needs. • Dating as a Single Parent: Guidance on timing, introducing new partners, and navigating the complexities of dating while parenting. • Blended Family Dynamics: The importance of pre-marital counselling, communication, and understanding in blended family situations. • Restoring the Black Family: Thandi's vision for empowering women and encouraging men to embrace their roles in nurturing children. Thandi and Lunga's episode on The Conversation Capital with Ursula Mariani · Co-Parenting WorkBook and Resource

Go Deeper with Coach Alicia - Breaking Free from Fragile Peace. Welcome back to "Go Deeper," the segment where host Mpeo Nkosi and Coach Alicia Pieterse dive into the questions that linger after thought-provoking guest interviews. This week, they unpack the concept of "fragile peace" and its impact on individuals and communities. Inspired by a conversation with Lesedi Molefi, author of Patient 12A, on the episode “The Cost of Fragile Peace” Mpeo and Coach Alicia explore the idea of "fragile peace" and how we prioritise silence over truth to maintain appearances. We discuss how this dynamic manifests in black and brown communities, the generational impact of suppressing emotions, and the steps individuals can take to break free from these harmful cycles. Key Discussion Points: • Defining "fragile peace" and its prevalence in certain cultural contexts. • The roots of fragile peace in working-class families and the pressure to maintain appearances. • The generational impact of fragile peace: how trauma and coping mechanisms are passed down. • The cost of suppression and pretence: depression, substance abuse, and numbing behaviours. • The importance of breaking the cycle of silence and finding the courage to speak truth. • The difference between loyalty and complicity. • Practical steps for breaking free from fragile peace: self-reflection, honest conversations, and seeking professional help. • The power of finding your voice and creating safety for authentic expression. • The importance of starting with small changes in your immediate environment.

Mental Health & Systemic Issues in South Africa (Part 2). Mpeo Nkosi continues her powerful conversation with Lesedi Molefi, author of Patient 12A, exploring the profound impact of systemic issues on mental health in South Africa. Lesedi shares his experiences navigating poverty, confronting suppressed anger, and overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health within his community. He challenges the notion of “fragile peace,” highlighting the need for authentic emotional expression and systemic change. This essential episode tackles complex issues of race, trauma, and societal structures, offering valuable insights into mental health and well-being. Key Discussion Points: - Emotional Suppression & Depression: Lesedi explains how societal pressures and personal experiences led to the suppression of emotions. - Anger and Trauma: The various ways suppressed anger can manifest, the importance of healthy anger expression. - Privilege and Poverty: Lesedi's unique experiences navigating both privilege and poverty and how it shaped his life. - Workplace Dynamics & Trauma: The challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate environments, the rewards of high-functioning depression, and the suppression of authentic emotions. - Mental Health Stigma: The stigma surrounding mental health in Black communities, historical factors contributing to this stigma. - The Cost of Fragile Peace: A critical examination of the detrimental effects of maintaining a façade of peace over addressing family issues. Purchase this powerful memoir here

Male Mental Health Memoir: Lesedi Molefi on Trauma & Healing (PART 1) Join Mpeo Nkosi for a powerful and moving conversation with Lesedi Molefi, author of the acclaimed South African memoir, Patient 12A. In this first part, Lesedi bravely confronts his past, exploring themes of family dysfunction, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and the power of self-discovery. Lesedi shares his personal journey through mental health treatment, the complexities of his family relationships, and the immense challenges of writing a memoir about his traumatic childhood. This episode offers raw honesty and valuable insight into the healing power of storytelling. Key Discussion Points: - Childhood Trauma & Family Dynamics: Lesedi discusses his complex family relationships and the lasting effects of early trauma. - Mental Health Treatment: A candid account of Lesedi's experiences in a psychiatric hospital and his path to recovery. - The Memoir Writing Process: The emotional and logistical hurdles of writing a personal account of trauma and healing. - The Power of Storytelling: Lesedi's insights into the importance of sharing one's story for healing and connection. Purchase this powerful memoir here

Go Deeper with Coach Alicia - Unpacking Your Values-Driven Life. Welcome to Amandla - The Power Within's brand new segment: "Go Deeper"! In this series, host Mpeo Nkosi teams up with Coach Alicia Pieterse of Nurturing Growth Trading to explore the burning questions that arise after guest interviews. Get ready for actionable insights, practical tools, and authentic conversations that will empower you to live a more intentional and fulfilling life. In this inaugural "Go Deeper" episode, Mpeo and Coach Alicia tackle the question: "At what point do we start living a values-driven life, and does it even matter?" Inspired by a conversation with Melusi Tshabalala on the episode “Magenge we need to talk”, Mpeo reflects on the importance of integrity and the challenges of aligning actions with core values. Coach Alicia shares her expertise, offering practical tools like the "Wheel of Life" to help listeners identify, prioritise, and evolve their values. Key Discussion Points: • The concept of living a values-driven life and its significance. • How survival mode can overshadow awareness of personal values. • Using the "Wheel of Life" tool to prioritise values across different life aspects (financial, family, spiritual, health). • The challenges of narrowing down values and the influence of socialisation and conditioning. • How values evolve with life stages and the importance of flexibility. • The power of understanding what you don't want as a starting point for self-discovery. • Navigating value clashes, especially within family dynamics. • The difference between "what" you want to achieve and "how" you want to achieve it. • The importance of aligning your actions with your values for a more fulfilling life. Nurturing Growth Condensed Enneagram Personality Test · Nurturing Growth article on values and Wheel of Life Tool · Nurturing Growth Trading Coaching Circles · Alternative Wheel of Life resource · Alternative Enneagram personality test resource

Navigating Middle Age: Male Vulnerability, Relationships, & Self-Acceptance. In this insightful and funny conversation, Mpeo and Melusi Tshabalala (Author of 'Magenge We Need to Talk' and 'Melusi's Everyday Zulu') explore the complexities of male identity in middle age. Melusi candidly shares his journey from the chaotic energy of his younger years to a place of self-acceptance and reflection. They discuss the challenges men face in expressing vulnerability, the importance of open communication in relationships, and the unique pressures of modern marriage and fatherhood. This episode is a must-listen for men seeking personal growth and deeper connection. Learn how to embrace vulnerability, strengthen relationships, and achieve self-acceptance. Key Discussion Points: From Fun to Seriousness: Melusi's transition from a care-free youth to confronting anxiety and life choices in his 30s. Male Vulnerability and Communication: The societal pressures that prevent men from openly discussing struggles. Marriage and Relationships: Melusi's perspective on the importance of treating marriage as a partnership. Parenting and Fatherhood: The challenges and rewards of raising children. Self-Acceptance and Personal Growth: Melusi's journey to self-acceptance, including his experience with alcohol and other habits. Seeking Professional Help: The importance of seeking professional support over relying solely on friends. Follow Melusi's hilarious daily anecdotes and learn isiZulu while at it · Purchase 'Magenge We Need to Talk'. Read, enjoy, laugh, and learn.

Exploring Transformational Coaching and Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs. In the inaugural episode of Amandla with Mpeo, host Mpeo Nkosi invites guest Alicia Pieterse, an executive coach with over 20 years of experience, to discuss transformative coaching and personal growth. Mpeo shares her journey of transformation through coaching, detailing the profound impact it has had on both her professional and personal life. This episode dives deep into various coaching modalities, exploring themes of self-limiting beliefs and the inner critic, and how to get unstuck. Key Highlights: - Mpeo’s personal transformation and the journey that led her to start the podcast. - Discussion of coaching modalities: meta coaching, Enneagram coaching, mind-body coaching. - The impact of self-limiting beliefs on professional and personal development. - Insightful dialogue on the inner critic and how to nurture self-compassion. - Differentiating coaching from therapy and understanding their respective focuses.

I’ve spent years walking the path of self-discovery. From becoming a young mom at 21 to burning out in my career (probably more than once). I’ve experienced episodes of depression, the endless churn of anxiety, the highs of success, and the annoying, quiet voice of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. I’ve tried to juggle all the roles I inhabit in this body that is starting to do the strangest things — I am being a mother to 3 boys, a wife, a sister, a daughter to an ageing parent, a friend — and as I get older, the more daunting it all feels – like the clock is ticking in surround sound on everything. I have so many questions about the insanity that is middle life and why no one talks about it! I realise I’m not alone in this search - in these questions about life, love, work, and purpose that just feel different now. I am truly grateful for long, vulnerable conversations with friends and the therapy that is great music on full blast to help me navigate my journey to this point. In all of it, real connection has made the difference and being curious is helping me face my life head on. And that’s how Amandla (The Power Within) was born. In this podcast, I invite you to journey with me. Join me as I engage in raw, honest conversations with thinkers, authors, creators and many others who have asked the same tough questions and dared to dig deeper. Together, we’ll explore what it really means to find strength within ourselves and live intentionally. So, let’s go there. Let us discover more about ourselves and our world and unlock the power that’s waiting inside each of us. Because it’s already there — it’s just waiting to be awakened.