Episodes

  • Shakespear Nkosi Ep29 | Music Maestro | Nature's Rhythm, Artistic Growth, Studio Triumphs, Evolution
    Dec 13 2023

    Chapters:

    0:00 Disclaimer and episode start

    3:05 Countdown to Nine to Life Podcast

    8:16 Early Ambitions of Being a Pioneer

    12:09 The Meaning Behind Seventh Wave Records and Entertainment

    16:08 Fruity Loops vs. Beazen: The Great Debate

    21:13 Working with K-Dawg and Milestones in Seventh Wave

    24:29 The Studio's Success and Awards in Timbisa

    29:10 First Milestone: Recognition from a Record Label

    32:27 Introduction to DJing and Events Management

    36:14 The Lucrativeness and Challenges of Sound Engineering in South Africa

    40:11 The Final Step: Mixing and Mastering in Sound Engineering

    47:42 The Life of an Actor in the Music Industry

    53:40 Finding the Drive and Passion Within

    56:49 The Importance of Discipline for Success

    1:00:15 Understanding the Flow of Nature

    1:03:34 Creating a Musical Conversation and Impact

    1:05:15 Reviving an old song with Big Star

    1:08:29 Strategizing the release of the first song

    1:12:04 Exploring hybrid beats and their impact on the project

    1:15:06 The Creation Process Begins

    1:16:01 Passion for Choir and Meeting Umlani

    1:17:40 Overcoming Challenges: Renovations and Unexpected Infections

    1:21:34 Battling COVID: Symptoms and Isolation

    1:24:45 If not in music, Then?

    1:28:22 Wrapping up the show with gratitude and appreciation


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    🎙️ Dive into Ep 29 of 9toLIFE, where we unravel the inspiring musical journey of Shakespear Nkosi, a visionary in the music industry. This episode explores the profound influence of nature on music, reflected in Shakespear's album "Thoughts Become Things." We discuss the challenges and innovations within the music industry, including navigating the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.


    Shakespear delves into his early ambitions of being a pioneer, the meaning behind his 7th Wave Records and Entertainment, and the intricacies of music production tools like Fruity Loops and Beazen. His collaborations, including working withTouchline, Rsenic, K-Dawg and other notable artists, are highlighted, showcasing his milestones in 7th Wave.


    We touch on the studio's success, the first awards in Tembisa, and the journey from recognition by a major record label to managing sound engineering challenges in South Africa. The conversation also covers Shakespear's personal growth, the importance of discipline for success, and the evolution of music creation.


    The episode is packed with insights into the music creation process, the impact of hybrid beats on projects, and Shakes'pearss passion for choir music. Overcoming challenges like studio renovations and navigating the effects of COVID-19 are discussed, offering a glimpse into the resilience required in the music industry.


    Join us in this episode as we follow Shakespears's path of creativity, discipline, and evolution in the ever-changing landscape of music. 🎧✨

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Luvuyo Ngengebule Ep28 | Entrepreneur & Visionary | Resilience, Community, Literacy, Impact, Growth
    Dec 6 2023

    0:02:51 - Introduction to the podcast with Luvuyo Ngengebule

    0:06:18 - Origin story and childhood experiences with entrepreneurship

    0:10:46 - Trailblazing against Traditional Paths

    0:13:03 - Growing up around successful entrepreneurs

    0:16:36 - Childhood aspirations and career choices

    0:20:05 - Importance of guidance and mentorship

    0:23:52 - The importance of believing in oneself and having supportive figures

    0:28:02 - Importance of Examples and Positive Messaging for Kids

    0:29:58 - Creating Opportunities and Taking Initiative

    0:33:04 - Recognizing the Value of Artisans and Teachers

    0:36:29 - A Terrible Story Unfolds

    0:36:48 - Corporate World and Studying Law

    0:39:58 - Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Entrepreneurship

    0:44:56 - The Study on True Happiness: Relationships vs. Material Wealth

    0:46:41 - The Importance of Relationships in Shaping Our Minds

    0:52:03 - The Vulnerability of Being Self-Employed

    0:55:06 - The Futility of Building Walls to Keep People Out

    0:57:34 - The Misunderstood Messaging in Hip-Hop Culture

    0:59:22 - The Value of Laughter in Life

    1:02:22 - Dealing with Challenges and Imposter Syndrome

    1:08:07 - A Love for Music and Dreaming of Involvement

    1:11:10 - Importance of Balancing Life and Career


    🎙️ In Episode 28 of 9toLIFE, we welcome Luvuyo Ngengebule, a driven entrepreneur who shares his journey of overcoming challenges and inspiring change. Our conversation begins by debunking common misconceptions about entrepreneurship. Luvwuyo emphasizes that it's not just about profit-making, but more importantly, about finding solutions to problems and supporting one's family and community.

    As we delve into the significance of entrepreneurship in South Africa, especially given the high unemployment rate, Luvwuyo highlights the need for individuals to embrace entrepreneurship as a means of creating opportunities. His own origin story, starting from his birth in Soweto and relocation to Springview, paints a vivid picture of the path that led him to where he is today.

    We also discuss the crucial role of literacy and reading skills in today's society, where social media has become a primary news source. Luvuyo recounts his own entrepreneurial journey, sharing how he navigated unemployment and the challenges of new parenthood, ultimately leading him to start his own business.

    The importance of mentors and supportive relationships is a recurring theme, as they play a pivotal role in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape and fostering resilience. The conversation touches upon the importance of mental health and the need for self-care, particularly in the context of unemployment.

    Luvuyo's desire to create societal change, particularly in addressing issues of poverty and hunger, is inspiring. He speaks about the power of positive messaging and intentions behind actions, the importance of celebrating each other's victories, and the profound impact of words and actions.

    Reflecting on his personal achievements, Luvuyo shares a heartwarming story of providing for his son and saving a man's life, underscoring the importance of making a positive impact through one's efforts. As we address the challenges of imposter syndrome and the need for self-belief, the episode encourages viewers to engage in the conversation and support one another.

    As our discussion comes to a close, we focus on the importance of harnessing our passions to make a positive impact and the genuine desire to inspire and empower others. We invite viewers to join us on this journey of inspiration and empowerment.

    Tune in to this episode of 9toLIFE for a deep dive into Luvuyo Ngengebule's entrepreneurial journey, filled with lessons on resilience, making a difference, and the true essence of entrepreneurship. 🎧✨



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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • Belinda Mduli Ep27 | Perfumer & IT Pro | Scents, Tradition, Tech, Empowerment, Innovation, Trailblazing
    Nov 29 2023

    🎙️ In this enlightening episode of 9toLIFE, we dive into the aromatic world of perfumery with Belinda Mduli, the visionary behind Ventus, a luxury fragrance collection. Belinda shares her profound passion for scents and their remarkable ability to influence the atmosphere and mood of any space. Her belief in positivity and the transformative power of fragrances sets the tone for an engaging discussion.


    We explore Belinda's upbringing in a large traditional family, her challenges with gender role expectations, and how these experiences have shaped her journey. An intriguing childhood recollection reveals how a Tommy Hilfiger perfume advertisement sparked her interest in IT and challenged conventional gender norms, leading her to become the only female in her IT class.


    Belinda's career path, which encompasses diverse roles in the IT field, including impactful work at Microsoft, reflects her adaptability and drive. Her role in government departments and software upgrades highlights the breadth and potential of the IT sector.


    Further delving into the world of scents, Belinda discusses their cultural significance and impact on consumer behavior. She talks about her Ventus fragrance collection, her efforts to champion manufacturing in South Africa, and the pursuit of creating a unique African scent. Her goal to introduce perfumery in South Africa emphasizes the emotional and memory-evoking power of scents.


    The episode also touches on the evolution of the 9toLIFE podcast, the value of feedback, and Belinda's spiritual approach to business coaching and mentorship. Reflecting on career highs and lows, the discussion underscores the importance of finding one's calling and the role of family, community support, and strategic planning in personal and professional growth.


    Join us in this episode for a sensory and insightful journey with Belinda Mduli, as we uncover the power of scents and the diverse pathways to success in the worlds of perfumery and technology. Tune in to be inspired by Belinda's unique perspective and transformative experiences. 🎧✨

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Patrick Kekana Ep 26 | Engineer & Entrepreneur | Resilience, Innovation, Struggle, Growth, Aspiration
    Nov 22 2023

    🎙️ In this episode of 9toLIFE, we embark on a captivating journey with Patrick, a dynamic individual whose path from university to establishing his own company encapsulates the essence of resilience and innovation. Patrick delves into the trials and triumphs of his career, offering a narrative that intertwines practical experience, financial stability, and a deep-seated motivation to succeed.

    From his rural upbringing devoid of role models to a childhood dream of becoming an aircraft engineer, Patrick's story is a testament to determination and vision. His memories of using a computer for the first time at a local post office and his decision to study chemical engineering at the University of Cape Town (UCT) for independence and challenge set the stage for his unique career trajectory.

    Patrick's time at UCT wasn't just about academics; it included early morning pie preparations, various side hustles for income, and extracurricular activities like tutoring. Despite facing the harsh reality of being fired within a week from his first job and struggling financially, his perseverance never waned.

    His transition into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire to create his wealth, despite facing numerous challenges, including unpaid projects that strained his finances. Yet, Patrick's resilience shone through as he achieved significant milestones in his professional growth, including obtaining his MBA and successfully completing engineering projects for clients.

    Throughout the episode, Patrick emphasizes the importance of practical experience, the intricacies of the engineering field, and the need for clarity and guidance in projects. He reflects on his journey, expressing his motivation to inspire others and his future aspirations to advise and develop innovative solutions in engineering.

    Join us in this episode of 9toLIFE as Patrick shares his inspiring story, providing invaluable insights and lessons on navigating the complexities of a career in engineering and entrepreneurship. Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of success. 🎧✨

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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Audrey Mothupi Ep 25 | CEO & CHO | Empowerment, Leadership, Cybersecurity, Data, Consulting
    Nov 15 2023

    00:55 Introducing Audrey Mutupi, CEO of SystemicLogic 04:49 Delivering on timelines and maintaining competitive advantage 07:55 Long-term engagements and walking the path with clients. 12:27 Exceeding Expectations in Work: Going Beyond Job Descriptions 15:46 Creating a Fun and Engaging Work Environment 18:59 Fostering a Culture of Innovation and Collaboration 22:21 Partnering with Clients through Problem-Solving and Productisation 25:55 Building Trust through Accountability and Delivering on Promises 31:48 Creating a Team Culture of Work-Life Balance 35:26 Creating a Pipeline of Talent and Setting People Free 37:58 Multiplying Talent and Celebrating Success 40:26 Navigating challenges and reaching potential in the corporate world 44:11 Shifting Careers: Starting with Where You Are Now 48:06 Making Time and Taking Risks to Pursue Your Calling 51:04 Reframing Negativity into Positivity 55:21 Creating Jobs and Wealth as a Vision 58:00 A Closing Message of Support and Belief Description: 🎙️ Join us on this episode of 9toLIFE as we delve into the world of technology and cybersecurity with Audrey Mothupi, CEO of SystemicLogic. Audrey's insightful leadership has steered her company to become a prominent global player, not just in management consulting, but as an execution partner in digital data, innovation, and cybersecurity solutions. In our conversation, Audrey explores the essence of building trust and true partnerships with clients. She shares her belief in working to solve the client's problems effectively, aiming to deliver exceptional results, and creating lasting relationships. Her African heritage deeply influences her professional approach, integrating cultural values into her entrepreneurial journey. Discover how SystemicLogic fosters a unique work environment where problem-solving and curiosity are key. Audrey highlights their 'Culture Club', a hub for innovation, where employees from diverse backgrounds collaborate in hackathons and pitch days, developing solutions like their digitized time management system. Audrey discusses the importance of exceeding client expectations, delivering on promises, and adopting a shareholder's perspective to find innovative solutions. She also touches on the significance of work-life balance, team empowerment, and maintaining an open and transparent relationship with clients. Learn from Audrey's emphasis on recognizing each team member's contribution, advocating for growth, and encouraging leaders to embrace the talent in their teams. She provides valuable advice for young professionals on career advancement, self-disruption, and finding growth opportunities. Finally, Audrey speaks to the importance of pursuing one's passion, taking risks, and the transformative power of positive thinking. She closes the episode by highlighting the crucial role of job creation and entrepreneurship in impacting lives and fostering South Africa's potential. Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Audrey Mutupi on 9toLIFE and get inspired to empower innovation, embrace challenges, and believe in your dreams! 🎧✨

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    59 mins
  • Julia Phinithi Ep 24| Business Exec | CFO salaries, Lifelong growth, GIBS, Risk, Senior management,
    Nov 8 2023

    0:01:00 Managing Expectations: Money and Career Goals 0:03:13 MBA Days and Roots 0:09:58 The Importance of Passing on Businesses to Future Generations 0:10:38 Foresight and Strategic Planning for the Future 0:11:34 Childhood Memories at "Mathematics" School 0:15:20 Early years and regrets 0:19:33 Completing degree and finding a job 0:22:53 Early Career and Transition to SOE 0:26:13 Moving Up in the Organisation and Analysing Loan Defaulters 0:30:08 Becoming a Credit Controller and Managing Loan Payments 0:33:53 Mentorship and discovering leadership potential 0:36:34 Learning from uncomfortable experiences and embracing discomfort 0:40:23 Transition from risk analysis to an analyst role and project management 0:44:10 Identifying losses and the need for auditing 0:47:21 Becoming an analyst with advanced project management skills 0:50:51 Gaining insights through secretariat role in executive meetings 0:54:00 Managing a call center in a brewery: Coordinating with different teams 0:57:33 Embracing the challenges of manufacturing and people development 1:01:04 Enabling Dreams through Credit Analysis 1:05:16 Falling in Love with Nelspruit 1:05:39 Building Strong Relationships with Customers and Organizations 1:10:52 Building personal branding through purposeful and authentic networks. 1:14:43 Embracing the Non-Linear Journey of Life 1:20:52 Closing remarks and gratitude to the audience ________________________________________________________________________ Strategising Success: Navigating Career Growth and Embracing Risk | 9toLIFE Podcast Ep 24 🎙️ This week on 9toLIFE, we are thrilled to welcome Julia Phinithi, a business enablement and strategy executive with a rich background in credit risk management. Join us as we unravel Julia's multifaceted career journey, the strategic maneuvers that propelled her professional life, and the wisdom she's garnered along the way. Our dialogue with Julia begins by dissecting the complex relationship between money and career aspirations, setting the stage for a deep dive into her educational roots during her MBA days. Julia reminisces about her mathematical prowess in her school years, her early career transitions, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path. We travel through Julia's timeline, from completing her degree to her strategic ascent within an organisation where she honed her skills in analysing loan defaulters. Julia shares her evolution into a credit controller, managing loan payments, and the mentorship that sparked her leadership potential. The narrative takes us through the uncomfortable yet growth-filled experiences Julia faced, leading to a significant transition from risk analysis to project management. Her role as an analyst was amplified by her involvement in executive meetings, providing her with a 360-degree view of business operations. As we explore Julia's dynamic role in managing a call centre within a brewery, we discover how she embraced the manufacturing sector's challenges and became a champion for people development. Julia's credit analysis work also showcases how she has enabled dreams for countless individuals. Her love affair with Nelspruit is a testament to her ability to build strong customer relationships and her skill in personal branding through purposeful and authentic networks. Julia's story is a testament to the non-linear journey of life and the beauty of embracing every twist and turn. As we wrap up, we delve into Julia's insights on empowering others, the transformative power of personal growth, and the courage to step into the unknown. The conversation with Julia Phinithi is a beacon for anyone looking to navigate career growth, embrace risk, and truly enable their dreams through strategic planning and continuous learning. Tune in to this engaging episode and join the conversation as Julia shares her invaluable experiences and strategies for success. Let's get inspired, take on new challenges, and keep growing together on 9toLIFE! 🎧✨

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Dr Obakeng Molelu Ep 23 | Marine Social Scientist | Research, Studying further vs finding a job, WIOMSA, collonisation, PHD
    Nov 1 2023

    0:01:12 Listening to Podcasts on Spotify vs Watching on YouTube⁠

    ⁠0:02:50 Introduction to Obakeng Mulelu, a marine social scientist⁠

    ⁠0:10:26 Cooking Alone vs. Cooking for Others⁠

    ⁠0:18:09 The importance of involving parents in career guidance⁠

    ⁠0:21:15 Registering for a master's degree after job search⁠

    ⁠0:24:26 Dissertations as the focus of the master's program⁠

    ⁠0:28:26 Shopkeeper turned Entrepreneur⁠

    ⁠0:35:53 Trying to locate a specific place on Yale Road⁠

    ⁠0:40:44 Exploring the use of remote sensing and GIS in research⁠

    ⁠0:43:46 Discussing the book "Guns, Germs, and Steel"⁠

    ⁠0:46:01 Discussing the book "Guns, Germs, and Steel"⁠

    ⁠0:48:20 The Importance of Research over Traditional Careers⁠

    ⁠0:52:25 Exploring Climate Change Adaptation and Municipalities⁠

    ⁠0:56:04 Importance of Estuary Ecosystem for Marine Mammals⁠

    ⁠1:00:17 Complaints about operations and efficiency at the port⁠

    ⁠1:06:19 Objectives and Policies for Marine Life Conservation⁠

    ⁠1:09:40 Exploring the Deep Sea and Expanding Research Efforts⁠

    ⁠1:14:47 Regional Association for Disaster Analysis and Response⁠

    ⁠1:17:39 Exploring Technology and Learning in the Streets⁠

    ⁠1:22:26 Biggest win: Taking care of myself and quitting a toxic job⁠ ⁠

    1:22:58 Reflecting on past mistakes and lessons learned⁠


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    Description:

    🎙️ Set sail with us on a voyage of discovery in this week's episode of 9toLIFE, featuring the insightful Obakeng Molelu, a marine social scientist with a penchant for unearthing the mysteries of the deep. As we navigate through the waves of conversation, we delve into the essence of marine research, the advancements in data collection methodologies, and the pivotal role of international collaborations in fostering a sustainable marine ecosystem.

    Embarking on this dialogue, we explore the significant contributions of organizations like the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) in propelling evidence-based decision-making and fostering a supportive network for women in marine science. The discussion flows into the innovative technologies reshaping marine research, with a spotlight on the invaluable insights derived from underwater camera monitoring of coral reefs and the ocean bed.

    As we plunge deeper, the conversation steers towards the collaborative ventures with esteemed organizations like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), underscoring the necessity of a united front in addressing climate change.

    However, the journey isn't without its storms. We touch on the challenges faced in some African countries, like limited connectivity and data accessibility, yet the unwavering commitment to making a ripple of difference in the field of marine science shines through.

    As we near the shore, we pose reflective questions to our guest, Obakeng, unraveling tales of career crossroads, from the courageous step of leaving a detrimental job to the contemplative moments of overcoming perfectionism in publishing. The whimsical desire of pastry cheffing contrasted against the steadfast focus on socio-economic studies unveils the multi-faceted persona of Obakeng.

    Obakeng's endorsement of studying geography as a gateway to diverse career opportunities sets a contemplative tone, encouraging inquisitiveness and diligent research.

    This episode, true to our ethos, presents a blend of traditional and non-traditional career narratives, casting light on the intertwined realms of marine science and personal career journeys. Tune in for a dive into the profound discussions, enriching experiences, and the inspiring narrative of Obakeng Molelu. Your anchor to intriguing dialogues and insightful discussions awaits at 9toLIFE! 🎧✨

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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Olebogeng Rapudi Ep 22 | Automation specialist | IT jobs, Automation: good bad and evil, Job losses, Government GALXBOY
    Oct 25 2023

    01:20 Introducing the show and reminiscing about past episodes

    05:50 GalxBoy: The Unique Pronunciation Confusion

    07:18 Childhood Dreams and Love for Cars

    14:18 Transitioning from internship to permanent contract

    14:43 The Broad Spectrum of IT Careers

    18:15 The Journey to Finding a Job in IT

    20:46 Transition to a permanent gig after 10 months

    25:47 The role of automation and its controversy

    29:38 The Impact of Automation on Society

    37:58 Real Limitations and the Need for Automation

    42:56 Understanding APIs and Staying Up to Date in Automation

    46:39 Importance of Learning and Growth in the Workplace

    49:52 The Impact of Instant Digital Solutions

    56:36 Importance of Accountability in Deployment Support

    57:38 The Importance of Thinking in Certification vs. Degree

    61:27 The Evolving Job Market and the Need for Certification

    66:43 Future Plans: Automotive Journalism

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    🎙️ Dive into the digital realm with us in this week's episode of 9toLIFE, as we welcome Olebogeng Rapudi, an adept professional from the IT sector, guiding us through the intricate mesh of automation and the dynamic world of IT careers.

     

    Commencing with a nostalgic recap of our podcast journey, we delve into a brief discussion on the musical camaraderie among Timberland, Justin Timberlake, and Nelly Furtado. As we transition, Olebogeng shares his early aspirations and his voyage into the IT domain, offering a glimpse into the challenges that adorned his path.

     

    From the essence of internships to embarking on a steadfast career in project management and integration, Olebogeng unravels the broad spectrum of IT careers, shedding light on the hurdles and triumphs along the way. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn towards the realm of automation, exploring the boons and potential bane it holds in the contemporary job market.

     

    Unpacking the impact of automation on society, we touch on the potential job displacements, underscoring the critical role of government implementations in bridging the digital divide. Olebogeng emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, the human element, and staying updated in this rapidly advancing field.

     

    Delving deeper, we explore the qualifications requisite for a flourishing career in automation and integration, discussing the value of certifications amidst the evolving job market. As we wrap up this insightful episode, Olebogeng shares his notable achievements, future aspirations, and the relentless pursuit of growth in the digital era.

     

    Join us in this enlightening discourse as we navigate through the technological wave, with Olebogeng's experiences painting a vivid picture of the IT landscape. Tune in for a rich blend of tech insights and inspiring narratives, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone keen on staying ahead in the tech curve! 🎧✨

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    1 hr and 9 mins