Priya Rowjee

ByWBSComms

Priya Rowjee

Current title
Strategist; Social Entrepreneur; Part-time Academic

Course at Wits Business School
Master of Business Administration, 2014

A defining moment in my career
Building a good career can be seen as a formula: defining goals + taking the necessary actions to achieve them = a linear move up the corporate ladder and into the corner office. However, what if the ladder is placed up against the wrong wall, or is a free-standing ladder that doesn’t lead anywhere? This was the realisation I had early on in my career as an intern. I knew that I didn’t want to build a curriculum vitae, but rather to have a lasting positive impact on the world. Through a journey of self-reflection, I connected the dots and defined my purpose: architecting Africa to be the innovation capital of the world, and move from #AfricaRising to #AfricaLeading.

This clarity has linked me to opportunities aligned to my purpose and enables me to achieve the highest expression of my talent. I deliver on this with passion every day, which requires courage, resilience and tenacity. As I continue on my journey, I have made self reflection my personal discipline – to remain true to my values as I seek to advance my unique strengths. On this path, I constantly remind myself of Nelson Mandela, who said that, “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up”.

Similar Posts

  • Ebrahim Kharsany

    ByWBSComms

    As an activist and a businessman, I experienced several defining moments in my career. I completed my MBA at Wits Business School in 1971. I could not find any meaningful employment as the predominantly white corporate business sector would not employ people of colour in senior management positions.

  • Jerry Mabena

    ByWBSComms

    Two events forged my career path. When I was 29, I came up with a concept that I sold to my then employer, Telkom. I used to run the advertising and promotions department for Telkom when I started working on a plan to pitch selling advertising space on phone cards.

  • Thando Ntsinde

    ByWBSComms

    The day I gave birth to my son, who is five years old now, was the day my career focus changed. That day I realised that I not only need to talk the talk but also walk it in order to be the example that I want my son to follow.

  • Wendy Luhabe

    ByWBSComms

    After spending about ten years in corporate South Africa from 1981 to 1991, I was overlooked for a marketing position that became available. The marketing manager would not even allow me to be interviewed.