Wendy Luhabe

ByWBSComms

Wendy Luhabe

Current title
Social Entrepreneur; Economic Activist

Course at Wits Business School
Management Advancement Programme, 1985

A defining moment in my career
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. 

I think he said I was not ready or something to that effect. This was after spending three years working in the US, precisely to prepare myself for career advancement opportunities like this one.

It was a defining moment for me for a number of reasons. Firstly, because I came to realise that I live in a world where someone else believes they have the responsibility to determine the pace of my career development without due process. Secondly, because the incident inspired me to start my first business, Bridging the Gap. 

Thirdly, because had this not happened I may have never considered exploring the road less travelled. I may have never taken the risk into the unknown. I would have never discovered what I am really capable of. It is true that adversity stimulates invention, particularly when we believe in our greatness. So we must always seize the moment.

Similar Posts

  • Nozuko Mbalula

    ByWBSComms

    My career-defining moments involved starting long processes with a payoff coming much later. One most important career-defining moment for me was when I realised the power of making the right choices and displaying my risk-taking characteristics.

  • Maurice Goodman

    ByWBSComms

    Looking back, two defining moments stand out for me. The first was enrolling for a Wits MBA as a result of the encouragement from my late dad. At the time it was very unusual for a medical doctor to do an MBA and I am indebted to the then dean, Prof Andy Andrews, for putting his faith in me and accepting me onto the course. 

  • Odongo Kodongo

    ByWBSComms

    Bali Island, Indonesia, was in its usual element in December 2013 – beautiful and tranquil with the warm Indian Ocean waters and hospitable local inhabitants blending seamlessly with the hot and humid weather. Yet, enjoying the warm Bali weather was only peripheral to my visit.

  • 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.