The Lerato Ditshego – Showreel opens with cinematic visuals underscored by music and the theme of transformation and beauty — shifting from artistry to empowerment. The opening line, “Beauty is no longer in the eyes of the beholder, it is in the hands of a makeup artist,” sets a tone of creativity and craftsmanship, mirroring Lerato’s ability to shape experiences on stage.

The montage transitions through scenes of Lerato hosting award ceremonies and engaging with diverse audiences. Her voice and presence command attention, reflecting professionalism and warmth. She acknowledges collaboration and generosity — “Your generous support and commitment have been instrumental in realizing the vision of this year’s awards” — emphasizing gratitude and shared achievement.

Midway, Lerato’s facilitation prowess shines as she engages panelists: “I am excited to hear from the ladies and the gent in terms of how they are finding ways to navigate the variables that entrepreneurship presents.” This segment highlights her thought leadership, empathy, and ability to guide conversations that inspire practical insights.

Her closing remarks capture her signature philosophy: “Whoever you’ve said yes to, do a good job and do it so well, the living, the dead, and the unborn couldn’t possibly do it any better.” The reel ends with applause and credits from Speakers Inc, affirming her stature as a sought-after professional voice in leadership and events.

The Danone on Education and Skills Transfer panel brings together leading voices in corporate citizenship to discuss how businesses can meaningfully advance education and empower young people through practical skills initiatives. Moderated by Lerato Ditshego, known for her poised and purposeful facilitation, the discussion creates a bridge between policy, corporate responsibility, and community upliftment.

Lerato opens the session by framing the conversation around impact through partnership, emphasizing that sustainable progress in education requires aligned corporate and societal efforts. Her role as moderator is both guiding and catalytic — she encourages open exchange, ensuring each panelist connects strategic goals to measurable community outcomes.

Conny Sethaelo (Nestlé) shares how her organization integrates nutrition education and vocational training to prepare youth for the workforce. Kate Stubbs (Interwaste Holdings) highlights the importance of environmental awareness and how upskilling supports both economic growth and ecological responsibility. Leanne Kiezer (Danone) provides an inside look into Danone’s programs fostering early childhood nutrition, linking education to long-term health outcomes. Navisha Bechan-Sewkuran (Mondelēz International) discusses collaboration models across sectors, showing how collective corporate action can strengthen education pipelines and youth employability.

Throughout, Lerato’s facilitation keeps the dialogue engaging and balanced, drawing out practical insights on mentorship, community partnerships, and measurable impact. The session concludes with a unified call to action — to invest consistently in skills transfer and education as the foundation for sustainable development across Africa.

In this inspiring episode of Braving It, host Lerato Ditshego welcomes Hwalani Mabaso, Provincial General Manager at Absa Group, Executive Board Member at Women in Tech, and Chairperson at the University of Venda’s Centre of Rapid Incubation. The conversation unfolds as a masterclass in balance, growth, and courage — spotlighting the realities of leadership, career reinvention, and motherhood.

Hwalani begins by sharing her transition from running a successful communications agency to rejoining the corporate sector. She attributes the decision to her entrepreneurial upbringing, shifting priorities as a mother, and the need for greater personal stability. Lerato draws out reflections on “the reset mindset,” emphasizing how setbacks can catalyze evolution. Hwalani explains that embracing change with honesty and adaptability allowed her to reinvent her career path — from business owner to corporate leader — while preserving her purpose.

The discussion turns to financial literacy and purpose-driven work, with Hwalani recounting how becoming a financial advisor taught her the value of economic empowerment and service. She also highlights the power of side hustles — not merely for extra income, but for building social capital, exposure, and resilience. Her advice: align multiple pursuits with your core message, and always protect rest, mindfulness, and gratitude as non-negotiables.