Zoya Mabuto-Mokoditoa introduces herself as a leadership speaker passionate about self-belief, authenticity, and women’s empowerment. She highlights the challenges many women face around imposter syndrome and self-doubt, particularly in leadership and corporate spaces. Zoya shares her own experiences and blends them with relatable stories to normalize these struggles.

She emphasizes that authentic leadership requires vulnerability, courage, and self-awareness. Using humor and candid reflection, she demonstrates how reframing negative self-talk can open the door to greater confidence and influence. She explains how women leaders can break free from comparison, embrace their unique voices, and recognize their value beyond external validation.

The session also touches on organizational responsibility, noting that workplaces must create inclusive environments where diverse leadership styles are celebrated. Zoya provides practical strategies for audience members, including reframing limiting beliefs, building supportive networks, and developing daily practices of confidence.

Her closing message centers on the power of authenticity: that leadership is not about imitation but about owning your story, strengths, and voice. Audiences leave with a clear call to action—embrace who you are, believe in your worth, and lead with influence.

At the Africa Shared Value Summit 2017, Zoya Mabuto-Mokoditoa begins with the iconic Miriam Makeba “Click Song,” linking African cultural storytelling to leadership lessons. She reflects on her personal encounter with a traditional healer, drawing a parallel between reliance on external forces and the human tendency to seek answers outside of ourselves. This experience led her to realize the importance of reclaiming personal responsibility.

She emphasizes that responsibility is the ability to respond—choosing action over victimhood. Using Neale Donald Walsch’s words, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” she shares her own bungee-jumping story to illustrate how growth happens when we push past fear. Zoya applies this to the concept of shared value, urging African leaders to respond authentically to African challenges within an African context.

She stresses that meaningful change requires individuals to step up first—taking the plunge, not waiting for external validation or perfect conditions. Zoya concludes with a call to action: leaders must become “diviners of their own life journey,” embracing courage, authenticity, and responsibility to lead Africa forward.