Wellness in the Workplace

What does it really cost women to succeed at work?In this episode of Wellness in the Workplace, Mbali and Yolisa unpack Dr Judy Dlamini’s Equal But Different: Women Leaders’ Life Stories – Overcoming Race, Gender and Social Class through the lens of workplace wellness.We explore how race, gender, motherhood and social class shape women’s experiences of leadership, opportunity, belonging and success and why we can't talk about workplace equality as though every woman starts from the same place.The conversation also looks at the invisible labour of motherhood, the pressure placed on women to be exceptional, the privilege that often sits behind career success, and the support systems that help women thrive.Because workplace wellness is about more than yoga and employee wellness programmes. It is also about flexibility, caregiving, psychological safety, access, opportunity and having the capacity to live a full life beyond work.We ask: Can we really talk about equality without talking about the different realities women bring into the workplace?Part of the final season of Wellness in the Workplace, where we use books to rethink work, leadership and professional development. #EqualButDifferent #JudyDlamini #WomenInLeadership #WomenAtWork #GenderEquality #BlackWomenAtWork #Leadership

In recognition of Mental Health Month this October, Wellness in the Workplace has partnered with Momentum Multiply to host an important conversation about chronic burnout, mental wellbeing and the impact of year-end fatigue on South Africans in the workplace. As employees navigate mounting deadlines, increased workloads, financial pressures and the cumulative stress of a demanding year, prioritising mental fitness has never been more important.The discussion will explore how burnout develops, why many professionals fail to recognise the warning signs until it is too late, and what practical steps individuals can take to protect their wellbeing before reaching a point of exhaustion. Featuring Head of Multiply, Maria Pouroullis Carpenter, neurologist and brain health expert Dr Kirti Ranchod, and host Mbali Mzinyane, the conversation will unpack the relationship between stress, brain health, resilience and sustainable performance.Drawing on both scientific insight and real-world workplace experiences, the discussion will provide practical strategies for managing pressure, avoiding chronic burnout and maintaining mental fitness during one of the most demanding periods of the year. Rather than promoting quick fixes, the conversation will focus on small, intentional habits that support long-term wellbeing and help people show up as their best selves both personally and professionally.With Momentum Multiply, South Africans can define what their healthier Future You looks like, whether it be more energy, better sleep, lower stress, career resilience, or improved relationships. They then set personalised goals and track daily habits that move them toward that vision. Find out how you can unlock your future you here: https://www.multiply.co.za/unlock_the_future_you/

What does it really take to survive and succeed in corporate South Africa?In this episode of Wellness in the Workplace, Mbali and Yolisa unpack Boardroom Dancing: Transformation Stories from a Corporate Activist by Nolitha Fakude, exploring the invisible “dance” of navigating corporate spaces.We talk about code-switching, emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, office politics, power and the unwritten rules that often determine who gets ahead.We also explore the difference between representation and real transformation, the emotional cost of constantly performing professionalism, and why mentorship, community and institutional readiness matter.Ultimately, this conversation asks: When does professionalism become performance — and how do we learn to navigate power without losing ourselves?📚 Part of the final season of Wellness in the Workplace, where we use books to rethink work, leadership and professional development.#WellnessInTheWorkplace #BoardroomDancing #NolithaFakude #CorporateSA #WorkplaceCulture #BlackProfessionals #Leadership #WorkplaceWellness #Transformation

What happens when we stop asking, “Where is the talent?” and start asking, “What conditions allow talent to thrive?”In this episode of Wellness in the Workplace, Mbali and Yolisa explore the lessons from Rassie: Stories of Life and Rugby by Rassie Erasmus and David O’Sullivan, using South African rugby’s Elite Player Development (EPD) Programme as a blueprint for human development.We unpack how mentorship, coaching, investment, visibility and intentional talent development can transform potential into performance — and what this means for organisations trying to build diverse and sustainable talent pipelines.From rugby to the workplace, we explore the difference between recruitment and real inclusion, and ask whether great leadership is about finding talent or creating the conditions where talent can emerge.📚 Part of the final season of Wellness in the Workplace, where we use books to rethink work, leadership and professional development.#WellnessInTheWorkplace #TalentDevelopment #Leadership #RassieErasmus #WorkplaceWellness #CareerDevelopment

Welcome to the final season of Wellness in the Workplace.After years of conversations about workplace wellness, careers, professional relationships and the realities of navigating the world of work, we’re closing this chapter of the podcast but not before one final season of meaningful conversations.This season, we’re doing things a little differently.Mbali is joined by Yolisa Mdiya for a workplace "book club", where we’ll explore four books that offer different perspectives on professional development, workplace culture, identity, ambition and success.In this first episode, we introduce the new format and reflect on our own experiences of entering the professional world — from the culture shock of our first corporate environments to the unspoken rules we had to learn along the way.We also explore some of the ideas that have shaped our understanding of being Black professionals, including cultural capital, mentorship and sponsorship, and the reality that Black women can often be overmentored and underfunded.Most importantly, we ask: What can books teach us about the way we work, the way we navigate professional spaces, and the kind of workplaces we want to create?This season is about reading, reflecting and having the conversations that sit between the pages.Join Mbali and Yolisa as we turn the page on Wellness in the Workplace.#WorkplaceWellness #BookClub #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #BlackProfessionals

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, we sit down with menopause advocate, coach, and author, Xoli Madlala, to unpack the realities, challenges, and opportunities surrounding menopause in the workplace.From breaking the silence to redesigning workplace policies, Xoli shares evidence-based insights, lived experience, and practical tools to help organisations create healthier, more supportive environments for women navigating menopause.In this episode, we explore:- What menopause really is — beyond the misconceptions- How menopause impacts performance, mental health, and productivity- The stigma and silence surrounding menopause in African workplaces- Why menopause policies matter and how companies can implement them- Practical support strategies for employees and leadersXoli’s journey into menopause advocacy and her mission to empower womenXoli Madlala is a renowned menopause advocate, coach, and author who is transforming how workplaces understand and support women’s health. Through her talks, coaching, and educational programs, she is helping organisations build compassionate, inclusive, and productive work environments.#Menopause #WorkplaceWellness #EmployeeWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness

In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Mazaleni, Personal Stylist and Founder of The Style Up, to explore how personal style can become one of the most powerful tools for self-expression and professional confidence.Lisa shares practical insights on how what we wear shapes how we feel, how we show up, and how others perceive our personal brand especially in professional spaces where authenticity and presence matter most.Together, we unpack:- How personal styling supports confidence and wellness at work- Building a personal brand that feels true to who you are not just what you do- Small style shifts that can help you show up with intention every dayWhether you’re leading a team, returning to work, or simply redefining your professional identity, this conversation is a reminder that how we present ourselves is an act of self-care and self-belief.#WellnessInTheWorkplace #PersonalBranding #TheStyleUp #AuthenticLeadership #WorkplaceWellness

In this episode, I’m joined by Khethiwe Nkuna, entrepreneur, executive leader and author of Tear Her Down: Unpacking Scarcity, Insecurity and Sisterhood in the Workplace. This conversation is a deep dive into the often unspoken dynamics between women at work where competition, comparison, and scarcity mindsets can quietly erode not just relationships, but also mental and emotional well-being.Khethiwe sheds light on how insecurity plays out in professional spaces, why we sometimes see women being pitted against each other, and how these patterns can undermine both individual growth and collective progress. But more importantly, she shares powerful insights on what it looks like to rebuild sisterhood: shifting from rivalry to collaboration, from guardedness to vulnerability, and from scarcity to abundance.We also explore the role of leadership in creating workplaces where women can thrive, support each other, and reframe “success” as something we rise into together.This episode is a call to courage, compassion, and collective wellness. Tune in to be inspired, challenged, and reminded that true wellness in the workplace begins with how we show up for ourselves and for each other.#WellnessInTheWorkplace #TearHerDown #WomenAtWork #Leadership #Sisterhood #WorkplaceWellness

In this episode of Wellness in the Workplace Podcast, we sit down with Mushambi Mutuma — tech entrepreneur, international speaker, and author of The Adaptability Code: Recoding the DNA of Future-Ready Leadership.Mushambi shares his insights on:- Why adaptability is the new superpower for leaders in a rapidly changing world- How technology and innovation are reshaping the future of work- The balance between resilience, agility, and wellness in leadership- Practical strategies for leaders to build teams that thrive amidst uncertaintyWhether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or professional navigating change, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what it means to be future-ready — while staying grounded in wellness.🎧 Don’t miss this transformative discussion on adaptability, leadership, and well-being in the workplace.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on workplace wellness, leadership, and mental health.#Leadership #WellnessInTheWorkplace #Adaptability #MushambiMutuma #FutureOfWork

What does it mean to lead with wellness at the core? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ashika Pillay to explore the evolving role of the Chief Well-Being Officer (CWO) and why this position is becoming essential in today’s organisations.From driving employee engagement and resilience to shaping healthier workplace cultures, Dr. Pillay unpacks the impact of well-being leadership on both people and performance.In this episode, you’ll learn:- Why companies are embracing the Chief Well-Being Officer role- How wellness leadership transforms organisational culture- Practical strategies leaders can use to prioritise mental health at workThe future of workplace well-being and leadershipTune in and discover why wellness is not just a benefit, but a business imperative.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you believe in a healthier future for the workplace.#WellnessInTheWorkplace #Leadership #ChiefWellbeingOfficer #WorkplaceWellness #MentalHealthAtWork