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Friday, 19 April 2024

From beauty queen to corporate boss

WeekendLife

The inspirational Lerato Lala Tebogo has come a long way. From commanding attention as a beauty queen at the time she was crowned Miss Botswana 2005,making it to Top 20 at Miss World to calling the shots at a prominent PR firm in Gaborone. WeekendLife Editor DAVE BAAITSE  sat down with the now General Manager of RedPepper PRC to discuss the secret of her success story and her being an inspiration to young girls.  


Sitting across from Tebogo in her office which she just occupied seven months back, one cannot help but recall the crowning night back in 2005, where a 20 year old Tebogo strutted her stuff on the ramp, before being declared the fairest of them all. Fast forward to 10 years later, she still has the looks and touch of a beauty queen, only now she is a queen in the corporate world.


“As women in leadership positions we always have to double work so as to be recognised the same as our male counterparts in this industry,” she said. She believes that in the communications industry which is now seemingly clouded, one has to find their place in the market and the value you bring to the client should set you apart from other players. Her success is anchored around strategy.  


Her biggest breakthrough as a General Manager came towards BOT 50 celebrations last year where Red Pepper was tasked with the preparations geared towards the celebrations. According to the report released by BOT 50 prior to the big event, Red Pepper was engaged for the services of opening ceremony choreography as well as directing and coordinating the celebrations. This was a staggering multi- million pula tender that was geared towards giving Batswana the best independence celebrations ever.   


According to her the scale was too big and it challenged them a lot. As the face of the company, she is tasked with two basic things; the Technical, which is to do with clients’ accounts and the Operational which is more hands on, ensuring that the business runs efficiently and being able to compete in the industry.  


A family woman, she has to strike a balance between her work and the family. Working from 8 am to 5pm or longer, she believes in work life integration. The mother of one daughter says when she is home she applies her mind fully to her family and does the same while at the workplace. This year will mark three years in marriage for her. She says when she is not at work, she prefers to spend quality time with her family at home and not to travel.


According to the former beauty queen, on a daily basis she receives calls and messages from young girls who see her as an inspiration seeking her advice on various matters. With a grin, she reveals that she is always more than willing to help them more especially in this era where they are faced with a lot of challenges ranging from drug abuse and the new trends of blessers.


“I would say we are very lucky to have grown up at a time where these things were very minimal,” she asserted. Tebogo has over the years become an influential personality in the entertainment industry in Botswana, hosting some of the most prestigious events in the entertainment, sporting and television calendars. Amongst her achievements, she was appointed MC for the BeMOBILE Premier League Awards (2011), Miss Botswana 2007 and 2012, the Barloworld Women’s Day Talkshow (2014), the Property Expo Conference in 2014, Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) Awards in 2014 and 2015 and Virgin Active Botswana Brand Ambassador 2016.


A TV Presenter – MC – Public Speaker – Model – Brand Ambassador – Voice Over Artist and Philanthropist, Tebogo has a spark that inspires. From her days as a continuity television presenter on Botswana Television, she has grown to understand the needs of the various audiences she engages. She was the host of the country’s first televised reality modelling and beauty search, Gemstones in 2009/10, and presented E-Zone, Botswana’s premier lifestyle and entertainment programme on Mzansi Magic (then Africa Magic) in 2008.


Tebogo is a staunch believer in the vibrancy and dynamism of women and their power to make a tangible difference in the world. It was in this spirit that she was a consulting groomer and coach for Miss Botswana from 2008 to 2012. She mentored Miss Botswana 2010 Sumaiyah Marope and Miss Botswana 2011, Emma Wareus, in their preparation for participation at the Miss World pageant, where Emma won the title of 1st Princess.


She has also cultivated a signature style, and has been a photography and ramp model for the past 10 years. She has worn the creations of some of Africa’s most talented, young fashion designers, including Lesedi Matlapeng, Aobakwe Molosiwa, and Mothusi Lesolle. She was also selected as one of the showstopper models at the President’s Day Fashion Show in 2015, and has walked the ramp in a Taibo Bacar design at the Lansmore Wedding and Fashion Expo 2015.


She has an attitude of diligence and air of grace, with a quirky edge. She is well spoken, aware of each audience and able to deliver her message succinctly, with economy of language and an express sharpness of wit.  Her interest in people and the languages of expression and connection set the precedent into her evolution into Public Relations. She has worked with blue chip clients in a variety of industries, managing stakeholder engagement and publicity campaigns in areas of Legal, Financial, Beauty, FMCG and Health, and Behavioural Change.


She is currently the spokesperson for the revolutionary SKYGIRLSBW movement, a teen- led movement with a bent towards empowering teenage girls to have autonomy and confidence in themselves. Tebogo is no stranger to the complexities and nuances of modern womanhood. Her role as wife and mother allow her the opportunity to fulfil the roles that hold meaning for her, and still push the boundaries of what she deems the mainstays of her profession as a public speaker, brand ambassador and PR manager.

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WeekendLife

Radio titans gloss RB2

11th April 2024

 

In a thrilling turn of events, former YFM on-air presenter Petula Khulman, now known as Petula El’Kindiy, is set to co-host the morning show with the station’s current star, Thabo Bolokwe, fondly referred to as T.H.A.B.O. Petula’s radio journey began at Yarona FM and spanned over a year and a half, during which she honed her skills and developed a loyal fan base.

Petula, a Media Studies graduate from Rhodes University, holds a wealth of experience in the industry. Her career took her across borders, from Yarona FM to Gabz FM, and even to a community radio station, Bay FM. She later returned to YFM, where she hosted a show called The Plaground.

Her latest venture, “The Morning Essentials,” kicked off on July 1, 2020. The show, which airs from 3am to 5am on weekdays and 6am to 10am on Saturdays, quickly gained popularity among listeners. Petula attributes her success to her passion for media, music, and dance, as well as her appreciation for her colleagues at YFM.

However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. In 2023, her work permit was denied by South African authorities, leading to a temporary pause in her radio career. Despite the setback, Petula remains undeterred and is ready to bring her bubbly personality and captivating voice back to the airwaves of RB2.

 

Adding to the excitement, Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira is also making a comeback. The popular media personality and businesswoman, who was last heard on RB2 in October 2022, will be back on air from Monday. Missgeekays, who owns a restaurant called Kana Kgang, has been keeping herself busy with various ventures, including a stint as a freelance presenter.

Her return to RB2 is eagerly anticipated, and her fans are thrilled to hear that she will be back in her familiar mid-morning slot. The exact details of her show are still under wraps, but one thing is for sure – with the new lineup, RB2 is poised to make a big splash in the radio landscape.

“With the new lineup, RB2 will be the biggest thing ever. We expect fireworks and amusement from the morning through mid-morning and the afternoons. All the faces that are returning to the airwaves will contribute to the radio station’s growth and a snowballing of listenership,” a source close to the station revealed.

So, get ready for a thrilling ride as RB2 unveils its new look and lineup this coming Monday. With Petula El’Kindiy and Khumo ‘Missgeekays’ Kgwaadira leading the charge, there’s no doubt that RB2 is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever!

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WeekendLife

Strawberry Ritual: An unconventional key to virtual interview success

11th April 2024

In the modern era of swift communication, where digital platforms have become the cornerstone of professional interactions, mastering the nuances of a Zoom interview is a vital skill for job applicants. The pivot towards remote work has rendered platforms like Zoom indispensable for establishing connections with prospective employers. So, imagine if we told you that a humble fruit could be the secret ingredient to enhancing your self-assurance and excelling in that virtual interview? Indeed, the fruit in question is the strawberry!

“A whopping 59.1% of the workforce prefers remote work over a conventional office setting,” asserts Forbes, a staggering fact that underscores the global trend of working from home. In the UK, Zoom witnessed a dramatic surge in its daily active users (DAU), peaking at approximately 1.7 million around the end of November 2020. This significant upswing in DAU coincided with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK, as more individuals began participating in virtual meetings for both work and social engagements with their families and friends.

But how does a strawberry fit into this narrative? What might seem like a punchline to a whimsical joke could revolutionize your approach to virtual job interviews. CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter shares this ingenious trick that could make a world of difference.

According to CEO Chantry Somtun of JustBanter, consuming a strawberry before your Zoom call could have a profound impact on your performance. The National Institute of Health has discovered that strawberries contain folate, a compound that aids in calming nerves and reducing anxiety by stimulating the production of serotonin, a hormone crucial for maintaining a positive mood and mental well-being. Moreover, strawberries are teeming with anthocyanins, antioxidants that enhance brain and emotional health, making them an excellent choice for those seeking to alleviate stress and anxiety before significant virtual meetings.

So, how can you incorporate this simple yet potent trick into your pre-Zoom routine? It’s as straightforward as savoring a few fresh strawberries 10-20 minutes before your call. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen ones or even a refreshing strawberry smoothie can serve as excellent alternatives. For the best results, consume the strawberries on an empty stomach to ensure faster absorption of folate and maximize their mood-enhancing benefits.

Beyond just soothing your nerves before a critical interview, strawberries offer a myriad of health benefits, such as being rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. By integrating strawberries into your pre-Zoom ritual, you can not only boost your confidence but also support your body’s health in the process.

In a competitive job market where first impressions matter, adopting this unconventional yet effective strategy could be the game-changer you need to distinguish yourself and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Therefore, the next time you have a Zoom interview scheduled, reach for some strawberries and experience the positive difference they can make in enhancing your confidence and performance.

In a world where virtual connections have become the new norm, utilizing simple yet powerful techniques like the strawberry trick can set you apart and help you navigate the challenges of virtual job interviews with ease. By capitalizing on the natural benefits of this humble fruit, you can elevate your Zoom confidence to unprecedented heights and pave the way for success in your job search. So, why not seize the day? Grab some strawberries, take a bite, and witness your Zoom interview game soar to new heights!

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WeekendLife

Mrs Botswana’s ‘MO’ to gender parity

18th March 2024
Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong

Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong, an illustrious beacon brightening the corners of Botswana, wields her vision for gender equity and empowerment like a torch, illuminating paths for her community. Standing at the helm of the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation, and donning multiple hats as an international personal wellness coach, a savvy business magnate, and the esteemed Mrs. Botswana 2023/24, her mission is to cast rays of change into the lives she touches.

Her strategy for bridging the gender divide is both comprehensive and visionary. Mokgathong, understanding the vitality of lifting women and girls, equally champions the cause of young boys and men. She advocates for a culture of mutual admiration and understanding across gender lines, fostering a society unbound by the shackles of conventional gender roles—a society where balance and harmony reign supreme.

 

In her magnum opus, a collaborative venture with entities like NAPHA, Men and Boys for Gender Justice, the Botswana Police Service, and Girls for Girls Botswana, lies a quest for familial empowerment. Her goal is to fortify the foundation of families, supporting parents and guardians, sons and daughters alike, equipping them with the capabilities to forge strong intrapersonal and professional bonds.

 

“My project is family oriented, we want to focus on the family as a whole, we want to help both parents or guardians, men and women and the children of households both boy and girl. I am passionate in doing so because lately women and the girl child have been given a pedestal, they have been given a lot of help and a lot of recognition while men are considered as perpetrators and young boys are neglected, therefore we want to groom both the girl and boy child so that they grow up to be able to interact with each other and when they get to relationships, be it personal or work wise,” she said.

 

Mokgathong’s reach extends further than mere intervention; she invests in the empowerment of individuals through education, skill development, and the allocation of resources crucial for autonomy and enduring triumphs. By nurturing innate capabilities, igniting the flames of innovation, and promoting entrepreneurship, she sets the stage for marginalized communities to emerge from the shadows of dependency, crafting their own realms of prosperity.

 

“As we educate a girl child to be strong and independent, we also enable a young man or boy to be able to accept that strong independent woman, ensuring that the equation is balanced. I also want to help stop gender-based violence while protecting our children. When I began my initiative, it was based on GBV and child protection, but it developed into campaigning for the less fortunate and vulnerable,” she stresses.

 

Her journey, fraught with hurdles, including early disappointments in her pursuit of the Mrs. Botswana title, stands testament to her resilience and indomitable spirit. Gratitude fills her heart for mentors, sponsors, kin, and comrades whose support has sculpted her into the powerhouse she is today.

 

She says: “People want to be involved with you when you are a top finalist or the reigning queen. When I first started, I was only a person, and it was difficult and time-consuming to generate cash, solicit donations, and obtain obligation, particularly in rural areas. But right now, as the reigning queen it is a bit easier to reach out to collaborators and sponsors and I pray to God that as I am continuing with my project after crowning the new queen it will continue to be so and growth and more people will be willing to invest and help out.”

 

Juggling her myriad roles demands the prowess of a maestro, yet Mokgathong thrives by weaving her family into her philanthropic endeavors and mastering the art of time management. She empowers young aspirants to self-reflect, establish objectives, harness mentorship and sponsorship, and gear up for the trials that lie ahead.

 

As Mrs. Botswana, her ambition soars beyond personal accolades; it’s tethered to the upliftment of her nation through the empowerment of women, the nurturing of men’s talents, and the preparation of the youth for a flourishing future. She envisages expanding the Anaya-Tlhwatlhwa Foundation’s influence, delving deeper into rural engagements to sow seeds of empowerment and hope for generations yet to come.

 

“For charity work to be more effective, I believe we need to empower other than just giving. We need to empower the less privileged and the vulnerable, with the right skills and knowledge so that they can sustain themselves in the long run. We need to help those who are talented and innovative. I am proud to say my work is doing wonders, the kids that we are mentoring are able to find direction in life, they now know what they want to be as they grow up and they are able to identify subjects they want to study and career they want to pursue. Families that we have been in contact with, families that are from different background are able to identify their skills and they are able to grow and turn them into businesses.”

 

In essence, Mrs. Portiah S Mokgathong stands as a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration in Botswana. Her unwavering commitment to fostering gender equality, community upliftment, and personal development lights the way for others. Through her relentless endeavors and steadfast dedication, she renders a profound impact on her community and beyond, etching a durable mark of empowerment and optimism.

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