Nomsa Clara Mncube
Nomsa Clara Mncube, in her own words, is a “Woman who is eager to learn”. She is a determined person who will always walk the path of success even when life doesn’t make sense. She was born and raised in Africa. Later, she came to the UK in 2002 in need of a better life in the UK, which meant that she had to re-unlearn some of the attachment that did not serve me. It meant that she needed to climb every mountain to get to where she needed to be. She is a God lover.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
Growing up as a child, I spent time with my grandfather learning music. I became a professional musician at the age of 9. I used to practice music from 8pm till 1am the next day and I had to wake up at 7 am going to school. I loved it, when I wasn’t singing I would play with my friends. My parents divorced when I was 8 months old and my mum had to go back to school. I lived with my dad and my grandmother. My dad was a teacher, my grandmother stayed at home with us. We didn’t have lots of money, we had so much love from our family and God and I did not like that life of living without money. I asked my grandfather to teach me music so I can become something. I never wanted to be famous. My goal was to earn money and serve people. My both parents remarried. My mum got married to my stepdad who was coming from a wealthy family. When I met my step dad I asked him to teach me to become a business woman. My father was already teaching me they both worked hard helping me. At the age of 18, I traveled around Africa then I ended up in the UK.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
In 2004 I spent the whole year trying to find a man to spend the rest of my life with. I met him that year, in 2006, we had a daughter. I spent those years working and playing football with my family supporting me with my man by my side. I spent all those years trying to be a good woman for my man and a good mother to my daughter. In 2009 my relationship fell apart and I retired from football. I decided to search for my true identity without blaming my ex. Nomsa, who was kind and determined with integrity, had always been there and I found myself.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say “YES, go for it!”
The challenges I faced in my relationship and taking a psychology degree made me realize it was time for me to go for what I wanted to change my life.
Everyone has their own set of challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. Still, the most essential part for others to learn is how you deal with those. Would you like to share with us your challenges and your coping mechanisms?
- I know I am not alone with the challenge of leadership development and discipleship leadership. God is always there to guide me through.
- Leadership can feel lonely enough already. I take fun activities and seek help when I need to.
- I trust the process and stay focused on where I’m going to change negative habits if I need to. I put a deadline on my calendar and schedule the time necessary to work on it.
- I focus on the habits worth cultivating. I always have a coach to help through the business.
- I have to know my values and company values, and live by them.
While the global pandemic of COVID-19 is associated primarily with adversities, it has also brought about a true boom in startups, with successful entrepreneurship in many countries. The pandemic has impacted all of us in one way or another. Would you like to share your experience on a personal and professional level?
Personal journey I had in my journal everyday. I would look at my family and be grateful they are alive that kept me going. Business wise I had to get a job during the pandemic and also coaching online. I was very lucky to take action and my business survived the pandemic.
Your journey and your vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
I built my talk show during the pandemic and my company is six times matchmaking of the year.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I would like to see younger women becoming the woman they are always known to be like Martin Luther King, who knew who he was and what he represented. I would like to see women standing up become prime ministers, presidents, this list goes on.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
Know who you are, walk your own path. Good things don’t come easy. Keep climbing the mountain even if life doesn’t make sense. Even when people are laughing at your path, only you know where you are going.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women’s leadership today?
Women are the future! If you look at every successful man who has a good woman behind him either spouse, parents or siblings, friend, we are the future.
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
Business wise, Trust is the most important currency. Your network is your net worth, know the power of giving, worship your clients, it’s not about you in business it’s all about clients,
Constantly invest in yourself, know when to take time off.