CEO Fireside Chat | Lessons from a Colourful Career
The SADC Development Finance Resource Centre (SADC-DFRC) is proud to highlight the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Zwelibanzi Sapula, in the Ukusimama Foundation CEO Fireside Chat.
In his conversation, Mr. Sapula shared his career journey, from chemical engineering to development finance leadership, and the powerful lessons learned along the way:
Say yes to opportunities… even when they feel unfamiliar, they may open unexpected doors. Build breadth before height… move sideways, learn across disciplines, and strengthen your foundation before climbing up. Balance working in your career vs. working on your career… technical ability plus leadership, communication, and networking. Adopt endurance and adaptability… shift gears when circumstances change, stay resilient, and keep learning.
Key Quotes from the session:
“Never chase titles or money. Chase skills, because skills open doors that titles alone never will.” “Before moving up, make sure you’ve built a strong foundation. Move sideways, learn widely, as it makes the climb faster later.” “Opportunities rarely come when you’re idle. They find you when you’re busy creating value.”Drawing from his passion for cycling, he likened career growth to riding through shifting terrain: endurance, teamwork, rhythm, and balance matter as much as speed. 
