“I want to drive positive change because I’m passionate about making a global impact” – Oluvuyo Masiza

In today’s Inspiration Wednesdays we feature a person with such a radiant personality, Oluvuyo Masiza. However, she is not just all personality. She is a go-getter who makes way when she finds stumbling blocks. In this feature, she shares her career milestones, her active citizenship and some words of inspiration for young people out there. I am in awe at what she has achieved so far. Here it is:

Sibusiso Nkosi: You became the Global Youth Ambassador for Theirworld, which is awesome! How did that come about?

Oluvuyo Masiza: I was brainstorming and developing the concept of the Olu-Vuyo Foundation, which aims to collaborate with primary school principals to identify and address behavioural challenges among primary school children. In doing so, I sought a prestigious organisation that could help bring the Olu-Vuyo Foundation to life on a global scale while also allowing me to gain experience in amplifying youth voices, ensuring access to quality education, and creating actionable programmes that align with my mission.

Now, for the next two years (with a possible extension), I’ll be collaborating with and learning from campaigners and social entrepreneurs. This opportunity will help me develop new strategies, share my experiences, and grow while creating meaningful change in communities where opportunities are scarce—or nonexistent—and positively influencing the mindset of children.

Sibusiso Nkosi: What pushes you to want more for your career instead of just having a job?

Oluvuyo Masiza: My goals. I want to drive positive change because I’m passionate about making a global impact! I’ve proposed initiatives and ideas to reflect this, and I’ve got a few business ideas in mind too. You know, the excitement of working on creative projects and coming up with new ideas that align with business goals really made me realise that this is my purpose. That’s why I’m not just looking for a job.

I see myself as a key contributor to strategic projects, using my skills and innovative mindset to drive growth and innovation. In the future, I also want to move into a leadership role where I can lead impactful teams, mentor colleagues, and help a company achieve its long-term goals.

Once I land a stable role that aligns with my goals, even more exciting opportunities will come up for me. I’m just hoping my next team will be supportive and that our goals and vision will align.

Sibusiso Nkosi: How important is personal development in career growth instead of just focusing on qualifications?

Oluvuyo Masiza: It’s very important as it’s one of the things that truly sets you apart. Knowing yourself – your principles, values, and beliefs – shapes your character and plays a huge role in the type of career and life you’ll have. You need to know what excites you, brings you joy and peace, and what makes you feel positive. Understanding these aspects, as well as when to set boundaries, allows you to lead in a way that aligns with your true self. This will also influence how disciplined you are in completing tasks and setting goals. Personal development helps you grow in areas that qualifications alone cannot.

Sibusiso Nkosi: What are some of your career highlights?

Oluvuyo Masiza: As a call centre agent, one of my personal achievements is my ability to propose ideas to management that align with business goals. I proposed an idea to improve client experience by correcting a feature on Old Mutual’s digital platforms, which was successfully implemented.

Additionally, I took initiative and had the chance to influence management in improving processes for first-point-of-contact resolution and proposed changes to ensure inclusivity across Old Mutual’s international operations.

My second proposal received such a positive response that it might be implemented in the future, which is really exciting for me! Knowing that my ideas are being recognised motivates me and excites me about the future ahead.

Some other career highlights include being chosen to create employee engagement initiatives for our call centre to help spread knowledge about the 2POT system. I was also selected as Old Mutual’s 2025 Brand Ambassador, which is a significant milestone for me.

Old Mutual’s Social Media team asked me to be the face of their upcoming ‘Day in the Life of…’ campaign, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase the work we do.

Lastly, I was selected as a Global Youth Ambassador, an experience that has expanded my perspective through collaboration with campaigners and social entrepreneurs. Kubusy (meaning ‘people are so busy doing great things’) – it’s inspiration left, right, and center!

Sibusiso Nkosi: What are your career tips for young people who feel stuck in their career growth?

Oluvuyo Masiza: First, prayer (I’m not imposing any beliefs, just sharing what works for me). Stay in school and aim high – even if you don’t reach the sky, you’ll end up in a much better place than before.

Be proactive in everything you set your mind to. That’s how you tick off your goals, whether it’s reading a book or passing a subject with a 65% or 90%. Proactivity will help you access unwritten information more easily, and it also allows you to accept a challenge, and redirection easily. When you’re proactive, you’re not waiting for someone to tell you what to do next – you’re already moving, learning, and adapting as you go.

Ask your teachers, lecturers, tutors, or mentors questions – they are there to help you. Better yet, attempt the assignment or task first, and then ask if you’re heading in the right direction. This will set you up for success.

Also, maintain a strong work ethic in everything you do, as it’s something that will help you consistently deliver and succeed, whether it’s achieving a pass at school or meeting your targets or KPIs at work. It’s something no one can take away from you! 😊