Breaking Barriers With Dr. Nombasa Tsengwa

Dr Nombasa Tsengwa's origin story is?one?of determination, academic excellence, and a commitment to sustainable mining practices.?

Hailing from South Africa, she developed a passion for?both?her country and the environment early on, witnessing the impact of mining on local communities and ecosystems.?

Her educational journey?was marked?by obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Geology, a Master's in Environmental Management, and a doctorate in Mining Engineering, providing her with a solid foundation to bridge responsible resource management with corporate success.

Tsengwa began her career in the mining industry in 2003, joining Kumba Resources and later transitioning to Exxaro Resources, where she held various roles showcasing her capabilities and dedication.?

Over the years, she climbed the corporate ladder, demonstrating a?strong?commitment to sustainable mining practices and stakeholder engagement.?

Her leadership at Exxaro Resources has been transformative, focusing on sustainability, responsible mining, and community development initiatives.?

Tsengwa's journey culminated in her appointment as the CEO of Exxaro?

Resources in August 2022, making her the first woman to lead this?major?black-owned mining company in South Africa

But this is?not the real?story.

This is a public story that you can pick up from the internet. Indeed this is the origins summary that?was?created for me?by an AI tool Perplexity.

And as impressive as it is, it doesn't tell us much.

Why, for example, did Nombasa decide to go into mining when, throughout her childhood, her interests?were more clearly aligned?with the environment?

She didn't study minerals or engineering. She?actually?received her PhD in agronomy, which dealt with field crop production and soil management.

What was it like to work in an industry where?most?of her peers were white men?

Did she aspire to become CEO (she did), and how did she feel during those periods when, for every step forward, she was taking two back?

Many would have given up and left for other opportunities, but Nombasa?persevered.??Why?

And the?question I really want to explore is how she?was able to develop?as a leader. Was it deliberate? Or is there a system she used to learn,?adapt and ultimately?succeed which others can copy?

Finally, her story?is inextricably linked?with that of Exxaro, a company that itself had adapted and transformed to an extent that?would?perhaps?have been?unexpected when it was created back in November 2006.

During that period, not only did they become market leaders and start to pivot into the world of renewables, but they are?also?now regularly recognised as a company that people want to work for because they?are treated?well.

So, this interview is all about breaking barriers. I am doing the unexpected. Unconventional decisions. And?sharing?how to inspire others at scale.

I hope you can?join!

Click the link to sign up, and remember, if you cannot make it, you will still be able to access the recording.??

But I hope you do join and ask?Nombasa?a few questions.

Col