Change-maker Tshego Motjuwadi on his first year at Yoco

Marketing Associate, Tshego Motjuwadi, chats to us about the journey from his headline-making internship to his current role, and why he thinks South African talent has an advantage over our international competitors.

For the uninitiated, what does a Marketing Associate do??

I’m tasked with helping to ensure that our brand messaging is relevant, that we’re speaking the same language as our merchants, and that as an organisation, we have our finger on the pulse. So it's about finding out what matters to the people who matter, and then finding ways to connect with them that are authentic and that resonate.?

You’ve been at Yoco for just over six months now. What’s your experience been so far?

Something I really appreciated in my first few days at Yoco is that I never felt like “the new guy”. There is an incredible sense of value recognition at Yoco and I experienced that right off the bat.. I love chatting to my colleagues about the things that they believe in and why they came to Yoco and I genuinely leave inspired after these interactions, regardless of where in the organisation they work.

The openness with which we can freely engage with each other across functions is super empowering. To work at Yoco means failing hard, learning fast, and being given the room to do so. Help is readily available - from a multitude of sources.

The passion for what we do is palpable, and it’s incredible to be a part of an organisation that is genuinely moving the needle.?

You were hired for voicing a perspective that had never been considered before. How has this played out on a day-to-day basis??

When I first got here, it was disconcerting that people who’d been here for years –?people who’ve made a massive contribution to building what Yoco is today, would not only ask me for my take on things but actively listen.

There’s this deeply embedded curiosity throughout the company; everyone is always learning, always willing to try new things, including the people at the top, which I think is a big part of why Yoco is so successful and has been able to make such a tangible impact.?

Cliché warning: you’re an inspiration to many younger South Africans. What’s your advice to those who want to follow in your footsteps??

I feel like landing the internship had less to do with my ability and more to do with what people saw in me – which says a lot about how Yoco approaches things. I think that young people have more access to things compared to previous generations, so take full advantage of it.

When you see a problem to be solved or an opportunity, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I see it too, so embrace your unique perspective and use that to your advantage.

Fast forward ten years into the future: where’s your career at??

That's something that I'm still figuring out; so I’m trying to embrace any and every opportunity - which is everywhere!

It’s kind of like Netflix: there’s so much to watch that it can be really overwhelming, but for me, it's inspiring, and I want to add value in any way I can.

I’m not sure what this looks like, but ultimately, I’d like to contribute to Yoco being the go-to business tool for the Gen Z entrepreneur, self-employed, small business owner.??

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We're always open to hearing from trailblazers who can bring a unique perspective to our Brand Team. If that sounds like you, keep an eye out for open roles. #GrowWithUs.