Fatshimetrie – Seipati “Twasa” Seoke’s remarkable journey to an MBA
For more than two decades, Seipati “Twasa” Seoke has carved out a place for himself in the media industry; she is renowned for her vibrant presence on radio and television. Currently, she dominates the airwaves with a morning show on Lesedi FM, which she jokingly calls “the biggest Sotho-language radio station globally.” His journey is not just one of entertainment; it is also a story of continuous learning and personal evolution, culminating in obtaining an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) in 2022.
From the world of media to the MBA
Seoke’s journey began on radio, but she solidified her place in the hearts of South Africans as the host of Jam Alley, a popular youth music show on SABC 1, where she charmed viewers for nine years. After a long break, Twasa made a triumphant return to television with a chat show on Dumisa TV and is set to host the second season of Kasi to Kasi, also on SABC 1.
His path from the glitzy world of entertainment to the rigorous demands of an MBA program was driven by a deep desire for knowledge and the need to pivot in an ever-changing industry. “I realized that the environment had become unstable in the entertainment industry due to the dynamic changes caused by technology and the internet,” she explains. “My lack of skills had become apparent, and I knew I had to pivot.”
This realization, combined with a challenge from his spiritual teacher, Tim Grage, to plan for his future, reignited his ambition to pursue advanced study. “Until that moment, I had never thought about my life beyond the age of 60,” she recalls.
An eternal student
Twasa’s foray into executive education did not begin with her MBA degree, and her academic journey is a testament to her commitment to personal and professional growth. Starting with a Diploma in Marketing Management from IMM-GSM in 2013, she followed up with a PMD from GIBS in 2019, a PGDip from Milpark Business School in 2020, and finally, her MBA from GIBS in 2022.
Each qualification has been a step, equipping him with the skills needed to navigate and lead in the business world. “The MBA stood out for its emphasis on analytical thinking, innovation, business resilience and the practical side of business,” she explains. For Twasa, qualification was not limited to obtaining a diploma; it was about broadening one’s worldview, increasing career options, and gaining access to specialized spheres of discourse and decision-making.
Reconciling this thirst for knowledge and self-development with a demanding career in media has not been easy, and the path has not been without its challenges. “The reality of embarking on such a demanding journey is that you cannot stop the world around you because you have started a journey of personal development; life continues to evolve around you and you are not untouched by its impact.”
From dealing with personal losses like the death of his father to overcoming academic obstacles like imposter syndrome and mastering research methodologies, his resolve has often been tested. Despite this, Twasa’s determination and support from her peers carried her through, ultimately resulting in an award-winning dissertation.
While many take an average of two years to complete their MBA, it was a four-year journey for Twasa. “I had to start at NQF level 6 and work my way up step by step,” she explains. “I regret not appreciating early enough how quickly changes happen, and how rewarding the process of self-development that helps you navigate them is. I should have started much earlier in my life. ”
Understanding yourself and others
The training helped shape his approach to leadership, teamwork and problem solving: “The process helped me clearly articulate my leadership style, identify potential leadership gaps, and then develop strategies for improvement. By understanding human behavior – my own and that of others – I have become much more empathetic, inclusive, and inclined to initiate changes and create spaces where teams can flourish. typically individuals who are problem-solving oriented, resilient, initiators and supporters of change, and who have a healthy appetite for risk.”
She points out that the fact that the leadership course was not just an isolated module but rather a continuous thread that ran through the entire program helped her understand how leadership plays out in different areas of business. “This helped break down previously erected mental barriers, paving the way for creating effective synergies,” she explains. It also helps that the training is delivered by “academics who are also business practitioners”.
Beyond the academic rigor, Twasa found immense value in the networking opportunities offered by GIBS. “The mix of colleagues who sit with you in class contributes to the robustness of the debates and discussions that ensue, shaping your degree of exposure to various industries and the opportunities they offer,” she explains. “These unified experiences within a dynamic atmosphere allow you to integrate valuable perspectives and connections for your professional future.”
Seipati “Twasa” Seoke’s journey to earning his MBA exemplifies a deep commitment to lifelong learning and personal development. His determination to improve and adapt to an ever-changing world inspires not only his peers in the entertainment industry, but also everyone who aspires to professional growth. By combining his passion for media with a cutting-edge business education, Twasa has charted a bold path to success and opened new perspectives on how lifelong learning can transform lives and careers.