Nomsa Nteleko
In conversation with Nomsa Nteleko
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomsa-olivia-nteleko-397b4322/
CEO: Amathuba AI https://www.amathuba-ai.com/
COO: OS Holdings https://os-holdings.co.za/
​
About our conversation:
The conversation between Johan Steyn and Nomsa Nteleko marks a significant moment for aspiring technology speakers in Africa. As the inaugural guest of the Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum, Nomsa shares her journey in the STEM industry, emphasizing the importance of overcoming fears and embracing one's unique narrative. This dialogue is crucial as it encourages emerging speakers to recognize their potential impact and find their voice in a space often dominated by others.
Nomsa introduces herself as a businesswoman and mother operating within the technology sector, leading two organizations focused on financial management systems and artificial intelligence. Her work aims to make technology accessible and affordable for African markets, showcasing the innovation that exists within the continent. This foundation sets the stage for her insights into public speaking, which she initially approached with trepidation.
One of the key lessons Nomsa imparts is the necessity to overcome fear and self-doubt when sharing personal experiences. She reflects on her own journey, noting that many aspiring speakers question whether their stories are worth telling. This common insecurity can hinder individuals from seizing opportunities to speak publicly. Nomsa encourages listeners to recognize that their experiences may resonate with someone in the audience, emphasizing that even one person can benefit from their message.
Researching topics thoroughly and understanding audience dynamics are also critical components of effective public speaking. Nomsa stresses the importance of clarity regarding the subject matter and audience expectations. She advises aspiring speakers to ask questions if they are unclear about the event's focus or audience demographics, ensuring they can tailor their message accordingly.
Networking emerges as another vital strategy for aspiring speakers. Nomsa highlights her own experiences, noting that many of her speaking engagements came through connections within her professional network. She encourages individuals to be open to speaking at events—even unpaid opportunities—to build credibility and gain visibility. By sharing their work and engaging with others in their field, aspiring speakers can gradually establish themselves as trusted voices.
The conversation also touches on the differences between in-person and virtual events. While Nomsa expresses a preference for in-person engagements due to the tangible energy and connection they foster, she acknowledges that virtual formats have their place. Both types of events present unique challenges; in-person speaking allows for immediate audience feedback but requires careful attention to engagement levels, while virtual speaking lacks direct interaction but offers convenience.
Ultimately, this dialogue serves as an empowering reminder for aspiring technology speakers in Africa: everyone has a story worth sharing. By overcoming fears, conducting thorough research, networking effectively, and embracing authenticity, individuals can carve out their space in the tech narrative.
Aspiring speakers are encouraged to take action—reach out to local tech events, share your insights within your networks, and embrace every opportunity to speak. Your voice is essential in shaping Africa's tech narrative; let it be heard!