The last three years at the helm of the SA Post Office have been challenging, to say the least. But with that chapter now officially closed, former group CEO Nomkhita Mona, who hails from Nelson Mandela Bay, has big plans for a fun year ahead, chartering new territories and exploring interesting opportunities.
What can we expect from you this year?
A pivot, a transition, a step into my greatness, chartering of new territories. It’s going to be quite fun.
What book or books are on your bedside table at the moment?
The 4-Hour Work Week, by Timothy Ferriss and rereading my all-time favourite: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (Must be something to do with the number four — ha-ha).
What is the most cherished item you own and what is it worth to you?
My life. My time on this planet. Priceless.
What’s your favourite childhood memory?
When my mother bought me one of those very small A5-sized brown school bookcases (shaped like the old time suitcases) when I was in sub-A (grade 1).
Another beautiful memory was when we used to travel as a family in my father’s 1969 Opel Kadett from PE (Gqeberha) to the then-Transkei, to visit family.
If you weren’t in the SOE sector, what would you be doing?
I would be in a space where I would make a contribution to the greater good of the country or continent and her people as well as environmental sustainability.
This can either be in the public or private sector. I also expect that my love for property will lead me to the property sector; while my love for education will take me towards academia.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a coach/mentor?
It was an ex-colleague I worked with in the mid-‘90s who said: “Whenever you are in a situation where you have to fight, you must do so strategically by not fighting with everyone.”
Rather isolate your target and deal with them accordingly.
Of course, not in the literal sense of fighting.
I have found this advice very useful as we sometimes get into combat in the boardrooms.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would they be and why?
The late Miles Munroe.
I thoroughly enjoyed his take on leadership principles and teachings.
He came across as someone who lived his life fully, fearlessly, boldly and unapologetically.
He was a brilliant communicator.
In his lifetime, he touched and impacted many lives positively.
Who or what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by the technological advancements taking place worldwide.
They bear testament to the resilience and brilliance of the human species.
They give hope for the future we would leave behind for generations to come.
Do you have a favourite TV programme or film?
Any and all shows to do with property: Listing Cape Town, Selling Sunset, Selling the OC, property renovation & décor shows, and so on.
Series: Gqeberha — The Empire.
Movie: The Devil Wears Prada as well as some futuristic, meaningful documentaries.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time outside your profession?
Meeting new people, having different conversations.
Learning new stuff outside my usual circle.
Those who have encountered me know that I am a question-asker of note.
I also enjoy sitting quietly in public spaces, and engaging in people-watching, especially when on solo trips.
Do you have a skincare routine? If so, please share it with us.
I am blessed with good genes from both my mother and father.
I wash my face with my bare hands — no face towel — and allow it to air dry.
I prefer using unscented soap or cleansers.
To moisturise, I use castor oil... and that’s pretty much it.
I don’t use heavy makeup, just a light touch when required.
What do you typically get up to in the first two hours of waking up every day?
I am an early riser, I like the first few hours as they are quiet, and there are no interruptions.
I mentally prepare for the day ahead, catch up on some reading, recheck my schedule, all this while making a mental note to seriously start a workout programme.
What causes are you most passionate about?
Love and life, leadership and environment sustainability.
If you could instantly solve one world problem, what would it be and why?
I would empower and encourage the populace to think for themselves instead of “outsourcing” their thinking to the government, or leaders.
So many of the world’s problems would be resolved with people coming up with solutions at the source.
There’s infinite wisdom in all of us.
Who was your biggest influence or inspiration when you started your career?
Norman Adami, the then MD of SA Breweries in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in the late ‘80s.
He had a mix of brilliant business savvy and compassion in his approach to leadership.
He was tough, but fair, demanding accountability for good results.
Strong on results, but kind to people.
I felt seen by him in how he engaged with me as an employee.
At least that was my experience as a 19-year-old joining the corporate world for the first time when he gave me my first job at SAB.
Then later, Portia Derby, when she was the director-general at the department of public enterprises.
She is the one who made me realise that there are brilliant professionals working in government.
Can you share a funny or memorable moment from your work?
There hasn’t really been a funny ha-ha moment in my job in the last three years.
My team and I had been frantically fighting fires daily.
We were dealing with crises on a continuous basis.
What is funny now though, is the realisation that my team and I were involved in business rescue — without calling it that — and we were doing it without the necessary resources (financial and otherwise).
Under the circumstances, we managed to keep it from total collapse, long enough to apply for a formal business rescue process.
Most, if not all South Africans know that I had inherited an absolute mess.
As I walk away from it now, I’m giving myself a pat on the back for my contribution.
We were on the verge of the turnaround, before we were overtaken by some unfortunate legal events, which we chose to resolve by applying for business rescue.
Do you believe in any superstitions or rituals before a public speaking engagement?
Grounding, breathing exercises and positive self-talk.
Of course, saying a little prayer to all that I believe in goes a long way.
What would you list as your greatest achievement?
Having continued to raise my three children to become the responsible adults they are — even after my husband passed on 11 years ago.
Do you have a secret talent that no-one knows about?
I am a very resilient, complex leader, with excellent vision.
My ability to see beyond the surface and resolve complex issues is not always obvious.
What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Accepting the position of group CEO at the SA Post Office under the condition that the organisation was in.
It was indeed a right royal mess.
However, the patriot in me was happy to put her hand up to go and serve her country.
Everyone who congratulated me when the announcement was made — asked in the same breath — whether I needed to have my mind read for accepting the role.
This was because the challenges faced by the organisation for an extended period of time, were well documented.
However, given the opportunity, I would do it again, as I have no regrets whatsoever.
The challenges were right up my alley as a leader who thrives on setting up systems, fixing ailing organisations and building strong foundations for future sustainability.
The fact that I am now a certified business rescue practitioner is confirmation thereof.
I have since tendered my resignation, with June having been my last month of service at SAPO.
I am ready for the next chapter and interesting new opportunities.
Weekender
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