Mandisa Makubalo’s Journey
Mandisa Makubalo’s career began in the corporate world, where she spent 20 years mastering her craft. As the head of service, she excelled at managing relationships and serving as the key account manager for all outsourced services. However, when her company got liquidated, Mandisa faced a harsh reality: despite her extensive experience and undeniable value, she struggled to find work. Organisations found her services too expensive, even as her professional network questioned why she would consider positions with lower pay.
In 2014, Mandisa transitioned to entrepreneurship, a move driven by necessity and opportunity. The first two years were dedicated to building her organisation’s systems, understanding the company’s products, and defining its mission. These foundational years were critical in shaping the future success of her consultancy.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Mandisa’s entrepreneurial journey began with significant hurdles. Working from home without resources or a comfortable workspace, and starting with no savings or funding, she faced an uphill battle. However, a breakthrough came when she saw an advertisement in a local newspaper, the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) was offering space at Philippi Village for entrepreneurs with scalable projects. This opportunity allowed Mandisa to transition from running a company to managing a business, a shift that required discipline and resilience.
The lack of initial income and the instability of not having a steady paycheque were major challenges. Mandisa’s journey from employee to entrepreneur demanded a new mind set and a strong will to succeed despite financial uncertainties.
Insights on the Tech Industry in Cape Town
Mandisa has a keen eye on the evolving tech industry in Cape Town. She observes a surge in entrepreneurial activity within the tech sector, driven by an influx of outsourced contact centre solutions, this trend opens up numerous opportunities for tech entrepreneurs. The city’s infrastructure developments are further fuelling a growing appetite for digitalisation and automation among businesses. Mandisa believes that investing in youth and technology could be a game-changer for Cape Town, fostering innovation and growth in the tech sector.
Notable Achievements
One of Mandisa’s proudest moments came when she was invited to co-author a book currently available on Amazon. “The Customer Experience Three”, featuring contributions from 27 international authors, with Mandisa’s chapter highlighting Gugulethu Township’s economic activity. Trusted by an international publishing company, Mandisa shared her expertise and knowledge, earning recognition as a thought leader and speaker on global platforms. She has also written blog pieces for international brands and executives, and has been listed among the top 100, 50, and 25 global thought leaders in project management, design thinking, and customer loyalty.
Building and Leveraging Communities
Mandisa advises tech start-ups to pursue big projects and international markets by operating within a community. This community could be based on the technical aspects of a product, skill sets, or functionalities. Building and leveraging communities are essential for growth and expansion, being part of a community allows entrepreneurs to gain knowledge, collaborate, and remain competitive on a global scale.
Mandisa’s consultancy growth has been fuelled by strategic partnerships and collaborations. A notable project in Dubai emerged after she was invited to a podcast, leading to a lucrative three-month program valued at 2.3 million Rands. Another significant collaboration was with the University of Stellenbosch Business School, assisting in the transition from classroom learning to online education. Competing with major organisations like PWC, Mandisa’s consultancy showcased its capabilities, even if it didn’t win the tender.
To remain competitive, tech organisations must continuously learn and adapt to changes in the industry. Mandisa emphasises the importance of staying informed about new developments and taking courses to acquire relevant skills and knowledge. Positioning oneself differently in the market is crucial for success.
Lessons from Failure and Vision for the future
Mandisa’s journey has also included valuable lessons from failure. In her first presentation to international clients, she made the mistake of treating partners as businesses rather than contributing members. This approach led to high quotes and lost projects. With advice from an international colleague, she learned to understand time zones, quoting material, and currency better. This experience now serves as a reference point in her talks.
Mandisa’s consultancy aims to create more scalable and thriving brands within local communities, recognising the difficulty of scaling businesses, she is committed to helping others succeed. She highlights the opportunities available through incubation programmes by organisations like UVU and CAPACITI, which provide resources and support for tech entrepreneurs.
Mandisa’s ultimate goal is to establish an institute focused on entrepreneurship, driven by research and development. This institution will provide training initiatives that address both technical aspects and the real-world challenges faced by entrepreneurs. It aims to be the country’s first institution for black women entrepreneurs, fostering growth and creating products that are more tradable.
Mandisa’s journey from corporate to consultancy is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of strategic partnerships. Her insights and experiences continue to inspire and guide aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech industry.
Mandisa Makhubalo’s journey is a remarkable testament to her resilience and vision, transitioning from corporate leadership to building a successful consultancy. At Invest Cape Town, we are proud to have Mandisa as part of our promotional partnership. Through this collaboration, we are profiling her on our website and digital platforms, providing access to relevant events, exposing her to valuable investor opportunities, and much more. Together, we aim to further her impact in the tech industry and empower other entrepreneurs to succeed.
