I never set out to write a book. It wasn’t even a distant idea, it simply wasn’t there.
And yet, when the nudge came, I couldn’t ignore it. As David Whyte writes, “it was a question that had been patiently waiting for me.”
So I stepped toward that question, did my best… and After The Fires took form, and then took off.
Because of your support, I now get to say I am the author of a national bestseller in South Africa. For that, I remain deeply grateful.
But what stayed with me even more than the surprise success of the book were your messages. The calls. The DMs.Stories of unresolved hurt, trauma, and questions the book surfaced for so many of you.
This next offering is a response to that. I’m incredibly proud to introduce: After The Fires: The Podcast.
My hope is that it becomes a space for honest, healing conversations, a place we return to when life feels overwhelming. A tapestry of voices and experiences, featuring remarkable guests who bring not just expertise, but lived experience in helping others navigate life’s fires.
If you believe, as I do, that there is still life, growth, and purpose, even after the fires, then this podcast is for you.
#afterthefires #thepodcast #therealnozi #noziphotshabalala #theconversationstrategists
After the Fires: Unlocking the Power of Letting Go is more than my debut — it’s a story I’ve carried in my bones for years. A story of burning, of breaking, of becoming.
Writing this memoir was an act of deep vulnerability — a labour of love, yes — but also one of truth-telling and soul-searching. I had to confront the stories I’ve told myself, the pain I’ve hidden, and the healing I thought I could postpone.
If you’ve ever stood at the crossroads between certainty and trust, between holding on and finally releasing what no longer serves you, I wrote this for you.
After the Fires is not just about what I’ve let go of. It’s about what I’ve found on the other side: freedom, clarity, and a voice I nearly lost.
The book will be on shelves soon — and I’ll be sharing more details about the launch in the coming days.
Thank you for walking with me.
#AfterTheFires #TheRealNozi #ConversationStrategists #BookLaunch #Memoir #LettingGo #Healing
Deeply honored to receive these words from the President. Grateful for the opportunity to serve through meaningful conversations that move us forward. This work isn’t about me — it’s about the power of dialogue to shape the future.
#StrategicFacilitation #LeadershipInAction #PurposeDrivenWork #Gratitude
From age milestones to the "perfection" we see on TikTok, society constantly hands us a script on how we should live. This episode of The Anele Podcast: Her and Now discusses the courage it takes to let go of control and drop the expectations that weren't ours to begin with. Tune in now at the link in bio 💓
#HerFirst #TheAnelePodcastHerAndNow
Another key takeaway from Mentorship Moments was that one of the biggest, and most invisible parts of our job is learning how to make sense in the moment.
Not every challenge comes with a roadmap, and not every room gives you time to prepare. Sometimes the real skill is being able to listen deeply, process quickly, and respond with clarity while everything is still unfolding.
If you missed this mentorship moment, the full conversation is now on YouTube 🩵.
#therealnozi #mentorshipmoments #theconversationstrategists #noziphotshabalala #communicationskills
The conversation continues! Tomorrow, we’re back with episode two of The Anele Podcast: Her and Now. We’re joined by the incredible Nozipho Tshabalala and Mantsoe Pout for a session that’s food for the soul. 💓
#HerFirst #TheAnelePodcastHerAndNow
Last week, I had the opportunity to step into my third invitation to hold conversational space for this year’s Trialogue Business in Society Conference.
There are just so many insights and reflections that I left with, but the 2 that continue to ring loudest are this:
(1) When we deny communities dignity by rendering them invisible in decision making and solutioning around challenges that shape their daily lived experience, we cannot be surprised when they render the assets we put down invisible. No one has ever burnt a church in the midst of a protest!
(2) Perhaps the next call to action Is not responsibility nor is it citizenship. The times we find ourselves in demand that business has a soul.
#theconversationstrategists #therealnozi #trialogue2026 #wanderesstadium #noziphotshabalala
Friends and Family, one thing that became clear after launching After the Fires was the conversations could not end with the episodes.
The messages, reflections, questions, and stories shared by so many of you reminded me that healing, growth, and self-examination often require more than
listening. They require pause, reflection, and intentional action.
So, this next offering is a response to that. We will be introducing the After the Fires workbooks which are created as companion reflections for each episode. A space to process, journal, engage, and continue the conversation beyond what is said on screen.
My hope is that these workbooks become gentle companions for those navigating life’s fires in their own way and at their own pace.
Our very first episode drops June 2nd!
#afterthefiresthepodcast #afterthefires #therealnozi #noziphotshabalala #theconversationstrategists
Today, I am reflecting on the opportunity I had to contribute to conversations shaping Africa’s infrastructure future at the Africa50 General Shareholders Meeting in Mozambique.
From discussions around scalable infrastructure solutions to the importance of leadership, collaboration, and innovation in accelerating development across the continent, the experience was a powerful reminder of what is possible when African institutions, governments, and private sector leaders work collectively toward long-term impact.
It was especially meaningful to see conversations focused not only on celebrating a decade of Africa50’s impact, but also on charting the path forward for sustainable growth, investment, and infrastructure development across Africa.
My biggest highlight, without a doubt, was sharing the stage with the then president of the @afdb_group as he concluded his term both at the bank and as chairman of
Africa 50.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an important platform and for the many insights, conversations, and connections that continue to inspire the work I do.
#africadevelopmentbank #therealnozi #africa50 #theconversationstrategists #noziphotshabalala
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be serving on the Shortlisting Jury for the PR Lions at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
I’m looking forward to joining an exceptional global cohort of jurors in reviewing the work submitted from around the world and helping recognise the ideas that could set the benchmark for creative excellence in the year ahead.
This year’s jury line-up reflects the growing diversity of the global creative industry, with increased representation from across Africa and the Pacific, including jurors from Zimbabwe for the very first time. As a global conversation strategist, it’s an honour to be part of this moment and contribute to conversations shaping the future of creativity.
#therealnozi #canneslions #theconversationstrategists #noziphotshablalala #shortlistedcreative @cannes_lions
In last week’s conversation, we spoke about how to simplify complex conversations.
One of the key takeaways was this: don’t try to sound smart, but rather focus on the essence of the question. The goal is to communicate clearly and meaningfully.
The full episode is now YouTube.
#mentorshipmoments #therealnozi #noziphotshabalala #complexconversations #theconversationstrategists
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a bookworm, so I am especially excited for the upcoming Franschhoek Literary Festival taking place from 15–17 May 2026.
Here’s where you can find me:
📍Moderating: 15 May (14:30–15:30) — Generation Africa at NG Church, alongside @thebeikalafeng , @bronwynwilliams , and @osamazwai
📍Panellist: 16 May (14:30–15:30) — The Act of Courage at the Old School Hall, alongside @rachelkolisi and @eviesimm
📍Panellist: 17 May (11:30–12:30) — Reflecting on my memoir and the day my childhood changed forever at Hospice House
Be sure to book your tickets here: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/EventCategories.aspx?itemid=1589974554
Tickets are limited and sold on a first come, first served basis, so do not wait too long.
I would love to see you there.🩵
#franschhoekliteraryfestival #therealnozi #noziphotshabalala #theconversationstrategists @franlitfest
