At this year’s Ladies to Legends event, hosted by IIE MSA, students were encouraged to embrace leadership with confidence, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Among the panellists was industrial psychologist Sithisa Magxwalisa-Myeko, who shared powerful insights on navigating the world of work as a young professional.

Magxwalisa highlighted the importance of preparation, saying that ‘preparation builds confidence.’ She explained that being teachable, making an effort to grow, and connecting with experts can open doors for young people starting their careers. Mistakes, she added, are part of the journey, and what matters most is learning from them.

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Her own inspiration to lead came from seeing women who looked like her breaking barriers in psychology. “Representation matters,” she said. “Seeing Black women psychologists leading in various ways motivated me to pursue a path where I could make a meaningful difference.”

On the subject of emotional intelligence, Magxwalisa described it as the ability to manage one’s emotions and understand those of others. For her, it is not just a ‘soft skill’ but a critical capability for leaders. It involves empathy, respectful communication, teamwork, and the ability to build meaningful professional relationships.

When speaking about resilience, she cautioned against the popular idea of constantly pushing through challenges. Instead, she defined true resilience as knowing when to pause, set healthy boundaries, and protect one’s well-being. “It’s about showing up from a place of fullness rather than depletion,” she explained.

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Magxwalisa also stressed the value of mentorship, networking, and sisterhood, saying that building meaningful connections provides support in both personal and professional spaces. “There is a seat for everyone at the table,” she noted, adding that students should actively take opportunities to network and learn from industry leaders.

Her message to young women was clear: success is not achieved alone, but through community, preparation, and resilience.
She emphasised the importance of mentorship, networking, and sisterhood, noting that building meaningful connections offers support in both personal and professional contexts

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