Masithokoze Moyo

Do you really have Authentic Friends or a Needy Friend all the time?

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:28:45 GMT

Friendships are a complex thing. We hold them dear as confidants, co-conspirators, and collaborators as we go through life. There are friends who are simply a wonderful part of our lives, with whom we laugh and go on adventures and share ideas and resources.

Many articles have been written about the kind of friendships we develop in life and in the midst of my usual busy schedule I was struck by a constant reminder of the last few events of my life. This afternoon, I found myself back in the same emotional spot I was two years ago. Taking a look at people who have come and gone in my life; many disguised as friends. Maybe I am feeling a bit lonely was another little voice sounding from afar; but I looked in my friendship bank and realized that the balance was normal but I still felt that something was amiss.

Ok; there’s been a few changes in my life career-wise, business, love-life and many other situations; I thought maybe it’s those negative demons saying to me; ‘look at the choice of friends you made again’! My mentor always says - Being popular and having friends is not the same thing. But off-course I know that! The part that maybe I was less informed in; was the traits of authentic friendships!

Many would be surprised at the motivation behind this article but to cut the long story short – after painful thoughts in the office, I have decided that its time I evaluated my relationships again. This time it’s not load shedding ladies and gentleman but it’s the evaluation of me in relation to friendship relationships that I am in! In the quest of trying to find out if there is anything called authentic friendship here is what I discovered.

Authenticity is in vogue these days. Especially in every coach or mentor’s files! There is much talk these days about things like authentic leadership, authentic relationships, etc. So then, what is it? What does it mean to be authentic and how does it result in genuine, meaningful and intimate friendships?

To be authentic means to be real, the genuine article, what people see is what they get; there is nothing hidden; all is left open, laid bare, raw, with no need for hypocrisy or white-washed veneer. When it relates to meaningful friendship or intimate relationships, it means not limited to the superficial and not made to conform to a preset mold or form of behavior. I found myself asking; in these relationships, am I free to be unique self without fear of judgment, condemnation, or being cast out?

Then logically one will be inclined to ask; how does one cultivate this type of genuine relationship?

Authentic friendship begins with a sense of personal security and scrutiny. In order to be real and allow others to be real, a person needs to love and accept themselves for who they are. Each one must recognize that he or she is an unique creation of God's hand who has a special place in society. This understanding should not lead to arrogance, but to humility i.e a right understanding of one's self as special but no more special than any other person.

Genuine and meaningful relationships begin with personal security and scrutiny.

Authentic friendship accepts others for who they are and gives them permission to be real. There is no attempt to force them into conformity in any form including appearance, fashion styles, or mode of behavior. Meaningful relationships know no prejudice and do not discriminate; rather they welcome, even celebrate diversity.

Authentic friendship is characterized by openness and transparency. In order for a person to be open and transparent with another he or she must feel safe i.e. they must have no fear of condemnation or being judged for thoughts or actions. When one feels safe they will be more willing to be vulnerable and drop their guard lending to a more genuine encounter and more meaningful and intimate relationship.

With my quest for authenticity in friendships; I realized that there are 3 simple guiding principles to this kind of friendship and these are genuine, openness, and meaningful.

I would like to hear from you. Do you have other experiences with authentic friendships? Please comment and remember your story or comment might enlighten someone.

Masithokoze Moyo

www.masithokozefoundation.com

I am Clinging to the Core…to my fellow destiny community!

Thu, 27 May 2010 13:59:59 GMT

Oh my God – it’s been a roller-coaster year for me ladies and fellow gentleman! Today I celebrated another growth milestone in life called a birthday! Many of you have been part of my life for a while now and as I was reflecting on what being thirty-something meant and what does the future hold for me; I thought of sharing with you the following!

When it feels as if your world is falling apart, know at your core that you are a strong being of light.

There are times when our whole world seems to be falling apart around us, and we are not sure what to hold onto anymore. Sometimes our relationships crumble and sometimes it’s our physical environment. At other times, we can’t put our finger on it, but we feel as if all the walls have fallen down around us and we are standing with nothing to lean on, exposed and vulnerable.

These are the times in our lives when we are given an opportunity to see where we have established our sense of identity, safety, and well-being. And while it is perfectly natural and part of our process to locate our sense of self in externals, any time those external factors shift, we have an opportunity to rediscover and move closer to our core, which is the only truly safe place to call home.

The last year I leant and discovered that; the core of our being is not affected by the shifting winds of circumstance or subject to the cycles of change that govern physical reality. It is as steady and consistent as the sun, which is why the great mystics and mystical poets often reference the sun in their odes to the self. Like the sun, there are times when our core seems to be inaccessible to us, but this is just a misperception. We know that when the sun goes behind a cloud or sets for the night, it has not disappeared but is simply temporarily out of sight. In the same way, we can trust that our inner core is always shining brightly, even when we cannot quite see it.

We can cling to this core when things around us are falling apart, knowing that an inexhaustible light shines from within ourselves. Times of external darkness can be a great gift in that they provide an opportunity to remember this inner light that shines regardless of the circumstances of our lives. When our external lives begin to come back together, we are able to lean a bit more lightly on the structures we used to call home, knowing more clearly than ever that our true home is that bright sun shining in our core.

As I begin a new calendar year for my existence; I want the world to know that I will cling to my core and will be true to me at all times.

Thanks you all for sharing the last few years with me and may we continue to empower each other!

God Bless You and Thank You for all Birthday wishes!

Masithokoze Moyo

www.masithokozefoundation.com

I lost my Courage for 20 Days...But I got my groove back!

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:24:09 GMT

Earlier this month, I had a moment of doubt. Actually, it’s been creeping in for a few weeks. I started thinking about what I was doing WRONG in Life, whether I could really change the world or not. THOSE close to me were witnessing a 20 Day disintegration ordeal.

My deepest fear was not that I was inadequately skilled to perform my duties, or rather having my circle of influence handy when I needed help. My deepest fear that I had lost the courage to continue with projects and even complete an assignment. I thought I had done most of the things right in the last 90 Days! The rest is history – but the wakeup call was Friday evening last week. I was drifting back into that person – which I hate so much!

That person who was even beginning to doubt years of hard work and many achievements that I had accomplished! The last straw was when I told my mentor that – I was even thinking of ‘throwing the towel’. After the longest mentoring session trying to get to the root cause of the problem; my mentor had one question before we departed. In his diplomatic and non-intrusive manner; he finally asked me the question which I dreaded most

‘Masi, do you have the courage to face the world after any moments of failures and challenges?’

After the longest silence between us (and trying to hold back the tears); I told him that my reserve energy was limited for any challenges in life currently. It was courage that was diminishing in my ‘University of Life Library’.

I am sharing this with you because as human being we all dress up in masks of the world proclaiming all is well in life. What happens when your courage is not adequate to face yourself and even the world? The month of April has been one of the most challenging months – I have ever experienced this year. I never imagined asking myself the following. Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Why do I always help and get the raw deal? Why I am always the giver and when I am in need – no one gives? Why do I work as twice as hard - sleepless nights and when morning comes – many people think it’s easy to come and capitalize on my hard work? I have the answers to all these but the lesson which I would like to share with you through this experience. The lesson of having enough courage!

Like everyone under the universe – I realized that even with the immaculate track record – I was not immune to fear and loss of courage every now and then, the problem was that; I was not prepared for such an occurrence; I lived, loved and prayed. I was on top of My Game – Little did I prepare myself for Plan B and C! I loved the new challenges and new people and opportunities that life presented to me. I exhausted all my courage reserves focusing on the ‘new’ in life and reserved none for when things don’t go as planned. After 3 days in isolation boot camp at my granny in Soweto – I finally have found the courage back! Long moments of isolation, thinking and thinking – I am pleased to announce that I finally got the courage to face my failures and my imperfections. I am glad that I have finally come to comprehend and understand the true meaning of courage.

Courage is a pivotal virtue that is cultivated by doing what you fear. It is not the absence of fear. Living in alignment with your purpose, takes immense courage. Not courage in the sense of working up the gumption to jump off a cliff with a bungee cord. The courage that it takes to present innovative ideas to your business partners despite risking a lot that is at stake. It’s the courage that it takes to apologize to those that you have hurt and wronged in the pursuit of the African Dream and mostly to forgive those that have wronged you – although they remain defensive at all costs.

It’s the courage it takes to let go of an empty relationship when you most fear being alone. Courage has the power to change your life in a moment. It causes you to make that decision that you won’t see the fruit of for many years to come. The decision that you know is most True to who you really are.

The decision that can change the world. Today, I give thanks for the courage to change the things that I can change and those that I have already changed. Thanks Grandma for that moment as without those 3days – I would have barely had the courage to openly write this blog; about the fear of not having enough courage.

Have you ever experienced loss of courage in your life? How did you get your grove back? Share your story with us; you never know who you inspire through your experience.

Masithokoze Moyo

www.masithokozefoundation.com

Heli Air Sandton - From O.R.Tambo to Sandton in 6 minutes

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 23:38:38 GMT

Heli Air Sandton is a helicopter Airport Shuttle Company that will be offering regular airline timetable based flights between the Sandton City Helipads and OR Tambo International Airport. Heli Air Sandton lands at a suitable helipad, at the main sports field of Sandown High School along Rivonia Road as indicated. For more information click on;

www.aplineaviation.co.za

For more information click on;

www.aplineaviation.co.za

Masithokoze Moyo

Executive Director

Leaving your comfort zone of current patterns and behaviors is a courageous step toward self-growth.

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:36:20 GMT

None of us are born with a guidebook that provides explicit rules for thought and behavior that will enable us to navigate life successfully. To cope with the myriad of complexities to which all of humanity is subject, we each develop a set of habits and routines that ground us, their continuity assuring us that life is progressing normally. Most of us know, whether instinctively or by experience, that transformations can be uncomfortable, but we always learn and gain so much. Any initial discomfort we experience when expanding our comfort zones diminishes gradually as we both become accustomed to change and begin to understand that temporary discomfort is a small price to pay for the evolution of our soul.

Your current comfort zone did, at one time, serve a purpose in your life. But it is representative of behaviors and patterns of thought that empowered you to cope with challenges of days past. Now, this comfort zone does little to facilitate the growth you wish to achieve in the present. Leaving your comfort zone behind through personal expansion of any kind can prepare you to take the larger leaps of faith that will, in time, help you refine your purpose. Work your way outward at your own pace, and try not to let your discomfort interfere with your resolve. With the passage of each well-earned triumph, you will have grown and your comfort zone will have expanded to accommodate this evolution.

Whether your comfort zone is living with your parents, or perhaps being too shy to socialize, or maybe it’s not realizing your spirit self—whatever it is, start small, and you will discover that venturing beyond the limited comfort zone you now cling to is not as stressful an experience as you imagined it might be. And the joy you feel upon challenging yourself in this way will nearly always outweigh your discomfort. As you continue to expand your comfort zone to include new ideas, activities, goals, and experiences, you will see that you are capable of stimulating change and coping with the fresh challenges that accompany it.

I am happy that I have mastered the Art of Expanding my Comfort Zone. Have you experienced what happens when you move/d from your Comfort Zone? Please share your experiences with us - your experience or story might inspire someone!

www.masithokozefoundation.com

The Sowetan picks up my Blogging experience on Destiny...

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:11:42 GMT

The hallmark of any good leadership is the ability to make hard choices and take tough decisions in the interest of the people,even if such decisions may be unpopular in some quarters.populist and shortcut approaches which are informed by cheap adventurism can never be progressive and sustainable...We as young leaders understand this!

Thanks Sowetan and Many Thanks to the Destiny Family for your support.

Congratulations to the following; Destiny Connect Subscribers!

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 00:09:46 GMT

Congratulations to the following; Destiny Connect Subscribers! Destiny Connect Winners – Business 2010 Branding and Networking Event

Nthabiseng Tsita - Price waterhouse Coopers nthabiseng.tsita@za.pwc.com

Tumisang Ramatsui - Scarlet Hues tumi_01@yahoo.co.uk

Kate Emmerson - Master Life Coach. NLP and EFT kate@life-coaching.co.za

Lerato Mokoka - Agricultural field lerato.mokoka@yahoo.com

Linda Mvuyane Rennies - Travel Sasol Linda.Mvuyane@renniestravel.com

Thanks to Destiny Magazine - Destiny Man and Ndalo Media; Our Media Partners for the Business 2010 Event! Thanks Khanyi (Destiny Mag - Editor) and Destiny Man (Jabulani Sikhakhane - Editor-in-Chief)! Last minute bookings - check with Nelly Marwa; info@business-2010.com / 071 121 0266

Many Thanks to our Main Sponsors;

1. Mercedes Benz - Bedfordview

2. Old Mutual Masisizane Women Fund

3. Octopus Hair Factory

4. Destiny Magazine

'For I have come this far and my journey has not ended - for with freedom and success comes a lot of responsibilities' Masithokoze Moyo

Masithokoze Moyo, Dr. Nikolaus Eberl and Business 2010 Team!

See you on Saturday @ Mercedes Benz Bedfordiew

www.masithokozefoundation.com

Masithokoze Moyo

Guide to Preparing for Networking Events – By a Business Serial Networker - See You @ Business 2010 Networking and Branding Event!

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:40:05 GMT

Attending any networking event must be fun; especially if you are well prepare. The following tips will get you prepared and you will get the most out of that precious little amount of face-to-face time that you get to spend with other business professionals.

Proper preparation consists of:

Knowing who's going and preparing to meet those who seem to be a particularly good contact for you (or you for them).
Preparing yourself to make a good first impression.
Determine What You Want to Accomplish
Planning ahead so that you are stress-free, in a good mood, and arrive in a timely manner.
Knowing your Host and their estimated net-worth
Don’t leave before the event finishes – even if the first presenter is boring!

Some of the tips below may seem like a lot of work at first, but as you develop your routine, it will get easier, and as you see your results improve, you'll find them well worth the time invested.

Do Your Homework – who is the targeted Audience and the Theme of the Event

I'll get into some more mundane stuff down below, but this is by far the most important thing you can do to prepare for an event. If at all possible, find out who will be attending. Who is the targeted audience? if there are any people you want to make a particular point to meet, drop them an e-mail or call to introduce yourself, tell them you'll be attending, and if they are too arrange to meet them in person. If you can't reach them, jot their name down and the host may be able to introduce you at the event.

Identify What You Have to Offer

Networking is a two-way street: You receive help from others, and you offer others help. Many people underestimate the value they bring to others, but it's important to know yourself and what you have to offer and to realize that you can be a valuable resource. If you identify at the outset what you have to offer, you will be better prepared to build mutually supportive relationships with people you meet at networking events.

What do you have to offer? Do you have information, ideas, contacts or other resources? I, for example, am a serial networker and skills development activist, belonging to over 35 network of professional business development platforms; e.g Destiny Connect, Business Woman Association and the CEO. Many experienced businessmen and women have helped me in my career. In return, I can offer contacts at Destiny Magazine and Destiny Man.

Dress Well, Dress Distinctively

Find out in advance what expected attire for the event is. Try to dress slightly better than the average for the group. Obviously, you don't want to stand out in the extreme, like wearing a tux or an evening gown when it's business casual, but a little stand-out is a good thing. If you can tie it in with your branding, perhaps a dress shirt embroidered with your business logo, all the better. Of course, make sure your clothes are in good shape -- pressed and starched if appropriate. The operative word is "distinctive", not "outlandish" (although some people can make that work, too). You don't want to just be remembered as "the guy in the Italian suit with the Rolex", but anything that helps you subtly stand out from the crowd will also help you stand out in their mind the next day.

Be well groomed

I wish this could go without saying, but it can't. You don't have to wow people with your appearance, but you don't want anything physically unpleasant or distracting either. If you're going to the event from home, a fresh shower is a great idea. Otherwise, wash your face and hands well. Brush your teeth. Comb your hair. Shave or trim your facial hair. Put on fresh cologne/perfume if you choose, but not a strong one. Clean and trim your nails if needed. If you're a smoker, try not to smoke for at least an hour before the event. For women, makeup is at your discretion, but in a business setting, lighter is better than heavier. Think "natural" not "glamour."

Get Properly Equipped

There are 3 essentials you should have in hand, purse or pocket: your business cards, a good pen and breath mints. Whether you love them or hate them, the reality is that business cards are one of the standard trappings of modern business. The pen is for taking notes on the back of business cards. It should be reliable and stylish. Breath mints, strips or spray are a must. Even if you brushed beforehand, one wrong choice at the buffet table can do a number on you. Even if you don't need them, you won't regret having them.

Know Exactly Where You're Going

There's no such thing as fashionably late to a networking event. Get there early and greet others as they arrive. There's also nothing that will frazzle you more right before you arrive than having difficulty finding the venue. Know where you're going and allow plenty of time to get there.

See You @ Business 2010 Networking and Branding Event!

Tickects are still available!

For Bookings; Email Nelly Marwa; info@business-2010.com

www.masithokozefoundation.com

DestinyConnect is giving away 5 tickets to the Business 2010 Master-Class and Networking Conference in Bedfordview JHB on 27 March. To enter, send your details to info@destinyconnect.com.

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 22:50:18 GMT

DestinyConnect is giving away 5 tickets to the Business 2010 Master-Class and Networking Conference in Bedfordview JHB on 27 March. To enter, send your details to info@destinyconnect.com.

About the Event

This half-day master-class, presented by international brand leadership expert, Dr Nikolaus Eberl (featured weekly on CNBC Africa and the Business Day), and skills development specialist Ms Masithokoze Moyo (Ex producer and presenter of the African Diaspora News on BBC and BBC Radio Leeds), examines the motivational drivers that turn football followers into fervent brand advocates.

Karl Smith – Your Network Is Your Networth!

Karl Smith - is an internationally acclaimed business relationship building expert, author, self improvement speaker, coach, consultant and entrepreneur known for his powerful speaking ability and his UNIQUE approach to business networking and personal branding. He is the founder of Business Networking South Africa and he is the author of 'Beyond The Business Handshake: Dare To Build High-Trust Business Relationships'. Karl is a member of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa and he is one of South Africa’s Big5 Speakers.

Who will benefit from the Event?

The aim of Business 2010 Master-class and networking conference is to assist small and established businesses to gear for growth, and to help them develop into medium and even large enterprises by maximizing and mastering brand advocacy in their business.

The following individuals will benefit from Business 2010

1. Entrepreneurs and business owners of small businesses looking at expanding their networks

2. Business owners who want to turn football followers into fervent brand advocates of their businesses and the world cup

3. Entrepreneurs who are looking for branding tips and access to information and networking opportunities.

4. Business owners of established enterprises who wish to enter into joint partnerships with upcoming entrepreneurs and start-ups

5. Entrepreneurs in waiting interested in starting their own businesses

Delegates will also receive the following

1. Delegates will receive a copy of Dr Eberl’s 2010 FIFA World Cup book,

2. Copy of Destiny Magazine and Destiny Man

3. 30% off Subscription to Destiny Magazine and Destiny Man

4. Gift from Mercedes Benz

5. Gift from Old Mutual – Masisizane Women’s Fund

6. Massages, Spa and a gift

7. Networking opportunities

8. Goodie Bag with a lot of freebies

9. Test Drive - Mercedez Benz - E6E AMG

For Bookings and Registration Forms

Please Email: Nelly Marwa; info@business-2010.com

Visit; www.masithokozefoundation.com - click on Business 2010 Event

CNBC - Business 2010 - How Businesses are gearing up for 2010

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:47:24 GMT

How are businesses in SA Gearing up for The World Cup?

CNBC – Business 2010 Interview this Morning

For about a month, the world will have its eyes on South Africa as 32 teams do battle for a trophy, a title and four years' worth of bragging rights. This presents several opportunities for businesses across SA.

We as the Business 2010 – a joint venture between Masithokoze Foundation and Brand Ovation saw a huge opportunity for presenting a half-day master-class in branding and networking.

About Business 2010’s winning formula – Visibility + Credibility = Profitability

Networking – Your network is your networth.

For Bookings - Contact; Nelly @ info@business-2010.com

visit; www.masithokozefoundation.com click - under Business 2010