Meet Benedictar Sibanda

We were lucky to catch up with Benedictar Sibanda recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Benedictar, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

I have actually learned to remember that my unique perspective and background are my greatest assets. While being the only one who looks like me in a room can be challenging, it has provided me with the opportunity to stand out and make a positive impact. I choose to embrace my individuality and use it as a source of strength on my journey to success and accepting that, this is who l am and l should not be shy about it has been one of my proudest moments as l navigate this journey to success.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Its your favourite Model & Influencer Benedictar Sibanda, yes we are back again. To share with you whats been happening for the past months. The most exciting thing about this beautiful journey is that l get to meet and work with some of the best brands. Recently worked with Kotex South Africa on their new innovation on period underwear. Got a chance to work with Beulah Collagen, a collagen brand that gets you feeling young again. Currently busy with some other projects, will share that soon and can’t wait to share with yall. I am also currently part of a podcast for christian models, l love this because it speaks to my values and beliefs. We are still succeeding as the brand ambassador for our beautiful vegan heels from Empress Heels all the way in Netherlands. Still out here shining as the brand ambassador for Fragrant House South Africa and smelling absolutely amazing in their fragrances.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The first for me is definitely communication, then we have resilience and lastly continuous learning.

My advice on resilience, is that to develop resilience, practice self-care, build a support network, and maintain a growth mindset. Focus on your mental and emotional well-being, seek support from friends and mentors, and view failures as opportunities for growth and It’s crucial because everyone faces challenges in their journey, and the ability to persevere and learn from these experiences is invaluable.

Communication is essential in personal and professional life. It helps in building relationships, conveying ideas, and achieving goals. To improve communication skills, practice active listening, work on articulating your thoughts clearly, and adapt your communication style to your audience. In school, most of us were taught how to read and write, but never how to listen. On your journey keep in mind to be a better listener instead of always wanting to have the last say. Sometimes you learn more when you listen than when you are the loudest in talking.

In a world that is rapidly changing the ability to adapt and learn is crucial. Continuous learning keeps you relevant and helps you seize new opportunities. Develop a habit of reading, taking courses, and seeking out new experiences. Stay curious and open to acquiring new knowledge and skills throughout your journey. In addition to these three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge, it’s best to stay true to your values & beliefs. Cultivate a strong work ethic and surround yourself with people who want to win as much as you. Surrounding yourself with a supportive group of people or network of mentors and peers can also be an instrumental tool in your journey.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

The Little Book of Talent: 52 Tips for Improving Your Skills, by Daniel Coyle

There were actually a lot of valuable and impactful words of wisdom l learned from this book but the line l loved the most and currently live by is when he said:

“Whatever your strategy to learning, the goal is always the same: to encourage reaching, and to reinterpret mistakes so that they’re not verdicts, but the information you use to navigate the correct move.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: benedictar_sibanda
• Facebook: Benedictar Sibanda
• Linkedin: Benedictar Sibanda
• Twitter: benedictar_s
• Youtube: Benedictar Sibanda
• Other: Tiktok: @benedictars