Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vuyo Joboda. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Vuyo, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
My journey to purpose discovery has been a hope filled one. I discovered my purpose at a young age and I believe God had intended it that way so that I am steadfast in my walk of faith with Him. In 2019 I wrote a book titled ’21’ which I describe as my 21st birthday gift to the world. I wrote this book in the journey of my purpose discovery. In the book I share the challenges, realities and in depth of the exercises and practises that I had to employ during that time to 1. Discover my purpose, 2. to become comfortable with that discovery and 3. to take the unapologetic steps to going wherever that purpose leads me. My journey has also been faith filled so I relied heavily in my relationship with Jesus as a guide which highlighted the specificities of why certain things were happening during that time of purpose discovery. As I was understanding the process I was documenting it and I decided to share it with others who might be on their journey and about to embark on their journey to purpose discovery through the book. To simply answer the question, I found my purpose by engaging with God and asking Him fundamental questions about my existence and the encounters I embarked from that request then presented a series of answers to what ultimately my purpose is.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a Global Media Maven, TV Host, Author, Entrepreneur. I am a Content Creator and Producer and a professional Film & TV and Media & Entertainment practitioner and a graduate from Africa’s highest ranking University, The University of Cape Town with a degree in Film &Television studies and Media & Writing. I never fail to mention that because graduating in the industry that I am so passionate about has been a real heartwarming experience for me. This year I celebrate 10 years in the industry and my experience pans behind and in front of the camera. I have served extensively in the South African media and entertainment industry as a dedicated Producer Director and seasoned Broadcaster. I now serve in the overall advancement of the industry both in Africa and globally as an intentional bridge across different global markets.
The work that I do is a very colourful because I wear different hats in the industry so everyday is different. I am a multi- facetted creator who uses her voice to positively inspire, impact and ignite audiences around the world with the message of hope. With my work, in any capacity, I wish that anyone who engages with it from anywhere around the world gets inspired and ignited by just the encounter with it. I am a servant and student of the industry fundamentally because my purpose is heavily connected to it.
In my entrepreneurial capacity I serve as the Founder and CEO of ‘VN’ a Globally Inspired, African Ignited Media conglomerate Company with a few media brands under its belt including VN Streaming, VN Global Awards, VN Summit and the recently launched a 24-hour VN TV channel on the Enterprise Theater Network on ROKU.
I am now in production of my brand new storytelling platform. A Global Talkshow called ‘The Vuyo Joboda Show: Live from New York City. Filmed in New York City to share powerful and ignited global stories through conversation. The show is currently airing on the VN Streaming TV Channel on the Enterprise Theater on ROKU. I would encourage everyone to watch out for the show and follow it on online as it is going to empower the trajectory of the industry.
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?
i am in still currently in my journey too so I will share some tools that I am currently utilising now. 1. Solid foundation
I think it is very essential that we set a very solid foundation for both our career and personal lives. its important that in our establishing of careers we equip ourselves from a foundational level. We are a outcome generation and often times forget the importance of putting time into the building of the foundation to that outcome so that it is much more sustainable. I encourage to invest time, resources and capacity in the foundational skills that will sustain our careers and personal lives no matter what. I build my foundation on Jesus Christ and I would encourage everyone reading this to consider that unshakable, immovable foundation as their base too.
2. Courage
I believe courage is a skill. Difficult to possess but imperative to take on or embark on any meaningful journey. Courage to take risks, courage to make mistakes, courage to fail, courage to take on the uncomfortable paths that would ultimately transform you to a better version of you for yourself and career. Courage to say yes and courage to say No. Courage to keep going even when you do not feel like going. Courage to forgive yourself and have grace towards yourself. Courage to embrace joy in the midst and presence of challenges as you realise that challenges are part of it.
3. Patience for the Process
I love these two because these they test who is in it for the long run and who is not. And I think we can access that especially with regards to career. If you do not have have patience for the process then perhaps you are not meant to be in that industry. I say this because ultimately the industry or space you are called to purpose in will not be shaken or moved by the pains of the patience for the process. Challenges are promised in every impactful journey and that determines who will be at the end of the journey. You see once you are called in a industry or space, no matter what happens you stand firm in your pursuit of it. You keep going and allow the process to refine you to be better and stronger as a person and a practitioner in that industry. I say in this regard the prayer changes from “God make the process go away” to “God give me the strength to get through this process.”
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents! I would write an entire book of how amazing they have been to me. My parents have been the biggest support system for me both in my career and in my personal life. What I have observed about them is that they don’t just support me because I am their daughter but also because they fundamentally believe in this young woman who is in active pursuit of herself and her purpose. I have always tried to be independent in my approach to the industry. I have not tried to force them to support by they have experienced my resilience and persistence and because of that they have been loyal in their support. My parents are also my best friends and accountability partners. My mother specifically is not afraid to tell me when I am wrong. She will say ‘Girl that was not it’ and I greatly appreciate it because i know it comes from a good place. She is also the first person to tell me when I have done it right. They have seen my very low lows and experienced my high highs with me too. Honestly I am blessed to have had them part of my journey.
They have been instrumental in my journey and I appreciate them. They are also my prayer partners and often times we just prayer partners, whether good or bad, we pray about it. I love you mom and dad!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vuyojoboda/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063097284302
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vuyo-joboda-486344138
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC96hqzcLvD9YBT0qylEc0kA
- Other: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFdukHdQgg/jfrh5mHnDH2ym_5TmzyWXw/view?utm_content=DAFdukHdQgg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink
