A building block on the road to success
When you join the Tsebo family, it’s not a once-off partnership. It’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. Kamogelo Mmutlana knows all about how being part of Tsebo can contribute to a successful career. He spent two years in our Fedics business before taking on other blue-chip executive roles. Although Kamogelo is now the Divisional CEO of Barloworld Automotive & Logistics, he still sees his time at Tsebo as a formative experience, helping him set his career path.
Before becoming Divisional CEO of Barloworld Automotive & Logistics
Kamogelo joined Tsebo in August 2000 as the Operations Director at Fedics, our contract catering subsidiary. Here, he was in charge of the development and expansion of the business through new business deals and joint ventures. He worked alongside Managing Director Jeff Marco.
“I had just completed my MBA and understood lots of theories, but practically ’it’s all different. I had to put everything else aside and just run with it to maintain a profitable business,” said Kamogelo.
“When I joined the team, it was a comforting moment. The business leaders were committed to supporting and assisting me,” says Kamogelo. “Jeff’s approach was simple. You have got to find your way and get things done. That was his expectation and although I was thrown in at the deep end, I was able to figure things out,” he added. He admits that it was a challenge, but it was rewarding and set the tone for his time there. Every moment was an opportunity to learn, and if you made a mistake, you owned it and learnt from it.
Understanding the bigger picture
One of the most complex parts of his role as Operations Director was managing the financials.
“Everything had to be calculated down to a T. You needed to know exactly how much food to order, what the portion size needed to be and how to ensure that nothing went to waste,” he says.
This is something many people do not consider. Have you ever wondered how there is the right amount of food on offer at a buffet? Or how kitchens know how much to order to prevent unnecessary expenses? These careful calculations were part of Kamogelo’s duties to ensure that budgets were adhered to.
Tips for planning your career
Kamogelo’s advice is to acknowledge that your career starts with you. You need to know what your plan is and how it aligns with the opportunities available.
“’It’s one thing being given an opportunity, but where does that opportunity fit in terms of your overall plan for the next 10 years?” he says. “It’s important that as you make your plans, they are within the context of your vision and where you want to take your life, so that will always be the starting point,” he adds.
The world has gone digital, which means that instead of competing with fellow South Africans for jobs, you now need to compete with global peers. You need to work incredibly hard to ensure that you can compete on a global scale. Kamogelo believes this is often forgotten and is a message that he shares with his children as they prepare for their futures.
Grab every single opportunity
When it comes to growing in your career, you need to apply yourself and work hard. Each assignment is a chance to put your best foot forward and perform to the best of your abilities. Work on your skills and seize every opportunity.
“You need to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to you, but above that, you need to believe in yourself,” he says. “Each opportunity is an indication of a leader recognising your potential or believing in you. With the right support, you will flourish,” he adds.
Celebrating Tsebo’s golden jubilee
Kamogelo believes that one of the secrets to Tsebo’s success over the last 50 years is their investment in their people.
“I would like to thank Tsebo Solutions Group for the opportunities they afforded me. Working for them is a great investment in oneself as they are dedicated to developing their people. I also want to congratulate Tsebo’s employees, its shareholders, and the executive leadership team on this momentous occasion and milestone, and wish them well as they continue to build and create value,” he concludes.
