Shows
the breakthrough sessionss3 e8: Rorisang Mabogoane | navigating ageism in the workplace | managing your health in corporateIn this episode, I sit down with Rorisang Mabogoane, a dynamic young professional who made the bold leap from strategy consulting into a managerial role in banking — all before turning 25. But her journey wasn’t without obstacles. From navigating ageism in corporate spaces to battling health challenges like COVID-19 and scoliosis, Rorisang’s story is one of unwavering resilience, faith, and purpose.She opens up about:- Breaking barriers as a young manager in a high-stakes industry- The toll that chronic illness and recovery took on her pe...
2025-06-071h 16
the breakthrough sessionss3e7: Isabella Makhura | the plight of unemployment | living with disability | struggling with faithIn South Africa, 60% of youth are currently unemployed (as of April 2025, the recording of this episode).In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with Isabella Makhura, a bright young lawyer and social media voice of encouragement, who opens up about the silent battles so many face behind closed doors. Isabella shares her journey of navigating unemployment after completing her law degree and articles, and how this season tested more than just her patience — it tested her identity, her faith, and her emotional strength. She reminds us that being unemployed does not mean being un...
2025-05-151h 44
the breakthrough sessionss3 e6: blast from the past | the silver linings episodeoriginal air date: 25 September 2020
In this pulled-from-the-vault episode, I reflect on a word that’s been my anchor for over 13 years: Excelsior—Latin for "ever upward." It’s more than a motto; it’s a mindset. Inspired by The Silver Linings Playbook and its powerful reminder that “if you stay positive, you have a shot at a silver lining,” this episode explores how I’ve used Excelsior to reframe pain, loss, and uncertainty into something hopeful.
I also share the personal acronym BREATHE—a survival tool I created during some of my darkest seasons. It’s a step-by-step reminder to pause, persevere...
2025-05-0224 minthe breakthrough sessionss3e5: blast from the past | the microsteps that are too small to failoriginal air date: 10 April 2020
Originally aired in 2020, this episode is close to my heart—and today, I’m bringing it back as a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey.
Inspired by Arianna Huffington’s idea of “microsteps”—small, actionable habits that are too small to fail—this episode explores how seemingly tiny shifts can lead to meaningful breakthroughs. Back when it first aired, the world was navigating uncertainty, and this message of gentle progress felt deeply needed. Now, five years later, it feels just as powerful—if not more.
As I revisit this conversation, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come...
2025-04-1830 min
the breakthrough sessionss3e4: Mbali Mzinyane | wellness in the workplace | workplace bullying | toxic work environmentsThis week on the breakthrough sessions podcast, I sit down with the powerful and insightful Mbali Mzinyane—a woman whose story and voice shed light on some of the darkest corners of the modern workplace.
In this episode, we open up about workplace bullying, navigating toxic work environments, and the often-unspoken toll these experiences take on our mental health. Mbali shares her personal journey with honesty and strength, and we unpack what self-preservation looks like when your workplace becomes a battlefield.
During our conversation, Mbali also references the book "Building Psychologically Safe Spaces: Safeguarding Your Workplace Against Bullying" by Dr. Ng...
2025-04-041h 16the breakthrough sessionss3e3: introducing "the side conversations" | let's talk about identity | finding purpose in failureWho are you—really? Welcome to "the side conversations"—a space for raw, unfiltered reflections on the things that weigh heavy on my heart. These are the conversations that I can’t keep to myself— a deep dive into the lessons, struggles, and revelations from my own journey.
In this solo episode, I’m unpacking the weight of identity and the danger of tying it to just one thing. We often define ourselves by our careers, achievements, relationships, or even failures. But what happens when those things shift? When you lose the job, the title, or the sense of certainty you once h...
2025-03-2037 min
the breakthrough sessionss3e2: Mpumi K. Mbonane | purpose | career pivots | entrepreneurship | fighting for your dreamsMeet Mpumi K. Mbonane —a dynamic force who knows what it means to chase purpose, pivot when necessary, and fight relentlessly for her dreams. In this powerful conversation, we dive deep into the journey of career alignment, the courage it takes to start over, and the challenges that come with stepping into your calling. We unpack the battles of pursuing your passion, the importance of having a strong support system, and the faith required to navigate uncertainty. If you're at a crossroads in your career, questioning your path, or seeking inspiration to push forward, this episode is for you!
2025-03-062h 13
the breakthrough sessionss3 e1 - the rebirth | starting over | unemployment | accidents | grief...& the elephant in the roomAfter a long hiatus, the breakthrough sessions podcast is back—bigger, bolder, and ready for a rebirth. In this episode, I have my bestie Nsuku Mabundza join me as we dive into why I’ve been away, the lessons I learned during my time away, and what’s next. Plus, I introduce an exciting new co-host who’s bringing fresh energy to the conversation!
This season is all about second chances, new beginnings, and the power of reinvention. Tune in as we set the stage for an inspiring journey ahead.
For more updates and behind-the-scenes content, follow us on our socials...
2025-02-211h 23the breakthrough sessionsseason 3 trailer: the rebirth seriesthe breakthrough sessions podcast returns with Season 3 - the rebirth series. Hosted by Refilwe Segoe, this season is dedicated to second chances, fresh starts, and the power of beginning again. This is more than just a comeback; it’s a testament to resilience, growth, and the breakthroughs that make it all worthwhile. It’s been a long time coming, but trust me—it was worth the wait.
2025-02-1601 min
the breakthrough sessionss2e8: session with Emmanuel KS Bope, current Medical student from Wits UniversityIn the mid-season finale episode of the podcast, I had Emmanuel KS Bope on. Emmanuel is currently a third-year Wits Medical Student and the business owner of Q Fitness. He was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa within a Congolese household, which is why his home language is French. However, he is proud of both his origins and is looking forward to making an impact in most African countries someday.
In our conversation, we spoke about Emmanuel's experience with starting two businesses while studying, his SIX-YEAR journey of getting into medicine, his experience with failure and...
2021-12-031h 11
the breakthrough sessionss2e7: session with Holiness Sma, current Bsc Agricultural Economics student from the University of LimpopoIn this episode, I had Aphane Kgalalelo Holiness, aka Holiness Sma on. Holiness was born on the 31st of May 2001 in the Limpopo province. She is a first born in a family of five children. She's a young South African poet, a Spoken - Word Artist, a YouTuber, and is currently pursuing her 3rd-year Bachelors of Sciences degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Limpopo
In our conversation, we spoke about Holiness' experience with failing a module in 1st year. We spoke about the struggles she faced leading up to and after she failed, how the...
2021-11-1939 min
the breakthrough sessionss2e6: session with Tumi Pitswane, former Corporate Finance and Investments student from WitsIn this episode, I had Goitumetswe Pitswane on. Goitumetswe, aka Tumi, is a BCom Honours Finance and Investments Graduate from Wits who is currently working as a Real Estate Banker. She has a passion for youth development as she shines her light on employment strategies by creating content on her youtube channel. She sees herself as a go-getter and aims to inspire as many people as she can just by shining her light onto the world.
Our conversation was filled with incredible gems and insights stemming from her life at varsity. From her own experience with failing...
2021-10-2945 min
the breakthrough sessionss2e5: session with Precious Molepo, current UJ CTA studentIn this episode, I had Precious Molepo on. Born and bred in Paulshof Johannesburg, Precious had no idea that she wanted to go the accounting route, as she was torn between following her creative side and following her academic goals. However, being raised by a single hardworking mother, she made it one of her primary goals to work on achieving a degree and postgraduate qualification, in order to embark on a stable career path and independently find financial freedom. So, Precious went on to study her Bcom Accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and thereafter bridged into...
2021-10-1548 min
the breakthrough sessionss2e4: session with Ntwanano Shitholani, former UCT Mechanical Engineering StudentIn this episode, I had Ntwanano Shitholani on. Born and bred in Shigalo village in Limpopo, Ntwanano went on to study her Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Cape Town. She failed 3 modules and because of that, it took her six years to finish the four-year degree. But the most important thing is that she finished! And now she is currently working as a Mechanical Engineer.
Our conversation, which was a surprisingly lighthearted, laugh-at-our-pain kind of episode, took on a life of its own as we discussed the elements that led to her failures, how that...
2021-10-0153 min
the breakthrough sessionss2e3: session with Jubilee Mukosi, Former UCT Accounting student, current Digital Marketing studentIn this episode, I had Jubilee Mukosi on. Jubilee is a former University of Cape Town Accounting student and current Digital Marketing student.
Jubilee is a fun-loving, 20-something-year-old who completed Accounting in 2019, and although she tried to convince herself for years that it would end in CA(SA), she switched it up and is now studying Digital Marketing and running a Social Media Marketing agency called ndijubileemedia! Jubilee is also a natural hair enthusiast and most importantly, she’s a lover of God and His people!
In our session we spoke about her experience with fa...
2021-09-1751 min
the breakthrough sessionss2e2: session with Nothando Moloi, Former Wits student and Consultant Quantity SurveyorIn this episode, I had Nothando Moloi on. Nothando Moloi is an independent consultant who studied at the University of Witwatersrand pursuing her Bsc in Construction Studies and thereafter, her Honours in Quantity Surveying. Nothando has to date worked on several big projects both Nationally and Internationally and has had the privilege of being a Site Based Quantity Surveyor and a Consultant Quantity Surveyor.
In our session, Nothando takes us back to her varsity days. She shares her story of failing 1st year and the impact that had on her life. She also shares how she dealt w...
2021-08-2739 min
the breakthrough sessionss2e1: Session with Ntwanano Ngomane, Former Tuks student and soon-to-be CA(SA)In the season 2 premiere of the podcast, I had Ntwanano Ngomane on. Ntwanano is a former university of Pretoria CTA student and soon-to-be-qualified Chartered Accountant. She is an aspiring career coach and Content Creator. She is passionate about career development, especially for aspiring chartered accountants. Outside of her professional career and interests, she is a down-to-earth girl who enjoys a good series and a glass of wine!
In our conversation, we speak about the ups and downs of her varsity career and how that moulded her into the person that she is today. We also speak on the journey she...
2021-08-1349 min
the breakthrough sessionsseason 2 trailerSTUDENTS, WE ARE BACK! This season we're covering failure stories from past and current students across South Africa! Season 2 starts 13th August 2021. Episodes drop every second Friday. Don't miss it!
2021-08-1301 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 18 - SEASON FINALE: the thanksgiving episodeThis is it. The final episode of season 1. And in the spirit of November being thanksgiving, I decided to unpack what being thankful and showing gratitude is to me, and how being grateful helped me to develop a perspective shift during the year 2020. Seeing as though the end of the academic year is near, I also discuss the next chapter, and how important it is to be open to what the universe has in store for you, all while learning to remain patient and trusting during this time. I also reflect on past episodes and past guests who have...
2020-11-2726 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 17: the adventure on the other side of varsity, with Mpho SegoeIn this episode I had the pleasure of having Mpho Segoe on, where we discussed 2 sides of varsity – being a student, and then being a lecturer. We also go into detail about other adventures that await after varsity. Mpho is a Chartered Accountant and Tax Practitioner, and she holds a Masters degree in Accounting Sciences. She is a fitness bunny, and enjoys anything that involves fitness. She also loves travelling and has visited over 20 countries! And if you think the surnames sound familiar, you're not mistaken, because Mpho also happens to be my cousin :D!! In our conversation we sp...
2020-11-0655 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 16: the journey of overcoming, with Bongani Dlamini & Mbali MkhithiIn this episode I had the pleasure of having Bongani Dlamini, and Mbali Mkhithi on, where we discussed the journey of overcoming, and not letting your fears or imposter syndrome stop you from doing what you are passionate about. Bongani is from Soweto, and is a BA Politics and International Relations student from the University of Johannesburg, a UNICEF Africa's Generation Unlimited Youth Reporter, and the Co - Founder of The Council SA - an NGO aimed at mentoring high school students through the art of debate. Mbali, also from Soweto, is an LLB student from the University of...
2020-10-2357 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 15: the silver linings episodeIn this solo episode I talk about why finding silver linings in tough times is so important. I discuss how finding a silver lining fuels me to deal with, and eventually get out of those hard times; and how you could do the same. I also talk about the origins of my motto, 'excelsior', which means ever upward. 'Excelsior' entails taking all the negativity, and using it as a fuel to find your silver lining. With that I also have an acronym that I use to maintain 'excelsior', which is BREATHE. I unpack what each letter stands for and...
2020-09-2521 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 14: the balance between leadership and tertiary studies, with SRC member Thuli KolaIn this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Miss Thulaganyo Kola. Thuli, as most people call her, is a University of Pretoria student who is currently pursuing her Honours in Sociology, after completing her undergrad in Political Sciences at UP. Her interests lie in public speaking and debating, and her passion for politics led her to run and subsequently serve on the Student Representative Council, also known as the SRC. She is currently serving her second term on the SRC, in her portfolio of Study Finance. Our conversation unpacked various insightful pieces around juggling leadership while also s...
2020-09-1149 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 13: the challenges and gifts of varsity with Vuyisile SongoIn this episode I had Vuyisile Songo on, a 2 - time UP graduate, who shares her unique journey towards attaining her degrees. Vuyi studied Bcom Financial Sciences, and then went on to do her Honours degree in Internal Audit. She has an immense passion for cooking and baking, as she says she "can make cinnamon buns in her sleep", and she is an avid park - run, and colour - run fanatic. Her greatest gift is her 1 - year old daughter, who became one of her biggest motivators for completing her final degree, in record time! Apart from unexpectedly b...
2020-08-281h 01the breakthrough sessionssession 12: the academic and health juggle with Rea SeletishaIn this episode I had the pleasure of speaking with Rea Seletisha, where we discuss her health struggles and how they impacted the progression of her studies. Rea is a final year Bcom Financial Sciences student, and an aspiring internal auditor. She is a member of the Golden - Key honor society, a common purpose alumnus, and has affiliations with LeaderEx, JSE SHE invests and STARS mentionship, just to name a few. She has a passion for personal development, education and improving the lives of young women. And most importantly, her mantra is: Own your narrative, because I am...
2020-08-1459 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 11: the breakthrough rejection storyIn this special episode, past me takes the guest chair as I come face to face with my own struggle with rejection. And what I did in my journey towards finding my breakthrough . What makes this episode special is that you will hear from 2 versions of myself - first you will hear from pre - corona Fifi, an episode that I recorded back in February before everything changed, a mere 1 day after facing a series of rejections. And you will hear from me now, 5 months later, as I comment on the old version of me, I talk about how...
2020-07-3131 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 10: the after - effects of failureIn this episode, I am once again joined by UP - alumnus Kgomotso Adams, as we have part - 2 of our conversation which continues off from session 9: the perfectionist mindset. Kgomotso is currently studying her Honours in Accounting Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA). And in this episode Kgomotso shares her own experiences with coping after failure, and shares the after effects of failure, living with imposter - syndrome, all while offering more tips on how to overcome these struggles. She also discusses her organisation, Tribe of Bosses; a community that is devoted towards empowering people to build...
2020-07-171h 11the breakthrough sessionssession 9: the perfectionist mindsetIn this episode I had the pleasure of having UP - alumnus Kgomotso Adams on as a guest, who is currently studying her Honours in Accounting Sciences at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Kgomotso shares her own experiences with coping after failure, and how her upbringing and perfectionist mindset impacted her university journey. She goes on to share the after effects of failure, living with imposter - syndrome, and so much more. She also discusses her organisation, Tribe of Bosses; a community that is devoted towards empowering people to build wealth, and to achieve financial independence to live...
2020-07-0349 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 8: the reflection episode - a nod to the listenersIn this episode reflection is the order of the day. I reflect on my past episodes, what they addressed and how they led to various breakthroughs. I also look to the future as I discuss plans for the next phase of episodes, and a few special announcements. I also send out a big thank to all my listeners for your constant support week in and week out. I really couldn't have done this with you. So this one's a nod to you! I hope you enjoy it! Please follow 'the breakthrough projects' on Instagram via the link:
https://www.instagram...
2020-06-1918 minthe breakthrough sessionsheart to heart ¦¦ decoding "grey area" racism PART 2We need to shift the focus of what's happening around the world to south african issues dealing with race. And because its Youth day, why not hear stories from those who like us and grew up like us? In this 2 part bonus episode, racial topics are unpacked with the aim of educating one another a safe platform, from a place of love. 10 stories are shared where guests recount their first hand experiences with "grey area" racism, they're own opinions on the matters, and how that has influenced their journeys. Part 1 addresses racial socialisation, white privelage and systemic racism. And part 2...
2020-06-1633 minthe breakthrough sessionsheart to heart ¦¦ decoding "grey area" racism PART 1We need to shift the focus of what's happening around the world to south african issues dealing with race. And because its Youth day, why not hear stories from those who like us and grew up like us? In this 2 part bonus episode, racial topics are unpacked with the aim of educating one another a safe platform, from a place of love. 10 stories are shared where guests recount their first hand experiences with "grey area" racism, they're own opinions on the matters, and how that has influenced their journeys. Part 1 addresses racial socialisation, white privelage and systemic racism. And part 2...
2020-06-1656 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 6: the emotional intelligence needed to conquer tertiaryIn this solo episode I delve deep into emotional intelligence (EI), and how having a high EI can benefit you in a tertiary space. Unlike IQ which is fixed, emotional intelligence is a spectrum that you can shift along depending on your emotions and response to situations. Tertiary can greatly help to build your EI, which can teach you how to approach these obstacles and overcome the challenges of varsity life. In my session I place emphasis on 5 characteristics that can describe emotional intelligence, as coined by American Psychologist Daniel Goleman. These include: self - awareness, self - regulation, motivation...
2020-05-2244 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 5: the benefits of being self - aware in tertiaryIn this epsiode I sat down with Nsuku Mabundza, a university of Pretoria student, entrepreneur and food blogger, as we shared our experiences with being self - aware at tertiary. We spoke about discovering and enhancing our self - awareness due to our failures, how being self - aware helped us make important relationship decisions in our lives, using our self - awareness to deal with conflict resolution, our breakthrough moments with regards to our self - awareness, and so much more. We followed that up by playing the hit game 'we're not really strangers' , a board game all about...
2020-05-081h 02the breakthrough sessionssession 4: the Ls and Ws of varsity lifeIn this epsiode I sat down with my very first guest, current University of Pretoria LLM student Thabang Sepuru, where we discussed some of our loses (Ls) and wins (s) during our varsity career, and also how these helped pave the way for the people we are now. We also share some lessons that you might be able to apply in your life. And we finish the episode off with a version of the hit game 'we're not really strangers' - a purpose driven game all about empowering meaningful connections. New episodes drop every second Friday! Please follow 'the breakthrough...
2020-04-2443 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 3: the microsteps that are too small to failIn this episode I discuss small changes you can make instantly that can transform your life. Known as 'microsteps that are too small to fail' these microsteps were created by Ariana Huffington, CEO and founder of the Huffington Post and the Thrive platform. I share how these tips helped to change my life and how they might help you breakout and breakthrough. Because sometimes making small changes can lead to the biggest transformation. Listen to the episode for more on these tips. And do read the full article of how you can make a change on the thrive website...
2020-04-1027 minthe breakthrough sessionsbonus session: the mind, body and soul challengeWe have entered a dark period globally. And while we are experiencing this unique time, let us not dwell on the negatives. Rather let us choose to see the positives. The silver lining. The luxury of time that is now afforded to us. Time to focus on ourselves. And practice self care like no other. In the bonus epsiode I talk about how this time has encouraged me to create a new challenge: the mind body and soul challenge. Listen to this episode for the breakdown on how it works. And please share this with your love ones. Lets spread...
2020-04-0326 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 2: the academic failureAny kind of failure can be devastating. But it is also in these failures that we learn valuable life lessons to make us grow, and to carry us forward. In this solo episode I share my own experience with academic failure, and how that changed my whole life. I also share tips that helped me fight through the consequences attached to failure. These include:
1. Do your own research.
2. Speak to your lecturers and faculty student advisers. They can save your life!
3. Develop an action plan.
4. Do the emotional work.
Liste...
2020-03-2749 minthe breakthrough sessionssession 1: the storyMy name is Refilwe Segoe, and I am the host of the breakthrough sessions podcast! In the first episode I introduce myself, share a little about my story, and why I started this podcast. The breakthrough sessions is a passion project under 'the breakthrough projects', an impact organisation dedicated towards helping you discover your breakthrough, in pursuit of your truest worth. This is mainly done through unveiling passion projects, each with the aim of providing the breakthrough tools that you may need to overcome your hardships. Stay tuned for episodes released every second Friday. And be sure to follow...
2020-03-2712 min
the breakthrough sessionsthe purposeCALLING ALL MILLENIALS!!! My name is Refilwe Segoe, and I want to help YOU find your breakthrough! Every second Friday I sit down with guests who share their personal stories of resiliency, towards discovering their breakthrough. I also share my own stories, as well as stories of those who are still struggling, to remind others out there that that they're not alone. As a passion project under 'the breakthrough projects' organization, this podcast is the first of many passion projects that will be unveiled. Follow this impact organisation on instagram under 'the breakthrough projects' for more information. Catch new...
2020-03-2701 min