1. Can you take us through your career journey and the milestones that shaped your professional growth?
While I was in high school, I wasn’t entirely sure what career path I wanted to pursue. Rather than following a predetermined plan, I entered the workforce immediately after matriculating and unexpectedly discovered my passion for Human Resources.
I discovered that I enjoyed working with people, supporting the business, and helping create positive employee experiences. From that point onward, I intentionally sought opportunities to learn, develop, and grow within the HR profession.
My experience expanded beyond HR to include Personal Assistant responsibilities, giving me a broader understanding of business operations and executive support. This combination of skills proved invaluable when I joined Metacom in a dual HR and PA role.
From the outset, I approached the role with a mindset of continuous improvement. As I became more familiar with the business, I identified several gaps and opportunities to strengthen our people practices and HR operational processes. I developed and implemented several initiatives and strategies aimed at improving efficiency, enhancing compliance, and supporting both employees and the business objectives.
As the business evolved, so did my responsibilities. Through consistently delivering results, taking ownership, and embracing new challenges, I progressed into a Senior Manager role.
Looking back, my career has taught me that success isn’t always about having a perfectly mapped-out plan. Sometimes it’s about recognising opportunities, being willing to learn, and having the courage to step forward when those opportunities arise.
That mindset continues to shape my leadership approach today, remaining curious, continuously improving, and creating meaningful impact.
2. What strategies have helped you advance your career in a competitive corporate environment?
I believe career advancement comes from consistently building good relationships, delivering quality work, demonstrating integrity, embracing continuous improvement, maintaining resilience and adaptability, continuous learning, and being willing to step outside your comfort zone when opportunities arise. These principles have enabled me to grow.
3. What skills do you believe are becoming increasingly important for future business leaders?
As workplaces become more complex, the most successful leaders will be those who are able to combine strong interpersonal skills and technological capability.
While technology will continue to reshape how businesses operate, leaders with the ability to inspire people, build trust, make informed, ethical decisions, and foster psychological safety will remain one of the greatest differentiators of effective leadership.
4. Have you experienced setbacks or moments of self-doubt, and how did you move forward?
Yes, like most professionals, I have experienced both setbacks and moments of self-doubt. There have been times when projects did not go as planned, difficult decisions had to be made, or I questioned whether I was ready for a new challenge.
What helped me move forward was changing my perspective. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, I began to see them as opportunities to learn and improve. I focused on understanding what went wrong, sought feedback, and identified practical steps I could take to avoid similar situations in the future.
I’ve also learnt the importance of resilience and maintaining confidence in my abilities, even when outcomes are uncertain. Self-doubt can be a healthy reminder to prepare thoroughly and remain humble, but it shouldn’t prevent you from taking on new opportunities.
Every setback has contributed to my professional growth. They have strengthened my problem-solving skills, increased my resilience, and reinforced the importance of continuous learning. Those experiences have made me a more adaptable, empathetic, and effective leader.
5. How do you balance delivering business results while staying true to your personal values?
While delivering results is important, how those results are achieved is equally critical. It starts with setting non-negotiable boundaries, recognising that success depends on both performance and integrity.
6. What role has mentorship, sponsorship or networking played in your career?
Mentorship has been invaluable in shaping my thinking and helping me navigate challenges with greater confidence.
7. How do you continue investing in your professional development?
I believe professional development is a continuous journey rather than a destination. I invest in my growth by staying curious, keeping up to date with industry trends, labour legislation, and best practices, and seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge through training, webinars, and professional reading.
I also value learning from others. Engaging with peers provides different perspectives and practical insights that I can apply in my own role. Equally important is learning from experience; reflecting on both successes and challenges helps me identify areas for improvement and refine my approach.
8. What advice would you give to women aiming to accelerate their careers in corporate South Africa?
There is no single path to success. Every woman’s journey is different. Believe in your capability and be willing to learn as you go. Growth often comes from stretching beyond your comfort zone.
Define success on your own terms, seek opportunities that align with your ambitions and values, and don’t be afraid to take your seat at the table. Your perspective, leadership, and contribution are needed in shaping the future of corporate South Africa.
BIO | LinkedIn Profile
A human resources professional with over 25 years of experience in the field, building a strong foundation across all facets of human resources. Over the past 17 years, Zayaan has advanced from HR Officer to HR Manager and now serves as Head of People and Culture at Metacom.
In this role, she has played a key part in shaping the organisation’s people strategy, driving culture, strengthening employee engagement, and implementing HR initiatives that support business efficiency.
Passionate about developing people and creating high-performing workplaces, Zayaan is recognised for her practical leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to building a positive organisational culture.
