Creativity has the power to change the world and alleviate social ills, says co-founder and managing director of Think Creative Africa, Mukondi Kgomo. Think Creative Africa is an agency that solves business problems through an African perspective. A segment in the business looks at sustainable ways to impact peoples’ lives: a current project tackles thinking around breast cancer by normalising regular self-examinations, and the business hopes to find ways to tackle gender-based violence, unemployment and more.
It’s creating social reform for women — economically and socially — that drives Kgomo to excel. The company’s successes continue to grow: Kgomo is proud of how it recently beat out one of the biggest multinational agencies in Africa in its presentation of a business solution. During her journey, Kgomo has learned that the people make the company. She says it’s important to put together the best team of people with values that are aligned to its purpose.
Kgomo has also found that the relationships she built throughout her life have become her greatest asset. Some of her opportunities and referrals stem from these relationships, reminding Kgomo that the extra effort to give your best, to be reliable and genuine will have a lasting effect.
“It’s the uncool work: the relationships you build and the way you consistently show up that will open doors for you now and in the long run. Tell yourself that no type of honest work is beneath you, raise your hands when people ask for help, treat everyone with respect and put in the hard work,” says Kgomo.
She advises aspiring creatives to believe in their ability to achieve their wildest aspirations, because they are possible. She also says, always put 100% effort into all that you do. It’s these traits that will ensure that you have no regrets.