African Leadership University

Leadership Lessons from Lerato Motsamai, Founder of PETROLINK and GIRLIGNITE

What is your definition of leadership?

Leadership is about investing in myself so I can become more valuable, and in doing so, I can help others to empower themselves through the opportunities I create.

What motivates you to work for people?

To work for other people provides an opportunity to learn a multitude of things, whilst getting paid for it. I worked for other people for 17 years, and today, with the skills, knowledge and wisdom imparted to me by others over the years, I am able to confidently navigate myself and lead others.

What are your considerations when creating strategy for change?

I consider whether new actions or approaches are needed to make the existing strategy work or whether a new strategy is needed to cope with a new situation or new opportunity that was not considered at the time that the strategy was written.

What consistent habits would you say have made you a successful leader?

It would have to be my character habits: responsibility, forgiveness and compassion.

How do leaders allow themselves to be led?

They value everyone’s contribution and regularly seek out opinions. They teach others to lead, by providing opportunities for growth and demonstrating by example. That means that the leader is not always leading, instead, giving up power and deputizing others to lead. By setting an example of service, the leader understands that it’s not about them, but about others.