Finding the right person, for the right job, in the right place and at the right time, is a skill that calls for, well, the right person. Adelaide Matlejoane is the right person.
Born in Soweto, the eldest of four daughters, she was raised by her grandmother, who taught her a lesson that has stayed with her for life: “Keep a positive attitude, work hard, and you will succeed.”
An outstanding achiever in the classroom and on the sports field, she earned an academic scholarship that she used to study medicine.
Then, midway through her degree, she realised that she wasn’t the right person to be a doctor, so she re-routed her positive attitude and hard work into a field we sometimes call Human Resources, when what we really mean is “people”.
Today Adelaide runs a thriving recruitment agency, Matlejoane Staffing Services, and is a mentor and role-model for young women, trainees and aspirant entrepreneurs, who are prepared to put her grandmother’s advice to the test.
We caught up with Adelaide, and asked her to share her views on people, business, and change.
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself for the better, what would that be, and why?
I tend to not prioritise me, it is always about other people first. I need to learn to be selfish, think about me first!
Q: What do you love most about change?
It is unsettling and it can destabilise, but if the motive for change is good, the results after the change are the most satisfactory. Sometimes change is an absolute necessity.
Q: Where do you go when you feel like a change of scenery?
There’s a place in Erasmia, Pretoria, Hoogland Hydro & Spa. It always gives what my body needs all the time. No TV, cellphone signal low, nutrition, therapies, meditation, walks on the river and mountain. Amazing scenery & people.
Q: What did you learn about life from growing up in Soweto?
Survival, to be streetwise, thinking out of the box, different languages, respect, the power of family & community, multiskilling, communication at all levels.
Q: How difficult was your decision to change your studies from medicine to business?
I wasn’t difficult, I was not enjoying my studies anymore, thus the change.
Q: What is the biggest thing you have learned about life and people from working in the recruitment industry?
Business is cut throat, it is not personal. Always do your best. If you treat people with respect, you will always be rewarded, even if it is years later. If you give someone a break,you empower them forever and they will be eternally grateful for that.
Q: Do you think women are better equipped than men to handle change, and if so, why?
Absolutely. Remember, women go through physical and emotional change during child bearing. Thus they are more adaptable to change. It is in their nature to react naturally to change.
Q: What advice would you give to young South Africans who dream of starting their own businesses?
Save! Save! Save! Don’t succumb to pressure. Start your business when ready, emotionally, financially, mentally and spiritually. Be clear and focus on what you want to do, do not be a jack of all trades!
Q: What is your philosophy for overcoming adversity in your life?
Always take care of the basics, know what defines you. I trust in God. I have lost both real and material possessions in life. My foundation has always been solid, it doesn’t matter what happens, I shall always stand up and move on.
Q: What was the single biggest and scariest change you have ever made in your life?
To start my own business in 1997, without any family coaching or guidance, no support from financial services, no connections. Just being gusty, confident and believing in a dream. And having faith.
Q: What is the biggest change you have noticed regarding the role of women in the South African workplace?
Legislation that prioritises women, such as employment equity, empowerment, BBBEE scorecard, in top positions within the public and private sector.
Q: Do you think the world is changing for women, or are women changing the world?
Women are changing the world. On 9th August 1956, in South Africa, women made a change for the better for all South Africans
Q: What does it take for you to change your mind?
A: Facts, not assumptions!
Leave a Reply