In the face of adversity she rose above, the situations became motivation to fuel her dreams and now she shares her story to inspire women and young professionals to do the same.
Tshepiso Phosa, an entrepreneur and philanthropist that has carved a career in the petroleum industry, launched her book yesterday in Morningside, Sandton.
The Braam Vibes team was invited to come witness and report back on the amazing journey of how Fuelling Futures– From Impact to Influence was made possible.
The launch began with a welcome by Leadership 2020, an organisation by the famous DJ Sbu that also have a hand in Fueling Futures– From Impact to Influence. The Phosa family was put on the spotlight to say a word or two, specifically her sisters. They took the mic and congratulated Tshepiso on this incredible feat and inspired her to write more books.
Fuelling Futures, spelled exactly like that is a book co-written by Timothy Maurice Webster, American born and bred author of four bestselling books on human and brand behavior, is aimed at delivering hope and inspiration to women through sharing stories that shaped Tshepiso’s life.
Tshepiso mentioned at the launch that she never thought she could do it. That she was fearful of how people were going to react to her stories but because she persisted she stands here today with her new book.
The 28-year-old openly shares her heart-wrenching experiences of being raped by a neighbour when she was six years old, living with depression and attempting to take her life and surviving physical abuse at the hands of a romantic partner.
“The book is aimed at speaking to young professionals who are having their own different traumas. I think it’s great because we can create a dialogue through the book. In order for us to change people we need to know their stories,”
Tshepiso Phosa
She added that the book was also a platform to share her business and work experience, to address oppression that women have to work under, and to share practical tips on bouncing back from social injustice and inequality.
“It’s also about self-respect, you must respect yourself and acknowledge that you’re a women but at the same time it doesn’t mean that I can’t do the same things that a men can do,”
Tshepiso said.
She said that Fuelling Futures – From Influence to Impact is also a manual for young professionals, to give them guidelines on how to create business plans and general planning. It offers practical advice to different age groups on how they can work productively.
Her co-writer, Timothy said Phosa’s story of triumph against the odds is what motivated him to embark on the journey of writing this book. He was inspired by the resilience that Tshepiso showed in the face of adversity.
He also pointed out that their book also serves as a handbook that will open conversations and inspire women of all ages and professions to be positive and not allow their history to dictate their futures.
And before we knew it the launch had come to an end. For closing remarks Dr Mathews Phosa, Tshepiso’s father and widely known former premier of Mpumalanga and ANC NEC member, said a few yet powerful and inspiring words. He gave advice that we must empower women to be financially independent.
Fuelling Futures: From Influence to Impact is available on tshepisophosa.biz for preorders and will be available in stores at the end of July. The book will sell at R200 at retailers and R350 from couriers.
