EP #74: The Power of Perseverance: Lessons from Culture, Resilience, Community, and Success with Thokozani Mabena
In this episode, Kahlil sits down with Thoko, a chief creative officer from Zimbabwe who shares his incredible journey. From surviving ethnic cleansing to becoming a refugee in the US, Thoko faced poverty, learning disabilities, and homelessness. But his resilience and love for design drove him to excel at the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design. He earned a full ride and maintained a perfect GPA, all while supporting his family and living in his car.
Thoko dives into the importance of community, storytelling, and being true to yourself when times get tough. He shares lessons learned from working with big automotive companies and how different cultures have shaped his perspective. Thoko also discusses the role of faith, sustainability, and design in building a better future. To wrap up, he emphasizes the need for mental health support, strong communities, and reconnecting with our humanity during changing times.
Links
Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD Newsletter
Connect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!
