From 17-Year-Old Dreamer To CEO: Phuthi Mahanyele

At just 17 years old, Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa left South Africa for New York with nothing but ambition, courage, and a belief in possibility. Today she is the CEO of Naspers South Africa, a global business leader, humanitarian, and philanthropist. In this conversation with Liam, Phuthi opens up about her journey from a young girl with dreams of becoming a ballerina to leading one of Africa’s largest companies. She shares lessons her father instilled about possibility and resilience, the principles that shaped her career, and why authenticity and humility are the true marks of leadership. We dive into her thoughts on AI and the future of work, the importance of sustainability, and how young people can prepare for a rapidly changing world. Phuthi also reveals her daily routines, the power of relationships, and the single most important piece of advice she would give to anyone listening. This is more than a conversation about business — it’s about purpose, humanity, and what it really means to lead with impact. If you’re looking for wisdom on leadership, resilience, and building a meaningful life, you’ll want to watch this.