Ntokozo Biyela
Durban
Summary
Successful business transformational professional with demonstrated track record consulting. Exceptional program, team and project manager. Skilled at mentoring staff, integrating ideas and customizing approaches to support specific means and goals. Forward-thinking Operations Specialist bringing 28 years of expertise in Processes Optimisation for businesses in various industries. An enterprise development, entrepreneurship development and leadership development specialist. HR and IR training expert.
I have worked with 265 small, medium and large organisations on various business transformational programs, Over 10 000 profesionals and over 2000 businesses. I have mentored and coached over 100 smmes. Reliable business professional with experience in project management, process improvement. Proven track record of successfully streamlining business operations and reducing costs. Adept at analyzing data to identify trends and developing strategies to improve efficiency.
Results-driven leader with positive attitude and passion for providing high-quality advice and guidance to clients. Proven ability to identify customer needs, resolve conflicts and build strong relationships. Possesses excellent problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Consultant and and Advisor
Mindset Shift Consulting
Durban
04.2016 - Current
- Offering personal and business growth consulting services to 265 small, medium and large organisations.
- Specialized in leadership, strategy and economic development, SMME development, life and business coaching, mentoring and business incubation, project management, change management, diversity and transformation management, and corporate legal advisory services.
- Increased client satisfaction by implementing tailored solutions for their unique business needs.
- Developed business strategies by conducting comprehensive market research and competitor analysis.
- Delivered successful projects within tight deadlines, ensuring consistent client satisfaction and timely project completion.
- Led process improvement initiatives that resulted in streamlined workflows and increased overall efficiency within the organization.
- Identified growth opportunities for clients by conducting thorough financial and risk assessments.
- Developed complete business plans and operational strategies for new and existing business.
- Led restructuring of organization internal processes, resulting in improved performance.
- Mentored junior consultants, fostering professional development and sharing industry expertise.
- Streamlined operational processes with the integration of innovative technologies, reducing overall costs.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of complex projects while meeting all stakeholders'' expectations.
- Crafted customized marketing strategies that increased brand visibility for clients.
- Transformed client business processes through introduction of agile methodologies, significantly increasing agility and responsiveness.
- Enhanced team productivity by leading workshops on efficient project management techniques.
- Led negotiations for clients, securing favorable terms and conditions.
- Designed and implemented training programs for client staff, boosting their skills and performance.
- Developed comprehensive business strategies for clients, leading to improved market positioning.
- Streamlined client operations with integration of new technological solutions, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on industry trends and regulations, ensuring accurate advice was provided to clients at all times.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices.
- Facilitated workshops and professionals, improving their understanding of their industry or sector.
Mentor, Coach, Facilitator and Trainer
Mindset Shift Consulting
Durban, South Africa
01.2016 - Current
- Involved in enterprose development programs for the following companies: SAB Foundation Tholoana Program, Black Umbrellas and SEDA.
- Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication within the mentorship program environment.
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Served as role model for mentees by demonstrating strong values and ethical standards.
- Guided mentees in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.
- Assisted mentees in developing self-confidence and positive self-image.
- Offered constructive feedback on mentee progress, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance their potential.
- Monitored mentee performance consistently, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting mentorship approaches accordingly.
- Assisted mentees in setting achievable goals and creating realistic action plans for personal and professional growth.
- Promoted a growth mindset among mentees, encouraging them to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
- Developed trust-based relationships with mentees through active listening and empathetic communication.
- Adapted mentorship style based on individual mentee needs, enabling tailored interventions that drove better results than one-size-fits-all approaches.
- Maintained strict confidentiality in all situations unless abuse, neglect, or threats identified.
- Collaborated with fellow mentors to exchange best practices, ensuring continuous improvement of mentoring strategies.
- Advocated for mentee goals and aspirations, empowering them to pursue ambitious career paths.
- Leveraged personal industry experience to provide mentees with context-specific advice and strategies for success.
- Developed comprehensive mentorship materials, including guides and templates, to streamline mentoring process.
- Tailored mentoring strategies to suit diverse learning styles, enhancing effectiveness of mentorship program.
- Spearheaded mentorship program evaluation initiative, gathering insights to enhance future program iterations.
- Acted as liaison between mentees and industry professionals, enriching mentorship experience with real-world insights.
- Boosted mentee confidence and skillset with personalized guidance and constructive feedback.
- Championed diversity and inclusion within mentorship program, fostering welcoming environment for all participants.
KwaZulu Natal Provincial Leader
Build One South Africa
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
04.2022 - 07.2024
- Put up party structures in all the 11 districts of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Led the party towards the 2024 elections in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Became the first to be announced Premier candidate of the party out of 9 provinces.
- Became the first province out of 9 provinces to reach the required membership target to comply with the IEC.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Oversaw day-to-day activities of the party, fostering inspiring atmosphere to optimize employee experiences.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve party-wide goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Assisted with new hire processing and training programs.
- Increased team productivity by streamlining communication and implementing effective project management strategies.
- Built high-performing teams by recruiting top talent and providing ongoing support through professional development programs.
- Championed change initiatives, successfully navigating teams through periods of transition while maintaining morale and engagement levels.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop leadership skills and advance their careers within the organization.
- Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
- Maintained team flexibility and embraced change to adapt within dynamic markets.
- Managed budgets and resources, ensuring optimal allocation towards achieving organizational objectives.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Created and managed project plans, timelines and budgets.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Managed to help the party achieve 2 seats in the national assembly and 1 seat in the Gauteng legislature.
HR & IR Facilitator and Trainer
Consultant for Bruniquel & Associates
Durban, South Africa
01.2017 - 03.2024
- Built rapport with diverse groups of stakeholders by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural competence during facilitated sessions.
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment by addressing diverse needs and adapting facilitation techniques as needed.
- Delivered high-quality training sessions, ensuring participants developed a thorough understanding of the subject matter.
- Increased participant engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group discussions into sessions.
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
- Contributed to improved team performance by facilitating workshops on communication, collaboration, and problem-solving techniques.
- Provided constructive feedback to participants during debriefing sessions, fostering personal growth and skill development.
- Led virtual training sessions using web-based platforms while maintaining high levels of participant interaction and engagement throughout the event duration.
- Developed mentorship program, connecting experienced professionals with newcomers to foster skill development.
- Led cross-functional teams in brainstorming sessions, driving innovation and creative problem-solving.
- Enhanced learning outcomes with integration of multimedia tools and interactive exercises.
- Empowered participants to apply learned concepts in their professional and personal lives through practical application exercises.
- Enhanced team productivity by leading engaging training sessions focused on effective communication strategies.
- Facilitated breakthrough moments for participants with carefully crafted group activities and discussions.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to gather feedback and implement improvements for future sessions.
- Developed comprehensive workshop materials to improve participant understanding and engagement.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring to help individuals reach their full potential within the organization.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to create accurate training content.
- Facilitated team-building exercises to foster collaboration between department members.
- Customized leadership development programs, resulting in marked increase in leadership capabilities across departments.
- Facilitated workshops on advanced communication skills, significantly improving team collaboration.
- Led cross-functional team to update training curricula, keeping pace with industry changes.
- Increased employee competency with creation of targeted skill development paths.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
Owner/Director
Bigsod Media
Durban
09.2016 - 12.2020
- Self-published and launched the autobiography titled 'Mindset Shift'
- Provided manuscript review, editing, cover design, and self-publishing services for other authors.
Owner/Director
Mzansi Mobile Units
Durban
04.2007 - 04.2015
- Specialized in the manufacturing of mobile toilets, mobile vending units, and numerous tailor fridges, mobile kitchens, mobile bars, mobile butcheries
- Sold approximately 3000 units and created made mobile units in South Africa.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving company goals.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers for better pricing and terms, reducing overall costs for the business.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
- Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
- Evaluated industry competition regularly to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
- Monitored market conditions to set accurate product pricing and take advantage of emerging trends.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and sales techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Generated revenues yearly and effectively capitalized on industry growth.
- Streamlined operations to improve efficiency, enabling more time to be spent on strategic planning and decision making.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans for revenue growth, focusing on diversification and market expansion.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Tracked trends and suggested enhancements to both challenge and refine company's product offerings.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Drove significant market share growth with launch of innovative product lines.
- Expanded into new markets, conducting thorough market analysis and establishing key local partnerships.
- Reinforced company's competitive position by securing intellectual property rights and fostering innovation.
- Led cross-functional teams to exceed benchmarks for SLA delivery, staying on top of challenging schedules with multiple competing timelines.
- Navigated company through periods of significant change, maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals.
- Expanded business into new markets.
Manager/ Shareholder
CELL C Umlazi franchise
Durban
04.2006 - 03.2007
- Managed the day-to-day operations of the cellphone franchise and was a 33% shareholder in the business
- Marketed and signed customers up for cellphone contracts, conducted sales of sim cards and phone accessories.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Conducted market research to identify customer needs and adjusted product offerings accordingly, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that effectively communicated brand values, increasing brand recognition.
- Boosted employee morale and reduced turnover through development and implementation of comprehensive rewards and recognition program.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
Process Optimisation Manager
Unilever SA
Durban
06.2001 - 03.2006
- Responsible for the running, testing, and approval of all dry and wet products before final sign-off for mass production
- Attended new product research and development meetings and was involved in the commissioning of new machinery in various plants.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and implementing appropriate solutions.
- Implemented customer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plan, minimizing potential disruptions to business operations.
- Conducted market research to identify customer needs and adjusted product offerings accordingly, increasing customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated team brainstorming sessions that led to innovative solutions for long-standing operational challenges.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project goals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
- Streamlined project delivery processes, significantly reducing time to market for new product launches.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
- Planned, created, tested and deployed system life cycle methodology to produce high quality systems to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Quality Control Manager
AIB
Durban
06.1999 - 04.2001
- Managed quality control, developed product formulas, and managed production lines for confectionery products
- Dealt with product problems and ensured quality standards were met.
- Spearheaded root cause analysis investigations when needed, determining underlying issues and recommending appropriate fixes.
- Participated in regular management review meetings, providing updates on quality control performance and suggesting areas for improvement.
- Improved customer satisfaction with thorough final product inspections and adherence to strict quality control guidelines.
- Updated quality control standards, methods, and procedures to meet compliance requirements.
- Conducted regular audits of production facilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Coordinated with other departments to establish preventive maintenance schedules for equipment, reducing downtime due to unexpected failures or malfunctions.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making strategies, enabling more accurate identification of trends and areas for improvement.
- Managed supplier relationships to ensure high-quality raw materials were consistently used in production processes.
- Streamlined quality control processes, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new quality control team members, ensuring consistent performance across the board.
- Reduced production defects by closely monitoring manufacturing processes and providing timely feedback to production teams.
- Initiated corrective actions when necessary, addressing product or process issues promptly to minimize impact on operations.
- Enhanced product quality by implementing rigorous control checks throughout manufacturing process.
- Developed and enforced strict quality control protocols to ensure adherence to industry standards.
- Conducted regular training sessions for staff to uphold and exceed quality standards.
- Reduced turnaround time for quality concerns by establishing efficient communication channels between departments.
- Established and tracked quality department goals and objectives.
- Implemented new quality assurance and customer service standards.
Junior Lecturer
Natal Technikon (now Durban University of Technology)
Durban
01.1997 - 12.1998
- Lectured in Food Processing and Food Technology for first and second-year students.
- Provided extra support for struggling students through one-on-one tutoring sessions or additional resources.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a positive classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Evaluated student performance on assignments, providing constructive feedback for growth and improvement.
- Improved student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and adapting to various learning styles.
- Enhanced collaboration among students with group projects and team-building activities.
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
- Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
Trainee Food Technologist
Bakers - National Brands Limited
Durban
01.1996 - 12.1996
- Spent time in various departments at Bakers over 12 months, including quality control, research and development, manufacturing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, and planning.
- Learned new materials, processes, and programs quickly.
- Participated in on-the-job training, working closely with supervisors and coworkers and asking appropriate questions.
- Attended training courses to build understanding of processes, techniques, and industry.
- Supported organizational objectives with help from existing employees.
- Established lasting relationships with peers, leadership and customers using strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Promoted positive collaboration among trainees, encouraging teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Participated in weekly team meetings to offer insights, fostering collaborative work environment.
- Engaged in problem-solving activities with peers to develop critical thinking skills, enhancing team resilience.
- Enhanced team productivity by assisting in routine operations and shadowing experienced colleagues.
- Shadowed senior staff during client meetings, gaining valuable insights into client management strategies.
- Supported quality assurance efforts by conducting routine checks, contributing to higher product standards.
- Supported implementation of new technologies, leading to more efficient workflows.
- Contributed ideas in brainstorming sessions, leading to innovative solutions for project challenges.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by closely monitoring production processes and implementing necessary adjustments.
- Performed regular inspections of production lines to guarantee sanitary environment.
- Performed research on latest technologies and current markets to develop new product concepts, successfully developing new products.
- Tested new, alternative raw materials through analysis, sourcing and trials.
- Packaged and sent product samples to clients and outside laboratories for testing and evaluation.
- Optimized food safety protocols by regularly reviewing procedures, training staff, and staying updated on industry best practices.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop new products that met market demands and generated sales growth.
- Troubleshot issues during the production process to maintain consistent product quality while minimizing downtime.
- Designed pilot plant trials of new formulations prior to full-scale production runs, ensuring smooth transitions between R&D stages.
- Presented technical findings and recommendations to company leadership during quarterly reviews, contributing to informed decision-making processes.
Education
Digital Transformation
Gordon Institute of Business Science
Johannesburg, South Africa10.2021
Finance For Non-financial Managers
Gordon Institute of Business Science
Johannesburg, South Africa10.2014
Executive Leadership Development
Unilever Leadership Programme
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal11.2004
Project Management
School of Business Leadership - Unisa
Johannesburg, South Africa11.2003
Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Technology
Durban University of Technology
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal01.1998
Diploma in Food Science and Technology - Food Science And Technology
Natal Technikon
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 01.1996
Skills
- Planning
- Project Management
- Leadership
- Business Development
- Entrepreneurial
- Creative thinking
- Change Catalyst
- Techno Savvy
- Good Management
- Presentation Skills
- Business Analysis
- Business Planning
- Staff Mentoring
- Performance Improvement
- Process Improvement
- Human Resources Management
- Planning and execution
- Strategic Planning
- Training and mentoring
- Organizational Development
- Continuous Improvement
- Business Intelligence Analysis
- Training proficiency
- Strategic development
- Business process reengineering
- Solution Implementation
- System optimization
- Data Analysis
- Analytical Thinking
- Project Planning
- Idea Development and Brainstorming
- Project restructuring
- Process Analysis
- Quantitative skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Excellent Communication
- Decision-Making
- Team building
- Interpersonal Skills
- Goal Setting
- Interpersonal Communication
- Professionalism
- Written Communication
- Problem-solving aptitude
Accomplishments
13. Being chosen and announced as the first Premier Candidate out of 9 premier candidates in other provinces for BOSA in the 2024 elections.
12. Manje Compliance and Consulting – Trainer of the Year
2021
11. SAB Foundation Tholoana Program- Mentor of the year 2021
10. self-published and launched Mindset Shift -2016
9.Wrote my autobiography - 2015
8.Participant in the first ever Dragon's Den TV show -2014
7.Top12 Big Break Legacy TV Show contestant - 2013
6.1st Runner up Best SMME, Umyezane Awards - 2012
5.Future 100 Entrepreneur in South Africa - 2011
4.Finalist SABKickstart Ultimate 15 Kickstarters - 2010
3.Best Run and managed BUsiness in KZN, Umyezane Awards - 2009
2.Lion's Den finalist - 2008
1.SAB Kickstart winner -2007
In 2007, I established Mzansi Mobile Units, a company that went on to become the pioneer of the mobile coldrooms, mobile kitchens, mobile bars, mobile butcheries and various mobile vending units industry in South Africa.
During the 9 years of the business's operation, we sold over 3000 units in all 9 provinces of South Africa and also exported our units to Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Mauritius, Angola, DRC. The business afforded me an opportunity to travel to 12 african countries for business trade.
I have also travelled to India, Malaysia and Australia as a Business consultant under my Mindset Shift Consulting business.
Awards
- SABKickstart winner- 2007
- Lion's Den finalist - 2008
- Best Run and managed Business in KZN, Umyezane Awards - 2009
- Finalist SABKickstart Ultimate 15 Kickstarters - 2010
- Future 100 Entrepreneur in South Africa - 2011
- 1st Runner up Best SMME, Umyezane Awards - 2012
- Top12 Big Break Legacy TV Show contestant - 2013
- Participant in the first ever Dragon's Den TV show -2014
- Wrote my autobiography - 2015
- Self published and launched my book Mindset Shift – 2016
- SAB Foundation Tholoana Program – Mentor of the year 2021
- Manje Compliance and Consulting – Trainer of the Year 2021
Timeline
KwaZulu Natal Provincial Leader
Build One South Africa
04.2022 - 07.2024
HR & IR Facilitator and Trainer
Consultant for Bruniquel & Associates
01.2017 - 03.2024
Owner/Director
Bigsod Media
09.2016 - 12.2020
Business Consultant and and Advisor
Mindset Shift Consulting
04.2016 - Current
Mentor, Coach, Facilitator and Trainer
Mindset Shift Consulting
01.2016 - Current
Owner/Director
Mzansi Mobile Units
04.2007 - 04.2015
Manager/ Shareholder
CELL C Umlazi franchise
04.2006 - 03.2007
Process Optimisation Manager
Unilever SA
06.2001 - 03.2006
Quality Control Manager
AIB
06.1999 - 04.2001
Junior Lecturer
Natal Technikon (now Durban University of Technology)
01.1997 - 12.1998
Trainee Food Technologist
Bakers - National Brands Limited
01.1996 - 12.1996
Digital Transformation
Gordon Institute of Business Science
Finance For Non-financial Managers
Gordon Institute of Business Science
Executive Leadership Development
Unilever Leadership Programme
Project Management
School of Business Leadership - Unisa
Bachelor of Science - Food Science And Technology
Durban University of Technology
Diploma in Food Science and Technology - Food Science And Technology
Natal Technikon