Answers Part 5 submitted by

Zimkhita Sokanyile

I look for opportunities to deepen my understanding and insightConsistently
I believe that people are more than their work and I am spiritually emotionally and socially considerateConsistently
I take time to think about work and the changes happening around usConsistently
I see how the work done today affects work that may be required tomorrowConsistently
I consider and discuss how decisions and actions could affect other work groupsConsistently
I share information and listen to others to make better decisionsConsistently
I pay attention to local and international current affairs which impact our businessConsistently
I take time to understand the rest of our businessConsistently
I look for ways to improve our business processes and for reducing siloesConsistently
I am very aware listen really well and notice important clues that are not obvious to othersConsistently

Please provide examples of how you demonstrate systems thinking and sense-making ability in your career

(Approx 100-300 words)

Throughout my career, I’ve learned that stepping back to see the bigger picture is just as important as executing the details. The agencies I have worked for taught me to understand the interplay between strategy, creative execution, client goals, and market dynamics. I quickly realised that campaigns succeed not just because of a great idea, but because every piece, from planning to delivery, is connected and contributes to the overall system.
At Boundless, I’ve applied this systems-thinking approach to help shape the growth of an agency made up entirely of experts. I take time to understand how different business units, processes, and client needs interact, using that insight to improve workflows, anticipate challenges, and identify opportunities for innovation. I actively share knowledge across teams, encourage input from diverse perspectives, and integrate insights to strengthen decision-making and deliver measurable outcomes.
I’ve found that sense-making is about more than logic, it requires empathy, cultural awareness, and emotional intelligence. By listening carefully, considering broader contexts, and reflecting on experiences, I can anticipate potential risks and opportunities, and guide teams to solutions that are both thoughtful and effective. Across international accounts and strategic initiatives, this ability to see the system, connect the dots, and act with insight has been central to delivering sustained impact.

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About Rising Star

The Rising Star Programme, operated by BlackBark Productions, has been established for the purposes of recognising, celebrating and connecting young talented people who have a capacity for achievement and success and who contribute in an inspirational manner to the future of our nation. The qualities that elevate Rising Stars to the top go beyond performance and technical excellence. Rising Stars are polished, brilliant individuals with tremendous promise and great talent who excel for reasons that go far beyond their technical abilities alone.

Talented people make things happen, are highly committed to achieving goals, innovate very rapidly, and create a great deal of value (for companies and/or themselves) when their talent is spotted and harnessed.

The Programme aims to be a significant and sustainable vehicle through which organisations, our country and our continent can identify and nurture these “organisational and national assets” who are set to play a key role in shaping the future of our country and our continent.

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The Rising Star Programme is establishing a living community of young African talent that will be developed, mentored and provided with platforms for development and communication, therefore enabling them to become role models, opinion leaders and the inspiration for other future African Talent.