Answers Part 5 submitted by

Thandokuhle Msibi

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 considerateInfrequently
I take time to think about work and the changes happening around usOccasionally
I see how the work done today affects work that may be required tomorrowOften
I consider and discuss how decisions and actions could affect other work groupsOccasionally
I share information and listen to others to make better decisionsConsistently
I pay attention to local and international current affairs which impact our businessOften
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 at Sirvify, I have approached challenges with a systems-thinking mindset, seeking to understand the interconnections between technology, business processes, and human behavior. When designing edge-to-cloud customer data solutions, I don’t just focus on the technology stack, I examine how data flows across sales, operations, and customer success, how decisions at one level impact others, and how these interactions influence overall business outcomes.

For example, in working with logistics clients transitioning from WhatsApp-based operations to hybrid cloud systems, I mapped the end-to-end workflow, identifying bottlenecks, security risks, and inefficiencies. This allowed me to propose a solution that not only improved operational performance but also aligned with finance, compliance, and strategic growth objectives. By stepping back and analyzing the system holistically, I ensured that the solution addressed root causes rather than just surface-level problems.

I integrate insights from social, cultural, and organisational contexts to guide decision-making and strategy. Engaging with teams and stakeholders across functions, I actively listen, identify patterns, and anticipate potential risks or opportunities. This approach has enabled me to design processes that are scalable, resilient, and adaptive to change.

I also embrace experiences that broaden perspective, whether learning from international partners, exploring emerging technologies, or reflecting on failed initiatives—to continuously refine strategies and improve outcomes. My ability to connect the dots between complex factors allows me to make informed decisions that balance short-term results with long-term growth, ensuring that both Sirvify and our clients thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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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.