Reinventing Yourself: Nomaqhawe Gama on Leadership, Growth, and Career Evolution
tshepisosishuba 
In an ever-changing professional landscape, the ability to adapt and evolve is key to long-term success. Nomaqhawe Gama, an expert in talent development, psychometrics, leadership coaching, and career reinvention, has built a career helping individuals unlock their full potential. With a background spanning over various industries, namely banking, aviation, and consulting, her insights are invaluable for anyone seeking to redefine their professional path.
Finding Her Purpose in Talent Development
“For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to understand myself better and develop where I needed to,” Nomaqhawe shares. This deep desire for self-awareness and growth led her to study psychology, ultimately specializing in Industrial Psychology. Her journey into talent development was a natural progression, fuelled by her passion for helping others unblock their potential.
Her experience as a Young Talent Development Consultant was particularly transformative. “You get a candidate as a novice with high potential, and you play the critical role of coaching their career journey towards goal attainment and leadership,” she explains. Witnessing individuals evolve into capable professionals became a source of fulfilment, shaping her approach to career coaching and leadership development.
Recognizing the Signs of Career Stagnation
Many professionals feel “stuck” in roles that no longer bring them fulfilment, but they often struggle to recognize when it’s time for a change. According to Nomaqhawe, the signs are both physical and mental.
“You may feel a ‘negative gut’ reaction when thinking about work, increased fatigue, or even reluctance to answer the question, ‘What do you do for work?’” she explains. Mental signs include procrastination, lack of motivation, and feeling behind in one’s career. The key, she emphasizes, is self-awareness. “Considering you spend the majority of your life at work, it will be beneficial to sincerely reflect and increase your self-awareness to these signs, so you get help as soon as possible.”
Overcoming Mental Barriers to Growth
Fear and self-doubt often prevent professionals from taking the leap into reinvention. Nomaqhawe highlights that a lack of self-awareness is a major barrier. “Professionals who are not aware of their blind spots may ignore important development opportunities suggested by others.”
She also acknowledges the economic realities that make career changes daunting, especially in South Africa. “Many professionals don’t want to ‘rock the boat’ or risk job security, even when they are unhappy.” However, she encourages individuals to strike a balance between personal aspirations and organizational needs. “Your growth should align with your company’s goals—this makes development a win-win situation.”
How Psychometric Assessments Provide Clarity
One tool that can help professionals gain direction is through psychometric assessments. “There are so many benefits to using psychometric assessments for professional development,” she explains. These tools help identify personal strengths and development area, cognitive abilities, and career interests, offering insights that lead to better career alignment.
However, she cautions that assessments should always be conducted by certified professionals. “It’s important to work with an HPCSA-registered psychometrist or industrial psychologist to ensure a credible experience.”
Lessons from Her Research on Professional Identity
Nomaqhawe’s dissertation focused on young graduates and their professional identity development, but her findings can apply to professionals at any stage of their careers. “A holistic approach to career development is crucial—not just technical skills, but soft skills too,” she emphasizes.
Continuous learning, curiosity about one’s field, and staying updated with industry trends are essential for career longevity. “The journey towards self-actualization is never-ending and should remain a process of self-discovery,” she says.
The Role of Leadership in Career Reinvention
Leadership isn’t just for managers—it’s a crucial skill for anyone looking to reinvent themselves. “You must be able to lead yourself before you even attempt to lead others,” Nomaqhawe asserts. Leadership of self involves decision-making, resilience, and the confidence to advocate for your career transformation.
She challenges professionals to ask themselves, “How will you stay motivated through this journey? How will you remain resilient when the odds are against you?” Answering these questions requires strong leadership skills, even in non-management roles.
Navigating Industry Transitions Without Direct Experience
Career shifts can feel overwhelming, especially without direct experience. Nomaqhawe recommends seeking guidance from a career coach. “There’s a specialization called transitional coaching that helps individuals move from the known to the unknown,” she explains.
She also emphasizes the importance of a teachable mindset. “Knowing that you are going to be a novice in your new field requires humility, agility, and courage.” Additionally, building relationships with mentors and accepting constructive feedback can accelerate growth.
Future-Proofing Your Career in the Age of AI
The rise of AI and automation is reshaping industries, but Nomaqhawe believes that human skills will always be valuable. “Emotional intelligence is one of the top in-demand skills for 2030 because emotions cannot be imitated by machines.”
She advises professionals to enhance their critical thinking skills, digital literacy, and adaptability. “We cannot outrun technology, so the best strategy is to use it to our advantage.”
Conquering Imposter Syndrome in New Roles
Imposter syndrome can be a major hurdle, especially when stepping into leadership roles. “It’s a form of a self-limiting belief,” Nomaqhawe explains. The key to overcoming it is to consistently acknowledge your journey achievements.
“You were selected for this role from many candidates—this should reinforce your belief in your abilities,” she says. Viewing challenges as learning opportunities rather than tests can also help shift the mindset from self-doubt to self-growth.
The Common Challenges of Career Reinvention
Across different age groups, the biggest challenge in career reinvention is letting go of the familiar. “Saying goodbye to the known and embracing the unknown requires major shifts in mindset, capability, and passion towards a new professional identity.”
Financial planning is also crucial. “Reinvention comes with costs—financial, lifestyle, and time. You must be willing to adjust your life to accommodate these changes.” She strongly recommends working with a career coach to navigate the transition smoothly.
Practical First Steps for a Career Pivot
For those considering a career change but unsure where to start, Nomaqhawe suggests the following steps:
Research the qualifications and skills required for your desired career.
Identify transferable skills from your current role.
Conduct a lifestyle audit to see if the change is feasible.
Seek career coaching for guidance.
Reflect on your motivations to ensure you are making the transition for the right reasons.
“Keeping your ‘why’ as a clear motivator in accomplishing your transitional goals is particularly significant,” she adds.
Career reinvention is not an easy path, but Nomaqhawe Gama believes that with the right mindset, support, and strategy, anyone can transition into a fulfilling career. “It takes a long time to become an overnight success,” she reminds us. “Stay present, be consistent, and trust the process.”
About the Expert
Nomaqhawe Gama is a leadership coach, psychometrist, career strategist, and expert in talent development. With a background in Industrial Psychology, she specializes in helping professionals unlock their potential through self-awareness, coaching, and strategic career planning. Her experience spans multiple industries, including banking, aviation, and consulting, making her a sought-after voice in career reinvention and leadership development.
