Credit—Vusi Thembekwayo, www.vusithembekwayo.com
Vusi Thembekwayo, South African entrepreneur, author, and businessman, founder and CEO of the MyGrowthFund Venture Partners has faced and overcome self doubt. Self-doubt is an inevitable challenge faced by many, including even the most accomplished figures in history. Renowned author Maya Angelou once confessed, “I have written 11 books, but each time I think, ‘Uh oh, they’re going to find out now. I’ve run a game on everybody, and they’re going to find me out.'” The psychological barrier of internal conflict commonly occurs when people grow. Vusi’s personal story resonates for Black male professionals struggling with self doubt or imposter syndrome.
As a child, he competed in a public speaking contest, the only Black participant among the top contenders. Surrounded by a sea of faces that didn’t look like his, doubt crept in. The situation got even worse when an elderly woman compared him with his fellow competitors. At that point, his feelings of inadequacy were no longer just internal—they were validated by someone else.
But with the assistance of his instructor, who recognized his fear, Thembekwayo realized that his true challenge was not his opponents but himself. By shifting his focus away from his competition and towards his preparation and improvement, he silenced his inner critic, took the stage, and excelled.
This lesson is specifically relevant to Black employees in corporate environments across Philadelphia. It shows that battles should not always depend on external factors. People who focus on personal development are naturally free of systemic biases because they do not require approval from others.
Furthermore, Thembekwayo builds his leadership philosophy on resilience. In a Facebook post, he shared his belief that stress and adversity shape true leaders. At first, this view might appear contradictory to common sense. Why should adversity be welcomed? However, if we are being honest, this mindset is important for Black professionals. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth can turn doubt into confidence.
Thembekwayo’s story also highlights the importance of community, as he drew strength from mentor support. Black professionals would greatly benefit from meeting people with similar experiences. In Philadelphia, organisations such as the African American Chamber of Commerce offer mentorship, resources, and a sense of community. Engaging with peers can help dismantle feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome.
Leadership starts with conquering self-doubt. Black professionals who prioritize personal development over external recognition will approach corporate America with resilience and purpose, transforming their struggles into opportunities for success.
