Navigating the IT World with Farai Sibanda: A Conversation on Professionalism and Adaptation

In the ever-evolving landscape of Information Technology (IT), professionals play a critical role in harnessing the power of technology to drive business success. Farai Sibanda, a seasoned IT expert, shares insights into his journey and experiences as an IT professional. In a candid conversation, Farai sheds light on the challenges, innovations, and skills required in this dynamic field.

Farai’s journey into the world of IT began at a young age. He recalls being the curious kid who loved to tinker with gadgets and explore their inner workings. This early fascination with technology laid the foundation for his career in IT. Farai pursued a degree in Information Systems and later completed a postgraduate diploma in management, setting the stage for his IT career.

“When I was young, I was that kid who would take things apart and try to figure out how they work. I’ve always had this curiosity around technology, which fuelled my passion for IT,” says Farai.

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, staying current is a top priority for IT professionals. Farai emphasizes the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Technology evolves rapidly, and IT professionals must keep up with the latest trends and innovations.

“Adaptability is crucial because technology changes at a rapid pace. You need to be someone who’s always willing to learn because you can never know enough in our industry,” Farai advises.

Staying updated requires actively seeking information from various sources. Farai regularly visits technology websites and blogs like Engadget, Windows Central, and The Verge. Additionally, he participates in industry-specific groups on LinkedIn to learn from peers and stay informed about new developments.

IT professionals often face high-pressure situations and tight deadlines. Farai shares a project from his experience where he and his team successfully managed time and resources to meet a critical deadline. In this case, they were tasked with rolling out a new software version for a retail client with over 40 stores.

Despite the challenges, including a tight timeframe and a previous consultant’s departure, Farai and his team worked diligently, including late-night shifts, to meet the client’s deadline. Their efforts paid off, and they successfully completed the project.

Innovation is a cornerstone of the IT field. Farai highlights a situation where he proposed and implemented an innovative solution to improve efficiency. In a retail environment with distributed databases, they faced challenges in manually updating systems across multiple stores.

To address this, Farai and his team developed an automated PowerShell script that streamlined the update process. This innovative solution significantly reduced the time required for system upgrades, demonstrating the power of technology to drive efficiency.

In the IT field, effective communication is crucial when dealing with non-technical team members and stakeholders. Farai emphasizes the need to speak the language of the audience and avoid overwhelming them with technical jargon.

“As a functional consultant, you deal with end-users and business stakeholders a lot. You have to learn to speak their language and convey technical information in a way they understand,” says Farai.

Given the sensitive nature of data handled in IT, data security is paramount. Farai follows best practices to ensure data security and integrity. He backs up all work data in the cloud, uses strong passwords, and implements multi-factor authentication for added security.

Farai Sibanda’s journey through the IT landscape showcases the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and effective communication in this dynamic field. His experiences reflect the ever-evolving nature of technology and the vital role IT professionals play in shaping the future of businesses. Farai’s commitment to innovation and data security exemplifies the dedication required to thrive in the world of IT.

Yolani Williams – Content Writer

Yolani Williams is the Content Writer at The CRM Team, with the role of producing relevant content such as blogs, articles, and social media copy. Yolani holds a qualification in Strategic Corporate Communication from the University of Johannesburg and has 3 years of relevant experience in the marketing field.

National Coding Week: Unveiling the Code Maestro: Jordan Masters

In the fast-paced world of coding and software development, there are few individuals who manage to stand out at a young age. Jordan Masters is one such exception, a talented coder whose achievements and projects have captured the attention of the tech community. With a passion for coding that began at an early age, Jordan has not only achieved remarkable success but has also made significant contributions to the field.

The Early Spark

Jordan Masters’ journey into the world of coding began at the tender age of sixteen. Introduced to programming through a program called Delphi, Jordan was instantly captivated by the endless possibilities it offered. He reminisces, “A friend of mine showed me how to use it, and we started building forms for Windows. I thought it was pretty cool, and I wanted to create something custom of my own.” Jordan’s early venture resulted in a pong game with a unique twist – power-ups. It was a time when even simple creations like Flappy Bird garnered immense popularity, making every coding achievement exhilarating.

A Self-Taught Trailblazer

While many aspiring coders opted for formal education, Jordan took a different path. He chose to be self-taught, a journey that had its own share of challenges. “Coming straight out of high school, I decided to do freelance development because I wanted to pursue coding instead of accounting. Not being able to attend university was not due to grades but a personal choice,” he shares. Jordan’s determination to educate himself led him to freelancing, where he tackled small projects for South African companies, often charging modest fees to gain experience. It was a win-win situation for both parties.

Coding Specialisations

Jordan’s coding prowess extends to two distinctive areas – integrations and web development. His knack for handling complex integrations, where one system communicates with another, has earned him accolades. He describes it as a puzzle where he acts as the middleman, translating systems and ensuring they work seamlessly together.

On the web development front, Jordan’s specialization includes technologies like Node.js and server-side form development. These skills, not common among all developers, have proven invaluable in certain projects.

Milestones Along the Way

Jordan’s coding journey is punctuated by significant milestones. He recalls his first project win as a moment of immense satisfaction. “Delivering a complex project like an OCR system that left the customer more than happy was a turning point,” he shares.

Participating in coding tournaments and hackathons, learning new systems, and transitioning into web development were other pivotal moments in Jordan’s journey. However, his most recent milestone, joining The CRM team stands out as a personal favourite. It marked his entry into collaborative coding, working alongside others who share his passion for delivering exceptional products.

Lessons Learned

Jordan’s journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring coders. Perseverance, resourcefulness, and a refusal to see obstacles as insurmountable walls are some of the key takeaways. “There are never brick walls; there are always workarounds,” he asserts.

Jordan Masters’ story is a testament to the boundless potential of self-taught coders. His relentless pursuit of excellence in coding, coupled with his unique approach to problem-solving, sets him apart as a true coding maestro in the making.

Hackathon Success: Rising to the Top

One of Jordan’s notable achievements is his success in hackathons, particularly those held at the Rage Expo. He reflects on this accomplishment, stating, “I think one achievement I like is the one with these hackathon coding challenges that you would have at the Rage Expo or that I think those ones are really cool and being able to come pretty much in the top ten of those challenges against others that have been doing this for 40 years more than you is something that felt really good.”

Jordan’s ability to excel in these intense coding competitions is a testament to his skill and dedication. He doesn’t stop there, mentioning, “Even with that being like in the top 15% in the world during these hackathons, because they’re global and now you have a lot of numbers and a lot of people that there are going up against, you know, but keeping calm and collected throughout those things and just trying to solve the problem and blocking out any other kind of noise. It was something I suppose that made me show my colours.”

Collaborative Success with the NHS Credit Union

While individual success is commendable, Jordan’s journey took an exciting turn when he collaborated on a project for the NHS Credit Union of the UK. He reflects on this experience, saying, “One of my favourite projects in delivering, which was my first project as collaborating with a team instead of 100% solo, was delivering a project to the NHS Credit Union of the UK. Because that was a massive, massive company. You know, it’s the NHS UK, and being able to meet them in Scotland and that and giving them something that they were happy with was very much an achievement.”

This project marked a significant milestone in Jordan’s career, demonstrating his ability to work effectively within a team and deliver outstanding results for a prominent organisation.

Impact on Career and Acknowledgements

When asked about the impact of his coding skills on his career, Jordan acknowledges the recognition he has received for his expertise despite his young age. He mentions, “Yeah, I think, for this question, one thing that seems to get brought up a lot by others is the experience that I have and the kind of technologies that I know from being so young, you know, being 23 and that I am somebody that they can consult with and sometimes help my colleagues is definitely a topic that gets brought up a fair bit.”

Moreover, Jordan’s critical thinking skills and his ability to tackle challenging issues have earned him the respect of his peers. He adds, “Also, I suppose the like solving a puzzle that was something that was eluding us for a while was definitely something one of my more favourite acknowledgements from fellow colleagues.”

Coding Principles: Efficiency and Problem Solving

When speaking about his coding principles, Jordan emphasizes the importance of efficiency and problem-solving. He explains, “First of all, you have to sit down and think: What is the best system that I can use that will give the outcome as much as possible with the littlest amount of time spent doing it?” This approach reflects his commitment to optimizing the development process and minimizing time spent on unnecessary tasks.

Moreover, Jordan stresses the significance of choosing solutions that are less likely to encounter problems down the line. He recognizes that constantly fixing and adjusting a project can be draining, stating, “Solving the initial problem is fun, but having to only touch it here a little bit and there a little bit is definitely not something that’s fun because you got your head inside of it and then that’s outside of it, and then you’re coming back a week later with your head inside of it. Now you solve a problem once. Finished and done.”

Unique Approaches to Coding Projects

One of Jordan’s unique approaches to coding projects involves breaking down complex requirements into manageable steps. He explains, “What I like to do is to first of all categorize them into steps. Then, do a whole brief overview of what is inside of step one. What is something that may be challenging? Try and do a test, a proof of concept for step one. Then move on to Step 2 and get a proof of concept for that, and then once you have all your proof of concepts for every step, then you can start with step one and actually create it and then Step 2 and create it.”

This method not only helps in managing complexity but also enables adjustments without causing ripple effects throughout the project. Jordan recognizes that flexibility in problem-solving is crucial to achieving success.

Favourite Project: The Automated Hearthstone Player

Among his many projects, Jordan fondly recalls one from his earlier years as his favourite. At just 19 years old, he embarked on creating a unique project: an automated player for the popular card game Hearthstone. This project required the integration of various technologies, including OCR (optical character recognition), game logic, and machine learning.

Jordan’s excitement about this project shines through as he shares, “What made this one of my more favourite projects was because of how complex the requirement was that I made for myself. You are working with a whole bunch of systems here, including OCR, game logic, and machine learning. I think that’s what makes it my favourite one.”

Future Aspirations: Continuing Education and Leadership

Looking ahead, Jordan has clear aspirations for his future in the coding field. He expresses his eagerness to pursue higher education, saying, “I am so motivated to go to university and thrive there.” He recognizes that formal education can complement his self-taught skills and provide a structured learning environment.

Additionally, Jordan aspires to become a senior professional in the field, emphasizing the endless learning opportunities within the tech industry. He acknowledges, “Becoming a senior is something that I don’t even think I could imagine how much knowledge there would be existing and how much further you could take it.”

Roehan Manders, Jordan’s manager, remarks, “Jordan Masters’ coding journey is a remarkable testament to the power of self-determination and a passion for problem-solving. His achievements, from conquering hackathons to collaborating with prestigious organizations like the NHS Credit Union, showcase his unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Furthermore, Jordan’s unique approach to coding projects, as highlighted by Mr. Manders, involves breaking them down into manageable steps and emphasizing efficiency, demonstrating his practical wisdom in the field. Jordan’s future aspirations, which include higher education and a desire to become a senior professional, underscore his dedication to continuous learning and growth.

“Jordan’s story,” Mr. Manders adds, “serves as a shining example of what can be achieved in the ever-evolving world of coding and software development. Aspiring coders can draw inspiration from Jordan’s journey, learning that determination and adaptability are keys to overcoming any coding challenge.”

Yolani Williams – Content Writer

Yolani Williams is the Content Writer at The CRM Team, with the role of producing relevant content such as blogs, articles, and social media copy. Yolani holds a qualification in Strategic Corporate Communication from the University of Johannesburg and has 3 years of relevant experience in the marketing field.

Breaking The Barriers with The Powerhouse

In the realm of professional success, there are few stories as inspiring as that of Kubeshni Govender (Kesh), the dynamic Head of Marketing at The CRM Team. Kesh’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of a woman breaking barriers in the competitive world of marketing in the IT Industry. Fondly referred to as “The Powerhouse,” Kesh’s story is a beacon of hope for aspiring young women who aim to carve their paths and make impactful contributions to both their careers and society. In this exclusive interview, Kesh shares her insights, challenges, and strategies that have shaped her remarkable journey.

Journey to the Pinnacle of Marketing Excellence in the IT Industry

Kubeshni embarked on her remarkable journey to the position of Head of Marketing at The CRM Team through a series of pivotal moments that shaped her career. Starting as an intern at Microsoft in 2019, she diligently absorbed knowledge and insights into Microsoft’s operations and partner expectations. This inside information proved invaluable as it allowed her to excel when working with partners. Kesh’s dedication was further demonstrated when she completed the Modern Marketing Digital Transformation program, earning recognition for her efforts. Her outstanding performance and impact didn’t go unnoticed, and Microsoft managers remembered her well. When the need arose for a Head of Marketing at The CRM Team, her previous achievements and impressive track record made her the top candidate as a recommendation from Microsoft. Kesh’s journey from intern to leader is a testament to the power of dedication and impact. She adds, “Working for The CRM Team made me realise that I made some bad career moves previously, but with those lessons, I cherish the opportunity I’ve received with The CRM Team, as they’ve shown me the definition of good company culture, a healthy work environment, exemplary teamwork energy, and the power of leadership excellence.” Kesh’s journey from intern to leader at age 23, is a testament to the power of dedication and impact.

Breaking Barriers: Challenges and Triumphs

The journey of Kubeshni Govender is not just a tale of professional growth, but a testament to her resilience in the face of personal challenges. As a young woman aiming for success in the IT industry, she encountered formidable obstacles that threatened to undermine her confidence and potential. The realm of marketing, which she chose to conquer, was not without its gender biases and misconceptions about age. However, Kesh’s determination to rise above these challenges and carve her unique path led her to become a powerhouse in her field.

Overcoming the perception that her age might hinder her success was a daunting task. The stereotypes that questioned her readiness for leadership roles or dismissed her as “too young” were discouraging. Kesh candidly acknowledges that these biases are prevalent, often coming from both male and female leaders. Despite the industry’s competitiveness, where women occasionally view one another as rivals, Kesh persevered. While creativity thrived within her, she found that other women could sometimes feel threatened by her potential. These experiences of being pulled down by mentors and colleagues served as pivotal moments that fuelled her determination to prove her worth.

Amid her professional challenges, Kesh faced deep personal struggles that pushed her to the edge. Battling past traumas from her childhood till the age of 23, she found herself at a breaking point, attempting suicide with a very narrow escape. Yet, emerging from this dark moment, Kesh decided to reshape her identity and take charge of her narrative. This transformation marked the birth of “The Powerhouse.”

Reclaiming her strength and forging a path to empowerment, Kesh co-founded two Non-Profit Organisations dedicated to uplifting others. One focused on providing support to those who had endured similar challenges and charitable initiatives, whilst the other sought to empower women in leadership roles. Kesh’s journey toward becoming “The Powerhouse” was not confined to her own growth; she actively contributed to the betterment of those around her.

Kesh’s status as “The Powerhouse” was solidified through her role as a speaker and advocate on platforms like ‘Future Females’, ‘Women Takes IT To The Stage’, ‘Rehoboth Radio’, ‘WITS University’, ‘Libex Marketplace’, ‘YAEI’ (Young African Entrepreneurs Institute), ‘SuperSport’ and more, where she shared her story of resilience and empowerment, leaving an indelible impact on countless women. Her tenacity, confidence, and unwavering belief in her abilities earned her the title that resonates today.

The term “powerhouse” isn’t just a label; it symbolizes the journey of a woman who transcended adversity and shattered stereotypes. Kubeshni Govender (Kesh) embodies the essence of strength, resilience, and empowerment, inspiring others to overcome barriers, find their voice, and become forces of positive change. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of the most daunting challenges, one can rise, thrive, and make an enduring impact.

Empowering Change through Nonprofit Initiatives

Kubeshni Govender’s dedication to making a positive impact in the world is not limited to her professional accomplishments. Beyond her career, she has channelled her passion into two remarkable nonprofit organisations that embody her commitment to social change and empowerment.

Govender, a true advocate for charitable causes, has always found joy in bringing smiles to people’s faces. This innate desire to give back was sparked by her friend’s charitable endeavours. Witnessing the impact of these efforts firsthand ignited a fire within her to contribute to the betterment of society.

The inception of Govender’s Non-Profit Organisations came about because of her involvement in various charitable initiatives. The first, Connected Humanity, was born out of a clothing drive that evolved into something much larger. Govender recognised the need to formalize her efforts, leading to the establishment of this NPO. She collaborated with like-minded individuals who shared her passion for making a difference.

Connected Humanity’s mission transcends borders. While it began in South Africa, its reach extends internationally. Through initiatives such as clothing drives, feeding programs, and contributions to animal shelters, Connected Humanity aims to touch lives across different communities. The organisation’s goal is to foster connections and create sustainable change.

The Geek Goals Foundation, Govender’s second initiative, is focused on the build of an e-learning platform and women empowerment. This foundation embodies her belief in the transformative power of education. The platform seeks to empower women holistically, from academia to mental health and emotional well-being. Govender envisions a wide array of courses, ranging from cooking and baking to marketing and science, allowing women to upscale their skills and build successful careers.

The key element of The Geek Girls Foundation is its ripple effect. Govender envisions a cycle of empowerment, where successful women on the platform not only uplift themselves but also become mentors, contributing to the growth of others. Govender’s vision aligns with creating a positive domino effect, as women inspire and support one another, fostering a community of success.

Govender’s philanthropic endeavours extend beyond her organisation’s scope, as she seeks partnerships with other companies working toward social change. Her commitment to solving pressing issues, such as defence and sustainability, highlights her holistic approach to creating a better world.

Balancing Act: Journey of Professional Excellence and Social Impact

In a world where juggling various commitments can feel like a daunting challenge, Kubeshni Govender stands as a prime example of someone who seamlessly balances her professional life, personal passions, and community initiatives. Govender has not only excelled in her career but has also made a tangible difference in the lives of others through her impactful Non-Profit Organisations.

The question often arises: How does one effectively contribute to both personal and societal betterment without compromising on quality or impact? Govender’s approach revolves around two key principles: time management and priority setting. Recognizing the significance of allocating time according to priorities, she emphasizes the importance of giving her all to each endeavour, even if it means seeking assistance when needed.

Navigating this demanding path is undoubtedly challenging, yet Govender believes that action speaks louder than hesitation. She emphasizes the importance of forward momentum and the futility of overthinking. To her, time is a valuable resource that should be maximized rather than squandered on deliberation. This perspective stems from her innate passion for her initiatives, allowing her to immerse herself fully in each endeavour.

Central to Govender’s success is her engagement with projects she genuinely enjoys. Her current role aligns seamlessly with her studies and experience, which empowers her to invest herself wholeheartedly. This synergy translates into sustained energy and enthusiasm, even when she’s dedicating time to her passion projects outside of work hours.

Govender acknowledges the vital role of a supportive network, both personally and professionally. She draws strength from her family, sister, and partner, who stands by her side, offering encouragement and understanding during demanding periods. This support system enables her to dedicate quality time to her loved ones, despite her busy schedule.

Govender’s journey underscores the significance of following one’s passion and embracing the challenges that come with it. Her ability to synchronize her professional ambitions with her philanthropic initiatives stands as a testament to her remarkable dedication and resilience. As she continues to navigate this delicate balance, Kubeshni Govender exemplifies the transformative power of determination, time management, and unwavering passion.

Empowering Change: Kubeshni Govender’s Impact on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

Kubeshni Govender’s journey serves as an inspiration to many, especially the younger generation who look up to her as a trailblazer and role model. Her influence is evident not only in her professional accomplishments but also in the positive transformation she has sparked within communities. A brief encounter with her presentation is enough to recognize her as a champion for change, making her a true role model for young women everywhere.

So, what advice does Kubeshni Govender have for those who aspire to follow in her footsteps? She advocates for self-belief as the cornerstone of success. Govender emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s unique qualities and being comfortable in one’s own skin. She encourages aspiring individuals to focus on their own journey, understanding that growth and transformation are constants. Govender underscores the significance of energy and passion, which radiate positivity and attract good energy in return.

In light of Women’s Month and the ongoing conversation about gender equality and empowerment, Govender’s accomplishments hold a crucial place. Her efforts extend beyond the surface-level understanding of women’s empowerment. Govender clarifies that her mission is not to uplift women at the expense of men but rather to establish a platform where equal opportunities are presented to all. Her initiatives aim to bridge the gender divide by promoting inclusivity, acknowledging that both men and women have unique qualities that contribute to progress.

Govender’s approach to gender equality involves creating spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued. Through her initiatives, she encourages women to be empowered and assertive, providing them with tools to tackle inequalities and advocate for themselves. Govender believes that fostering an environment where women are respected and appreciated leads to a collective empowerment that benefits society as a whole.

Words of Wisdom and Empowerment from the Powerhouse

“Don’t let your past define who you are, as you are the author of your own destiny. Never lose your voice to speak your worth, or regret your challenges and mistakes, as this is how the learning curve of growth shifts both personally and professionally. You cannot expect to grow where you feel complacent and comfortable, you got to get uncomfortable to experience the beauty of growth.”

Yolani Williams – Content Writer

Yolani Williams is the Content Writer at The CRM Team, with the role of producing relevant content such as blogs, articles, and social media copy. Yolani holds a qualification in Strategic Corporate Communication from the University of Johannesburg and has 3 years of relevant experience in the marketing field.