It’s funny how something that seems unrelated to EX can actually be at its core. Torque recently hosted their annual Torquing with Giants breakfast with Mapi Mhlangu and Dr. Dumi Magadlela, who shared perspectives on legacy building, compassion, and Ubuntu Intelligence. And while these insights may not appear directly tied to EX, they remind us that, ultimately, EX is about people and human connection.

Mapi spoke about living by design and finishing strong, stressing the importance of being present and reflecting on our choices. We often get consumed by work, forgetting that our energy should go where it matters most—to ourselves and to those we love. She posed the question: Are we loving ourselves enough to love others properly? Do we have a guaranteed tomorrow?

And it’s the same questions that apply when we think of how we lead in the workplace. As leaders, how much effort do we put into nurturing our teams and creating a work environment that encourages people to thrive, feel empowered and finish strong, both in their roles and in their lives?

She also touched on the importance of having the difficult conversations early—planning for your final departure and ensuring that your wishes and legacy are clear to those left behind. Whether it’s deciding on your end-of-life plans or discussing the legacy you wish to leave in your role, these are hard but necessary conversations.

As employers, we can support our people by providing thinking tools and resources to help them think about these decisions, encouraging them to share their plans in case the ‘worst case’ happens. Living intentionally in this way is crucial, not just for personal peace of mind but for business continuity. It reminds us not to take for granted that people will walk through the door tomorrow, greeting us as they always do.

In the workplace, this intentionality also ties into how we create a culture of empowerment—where employees feel trusted to make decisions, make mistakes, and learn from them. As Mapi emphasised, people make mistakes, but these mistakes aren’t always malicious—they’re human nature. The key is to empower our teams to own up to their errors, reflect on them, and grow from them. By embedding a culture that values vulnerability, we give our people the confidence to support one another through those  defining moments, knowing that failure is part of the process of growth.

Dumi’s reflections on togetherness and Ubuntu built beautifully on this. Ubuntu is a South African philosophy that speaks to our shared humanity, mutual support, and connectedness. It reminds us that “I am because we are”—a powerful message of collective responsibility. He pointed out that we often talk about togetherness but don’t live it out in our daily actions or interactions. In EX, fostering environments where empathy, compassion, and human connection are part of the intentional design is crucial.

Ubuntu is not just an abstract concept; it’s something we, as South Africans, feel deeply. Think about the energy and spirit that sweeps across the nation when the Springboks play rugby. It’s a moment where the whole country stands together, regardless of background, and feels the power of collective identity and pride. The question is: how do we bring that same spirit into the workplace? How do we create a culture where employees feel united, empowered, and supported like we do when we cheer on our national team?

It starts with seeing each other—truly seeing each other. Dumi spoke about the Zulu greeting Sawubona, which means “I see you.” In the workplace, how intentional are we in seeing one another, not just as colleagues or employees, but as whole individuals with stories, struggles, and dreams? When we make the effort to acknowledge each person’s humanity, we lay the foundation for a work culture that is grounded in compassion and empathy.

As leaders, we need to move from mindsets to heartsets—tuning into the energy of love, connection, and understanding. People need to feel safe to make mistakes, knowing that these are part of the journey to growth. The grace we give ourselves in moments of reflection should be extended to others. Empower your people to support each other in all successes and their failures. When we do this, we cultivate a workplace rooted in trust, empathy, and resilience.

In both life and work, we need to stop assuming there’s always more time to reflect, connect, and act with intention. The time is now, to decide who we are as leaders and as humans, and to create spaces—be it in life or work—where people can live and lead by design. Whether it’s leaving a legacy, navigating tough conversations, or building a culture of support and empowerment, everything ultimately ties back to our shared humanity.

And just like with Ubuntu, when we understand that we’re stronger together, we create an EX that’s not just functional but deeply impactful, built on compassion, empathy, and connection. That is how you create a legacy worth leaving behind and an employer brand that endures.

This article was supplied by Torque.