Working with a purpose
Know the 'why' of what you are doing
Popyeni Kaxuxwena, a public speaker and work ethics trainer, says his family inspires and motivates him to work with a purpose.
Popyeni Kaxuxwena is a 42-year-old work ethics trainer and public speaker who was born in Zambia to Namibian parents during the liberation struggle.He studied human resources at the then Polytechnic of Namibia.
Speaking about his work, he explained that it involves facilitating training programmes for organisations with a focus on work ethics. The training includes topics on customer service, sales and marketing, and emotional intelligence.
Decades of experience
Kaxuxwena has over 20 years of customer service, sales and marketing experience, from starting as a waiter to directing the commercial department for an international logistic organisation, where he was responsible for leading the formulation and execution of the company's commercial strategy.
In addition, he is the founder of Let's Work Commercial Group CC, where he serves as chief change officer (CCO) and is in charge of training and development.
He is also a professional public speaker, who speaks on human capacity on public platforms and at organisational events.
The public speaker has authored a book titled 'Let’s Work: Growing Beyond a Job Description', which was published in 2020. He is also an avid article contributor and a radio panellist.
Kaxuxwena's to-do list:
• Speak in 40 African countries by 2020 on work ethics
• Have an unrecorded one-on-one conversation with Namibia’s president
• Take my family to Disneyland
• Travel Africa by road with a group of close friends
• Skydiving
Aspiring public speakers
Kaxuxwena advises aspiring public speakers and trainers to first figure out their "why" before starting.
He cautioned that the start will not be easy, and clients will not start streaming in because it takes time to build trust.
"You will have to spend more time and money building your brand before you will make money. Be patient and keep striving, especially when you know exactly why you started."
He further stated that there are several benefits to both his job and being self-employed, like scheduling his time and appointments according to his will.
Asked to pinpoint the source of his motivation, he said: "My biggest motivator is my family, who inspires, pushes and supports me. Having my own family has grounded my calling to work with a purpose."