LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
The UnLearners, a South African personal and professional development company that helps individuals and organizations thrive through change.
Zanele Njapha is the CEO of The UnLearners and a leading voice on transformation, unlearning, and future-fit leadership. Known as The UnLearning Lady, she helps individuals and organizations navigate change with courage and clarity. A former teacher turned global keynote speaker and coach, Zanele equips people to let go of limiting beliefs and step boldly into what’s next. Her work is a rallying call to learn, change and grow, fearlessly.
Lioness Weekender spoke to the inspirational Zanele Njapha about her mission in life and business, and her entrepreneurial journey, to find out more about what lies ahead.
What does your company do?
The UnLearners is a personal and professional development company that helps individuals and organizations thrive through change. We do this through keynotes, facilitation, coaching, and immersive experiences that focus on building future-fit skills, with an emphasis on unlearning outdated mindsets and practices. Our work is grounded in the belief that learning, changing, and growing are essential for sustained success in today’s ever-evolving world.
What inspired you to start your company?
As a former schoolteacher and researcher in the field of future skills, I recognized a growing disconnect between traditional ways of thinking and the rapidly changing world of work. I started The UnLearners to help people become more adaptable, agile, and resilient. I wanted to create a space where unlearning was celebrated as the key to relearning what truly matters in life and work.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Our approach is rooted in the power of UnLearning, a concept that’s both simple and transformative. We don’t just deliver content; we challenge long-held beliefs, guide mindset shifts, and help people and teams build the capacity to navigate uncertainty with confidence. Whether it's through our UnLearning Coaching™, our immersive retreats, or dynamic keynote sessions, we create deeply engaging experiences that move people to take action and grow.
Tell us a little about your team.
The UnLearners team is small but mighty. We’re a group of passionate facilitators, coaches, creatives, and operations experts who share a deep belief in human potential. Everyone on the team brings their own unique strengths, from strategy to storytelling, and together, we co-create impactful client experiences that are both personal and powerful.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t planned, it was purpose-led. I left a secure job in education to follow a calling that combined my love for learning with a desire to make a bigger impact. I don’t come from a traditional entrepreneurial background, but I was raised in a home where reinvention and resilience were a way of life. Building The UnLearners has been a path of growth, courage, and continuous reinvention, true to our brand.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
We’re focused on expanding our impact across the African continent and globally by partnering with forward-thinking organizations, scaling our membership community, and growing our UnLearning Children Foundation. We’re also developing digital tools and content to make unlearning more accessible to individuals everywhere.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Seeing people shift from fear to confidence when facing change. Watching clients unlock new possibilities because they were willing to let go of old patterns. The joy of witnessing growth in my team, in our clients, and in myself, is the most rewarding part of this journey.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Start with clarity of purpose, and let that be your North Star. You don’t have to have everything figured out, just begin. Build your community, trust your gut, and be willing to evolve. And most importantly, don’t wait for permission. You are allowed to take up space and lead boldly.
To find out more about the work of TheUnLearners, contact Zanele via email: Zanele@theunlearners.com or visit the company’s social media platforms:
Website: https://theunlearners.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanele_njapha/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552519048130
