Startup Story

Gadifele Moeng is the founder and ceo of Future Leaders Academy in South Africa, a business launched in 2017 and focused on empowering young people to find their voice and gain confidence through public speaking and storytelling. She is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders and inspiring others to overcome their fears and shine.

LoA spoke to inspirational founder, Gadifele Moeng, about her passion for empowering young people, and her vision for the Future Leaders Academy to help them unlock their full potential in life.

What does your company do?

Future Leaders Academy is a 12-week program that empowers young people to become confident through public speaking, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Our curriculum includes training in various speech types, leadership skills, effective communication, and entrepreneurial skills, all designed to help young people unlock their potential and succeed.

What inspired you to start your company?

Future Leaders Academy is a 12-week program designed to empower young people to become confident individuals through public speaking. Our comprehensive curriculum covers essential skills in public speaking, leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship. Through our hands-on approach, students learn by doing, brainstorming innovative business ideas and bringing them to life. By the end of the 12th week, our graduates will have gained the skills and confidence to turn their business ideas into reality, setting them up for success in their future endeavors.

“My vision for Future Leaders Academy is to create a safe and supportive community where young people can grow, develop confidence, and reach their full potential.”

“In the future, I plan to franchise the academy, similar to BNI's model, and partner with like-minded individuals who share my passion for self-development and empowering others.”

What makes your business, service or product special?

Our business is special because I'm the mentor I wish I had growing up. Having never had a mentor myself, I knew firsthand the importance of guidance and support. That's why I created Future Leaders Academy - to empower young people with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. What sets us apart is our tried-and-tested 12-week program that has already shown remarkable results in developing confident leaders. But it doesn't stop there. Our Future Leaders Community provides ongoing support, networking opportunities, and access to mentors and coaches in various fields. We also organize fun activities that foster camaraderie and teamwork. By joining our program, young people gain not only the skills and confidence to excel in school and the workplace but also a supportive community that helps them grow into leaders. Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to secure leadership roles and thrive in their chosen paths.

Tell us a little about your team

Currently, I'm a solo founder and leader of Future Leaders Academy. My passion is empowering young people through public speaking and leadership development. While I don't have a traditional team yet, I'm actively grooming and mentoring the Future Leaders who go through our program. My vision is to build a team of servant leaders (teachers) - talented and confident individuals who have graduated from our program and are equipped to make a positive impact. In essence, my team is comprised of the Future Leaders I'm mentoring, and I'm excited to see them grow into leadership roles and eventually join me as part of the servant leaders team.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

My entrepreneurial journey began in 2016 when I founded Gadmo Cleaning Services. The following year, I started the Future Leaders Academy. Both ventures were born out of personal challenges I faced, and I'm deeply passionate about the impact they can make. Growing up, I didn't come from a traditional entrepreneurial background, but I did have small ventures, like selling ice blocks and sweets, which sparked my interest in business. While I didn't realize my entrepreneurial potential until I started my cleaning company, I've since grown and developed my skills through hands-on experience. Today, I'm proud to lead two businesses that make a difference in people's lives.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

My vision for Future Leaders Academy is to create a safe and supportive community where young people can grow, develop confidence, and reach their full potential. In the future, I plan to franchise the academy, similar to BNI's model, and partner with like-minded individuals who share my passion for self-development and empowering others. Ideally, I'd like to work with Future Leaders Academy alumni and self-development enthusiasts who can help take the academy to the next level and make a lasting impact on young people.

“As a creative person with big ideas, I love the freedom that entrepreneurship gives me to bring my vision to life and make a real difference. It's incredibly rewarding to see my ideas take shape and know that I'm making a positive impact on others.”

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

What gives me the most satisfaction as an entrepreneur is the impact my businesses have on people's lives. With my cleaning company, it's the knowledge that I'm providing opportunities for family members to earn a living, support their loved ones, and pay for their children's education. With Future Leaders Academy, it's seeing my students grow in confidence and excel in their pursuits. When they share with me how they're standing out and achieving their goals, it brings me immense joy and fulfillment. As a creative person with big ideas, I love the freedom that entrepreneurship gives me to bring my vision to life and make a real difference. It's incredibly rewarding to see my ideas take shape and know that I'm making a positive impact on others.

What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

To women looking to start their own business, I'd say: there's never a better time than now. Don't let age or fear hold you back. For me, knowing that life is finite gives me the courage to face my fears and pursue my passions. I'd encourage you to develop a healthy relationship with mortality - not in a morbid way, but in a way that empowers you to live life on your own terms. Remember, people will judge you regardless of what you do, so why not do something that brings you joy, happiness, and fulfillment? Take the leap, be bold, and pursue your dreams with purpose and passion.

Find out more

Email: gadi@thefutureleaders.co.za

Website: http://thefutureleaders.co.za/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TFLSA/

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thefutureleadersza?igsh=YmRoY2NrdWI1NmN3

Why LoA loves it…

Our young people are the future and to ensure they thrive, fulfill their potential, and contribute to building a strong economic continent is key to its success. Gadifele Moeng, founder of Future Leaders Academy, is playing her part in helping South Africa’s young people find their voices, build their confidence, and realize their future entrepreneurial potential. Inspirational! — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa