By Mzukona Mantshontsho
LUNGILE FAITH DLAMINI launched Let it Flow on Friday 19 June 2026: Let it Flow’s goal is to equip people with tools they can apply in their everyday lives, helping them move from surviving to thriving. This will be done through her coaching platform and speaking engagements.
I recently spoke to Lungile Dlamini about her Book, her personal, professional and entrepreneurial journey thus far.
Tell us about your early life to your role today
My early years laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning, curiosity and personal growth. From a young age, I enjoyed learning and was motivated by the belief that knowledge could create opportunities, not only for personal advancement but also to make a meaningful contribution to society. This belief was informed by my grandparents who raised me.
My formal academic journey began in the sciences, where I pursued a qualification in Food Science. That experience equipped me with analytical thinking, problem-solving skills and an appreciation for research and evidence-based decision-making. While I valued the scientific discipline, I soon realised that my greatest passion lay in understanding people. Understanding what motivates people, how they grow and how they can be empowered to reach their full potential.
This realisation inspired me to continue my education in areas aligned with human development. Over the years, I pursued further professional qualifications in Psychology, Life Coaching, Leadership Development and Change Management, broadening my expertise beyond technical knowledge to include the human side of leadership and organisational success.
Every stage of my educational journey has contributed to the professional I am today. My scientific background taught me to think critically, while my studies in psychology and coaching deepened my understanding of human behaviour, emotional intelligence and the importance of self-leadership. Together, these disciplines have enabled me to support individuals and organisations in navigating change, developing leaders and creating environments where people can thrive.
Looking back, I see my education not as a series of separate qualifications but as a continuous journey of growth. Each experience has prepared me for the next; reinforcing my belief that learning never ends. It is this commitment to lifelong learning that continues to shape my work as a coach, human resources practitioner and recently the author of Let It Flow.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
As a leader, a clear sense of purpose provides direction for my coaching, people development and public engagements. This meant I needed to have a compelling mission, clear personal and professional goals and a vision for the impact I want to make. The purpose keeps me focused and motivates others to embrace meaningful change.
As a leader and coach, my greatest resource is my authenticity. People are more likely to trust and follow someone whose life reflects the principles they teach. Therefore, I had to make sure I live my values, lead by example and consistency between my words and actions are important, humility and transparency. An authentic leader creates credibility and lasting influence.
Helping others navigate life’s challenges required me to be emotionally aware and be empathetic. This meant I needed to be self-aware, be able to manage myself and be an active listener. Continuous learning keeps my guidance relevant and impactful.
I had to work on my communication skills as well to make sure that any message is sent through and follow someone whose life reflects the principles they teach. Therefore, I had to make sure I live my values, lead by example and consistency.
What can we expect from you going forward since you started writing this book?
My goal is to equip people with tools they can apply in their everyday lives, helping them move from surviving to thriving. This will be possible be done through my coaching platform and speaking engagements.
Above all, I hope to remain authentic and accessible. I want everything I do whether through writing, coaching or public speaking to remind people that no matter where they are in their journey, there is always hope, there is always room for growth and it is never too late to become the person they were created to be.
What are your words of advice for young people, particularly women to take that first step and start community projects or small businesses?
My advice to young people, especially women, is simple: do not wait until everything is perfect before you begin. Start where you are, with what you have and trust that every small step will lead you closer to your vision. Many successful community projects and businesses began with one person who was willing to take a chance, solve a problem or serve others in a meaningful way.
Believe in your abilities, even when others may not yet see your potential. Confidence does not always come before action; it often grows because you take action. Be willing to learn, make mistakes and keep improving. Every challenge you face is an opportunity to build resilience, wisdom and character.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Seek mentors, build relationships with people who inspire you and surround yourself with those who encourage your growth. Success is rarely achieved alone. It is strengthened through collaboration and community.
Most importantly, let your purpose guide you rather than your fear. If your idea has the potential to improve someone’s life, create opportunities or bring hope to your community, then it is worth pursuing. Your background, age or circumstances do not determine your future.
As women, we have unique gifts, perspectives and strengths that the world needs. Never underestimate the impact you can make by taking that first step. Your dream may begin small but with faith, consistency and perseverance, it can grow into something that transforms not only your own life but also the lives of many others. Every meaningful journey starts with the courage to begin.
What are your thoughts on Covid-19 in terms of small businesses, what measures should business owners take to protect their businesses if another pandemic were to hit?
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that no business, regardless of its size, is immune to unexpected challenges. While it was a difficult period, it also reminded us of the importance of resilience, adaptability and preparedness. Many small businesses survived because they were willing to innovate, embrace technology and find new ways to serve their customers.
If another pandemic or major crisis were to occur, I believe business owners should focus on building resilience before the crisis happens. This includes maintaining an emergency savings fund, managing debt responsibly and creating contingency plans for different scenarios.
Financial discipline is one of the strongest forms of protection for any business.
Business owners should also invest in digital capabilities. Having an online presence, offering digital payment options, using social media to communicate with customers and where possible, providing products or services online can help businesses continue operating even when physical interactions are limited.
Another important lesson is the value of strong relationships. Businesses that maintained open communication with their employees, customers, suppliers and partners were often better able to navigate uncertainty. Trust and transparency build loyalty and loyal customers are more likely to support a business during difficult times.
Equally important is investing in people. Employees are a business’s greatest asset and their health, safety and well-being should remain a priority. A supportive workplace culture strengthens resilience and helps teams respond more effectively during periods of uncertainty.
Finally, I encourage entrepreneurs not to lead with fear but with wisdom. We cannot predict every crisis but we can prepare for change by staying informed, remaining flexible, continuing to learn and being willing to adapt. Every challenge also presents opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth. Businesses that cultivate this mindset are better equipped to withstand future challenges while continuing to serve their communities with purpose and confidence.
What is the legacy that you would want to leave when you retire?
When I eventually retire, I hope my legacy will not be measured by titles I held or achievements I accumulated but by the lives I helped transform. I want to be remembered as someone who inspired people to believe in themselves, to rise above their circumstances and to live with purpose, courage and authenticity.
Through my work as a life coach, author and community leader, I hope I will have empowered others; especially young people and women to discover their potential pursue their dreams and create opportunities not only for themselves but also for their communities. If my words, my coaching or Let It Flow encouraged even one person to choose hope over despair, action over fear or purpose over doubt, then I will consider my journey meaningful.
I also hope to leave a legacy of service. Success, to me, is not only about personal accomplishments but about lifting others as we climb. I want to be known as someone who shared knowledge generously, mentored others with compassion and created spaces where people felt seen, valued and empowered to grow.
Above all, I want my legacy to remind people that an ordinary person with faith, resilience and determination can make an extraordinary difference. I hope future generations will say that I lived with integrity, led with compassion and left the world a little better than I found it. If the seeds I planted continue to grow in the lives of others long after I am gone, that will be the greatest legacy I could ever hope to leave.
How do you hope the book will DIRECTLY contribute to the learners?
I pray Let It Flow will become more than just a book for learners. I hope it becomes a companion that encourages them to believe in themselves, navigate life’s challenges with confidence and recognise that every experience, whether good or difficult, has the potential to shape their future positively.
Many young people face uncertainty, self-doubt, peer pressure and the fear of failure. Through the story and lessons in this book, I want learners to understand that setbacks are not the end of the journey but opportunities to learn, grow and become more resilient. I want them to see that success is built through perseverance, self-discipline and the courage to keep moving forward even when life does not go as planned.
I also hope the book encourages learners to develop a habit of self-reflection. By taking time to understand their thoughts, emotions, values and goals, they can make wiser decisions and become more intentional about the lives they want to build.
Beyond personal growth, I hope Let It Flow inspires learners to become compassionate leaders who use their talents and knowledge to make a positive difference in their schools, families and communities. Education is not only about gaining qualifications, it is also about developing character, integrity and a sense of purpose.
Ultimately, if every learner who reads Let It Flow finishes the book with greater confidence, healed from the past, renewed hope and the belief that they have the ability to overcome challenges and create a meaningful future, then I will feel that the book has achieved its purpose.
What have been your highs and lows of writing this book, how long did it take you to complete this project?
Writing Let It Flow has been one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. One of the greatest highs was seeing years of personal reflection, journaling and life lessons come together into a book that could encourage and inspire others. There was something incredibly fulfilling about knowing that my personal experiences could become a source of hope and healing for someone else. Holding the finished book in my hands for the first time was a moment I will always treasure because it represented perseverance, faith and the courage to share my story.
The lows came with the vulnerability that writing requires. Revisiting painful memories and reliving some of life’s most difficult moments was emotionally demanding. There were times when I questioned whether I was ready to share such personal experiences but I reminded myself that honesty is often what creates the connection with readers. I realised that healing is not about pretending life has been perfect, it is about finding meaning and strength through the journey.
Another challenge was balancing the writing process with my personal and professional responsibilities. Like many aspiring authors, I had to remain disciplined, writing consistently even when inspiration was not always there. That experience taught me that completing a book is less about waiting for the perfect moment and more about showing up with commitment and determination.
The project took approximately ten years from my first journal entries to publication, to complete. Although the writing itself took that amount of time, the lessons within the book were shaped by a lifetime of experiences. In many ways, Let It Flow is the result of years of learning, growing, reflecting, healing and trusting the process.
Looking back, every high and every low was worthwhile because they all contributed to a book that I hope will encourage others to embrace their own journeys with courage, resilience and hope.
When you not at work, what do you get up to, and where can people follow you online to join and buy Let it Flow?
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and loved ones and reflecting on life’s experiences. I also enjoy mentoring and coaching people, engaging in community initiatives and taking time to recharge through prayer, reading of the word of God, quiet reflection and activities that nurture my personal growth. These moments keep me grounded and often inspire the ideas I write about and share with others.
Writing Let It Flow reminded me that growth is a lifelong journey, so I make it a priority to continue learning, listening and finding ways to encourage others. Whether I am speaking at events, coaching individuals or simply having meaningful conversations, I enjoy connecting with people and learning from their unique experiences.
Let It Flow is available through
WhatsApp: +27832000373 (SA), +26876040430, +26876401701 (SA / Eswatini)
Amazon Kindle: Let It Flow by Lungile Dlamini
We will update on bookshops, distributors, authors website by end of July.
I would love to continue this journey with my readers because I believe that every conversation, every shared experience, and every story has the power to inspire hope, growth and positive change.
