Thabani Mlilo is not just an author and speaker; he is a pioneering African iconoclast committed to transforming people’s perspectives and reshaping Africa’s narratives through his work. Now a celebrated author of four titles, Mlilo is also a sought-after speaker and facilitator who inspires audiences with his compelling journey and insights.

Despite his current recognition and success, Mlilo understands the profound challenges of loss and adversity. His first book, The Shift: A Story About Two Fifty Cent Bond Coins and a Dream, was born from a place of personal turmoil, written after he faced unemployment, the loss of his home, and the end of a romantic relationship—all in one day. Even after overcoming these obstacles and managing to publish his book, his initial book launch drew just two attendees, highlighting the uphill battle he faced.

We sat down with Mlilo to discuss his latest work, the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of purpose, and how he continues to navigate and thrive in a competitive world. ^{* KM – Kudzai Mhangwa, TM – Thabani Mlilo}

KM: Thank you very much for agreeing to talk to me. Congratulations on your new book. What is the new book about?

TM: Thank you so much it’s quite an honour to get this opportunity and grateful for it. The new book is entitled ‘Burn Your Boats: Challenges, Choices and Changes’ its focus is on encouraging individuals to get rid of excuses in order to achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality.

KM: In your work as a speaker and trainer what are some ‘boats’ people don’t want to burn? What holds people back?

TM: In my work it’s really fascinating how so many factors are limiting and holding so many individuals back. Let me point out that some of the factors are rooted in mindset, perspective, attitude and the stories that people tell themselves. Our capabilities as human beings are immeasurable, they need us to embrace and use them to our advantage for growth and progress. The major factor is the stories people tell themselves that really hold so many back. Some of the boats that people don’t want to burn are the limiting beliefs that society shares, comfortability in mediocrity and being casual about the trajectory of their lives are some boats that people are refusing to burn.

KM: How was the writing process for this book like?

TM: The process was great one it being my fourth book a lot of reflection and deep introspection went in during the writing process. I had so many eye opening  experiences because it took a lot of objectivity and understanding of how the message was supposed to get to the reader. I enjoy writing always as it challenges my thought process and beliefs always so there were times when it was easy to write because of how personal the content in the book was.

KM: I recall you said that what led to you writing your first book was loss; you lost your job, you lost your home and your relationship came to an end. What was going through your mind when all of this happened in a single day?

TM: The experience was what gave birth to the author and storyteller. It happened when I least expected, so much was going through my head and at the time I had to choose to allow the pain to drain me or it becoming a stepping stone to where I was headed. The experience led to the book ‘The Shift. A story about two fifty cent bond coins and a dream.’. The moment required me to have a different outlook towards life and made me what I am today.

KM: How did writing become your outlet for dealing with this chain of events?

TM: We all as human being have various outlets for our thoughts or experiences. I am a very avid and critical thinker. I am always looking at ways to improve what’s around me and I use writing as a way to tell stories of inspiration. Writing became my solace as I could express my thoughts, pains and disappointments on paper which was quite liberating.

KM: Your first book launch for your debut offering, “The Shift: A story about two fifty Bond coins and a Dream” was attended by only two people. How did that feel like and what was going through your head during the proceedings?

TM: The first book was the launchpad and foundation at the time that shaped who I became as a writer. It was disappointing obviously for me because you would have these expectations that people will show up and when they don’t it crushes you to the core. It was heart wrenching because as humans we want to be celebrated for our work however, I learnt to embrace the situation and it was a mirror that allowed me to reflect on what has to be done better moving forward.

KM: What was the greatest lesson from that event?

TM: Your dream is yours and only you can go the extra mile to make it happen. Own your story always and show up even when others don’t clap when you expect them to.

KM: Despite all of this you went on to write more books and have even more book launches across the continent. What kept you going?

TM: I have always had a deep resolve that I am one of a kind and the continent and world needs to hear my story. It is my belief that I am here to not only exist but to add my pieces in the big puzzle of life. I believed that life giving me that lessons was the foundation to set me up for what was ahead and just to resolve to win all this kept me going despite the hurdles.

KM: You are also the author of two other titles ‘Thabani: The Dream Continues’ and ‘Unfiltered’ tell us a little about these two titles.

TM: ‘Thabani: The Dream Continues’ was a personal letter to all young people on the continent that had a great dream. So it was an extension of ‘The Shift’ to build on what the first book had done; it was an encouragement to all with a dream that their dreams had to continue.

‘Unfiltered’ was really a challenging piece to question a lot of general mediocre conceptions that existed so it mainly focused on that.  

KM: Now you sit here as the proud author of four books! Any more in the pipeline?

TM: Yes, I have more to come. I have begun the conceptualisation of my next book. I always seek to write and reshape the existing narrative with my work. I will be taking all the books and pooling them to become part of a curriculum for leadership development so I am excited about what lies ahead.

KM: Who is Thabani outside of his work and professional life?

TM: Outside my work I am an all-round creative person I like exploring ideas and volunteering for great causes or teaching young people. I am a huge Man United fan so I watch soccer to relax, volunteer and all round spend most times indoors. I am an introvert and like being in my own space at times so I use spare time to relax.

KM: What message would you like to leave with people?

TM: Each day is an opportunity to transform our lives either for the good or bad, it’s noble to make the wise choices always. In order to overcome and take over the Islamd of life you need to burn the boats of comfort, limiting beliefs, misdirected focus and paying too much attention to negativity. In every challenge you have a choice to embrace change hence the need to burn your boats. 

Thabani is the graduate of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) fellowship with its Southern Africa headquarters at the University of South Africa (UNISA). It was there that he pitched his debit book which then gain traction and attention from people across the African continent.