Zipho Sikhakhane is a global speaker and business strategist. She has held positions in industry leading corporations worldwide and is the first black South African to complete an MBA at the top-ranked Stanford University in the US.
In 2016, she received the Outstanding Young Achiever Award from the UNESCO Center for Global Education.
In the last 15 years, she has presented in four continents, including a TEDx Talk in the USA on Africa’s potential. She delivers inspiring keynotes and facilitated interventions on leadership, change management and Africa’s potential.
She has been featured in numerous publications worldwide and is published as a contributing author in Singapore in a book on inspirational women.
From being raised by a single parent in a poor township in northern KwaZulu Natal to overcoming the challenges faced by individuals from disadvantaged communities, Sikhakhane’s journey has been one of consistently breaking barriers. She uses her inspiring life story to help individuals and businesses unleash their true potential.
Current Positions
CEO & Founder of EMZ Advisory Group
Angel Investor in East, West & Southern Africa
Board Chairperson for Maneli Commodities Trading
Professional Background
International Project Director, Inditex Zara (Spain)
Customer Strategy Manager, Edcon Retail Group
Management Consultant, McKinsey & Company
Worked in 6 continents in the last 10 years
Academic Credentials
Masters in Business Administration, Stanford Graduate School of Business, USA – graduated on full scholarship
Bachelor of Business Science Honours, University of Cape Town, SA – graduated on full scholarship with first class honours and distinctions
Matriculated among the top in the province, with six distinctions
Completed leadership courses in Austria, China, Czech Republic, Russia, South Africa
Areas of Expertise
Leadership, strategy execution, change management, customer centricity and communications