GQ chats with Nontokozo Madonsela, Chief Marketing Officer of Momentum Group

Nontokozo Madonsela is a recognised and respected expert and leader in the corporate business realm. Currently serving as the Group CMO at Momentum Metropolitan Holdings, the fourth-largest insurance group in South Africa, her influence resonates throughout the industry. With a versatile career spanning various sectors, Madonsela has established herself as a pivotal figure in marketing.

Her achievements include winning the Avance Media Most Influential Young South African Business Leader award in 2018, underscoring her unwavering commitment to delivering innovative and impactful marketing solutions. As a top executive and passionate advocate of bleisure (business & leisure) travel, she deftly navigates the fast-paced corporate landscape with a unique philosophy: embracing the power of contentment and everything that fosters it. In this interview, she offers insight into how integrating travel and leisure into her career not only boosts productivity but also enriches her personal and professional fulfillment.

GQ: How would you explain why the statement “There is power in contentment”rings so true?

Nontokozo Madonsela: Somebody once said that being content in life now is the biggest wealth one could ever have. AndI think that rang true for me. It’s about being mindful and present, and that for me is just saying, I’m here now, and embracing it. And that’s why I always surface how If eel, because I don’t want things simmering or feel I must suppress my emotions, it’s not healthy. It’s about knowing that you’re experiencing the fullness of life right now, at this moment.

GQ: What does the concept of “contentment” mean to you personally and professionally?

Nontokozo Madonsela: Professionally, it’s making sure that I believe in the things that I do, because I can’t sell what I don’t believe in; I am the worst rubber stamper. So, contentment for me is believing in the work that I putout, knowing that there are times when I may not know all the answers. We don’t have control over a lot, but the contentment for me comes from knowing I truly applied my mind and have asked the right questions. Similarly, even on a personal front I am present and in the moment, and that brings contentment.

GQ: How do you find balance between ambition and contentment in your professional endeavours?

Nontokozo Madonsela: When I’m clear on what my aimis, that becomes my ambition. And then I invest in the work of getting sponsorship or support in that, and I often do. I also speak up, because sometimes my ambition can be opposed to or conflict with another idea; because we work in a very connected manner, and nothing can be realised in isolation. Again, that’s the pursuit; but it also comes with application and conversations and putting in the work to achieve that ambition. Whatever the result, I can reward my efforts; and that’s why I always believe in doing it whenI’m afraid, because fear can come in between your ambition and your contentment.

GQ: How would you say that travel fits into the idea of personal contentment?

Nontokozo Madonsela: I love experiencing new cultures, food, and having different experiences, and all of these are important in my travel choices.I also like travelling the road less travelled, because you find contentment even in the memories that you hold. And I’mnot a person who waits for thingsto be perfect. A friend of mine is exhibiting art in Japan next year, and I’ve already said I’m going.I’ve put it out there, and have told everyone from my partner to the kids that I’m going to Japan. I don’t have everything all lined up and nothing is perfect, but I’ve put it out there into the universe.

GQ; Can you share a bit about your background, and how your career journey has influenced your approach to blending business and leisure travel?

Nontokozo Madonsela: When I was growing up, travel didn’t exist. As a typical black family growing up in a township, our holidays were spent in the villages. It wasn’t until my first job at British American Tobacco in Cape Town that I travelled for the first time, and that was my first adventure – no longer sheltered at home. But through working with brands, I’ve learned to immerse myself in the brands and the lifestyle. A lot of the brands at BAT were lifestyle brands, because BAT was a lifestyle business. I experienced a lot of things for the first time, such as red wine, and sushi, working at BAT, and it exposed me to new things. And that kind of elevated my dreams and ambitions and grew my desire to actually afford these trips one day.

GQ: What are the main benefits you’ve experienced from incorporating leisure into your business trips? How has bleisuretravel impacted yourproductivity and overalljob satisfaction?

Nontokozo Madonsela: With international travel, my first time needing a passport was because of professional travel. I am fortunate that my profession gives me access to travel opportunities. When I attend conferences or events abroad, I can do work and add in a personal adventure and take advantage of the opportunity. Or if the flight connects to a busy international airport, it becomes a great time to also book another destination.It brings me a lot of fulfillment and keeps me inspired, which is necessary for my job.

GQ: How would you say that bleisure travel helped you build stronger relationship swith colleagues, clients or partners?

Nontokozo Madonsela: I always meet the most interesting people I can possibly bring in to my work. If I hear interesting speakers, for example, I can incorporate them into events that we are working on that make sense. Or if I meet someone whoI know my team can benefit from. So, I’m always on the lookout for who can fit into our business and be great content for us. So, a lot of the experiences have exposed me to different types of people who can enhance or enrich the story of our brand.

GQ: How does bleisure travel contribute to a more integrated approach to work and life balance?

Nontokozo Madonsela: For me, it’s all one thing; there is no balancing. My universe is connected and so I require less balance. I attended the Cannes Festival of Creativity last year, and when someone asked why I wasn’t out drinking and partying, I replied that I was having fun with my team. When I’m with my team at work, I always have fun. I don’t have this “I’m sick of work”attitude, because even when I’m not in the confines of office hours, I’m always creating, being inspired; and the world of my work is always within me.

GQ: Do you have a favourite travel destination or a type of trip that you find particularly rejuvenating?

Nontokozo Madonsela: I love Italy, and Morocco. I always say I must have been a Moroccan Italian in a past life. Morocco is just an absolutely beautiful place, and is one of my favourite places in the world.

GQ: What advice would you give to other busy professionals who struggle to find time for leisure and travel?

Nontokozo Madonsela: I would say, don’t always wait for perfection – the perfect bank balance, or the perfect alignment – because it might never be perfect. Push yourself to try new things; even if it’s a new restaurant, it will inspire you and teach you to be more present.