At BET Software, we believe in powering passion. And what better way to do it this Youth Month, than by celebrating the torchbearers of tomorrow within our company. Meet Katlego Kgaudi, one of our graduate trainees who is in the running to becoming Mr South Africa this year. We spent some time with him, getting to know what drives him.
A few months into the start of your career as a graduate trainee, tell us how your journey as a techie has been?
The words that come to mind when I think about my current journey as a graduate for a big tech and software development company like BET Software, are inspirational, educational, humbling. Every day I come to the office and enjoy a different challenge I have not experienced before, this is because of the fast-paced and action-packed nature of agile development, where a new project is opened and closed every few weeks.
Software development is one of my passions and I am fortunate to be surrounded by so many problem-solvers daily, who always make time to help me break down any tasks that I am responsible for. I enjoy seeing the many different perspectives of solving a problem, because that can show one just how little they really know (in a good way) about a given topic.
How have you grown professionally and what have you learnt about the software development industry?
I have learnt to let go of ego in the workplace. As a Team, we complete more work when people are honest about their capabilities and communicate clearly when they need help with a task – in other words when they are not be afraid to admit that they do not know enough about something. The other lesson I have learnt is understanding how to read people and understanding how to approach different people in order to be able to get the best from them. This is a subtle skill that I feel is taking me to new heights, as I have realised there is wisdom and greatness in everybody, it is just about being able to see it in a person.
You seem to be intentional about having a work-life balance. Why is it important to pursue hobbies/interests outside of one’s profession?
I think I have realised that work-life, as well as personal-life boundaries are so important. They help with one’s sanity and one’s own safety. It is nice to be able to switch off from work, otherwise it can lead to long and exhaustive burnout.
You are currently chasing a dream to become the next Mr South Africa. Why did you enter this competition?
The reason is multifold. Firstly, my mom and dad encouraged me to enter this year as they have always seen me as a leader, and they just wanted me to have a platform where I can shine to a wider audience. Secondly, my life’s mission this year aligned with the values of Mr SA, which is wanting to be a positive male role model. I value growth as a person and as a man, I value treating people with respect, and being someone, other people can look up to; so, in that sense I have been trying to be an example of how to level-up and how to self-improve.
What tangible difference do you hope to make using this platform?
I would like South Africans to be more respectful towards one another. I would like people to treat each other with more dignity and empathy. Lastly, I would like people to acknowledge the beauty of culture and belonging much more.
The competition isn’t just about beauty. It’s about cultivating and celebrating positive male role models in our country. Why is this important to you?
Beauty is not merely about outward appearances, because looks can be deceiving. Beauty is the holistic process of being greater than the sum of one’s parts – both inside and outside. It comes from how one treats other people, how one treats oneself, and how closely aligned one is with God.
How do you plan on using this opportunity to be an advocate or an ambassador for tech?
I plan to, and already am reaching out to less privileged communities. My plan is to have a tech stand-up (event) for them, so they can understand how beautiful the art of coding is.
How can All-Stars and the public at large support you?
The easiest way people can support me is to vote for me on the following link, with any amount of money they believe I deserve:
https://www.imperialvote.com/competition/contestant/clv6i44fv000h7nml8vaczuhb.
