Welcome to Episode 02 of the Between Meetings Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation with your host Aphiwe Khambule and her guest, Miss Rea Lebenya, a dynamic black female entrepreneur and leader of her family’s private security company, Aesthetic Security. Together, they explore Rea’s journey of stepping into leadership after her father, navigating the challenges of being a young black woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and the pivotal role of integrity, mentorship, and mental health.

Miss Rea delves into breaking industry stereotypes, empowering others, and finding balance between personal growth and professional demands. She shares her experiences expanding the company, supporting her team, and fostering a culture of collaboration over competition.

This episode offers candid insights and inspiration for women aspiring to lead and thrive in challenging spaces. ⏱ Timestamped Overview

00:44 – Introduction and welcoming Miss Rea Lebenya. 02:12 – Taking Over the Family Business. 03:31 – Transition to Leadership. 04:41 – Vision and Business Expansion. 05:43 – Further Education and Cybersecurity. 07:11 – Navigating Male-Dominated Industries. 10:15 – Appearance and Professional Perception. 12:23 – Advice for Young Black Girls. 14:03 – First Generation Founder’s Story. 16:28 – Stepping Up During Crisis. 18:32 – Academic Background and Business Application. 21:19 – Leadership Style and Employee Relations. 24:41 – Difficult Decisions and Employee Layoffs. 26:54 – Sisterhood and Breaking Stereotypes. 29:45 – Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms. 34:02 – Delegation and Trust in Leadership. 38:31 – Working with Family and Setting Boundaries. 44:03 – Maintaining and Growing the Legacy. 46:35 – Advice for Next-Gen and Women Leaders. 48:57 – Pride and Personal Growth.

💬 Quote of the Episode “You don’t have to change in order to be perceived a certain way; do what feels right for you and for reasons that make sense to you.” – Miss Rea Lebenya 🌐 Connect with 21st Century Funeral Services

🔗 Website: https://21stcfs.co.za/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official21stcenturyfunerals/ 📸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@21stcentury_funerals 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/21stCenturyFuneralServices 📘LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/21st-century-funerals/ 📘 X: https://x.com/21stCentury_KZN

Welcome to Episode 01 of the Between Meetings Podcast! In this thought-provoking conversation with your host Aphiwe Khambule and her guest, Mr Khambule (also her dad), sit down to discuss the business’s origins, early challenges, and growth, including navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights the importance of client-centred values, adapting to technological change, and balancing family with business.

Mr Khambule shares insights on leadership transition and his hopes for the company’s legacy under the next generation. The episode offers a candid look at sustaining a family business and the lessons learned across decades of service.

⏱ Timestamped Overview

01:18 – Introduction and welcoming Mr Khambule. 02:19 – The Origins of 21st Century Funeral Services. 04:24 – Early Business Struggles and Breakthroughs 06:36 – First Milestones and Corporate Partnerships 10:16 – Branch Expansion and Industry Influence 13:21 – Sustaining the Business Through Challenges 15:23 – Client-Centred Values and Business Philosophy 19:23 – Transition to the Next Generation 19:54 – Family Involvement and Legacy Building 23:17 – Navigating Family and Business Boundaries 23:38 – Adapting to New Technologies and Generational Change 27:10 – The Evolving Funeral Industry 29:02 – Leadership Expectations and Future Vision 33:01 – Reflections on Second-Generation Pressure 36:06 – Lessons Learned and the Importance of Planning 38:01 – Continuous Learning and Embracing Change 40:11 – Learning from Each Other and Team Input 41:30 – Fatherly Advice for Next-Generation Leaders

💬 Quote of the Episode

“'When I get a client saying to me, “Thank you very much,” that makes me so happy.” – Mr Khambule 🌐 Connect with 21st Century Funeral Services

🔗 Website: https://21stcfs.co.za/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official21stcenturyfunerals/ 📸 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@21stcentury_funerals 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/21stCenturyFuneralServices 📘LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/21st-century-funerals/ 📘 X: https://x.com/21stCentury_KZN