BY TASEKHAYA DLAMINI
From childhood dreams of nursing to thriving in the insurance industry, Tessa Simelane’s story is one of faith, resilience, growth, and purpose. In this conversation, Tessa reflects on the moments, lessons, and values that continue to shape her career.
TASEKHAYA: Everyone starts somewhere. Take us back to the beginning, what did younger you dream of becoming, and how did that shape the career path you chose?
TESSA: My earliest career dream was to become a nurse. In Grade 2, I wrote this down mainly because I admired the uniform and looked up to my grandmother, who was a nurse. By Form 5, that dream had changed. I wanted to become a meteorologist, inspired by a Geography teacher who made the world feel full of possibility.
After high school, I took a gap year. My sister, determined not to let me become too comfortable, applied for a Tourism Management programme on my behalf. In many ways, my first degree chose me.
The real turning point came when I began working as a receptionist in the insurance industry. I connected with the field almost immediately and have continued to grow within it ever since. Along the way, I completed a Long-Term Insurance qualification, earned a postgraduate diploma in Business Management, and am now pursuing my MBA. Today, I can confidently say that I love what I do.
TASEKHAYA: Was there a moment in your career that completely changed your direction, or opened a door you never expected?
TESSA: Yes. Being exposed to business development and client solutions changed everything for me. It introduced me to a version of myself I had not yet discovered.
I realised I could identify opportunities, build meaningful client relationships, communicate solutions clearly, and contribute to business growth. That experience changed how I viewed myself professionally.
I stopped seeing myself only as someone who supports the work and began recognising that I could help shape and influence it. I am especially grateful to the leaders who saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself.
TASEKHAYA: What version of yourself did you have to outgrow to become who you are today?
TESSA: I had to outgrow the version of myself that waited for permission to be confident. As professionals, especially women, we can carry significant responsibility while still quietly questioning whether we deserve to be in certain spaces. I had to release fear, perfectionism, and the habit of waiting until I felt fully ready. Growth requires courage. I am still evolving, but I have learned to show up, speak up, and trust that confidence is built through action.
TASEKHAYA: What is one challenge that truly tested you professionally, and how did it shape the way you work today?
TESSA: One of my biggest challenges was managing increasing responsibilities while still proving myself and learning on the job. There are seasons when pressure rises and expectations grow, yet performance is still required.
Preparing for my first major presentation stands out as one of those moments. It tested my resilience, stretched my emotional intelligence, and reminded me of the importance of staying solution-oriented.
That experience also taught me that professionalism requires wisdom. Sometimes the right response is not to react emotionally, but to pause, think carefully, and respond thoughtfully and strategically.
TASEKHAYA: How do you balance ambition, ongoing study, and personal well-being?
TESSA: I will be honest: I have not mastered balance. What I have learned, however, is the importance of being intentional about my priorities.
Growth requires discipline, but it also requires rest, reflection, and knowing when to slow down. My daily non-negotiables are time in Scripture and meditation, doing my work with excellence, studying, and being present as a parent.
I believe we all have the same twenty-four hours. The key is to use them with purpose and intention.
TASEKHAYA: What career moment made you pause and think, “I am proud of how far I have come”?
TESSA: My first AGM presentation was that moment.
Standing in front of that room, seeing the audience, and hearing the applause afterwards felt surreal. It was the moment I realised that my voice and contribution were being recognised beyond my immediate role.
Looking back now, I see someone who kept showing up, even when it was difficult. That alone makes me proud.
TASEKHAYA: Success often comes with sacrifice. What have you had to give up to build the career you have today?
TESSA: I have sacrificed comfort in every sense. Growth has required late nights, difficult conversations, and the consistent discipline to choose purpose over convenience. Perhaps the greatest sacrifice has been giving up the comfort of staying unseen. To grow, you must allow yourself to be seen, challenged, corrected, and stretched. It is uncomfortable, but necessary. Every new level demands something from you, and often the first requirement is to stop hiding.
TASEKHAYA: What values have remained constant throughout your journey, particularly during uncertain seasons?
TESSA: Faith has been my greatest constant. I genuinely believe God has guided me through seasons I did not fully understand at the time. Integrity is equally important to me: doing the right thing even when no one is watching. I am also deeply anchored in service, excellence, humility, and compassion. In my work, I aim not only to meet expectations, but to exceed them.
TASEKHAYA: What do young professionals in Eswatini most need to understand about career growth and success?
TESSA: Eswatini young professionals need to understand that growth is not always instant. The slower seasons often do the most important work by building character, discipline, and capacity.
Talent matters, but attitude, humility, consistency, and integrity matter just as much. Do not despise small beginnings.
Learn continuously, ask questions, build meaningful relationships, and seek mentorship. Be excellent where you are while preparing for where you want to go.
Do not fear the deep end. Growth often happens in spaces that stretch you.
TASEKHAYA: Beyond achievements and titles, what legacy do you hope to leave in your industry?
TESSA: Proving growth is possible: I want to be known as someone whose journey shows that growth is possible, regardless of where you start.
With faith, discipline, and courage, meaningful success is within reach. I hope to leave a legacy rooted in impact, mentorship, and paying it forward.
Someone once saw potential in me before I could fully see it in myself. I hope to offer that same encouragement and belief to others.
More than anything, I want to inspire young professionals, especially women, to believe they can grow, lead, and take up space without compromising their values.
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