Lerato Sithole, Founder and CEO of Think and Grow Rich Africa; Transformation Coach, is a force to be reckoned with. The genesis of her turning into a force of transformation started when she found herself at a crossroads. Reaching the height of her career as a partner at Deloitte, one of the Big Four audit firms, Lerato led a profitable P&L and exceeded her budget by over 60%. Despite such success, an unsettling feeling of emptiness crept in. She realized, “Success, it seemed, was not the solution to the void I felt inside.” This gnawing sense of dissatisfaction didn’t go unnoticed, prompting her boss to suggest a break. They agreed on a three-month sabbatical, and she used this time to embark on a holistic detox—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
During this break, Lerato reconnected with Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, a book that has been part of her life for nearly a decade. Though the Bible holds a special place as her favorite, she reflected on how Hill’s principles deeply resonate with her values, merging faith- and success-driven ideals. The book guided her personal life and found a place in her family, with her children writing chapter reviews as part of their upbringing. She perfectly depicts how the power of thoughtfully written words can work as catalysts of evolution.
In addition to Think & Grow Rich Africa, Lerato is also the founder of LERADIS, a luxury perfume brand with the tagline “Distinction is Everything.” This tagline shows the brand’s philosophy, highlighting the importance of standing out and cultivating a unique identity across all areas of life—whether personal, professional, or in business strategy. The principle behind LERADIS promotes the concept of differentiation, encouraging individuals and businesses to develop a unique value proposition or distinctive qualities that set them apart from the competition. By focusing on what makes one’s offering or personal brand unique, Lerato aims to inspire greater impact, success, and fulfillment through the power of distinction.
Taking time from her busy schedule Lerato engages with us for this exclusive interview. Like us, you will be in awe of her achievements as she unfolds her story.
From Deloitte to Destiny: How ‘Think and Grow Rich’ Transformed Lerato’s Life and Led to ‘Think and Grow Rich Africa’
As the career sabbatical unfolded, the impact of Think and Grow Rich intensified. “Think and Grow Rich became more than just a book. It became a guide,” she remarks, recognizing how it empowered her to master her thoughts and actions. Its lesson permeated her leadership approach, as seen in a graduate program where she integrated the book’s teachings. The 60 young professional participants blossomed into confident and high-performing individuals thanks to the weekly workshops structured around Hill’s principles.
In 2021, while in lockdown, she stumbled upon a call from the Napoleon Hill Foundation inviting followers to share their personal journeys. She submitted her story, reflecting on her dual role as a mother of five and a successful career woman. This opened the door to an unexpected opportunity—a role in the documentary Mom’s Rising: A Think and Grow Rich Movie.
During her conversations with the director, Scott Cervine, she became aware that she was the only African in the project. This realization ignited a desire to bring Think and Grow Rich to Africa. Although Cervine’s initial response was hesitant, it planted a seed. Over the next 18 months, she secured the rights to Think and Grow Rich Africa through various discussions and negotiations.
Her journey, once a personal transformation, now became a mission to uplift others across the continent. She saw it as a powerful chance to inspire others to unlock their potential and embrace the transformative power of mindset.
“Taking Back African Riches through the Transformational power of the mind”
Integrating Executive Experience with Coaching and Transformation
Lerato has secured stellar recognition for her stellar achievements as “Africa’s 10 Most Empowering Women Leaders of the Year 2024.” Her transition from a high-level executive role to coaching and transformational development has been seamless because of her extensive experience. Lerato’s career has taken her from boardrooms to global roles, speaking, and coaching engagements, and each experience has enriched her understanding of leadership and personal growth. As she puts it: “The good, the bad, and the ugly—each has shaped my approach to coaching.”
Lerato’s journey has shaped her unique perspective. Having walked in her clients’ shoes, she offers not just guidance but genuine understanding. Her coaching is rooted in empathy, experience, and a deep appreciation for the complexities of life.
It’s Lerato’s philosophy of ‘life integration’ that sets her apart. Beyond work-life balance, she stresses the art of seamlessly blending roles. For her, it’s always been, “How do you blend your roles as a career person, a parent, a spouse, and a friend?” Lerato adds, “It’s about being present and prioritizing what matters most in different seasons of life.” Her approach is practical and insightful. Her personal story exemplifies this. Together with her husband, she made strategic choices to ensure their children felt valued and loved. They created a harmonious balance that enriched their lives by prioritizing quality time and open communication.
Leadership with Empathy and Results
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, leadership styles prioritizing human connection and measurable outcomes stand out for their long-term impact. Lerato’s journey exemplifies this blend, where ‘an empowering style’ forms the cornerstone of her leadership approach. Reflecting on her career, she notes that from age 27, her goal has been to uplift those around her. While results are important, she highlights the significance of understanding the human aspect, listening deeply, and identifying strengths in others. She adds that this includes embracing her own vulnerabilities to foster an environment where her team members can truly shine.
The veteran speaks passionately about her fulfillment when watching people evolve under her guidance, often achieving more than they initially believed possible. However, she acknowledges that it hasn’t always been easy. She describes the disappointment of seeing some people fail to pass on the knowledge they’ve gained, yet these setbacks have only fueled her determination to continue empowering others. Lerato emphasizes that her coaching style is anchored in empathy, ensuring her clients always feel heard and supported. Lerato expresses, “My aim is always to unlock their potential, using my journey and experiences as a guide.”
The Journey with Think and Grow Rich Africa
Lerato’s Think and Grow Rich Africa is still in its infancy, but the journey has been rewarding. There’s a palpable thirst for change across the continent, a desire to unlock untapped potential. According to her, many misunderstand coaching as a magic pill or therapy session. Thus, she offers a different path. She focuses on a transformative journey where her clients take the reins of their growth, supported by her deft guidance.
The challenge of investing in personal growth is real. While external pleasures often take precedence, Lerato’s mission is to change this paradigm. She’s empowering people to see the value of investing in themselves, unlocking a world of possibilities.
Success Stories: Transforming Lives Through the Power of the Mind
Balancing great success with significant responsibilities often brings an equally intense set of challenges, testing both one’s resilience and foresight. For Lerato, this balance has been at the heart of her professional journey. She reflects on her work’s rewarding yet demanding nature, explaining that one of the most fulfilling aspects of coaching is witnessing the tangible transformation in others’ lives.
One of her success stories involved a close friend transitioning back into the corporate world after years of consulting. Aiming for a C-suite role but doubting her qualifications, Lerato guided her through a mindset shift. By focusing on her strengths instead of perceived shortcomings and using techniques like visualization and meditation, her friend began to see herself as the leader she aspired to be. Today, she holds that position and thrives.
Another example was a client struggling to find stability in both her career and personal life. Lerato helped her uncover her core desires and focus on visualizing a future marked by empowerment, joy, and peace. Rather than fixating on barriers, they worked on embracing positive emotions, leading to a remarkable transformation. The client not only secured a lucrative business contract but also gained the confidence to pursue her passions and build meaningful relationships.
The Future: Continuing the Expedition of Transformation
“My journey with Think and Grow Rich Africa is just beginning,” Lerato states, “but the possibilities are endless.” As she looks ahead, Lerato sees a continent brimming with opportunity. She’s passionate about guiding others toward personal and professional development, leveraging the principles that have shaped her own life. Her mission extends beyond just financial success; it’s about finding fulfillment, purpose, and joy. And the alacritous professional believes, “With the right mindset, we can all think and grow rich.”
Think and Grow Rich Africa: Unlocking the Potential of a Continent Through the Power of the Mind
As Lerato points out, the untapped potential of Africa has been a topic of discussion for many years. Despite its vast wealth of minerals, rich resources and cultural heritage, the continent remains economically disadvantaged, and plagued by poverty. She underlines how, for too long, a mindset of scarcity and dependency has been prevalent and deeply rooted in the legacy of colonization and systemic oppression. These historical factors have made many feel inferior or incapable of achieving greatness.
But what if the real treasure lies not in Africa’s minerals but in the minds of its people? Ironically, other nations have benefited from it. What if a shift in thinking could unleash a wave of success and prosperity across the continent? Lerato shares that at the heart of Think and Grow Rich Africa is a passionate drive and vision. “It is to transform the mindset of Africans and unlock the continent’s potential through the transformation of the mind and personal development.” She further describes the mission: “to reclaim that wealth—not through physical mining but by tapping into the richness of the African mind.”
She emphasizes that by applying the 13 success principles from Napoleon Hill’s renowned book, Think and Grow Rich Africa is set to challenge conventional paradigms and empower Africans herald a new era of achievement and innovation across the continent.
Changing the African Narrative
Upon being asked how Think and Grow Rich Africa is changing the African narrative, Lerato explains, “The initiative is not just about financial wealth; it’s about redefining what it means to be successful as an African.” It is about cultivating self-worth, self-confidence, and self-actualization. The movement aims to highlight the remarkable stories of successful Africans who have harnessed their mindset and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness. These stories are intended to ignite inspiration among particularly young professionals, new entrepreneurs, and those just beginning their careers.
“Africa should not only be the recipient of aid and handouts,” says the thoughtful founder. “While it’s good to receive, we have often left our potential untapped, forgetting that the real wealth lies within us. Just as our lands are rich with minerals, our minds and talents are equally rich, waiting to be harnessed for innovation, creativity, and progress.”
Partnering for Change
Lerato’s groundbreaking movement, Think and Grow Rich Africa, is poised to transform the continent. It aims to collaborate with various organizations, including financial institutions, corporates, community leaders, and NGOs, to create a society that does not rely solely on government or external bodies for success. Instead, it focuses on self-empowerment and personal development. The initiative will educate the next generation on financial literacy, wealth creation, and personal growth by partnering with banks.
According to Lerato, the mission is ambitious: to impact 140 million Africans in the next five years, about 10% of the continent’s population. Through workshops, seminars, movies, and educational programs, the initiative will teach people to think differently, to see abundance where others see lack, and to recognize their worth and potential.
Empowering Women Leaders
One critical focus of Think and Grow Rich Africa is empowering women and, specifically, mothers to take on leadership roles. Lerato feels that despite the many policies and initiatives promoting gender equality, the mindset of women often holds them back. By addressing self-perception and challenging societal norms, Think and Grow Rich Africa encourages women and mothers to see themselves as worthy of leadership positions.
“The time is now for women to embrace their uniqueness, to lead without compromising who they are,” she explains. “We don’t need to replicate the leadership styles of others. Our nurturing nature, emotional intelligence, and ability to think differently are assets in the boardroom. We must believe in our worthiness and pull each other up rather than compete.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
“What does it mean to leave a lasting legacy in Africa?” This is the question that drives the Think and Grow Rich Africa movement. Its founder envisions a future where Africans are celebrated not just for their natural resources but for their innovation, leadership, and success. The goal is to see Africans in leadership roles across the globe, creating wealth, building successful businesses, and transforming their communities.
To realize this vision, Think and Grow Rich Africa is channelizing the efficacy of storytelling. Through films, books, and various media, the initiative will highlight and celebrate African successes, showcasing the achievements of leaders and entrepreneurs across the continent.
“Wealth is our Birthright Greatness is in our DNA Success is our Inheritance”
The Power of the Mind
At its core, Think and Grow Rich Africa is about the transformational power of the mind. It’s about shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, from dependency to self-reliance. It’s about recognizing that the true wealth of Africa lies not in its soil but in its people.
“Africans are tired of being tired,” says the founder. “They are looking for something bigger, something more. Think and Grow Rich Africa has come at the right time, offering a pathway to self-empowerment and personal development. It’s about aligning with who we are meant to be, showing up in our unique ways, and embracing our heritage with pride.”
As Think and Grow Rich Africa takes root, it stands as a beacon of hope for millions. The initiative is set to reshape perceptions, unlocking a wave of change. Its mission is clear: to empower individuals to tap into the full potential of their minds, creating a future where success is the norm rather than the exception for every African.
