Sinalo: I started with a Bachelor of Social Science at the University of Cape Town, where I majored in psychology and organisational psychology. Initially, I was very drawn to politics because of my experiences growing up in an underdeveloped environment. When you're younger, you see problems in the world, and your first instinct is to be one of the people that can fix it. So, I initially thought politics was the right avenue for me. But as I got involved in student leadership and saw more of how the political system works, I became disillusioned. I realised that politics often changes the people within it rather than the other way around, and I didn’t want to fall into that trap. That’s when I shifted my focus to psychology and, eventually, organisational psychology. I wanted to understand human behaviour in a way that could lead to real, practical interventions in the world.
Sinalo: My interest in organisational psychology grew as I started to see it as a field where I could still study human behaviour but with a direct impact on the real world. Organisational psychology is an applied science – you learn about how human beings interact and what motivates them, but you also get to apply that knowledge in a practical context. For me, that balance felt more fulfilling. I was no longer just interested in understanding problems but in finding actionable solutions. Organisational psychology allowed me to align my academic studies with my desire to make a tangible impact.
Sinalo: Absolutely. One of my biggest fears was the gap between academic knowledge and real-world experience. In academia, you can spend so much time learning and theorising, but I was worried that my education might not be seen as relevant by employers in the corporate world. I didn’t want to be labelled as someone “stuck in academia” and without any real-world experience. I was determined to ensure that my education would translate into employability and be seen as actionable in the real world. This fear drove me to explore other avenues, which eventually led me to design thinking.
Sinalo: I enrolled in the Foundation Programme in Design Thinking at the d-school Afrika, and it was a real turning point for me. The programme introduced me to a new way of thinking that was both challenging and transformative. One of the core principles I adopted was having a “bias to action.” Before the programme, being presented with a challenge would lead me to overthink until I didn't feel confident enough to take action or solve the challenge. The design thinking process forced me to acknowledge my perfectionism and focus on acting and experimenting instead, which helped me to overcome my fear of failure. The programme’s emphasis on time as a positive constraint pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a space where learning was active and experiential. When you do that for three months, twice a week consistently, it completely changes your outlook.
Sinalo: It gave me a framework that was more aligned with real-world application. The iterative process of ideation, prototyping, and testing in a compressed time frame really resonated with me. It’s a way of working that prioritises action and learning by doing, which was exactly what I needed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. It also taught me to embrace failure as part of the learning process rather than something to be feared. This mindset shift has been crucial in my career development.
Sinalo: Right now, I’m on a path to becoming an organisational psychologist. It’s a long journey that requires further education and experience – I’m currently working towards getting into an honours programme in organisational psychology, with the ultimate goal of practising as a registered organisational psychologist. It’s a process that will take me all the way to a Master’s degree, and then I’ll need to get registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
In the meantime, I’m working as a coach at the d-school Afrika. This role allows me to continue developing my skills and apply the principles of Design Thinking in a professional context. I’m doing things that actively develop my skills. I’m not a complacent person, so I’m always looking for ways to push myself and grow.
Sinalo: My role at the d-school has been incredibly enriching. The environment is one that values innovation, collaboration, and human-centred design, which aligns perfectly with my own values. Being exposed to so many people from different walks of life – each with their own achievements and perspectives – has been both inspiring and motivating. It just pushes you to want to do more and be more.
Design thinking, for me, has been more than just a methodology; it has been a cultural shift that has deeply impacted my outlook on life and work. The human-centred approach of design thinking, which places dignity and empathy at its core, resonates deeply with my values and aspirations. It’s helped me see what the world could be like and what we need to do to get there.
Sinalo: Don’t be afraid to pivot when you realise something isn’t working for you. It’s okay to change directions if you feel that your current path isn’t aligned with your values or long-term goals. Embrace learning by doing, and don’t let the fear of failure hold you back. Sometimes the most meaningful progress comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new, even if it’s challenging or scary at first. Design thinking taught me that the best way to learn is by taking action, and that’s a lesson I think everyone can benefit from.
Sinalo’s journey from social science and politics to design thinking is a powerful reminder that personal and professional growth often requires embracing change and stepping into the unknown. Her story highlights Design Thinking’s impact, not just as a tool for innovation but as a framework for living a life of purpose.
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