top of page
tegansmithphotography_-0080.jpg

Hey there!
I'm Zuraida

Mindset Excellence Expert

Life's true wealth isn't always material

Growing up in a small simple town, I learned early on that life's true wealth isn't always material. When I was 13, my father unexpectedly passed away. This heart-wrenching experience instilled in me a sense of the value of time, realizing that not only is time life's ultimate currency but its seriously unpredictable. It was in those moments that I first discovered the power of mindset in overcoming life's greatest challenges.

Much of my youthful days were spent alone in the stillness of nature, near a park with a river, swings and roundabouts. There, I didn't just dream, I intentionally visualized and strategized my future. Inspired by leading journalist Christiane Amanpour, I cultivated an unshakeable belief in my ability to succeed. This wasn't just a dream to become a broadcaster; it was a calling to explore, share, listen to, and investigate other people's stories. Despite coming from a tiny town, I developed the mindset of possibility that would shape my future success. As a teenager, I was already working part-time, and by grade 12, I was paying for my own school fees—early evidence of the power of determined thinking focused action and a girl with grit. It was in those quiet moments in nature that I mastered the art of stillness, turning visualization into reality through strategic thinking and unwavering belief in what's possible

tegansmithphotography_-9801.jpg

this desire to become a broadcaster was further ignited by my passion to explore, share, listen to and investigate other people's stories

tegansmithphotography_-9936.jpg

My tenacity bore fruit

Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but I believe whichever way it does go, it’s always in our favour. Fresh out of high school, I juggled three jobs while ardently training for a spot in radio, persevering even after facing multiple rejections. My tenacity bore fruit when I made media history as the first female to host a daytime slot on South Africa’s beloved national radio station, 5FM. That was just the start. I became the host of the international reality TV show, Big Brother, among many other hit shows. I also clinched the title of the inaugural season of Strictly Come Dancing. From navigating the dusty roads of a quaint farm town to basking in the city lights of studios and sets, I often still wonder: “was that journey truly mine”?

I began to reflect more, on my purpose and what it means to be mindful, conscious and considered -
to find a way to live in awareness.

Fast forward… Becoming a parent to two wonderful children changed me in the most meaningful way. The trajectory of my journey became less about the outer, external flashlights and media accolades and more about my inner journey, my service to others, the life I wanted to live and the legacy I wanted to leave behind. I began to reflect more, on my purpose and what it means to be mindful, conscious and considered -to find a way to live in awareness. In my 40s, I felt an innate pull towards Psychology. This was not surprising to me as people from diverse backgrounds and ages have always been comfortable confiding in me for as long as I can remember.

 

Coupled with the gratitude that my media achievements signified, I yearned for academic recognition. My desire for knowledge remains, I wanted to discover more; I wanted a degree. To be honest, in my family, tertiary education was a luxury; my parents hadn’t even finished high-school, no one else carried degree qualifications. I was determined to rewrite this narrative, to break this generational cycle. So, I embarked on a journey of further study -starting with Psychology. Firstly, I had to begin at the beginning, I had to apply to university and prepare myself and my family for this life shift. University and research continues to be a sanctuary of knowledge for me. Immersed among young minds, that were half my age, I explored the humanities of Critical Diversity studies, Functional Medicine, NLP, Yoga, Meditation and Breathwork Therapy. This journey awakened in me a deep-seated passion for continual learning and personal development. I've come to realize that as we evolve, so should our knowledge and understanding.

Continual learning is the bedrock of personal growth and expansion.

Today, with not one but three degrees to my name and countless certifications, I’ve successfully shattered the generational norm of my family. In the act of pushing our own boundaries and seeking knowledge, we inspire those around us and those who come after us to do the same. I’d like to believe that my departed parents are looking down, their hearts beaming with pride and smiling.

Reflecting on my journey, every discovery, every connection, every trial and triumph, every still moment and every mind-shift has shaped me to serve.

tegansmithphotography_-0133.jpg

Reflecting on my journey, every discovery, every connection, every trial and triumph, every still moment shaped me to serve.

My mission is to empower you to master your mindset through the transformative power of conscious awareness. Through my own journey, I've discovered that the intersection of focused stillness and mental fitness creates an unshakeable foundation for extraordinary achievement. In moments of quiet intention, we access our deepest wisdom and unlock our true potential. Each challenge I've faced has refined my ability to guide others through their own transformation. By combining strategic mindset techniques with nervous system regulation, I help you break through limitations and create lasting change. I am ready to guide you toward the extraordinary life you envision, transforming obstacles into opportunities and potential into reality.

With Love,

Zuraida

bottom of page