GLAMOUR Women’s Month Series: Meet Dr. Katlego Lekalakala
Dr. Katlego Lekalakala is trailblazer in healthcare and a passionate advocate for women’s health. As part of Momentum’s #SheOwnsHerSuccess campaign, now in its sixth season, she embodies the spirit of empowerment and intentionality with the mantra, “I designed it that way.”
Dr. Lekalakala’s journey to becoming a medical doctor reflects a deliberate choice to blend her medical expertise with a commitment to uplifting women and families through education and communication.
Through her innovative platforms like Clueless Moms and the podcast ‘Meet Me in My Corner with Dr. K,’ she is redefining success by breaking down stereotypes and inspiring others to take control of their personal and professional lives. Dr. Lekalakala believes that true success is not about societal expectations but about carving out one's unique path and finding power in contentment. Join us in celebrating her inspiring journey and the meaningful change she champions through the #SheOwnsHerSuccess movement, encouraging every woman to define success on her own terms.
Glamour: Gallery Line Connection: The phrase "I designed it that way" suggests a deliberate and intentional approach to success. Can you share how you have intentionally shaped your career and life path as a medical doctor?
Dr. Lekalakala: "I designed it that way" truly embodies my approach to life and career, where I've been intentional yet creative about the paths I've taken. Becoming a medical doctor was a conscious choice, driven by my passion for helping others and my commitment to making a difference in healthcare, especially in regards to women’s health and childcare. I knew early on that I wanted to combine my medical expertise with my love for communication, which led me to create platforms like Clueless Moms and my podcast, 'Meet Me in My Corner with Dr. K. This is also evident in the way I have curated my social media content to promote health.
Glamour: Overcoming Challenges: What were some key decisions or strategic moves you made that have significantly contributed to your success? Were there any obstacles you had to navigate along the way?
Dr. Lekalakala: Key decisions that have shaped my success include choosing to work in community health, where the need is great and the impact is significant. Launching my digital platforms was another strategic move, allowing me to extend my reach beyond traditional clinical settings. There were certainly obstacles along the way, such as balancing a demanding medical career with my personal life and creative pursuits. However, these challenges taught me resilience and the importance of prioritising what truly matters. This has also taught me how to problem solve better, something that has been quite necessary in my current professional role.
Glamour: How does the idea of designing your own success resonate with your personal and professional philosophy? Can you give an example of how this mindset has influenced your career?
Dr. Lekalakala: The concept of designing your own success resonates deeply with my personal and professional philosophy. I believe in actively shaping one's journey rather than passively accepting a predetermined path. For instance, when I realized that traditional medical practice wouldn't fully satisfy my creative and communicative passions, I carved out a niche in health communication and education. This mindset has allowed me to pursue a diverse range of interests while staying true to my core values. I also believe that it can be quite restrictive to follow a linear path but I guess that’s the creative within me.
Glamour: For women aspiring to shape their own career paths in the medical field or other professions, what advice would you give them to ensure they are designing their own success rather than following a predetermined path?
Dr. Lekalakala: To women aspiring to shape their own career paths, especially in fields like medicine, my advice is to embrace the idea that you are the architect of your success. Don't be afraid to explore unconventional routes or combine different passions. It's crucial to seek mentorship, continuously learn, and remain adaptable. Trust in your vision, and don't be deterred by setbacks; they're often stepping stones to greater achievements. I actually came across an inspiring quote by Toto Wolf that says: The days we lose are the days that our competitors will regret the most, because these are the days that we learn." And that competitor could be the idealistic version of yourself that you are trying to overthrow. What I took from this is that we must not be afraid to get it wrong while trying to get it right.
Glamour: How has having control over your career and life decisions impacted your overall sense of fulfilment and success?
Dr. Lekalakala: Having control over my career and life decisions has profoundly impacted my sense of fulfilment and success. It has allowed me to build a career that aligns with my values and passions, rather than one defined by external expectations. This autonomy has given me the freedom to innovate, explore new ventures, and truly enjoy the journey. However it can be daunting at times because sometimes there is no structure which is very different from my background but I wouldn’t want it any other way.