In this episode of Expats Unpacked, we sit down with Nolwazi Marcia Dladla, Internal Campaign Manager at Exness, for a heartfelt conversation on building authentic workplace cultures and finding a sense of belonging in a new country. From navigating imposter syndrome to embracing Cypriot life in full carnival costume, Nolwazi brings refreshing honesty and practical insights.

“Eat, Pray, Work, Grow”

Nolwazi describes her relocation to Cyprus as an “Eat, Pray, Work, Grow” experience—an unplanned journey that has led to deep personal and professional transformation. From indulging in Mediterranean cuisine and connecting with nature, to excelling at one of Cyprus' top companies, Exness, Nolwazi shares how the balance between island calm and corporate dynamism has shaped her life.

Imposter Syndrome and Finding Support

When asked how she navigates imposter syndrome, Nolwazi speaks candidly about her background and the pressures of needing to prove oneself in competitive environments. “Women have gotten me here,” she says, crediting mentorship and inspiration from strong female leaders. Her advice: step outside yourself and draw strength from those around you.

The Role of Authentic Communication

As someone who designs internal campaigns at a global fintech company, Nolwazi stresses the power of purposeful messaging. “You have to ask: what is the purpose of this message? Who are you speaking to?” She emphasizes using the right channels—Slack, LinkedIn, or face-to-face meetings—and ensuring language is inclusive and accessible. At Exness, where employees hail from all over the world, simplicity and clarity are key.

Creating Trust Through Empathy

According to Nolwazi, empathy and emotional intelligence are essential in bridging the gap between leadership and staff. Exness uses tools like open-door policies, informal gatherings, and even internal podcasts to humanize senior leadership and encourage genuine dialogue. “When leaders say, ‘I don’t know the answer,’ that builds trust.”

Her mantra? Keep moving. Inspired by a security agent’s advice to run in zigzags under fire, she applies this philosophy to life’s challenges. “Whatever fires may come, keep moving. That’s what got me to Cyprus, to Exness, to where I am today.”