Between the team she loves working with and the incredible support she’s received from the CHRO community, Kaygee feels that she’s surrounded by positivity.
Kgaogelo (Kaygee) Letsebe’s journey to becoming community manager for the CHRO South Africa community is testimony to the fact that everything falls into place when you find a professional environment that truly resonates with you.
Kaygee was initially appointed as a senior writer for CHRO South Africa in 2023, after applying, completing a writing test and going through two rounds of interviews. “What stood out immediately was how casual the interview was especially since I’d rocked up in a full power suit and heels. Eek! At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what Executive Communities did, but I knew it involved executives, so I dressed the part!”
From her initial steps into the company to her current role, Kaygee has discovered a profound sense of belonging within the Executive Communities organisation and, particularly, working with the CHRO South Africa community.
“It felt like a duck to water. The team made me feel at home from day one. I found my tribe, people who were a little quirky, had the strongest work ethic, and a deep sense of teamwork.”
Stepping into the community manager role
Then, in 2024, the community manager position became available and, thanks to the deep relationships she’d already built in the community, taking this next step was easy for her. “I had been in journalism for over 10 years but I quickly had to learn the unique service we offer as executive community builders. I was used to being in the background, connecting with HR execs here and there, but this time I was fully at the forefront. My journalism career turned out to be a great stepping stone to where I am now.”
It helps that she genuinely appreciates and respects the HR leadership of South Africa’s biggest businesses, who she gets to engage with every day.
“My favourite people in the world!” she declares. “Who knew HR executives could be so kind hearted, warm, knowledgeable? I found a group of HR execs who have since day one who have rallied behind me in all my milestones, from something as little as hosting my first solo dinner to a major steppingstone like being on stage and emceeing CHRO Day. The encouraging email, the firm nods of affirmation, the random calls to check how one is doing – this community has become like a big family.”
Between the community she supports and the team she loves working with, Kaygee is surrounded by positivity. “I genuinely enjoy the work I do and the people I get to do it with. The company gives me the space to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change, especially around issues I’m passionate about like transformation, equity and building inclusive cultures. My team is solid and not afraid to roll up their sleeves. We’ve been through some big shifts together but still managed to remain united even through those storms.”
Challenges and balance
Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s always plain sailing, and Kaygee certainly has one or two daunting issues on the horizon. “The one thing that is keeping me awake at night is the mighty HR Indaba – it’s a monster of an event and will need all hands on deck, meticulous planning, and unwavering focus. It's equal parts thrilling and terrifying but I'm up for it!”
As a busy community manager with loads of events lined up for the rest of 2025, and a committed mom to two children, Kaygee confesses that she doesn’t really believe in the idea of work-life balance. “It’s never that clean so let’s rather say it’s about integration. Some days work takes more, other days life does, and I’ve made peace with that. What matters is being present where I am and making sure I don’t lose myself in the process.”
To support this, Kaygee says she’s learnt to set boundaries that work for her, to ask for help when she needs it, and to protect the things that recharge her, “whether that’s time with my people or just a quiet moment to breathe.”
Whether she’s at home with her family, or feeling at home in the office, Kaygee’s positive engagement with her work shows how strong relationships, mutual support and shared values make for a vibrant professional – and personal – experience.
