Amanda Swana

Amanda Swana, managing director and founder of Powerpoint Lifestyles, reflects on her remarkable journey from childhood in the Eastern Cape to business leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

Born in the Eastern Cape, Amanda recounts the pivotal decision her mother made when Amanda was just eight years old. “My mother made the hard decision to relocate us to KwaZulu-Natal for schooling purposes,” she says. This move was driven by the belief that the educational opportunities in the Eastern Cape at that time were not suitable for the family.

Amanda completed her high school education at Durban Academy, located on the Bluff in Durban. She then pursued her tertiary studies, obtaining a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her academic journey did not end there, as she went on to complete her master’s degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. “It was during this time that I also pursued business and entrepreneurship,” Amanda shares.
During her high school and university years, Amanda did a lot of promotional work. She was the type of person who could sell anything—even a simple tea bag—and make you believe it was the best tea you’d ever taste. “I never thought of myself as a salesperson,” she explains, “but if I believed in what I was offering, I wanted you to believe in it too.”

After working in promotions, Amanda branched into the beauty industry, becoming a nail technician while still in university. Eventually, she found a passion for events management, an area she continues to work in today. She owns an events management company, although she doesn’t consider it work. “That’s where I find rest and creativity,” she says. “There’s something deeply fulfilling about taking a client’s concept, designing it, and seeing it come to life at the event.”
Despite her achievements, Amanda remains committed

to lifelong learning. One of her biggest dreams is to complete her PhD. “I’m quite the dreamer,” she admits. “I’ve been working on this for some time, and I’m feeling the urge to finish it. Not because I’m running out of time, but because commitments keep piling up.” Amanda’s PhD thesis will expand on her master’s research, exploring career development and the challenges of changing careers mid-life. She reflects on individuals who, like a medical doctor she once encountered, radically shifted careers: “He said to me, ‘I want to be a musician,’ and I realised that many people don’t take that step because they’re paralysed by fear.”
Reflecting on her leadership philosophy, Amanda reveals a deep commitment to serving others. “Business is servanthood; leadership is servanthood,” she asserts. This perspective has shaped how she approaches her role as a business leader. “You’re constantly serving, whether it’s a client’s vision or a client’s dream. You’re always in the position of pursuing the ability to serve.”

In addition, Amanda’s approach to leadership is not one of management but of guidance and vision. “I don’t believe in micromanaging people,” she states. Instead, she focuses on enabling her team to grow and develop within the organisation. “We foster an environment where team members are gently nudged to do better, whether through further studies or professional development.”

This leadership approach extends to how she engages with her team. Meetings at Powerpoint Lifestyles are not hierarchical; instead, they are opportunities for everyone to contribute. “We don’t just report back in meetings. It’s about discussion, brainstorming, and consultation. Everyone adds value, regardless of their role,” she explains.

Amanda places a strong emphasis on human relations and the power of connections in both business and personal life. “There is so much value in human relations,” she stresses. “You nurture those relationships that are valuable to you, and you draw strength from them.” In her view, fostering these connections is essential not only in business but also in personal growth. “If you’re going into business, you must value the relationships you build along the way,” she often says. “Don’t take them for granted.”

Personal Reflections and Future Goals

Amanda’s journey has been one of continuous learning, unlearning, and transformation. “It’s not about reaching a destination,” she reflects. “I used to think that once I achieved a certain goal, I would feel fulfilled. But I came to realise that it’s the journey of becoming that matters.” For Amanda, becoming is about transforming how she sees life and being open to the lessons each moment offers. “Who I am today will not be who I am next year, and that’s the beauty of it,” she says. Her faith plays a central role in her life. “It’s definitely the mercy of God that has brought me this far,” Amanda admits. She recognises that much of her success has come not from following a strict formula but from trusting in her faith and constantly conversing with herself. “The biggest enemy is the mind,” she acknowledges. “We are often our own worst critics, and the first step to success is believing that you can.” Looking to the future, Amanda has clear goals both personally and for her business. Alongside her academic ambitions, she is also working on publishing her first book, which will expand on the research she has conducted on career development. From a business perspective, Powerpoint Lifestyles is looking to expand its operations across various provinces and diversify its skill offering. “We’re testing the market to see where there is potential for growth,” she says.
Despite her busy schedule, Amanda still finds time to relax. “I love reading, especially at the beach,” she shares. She also enjoys working out, finding that a gym session can do wonders for both her body and mind. “Balance is key,” she emphasises.

In all aspects of her life—whether personal, professional, or spiritual—Amanda Swana remains focused on growth, empowerment, and becoming the best version of herself. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, particularly those looking to make bold career changes or pursue their dreams against the odds.