10 Questions with Unathi Fani: Lessons in Leadership, Growth and Breaking Barriers
Unathi Fani, Manager: Technical Advisory for Engen Lubricants, reflects on the lessons that shaped her career journey— from navigating uncertainty early on to leading in one of South Africa’ s most technical industries. She shares insights on overcoming self-doubt, embracing growth, and encouraging more women to pursue careers in technical fields.
1. WHAT DO YOU WISH SOMEONE HAD TOLD YOU AT 25?
At 25, I had just graduated and was working in a lab testing glucose and starch. I was anxious about what the future held and uncertain about my direction. Looking back, I wish someone had told me to trust the process- that with time, things would fall into place. I’ ve learned that careers are rarely linear, and it’ s okay not to have everything figured out right away.
2. WHAT WERE YOU MOST ANXIOUS ABOUT IN YOUR EARLY CAREER- AND HOW HAS YOUR OUTLOOK CHANGED?
I remember wondering,“ Is this what I’ ll be doing for the rest of my life?” I was worried about being stuck or not progressing. Over the years, I’ ve realised that your career can evolve in exciting, unexpected ways- especially if you stay curious, adopt a growth mindset, and step outside your comfort zone. Life is a continuous process of learning, unlearning and relearning- and that’ s where real growth happens.
3. WHAT CHALLENGE CAUGHT YOU OFF GUARD AS A WOMAN IN A TECHNICAL FIELD— AND HOW DID YOU ADAPT?
Transitioning from the pharmaceutical and FMCG industries into the lubricants space was daunting. The technical complexity was overwhelming. But I embraced the learning curve. Starting out in the lubricant lab, where I tested and formulated industrial and automotive oils, gave me a solid foundation. That hands-on experience was invaluable- it helped me build the technical confidence I needed to problem-solve effectively.
4. WAS THERE A SETBACK THAT HELPED SHAPE YOUR CONFIDENCE OR LEADERSHIP STYLE?
It wasn’ t a specific mistake, but rather my own limiting beliefs. Imposter syndrome held me back early in my career. In male-dominated spaces, I often second-guessed myself or felt the need to prove I belonged. But I made a decision: to act even when I was afraid. I started asking technical questions, even if it meant risking judgment. That shift helped build my confidence, especially as I received support and encouragement from people who believed in me.
5. WHAT WOULD SURPRISE OR INSPIRE YOUR 25-YEAR-OLD SELF IF SHE MET YOU TODAY?
She’ d probably be amazed that I’ ve gone from testing samples in a lab to heading up technical advisory at one of South Africa’ s leading petroleum companies. I think she’ d be proud that she stayed the course. I’ ve always believed in preparing for opportunities before they arrive- and those early decisions laid the groundwork for the career I have today.
6. WHO SUPPORTED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR EARLY CAREER?
I’ ve been fortunate to cross paths with incredible mentors and supporters throughout my journey at Engen, who helped me see myself as a leader again. Their belief in me made a profound difference.
Now, I’ m committed to paying it forward and uplifting and empowering others the way I was.
7. WHAT PRACTICAL ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG WOMEN IN MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRIES?
• Shift your mindset: Don’ t focus on being in the minority- focus on the value you bring. You’ ve earned your place. Own it.
• Learn from everyone: Male colleagues included. Collaboration and mutual respect will help you grow.
• Be self-aware: Recognise moments of fear or discomfort, but don’ t let them stop you. Growth often lies on the other side of discomfort.
• Invest in yourself: Whether it’ s taking a short course or building new skills— prepare now for the opportunities ahead. Your work ethic and attitude matter more than you realise.
8. HOW IS THE LANDSCAPE CHANGING FOR WOMEN IN TECHNICAL AND LEADERSHIP ROLES?
We’ ve made progress, but there’ s still work to do. In technical fields like lubricants, women are often hesitant to apply or engage deeply with the subject matter. We need to change that perception and encourage women studying chemistry or engineering to see this as a viable, exciting career path.
At Engen, I’ ve seen positive shifts- particularly at leadership level. Women are increasingly represented in decisionmaking roles, and that visibility matters. I can’ t tell you how many women have told me they feel encouraged just by seeing other women in leadership committees. Credit goes to our HR team for driving this change with real intention.
10. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR JOURNEY- AND WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR FUTURE FEMALE LEADERS?
I’ m proud that my teenage son gets to see me confidently speaking about engines, turbines, and hydraulic systems. That means a lot. My journey hasn’ t been easy. I’ ve had to relocate, study late at night, and make tough sacrifices. But it’ s all been worth it.
Unathi Fani’ s story is a powerful reminder of what’ s possible when women show up, lean in, and lead with courage.
MARCH 2026 27 WORD IN ACTION