What do you do when things don’t go to plan?
Mountaineer and adventurer Sibusiso Vilane reflects on pressure, setbacks, and the mindset that carries you through.
What do you do when things don’t go to plan? Sometimes, the path you planned changes, and you have to figure out your next steps.
In the latest episode of When Shift Happens, a podcast from our sister station Jacaranda FM, Saray Khumalo talks with South African adventurer Sibusiso Vilane about what resilience really means.
More than the summit
Vilane’s story is full of remarkable achievements. In 2003, he became the first Black African to reach the top of Mount Everest, and later did it again on a tougher route. He has also climbed the Seven Summits and reached both the North and South Poles
But the conversation does not stay on the milestones. It explores what these experiences asked of him along the way.
When plans shift
He talks about the mental discipline needed when things change, plans fall apart, and you have to adapt quickly. At one point, he uses running a marathon as an example to explain this shift.
You might start out with a clear idea of how things will go, but as reality hits, you have to rethink, refocus, and deal with what’s right in front of you.
How you respond under pressure
This way of thinking shapes how he approaches life and leadership. Sometimes, you lose control or face uncertain outcomes, and the only option is to focus on what you can still do.
They also talk about how people act under pressure, especially when others are counting on them. It’s not always about what you achieve, but how you respond when things get tough.
Vilane’s advice comes from his own experience: stay focused, make changes when you need to, and keep moving forward.
You can listen to the full episode of When Shift Happens at the top of this page or directly below.
Sibusiso Vilane is a South African adventurer, motivational speaker and author of ‘To the Top From Nowhere’. He made history as the first Black African to summit Mount Everest in 2003, and again in 2005 via the more challenging North Ridge route.
He has since completed the Seven Summits and reached both the North and South Poles, becoming the first African to achieve the Explorers Grand Slam.
Raised in a rural village, Sibusiso’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Through his work as a speaker and mentor, he shares lessons on perseverance, purpose, and the importance of staying grounded, especially in the face of adversity.
Meanwhile, everyone’s starting point is different. Some people begin their journey with opportunities, support, and a clear path. Others start in survival mode, focused on getting through each day.
In last week’s episode of When Shift Happens, Saray Khumalo spoke with Frank “Dr Mags” Magwegwe, a researcher, applied behavioural scientist and executive educator at GIBS, about what it takes to move from survival to stability and meaning.
As a young man arriving in Johannesburg, Frank found himself homeless and navigating life without a safety net. That experience shaped the way he sees resilience. Not as something you are born with, but something you build over time.
Listen below:
About Saray Khumalo
Saray Khumalo is an award-winning mountaineer, business executive, speaker and author. She made history as the first Black African woman to summit Mount Everest and has also completed the Seven Summits challenge, climbing the highest mountain on each continent. Beyond mountaineering, Saray has built a successful corporate career and is the founder of Summits with a Purpose, an initiative that raises funds and builds physical and digital libraries in disadvantaged African communities. Through her partnership with Jacaranda FM, she now brings her leadership insights to audiences through When Shift Happens, a JacPod Original podcast dedicated to helping others navigate change and realise their potential.