From rejection to renown: The story of life coach, Talent Ncube

Amos Mpofu, [email protected] 

“LIFE is not measured by the number of years you have lived, but by how you live during those years. In life, you will never see the sky if you keep looking down, nor will you see the soil if you are looking up. There is no excuse when it comes to life. Thus, the reality is: there is no excuse.”

These words, spoken by life coach, Talent Ncube, encapsulate his journey — a journey shaped by hardship, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of choices. At just 27 years old, Ncube has already achieved what many would consider a lifetime’s worth of accomplishments. His story is one of struggle, triumph, and profound growth, recently reaching a remarkable milestone.

On November 15, during the International Coaching and Mentoring Foundation (ICMF) Graduation and Awards Ceremony in Harare, Ncube was honoured with three prestigious accolades — the International Life Purpose Coach of the Year Award, the International Coaching Master Coach of the Year Award, and the International Overall Coach of the Year Award. His recognition marks him as an elite coach internationally, celebrated for his leadership, expertise in coaching, and impact on personal and business development.

In an interview with the Chronicle after the ceremony, Ncube shared his joy and gratitude. 

“I am happy and feel honoured to have received these awards all at once. This journey started back in 2019 when I made the deliberate decision to pursue coaching professionally after working with people informally for some time,” he said, his voice full of emotion.

Ncube’s path to success was neither smooth nor easy. Raised in a challenging environment, his early life was fraught with adversity. Born to alienated parents, he was raised by his paternal grandmother in Lower Gwelo. With no consistent parental support, his childhood was one of hardship and survival. He recalled moments of deep emotional pain, particularly during his teenage years when he faced severe neglect and rejection from his family.

“I’ve never lived with my parents, but they are alive. That is a privilege I cherish now because it shaped me into the man I am today. Life is hard when you don’t have parents around. At one point, I even thought of ending my life. But God saved me from that ignorance,” he revealed.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Ncube chose not to succumb to his circumstances. His turning point came when he decided to pursue pastoral ministries and enrol at Solusi University. His passion for coaching soon overshadowed his theological studies, leading him to earn certifications in coaching and mentoring, eventually reaching the prestigious Master Coach Certificate level.

“I had already enrolled in theology at Solusi University, but my passion for coaching led me to seek opportunities outside of it. I began pursuing certifications with ICMF. Coaching became my priority, and I’m glad I took that step,” he said. 

His work of mentoring youth, both locally and internationally, continues to be driven by a deep sense of purpose. 

“Through God’s guidance, I intend to continue inspiring others, particularly youth, through writing books and coaching,” Ncube said.

Yet, despite the recognition and success he now enjoys, Ncube’s childhood was marked by deep emotional wounds. His paternal grandmother, who raised him, was often harsh and unkind. 

“When I was young, she told me I was a mistake — ‘you came into this world by mistake,’ she would say. Those words haunted me for a long time,” Ncube recalled, his voice coloured with the pain of that past.

He spoke of the severe rejection he faced from family members.

“When I was in Form 3, I was chased away from home after our cattle got lost and were last heard of near Midos, along Bulawayo Road, almost 100km from home, just after Vungu River. I was given a pot of rice, matches, and transport money, and told to board a bus early the next morning to look for the cattle. I felt privileged, for if I succeeded, it would be a significant achievement for both my family and me. I followed the instructions and managed to find four out of 15 cattle. I thought it would be best to return with those and rest before continuing the search.

“However, my guardian’s reaction was harsh. When I arrived with only four cattle, she accused me of being foolish, saying I was mad for returning with only four cattle out of 15. I remember standing at the gate as she scolded me, despite the two days I had spent searching without rest. I felt betrayed and helpless. She insisted I go back the next day, providing more money to go again and refusing to let me rest for one day.”

Ncube refused to go, stating his decision clearly, and was told that if the cattle were not found, he would no longer have a place at home. He decided to leave for Bulawayo to stay with some relatives. Before he arrived, they had already been informed and were ready to confront him. As he neared the Entumbane Complex, his father called, asking why he had run away, and for a moment, he considered ending it all.

However, when his father called again, asking him to return, a surge of happiness washed over him, dispelling his suicidal thoughts. Upon returning home, the situation worsened. This challenging environment hindered his academic progress. Surprisingly he passed his O-level examinations. He knew that education was his way out. No matter how difficult life was, he took his education seriously. Despite finding solace in education, he continued to face rejection and violence. His growing frustrations and anger led to violent outbursts. 

However, his innate desire to read ultimately led him to encounter transformative literary works.

“I was always reading books like Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Think and Grow Rich, and The Leader Who Had No Title. I came across two titles — ‘author’ and ‘coach.’ I decided I would be both,” Ncube said. 

This decision catalysed his first book, Healing Bleeding Hearts, and his eventual career as a life coach.

“I’ve learned that life is all about decisions. If you want to make a change, you have to take that first step. Thomas Edison didn’t fail 1 000 times when he invented the light bulb. He simply found 1  000 ways that didn’t work. And that’s what life is about — persistence,” he said. 

His message to others, particularly the youth, is clear: “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep the street as if Michelangelo painted it. If life gets hard, and you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl — but never stop moving, because those who stop moving are dead.”

This transformative experience has catapulted Ncube to his exalted position as a master coach, mentor, and chaplain. Rather than being defined by his past, it now fuels his relentless pursuit of changing lives.

“There is no excuse for not rising. Change your personal development. No matter where you start, it’s how you end that matters. I’ve lived through rejection, abuse, and hardship, but I’ve overcome it all. Now, I inspire others to do the same.”