Ofentse Melato finds comfort in the uncomfortable. Whether that’s in his job, his hobbies, or his mindset for life, Ofentse is always on a mission to elevate himself past his comfort zone.
As a supply chain director based in Ford Motor Company South Africa (FMCSA), Ofentse has worked for Ford for over 20 years. He is responsible for the day-to-day operational and transactional side of purchasing in South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. He also oversees the overall supply risk, capacity and constraints, and supply chain sustainability for IMG.
Before this role, Ofentse was a senior purchasing manager – a role that introduced him to the procurement part of the business. This role was based in Romania, at the Craiova plant.
“I will always be grateful for my assignment in Romania,” Ofentse said. “This was a time where I felt like I really pushed myself outside of my comfort zone the most. There were so many learning curves that came with the move, but it was a tremendous experience I will always treasure. Not to mention, taking that risk opened the door to where I am now.”
For some, diving headfirst into the unknown doesn’t come so easy. But for Ofentse, his family is the driving force behind why he feels so confident trying new things and pushing himself further.
“My family is extremely important to me. They drive me to rewrite my own narrative,” Ofentse says. “I am constantly trying to push my boundaries and be brave enough to venture into uncomfortable territories without fear of failure.”
This mindset is crucial in Ofentse’s career, where he needs to continuously find ways to improve and challenge his team to find innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve.
“I may not have all the answers, but that why I think working with my global team is so valuable. We come together and use the skills and insights of our diverse to tackle any challenge that arises. It really gives me a great opportunity to learn how to be the best teammate and leader I can be.”
When Ofentse isn’t at work, his desire to step outside of his comfort zone is even more present as he fills his time with various hobbies that push boundaries. As a self-proclaimed “adrenaline junkie”, Ofentse has tried his hand at multiple activities including bungee jumping and motorbike touring, with an occasional day thrown in for sky diving.
On his quieter days, you can find Ofentse spending time with his wife and two daughters, watching sports, or adding to his single malt whisky collection.
The charismatic way Ofentse views life and embraces challenges is inspiring. When asked how he remains so positive in the face of adversity, his response was simple. “While everything may not go to plan, everything has a way of working out.”