Empowering people-centric workplaces

Lisa Matomola is the founder, CEO and managing consultant of Hito HR and Training Consultants, a human resources consulting firm she founded in 2021 to follow her passion for working with people. Her book on management, ‘People First', sold over 900 copies in three months.

Matomola’s inspiration sprouted from her love for consulting and helping organisations improve their people strategies. “My ultimate goal is to help people become top employers and create workplaces that put them first. I also aim to support psychology graduates by offering internships and job opportunities, giving them a chance to learn and gain exposure, ultimately boosting their employability skills.”



Knowledge across various fields

Matomola is a multi-disciplinary professional. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Namibia (Unam) and an Honours in Commerce majoring in Organisational and Industrial Psychology from the University of South Africa. She holds a postgraduate diploma in HIV/Aids management and a Master of Philosophy in HIV/Aids management, both from Stellenbosch University.

“I recently received my dissertation results. I will be obtaining my Master of Philosophy in People Management from the University of Cape Town (UCT) this December. I was also enrolled for a New Managers Development Programme in 2018 with the Stellenbosch Business School. Additionally, I have an executive and management coaching certificate from UCT,” she said.



Navigating purposeful ventures

Before she founded Hito HR, Matomola was employed by PwC Namibia for over five years. Firstly, as a senior consultant in the people and organisation department and later promoted to manager – a position she held until December 2020.

"Despite coming at a time when I needed a job, my roles at PwC never really aligned with my career aspirations. I left without a plan, and in January 2021, I realised that I was experienced enough to become an independent consultant.”

Matomola’s career began while she was a student at Unam, assisting departments in conducting research studies over the school holiday. She was immediately employed by the university after graduating as a research assistant for a research study. When it ended, she found herself struggling to find a job and did volunteer work. She subsequently spent three years in the HIV/Aids field. Here, she worked on various research studies with the health and social services ministry through PEPFAR and the University of California.



Positive mindset

About what has kept her motivated throughout the years, Matomola admitted that it was not always easy to keep up morale. She at times lost motivation but always had support, both psychologically and emotionally. She also read a lot of positive books from the likes of Joel Osteen and John C. Maxwell that kept her motivated.

“I always spoke to people; it helps when one is not motivated. My friends and family kept me going; I was never alone. I also had the chance to work with managers who saw my potential and believed in me. They offered me the opportunity to learn and pass on skills. This remains a standout experience for me,” she said.

Matomola also admitted that she loves her job as she gets to do amazing things daily. She takes pride in the fact that she never missed paying her employees, let alone having to talk about retrenchments.

"Providing employment opportunities in a country with youth employment above 40% and coaching Namibia’s workforce brings me the utmost joy!”



Five fun facts about Lisa Matomola:

1. I ran three marathons this year, including an ultra-marathon.

2. I can’t swim.

3. I wanted to be a nun.

4. I have herpetophobia.

5. If I was not in HR, I would be a public relations officer.