What does it take to walk away from a stable, well-paying engineering job and start over from scratch?

In the latest episode of Mashstartup, we sit down with Kay Radebe, a trained Mechanical Engineer turned Social Media Strategist, digital entrepreneur, and online educator. Her story is one of reinvention, resilience, and redefining what success looks like — not just on paper, but in real life.

Leaving the “Safe Path” Behind

Kay’s journey began at the University of Cape Town, earning her BSc in Mechanical Engineering — a field few Black women in South Africa get the opportunity to enter. She landed a job at one of the country’s top FMCG companies and started living the “dream”: a corporate career, a good salary, and an Audi in the driveway.

But beneath the surface, something wasn’t sitting right.

“Engineering gave me security and status, but I knew I wanted more than just a title — I wanted impact,” she shares.

Kay made the bold decision to leave engineering behind and pursue entrepreneurship in the digital space. What followed wasn’t an instant success story — it was a series of experiments, failures, lessons, and personal growth.

The Pivot: Freelancing, Content, and Creative Freedom

Before finding her lane as a content creator and strategist, Kay tried everything from running a cleaning business to training in eyelash extensions. She faced financial strain and self-doubt, even losing her car. But through the discomfort, she discovered something more valuable than stability — clarity.

Now, Kay uses her platforms — YouTube, TikTok, Instagram — to speak directly to South Africa’s youth. Her content focuses on job hunting, making money online, financial literacy, and using social media to build a meaningful career. She also works with businesses to create effective video content strategies that actually convert.

Redefining Success

In the episode, Kay breaks down her new definition of success — a personal mix of impact, freedom, and continuous growth. She shares how stepping away from corporate validation helped her find her voice, build a brand, and connect with an audience that sees themselves in her journey.

“Success is no longer about promotions or prestige. It’s about alignment, contribution, and living on my own terms,” she says.

Lessons from the Episode

Here are a few gems from our conversation with Kay:

  • Failure is not final — it’s data. Every misstep helps shape your next move.

  • Don’t let other people’s expectations define your career. You’re the one who has to live with your choices.

  • Your degree doesn’t have to define you. Skills, curiosity, and adaptability matter more than your title.

  • Create the content you wish you had. That’s where real connection — and real impact — starts.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of “From Engineering to Impact: Redefining Success with Kay Radebe” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

👉 Follow Kay Radebe on social media for real talk on careers, content, and building your life your way.