How I Got Here: Bomikazi Zeka
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Admit it, we’ve all been there – stalking social media and LinkedIn profiles, trying desperately to figure out how the hell someone got their dream job.
It seems impossible, and yet there they are, living out your career fantasy (minus the itchy business suit). It might seem hard to believe, but once upon a time, they were also fantasising about their future career, and with some hard work, they made it.
Welcome to How I Got Here, HerCanberra’s series that reveals everything you want to know about the secrets of career success.
This week, we chat with Associate Professor of Finance Bomikazi Zeka, who is determined to raise financial literacy among women.
Existential crisis time: Who are you and what do you do
I’m a South African–Australian who wears many hats! I’m an Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Canberra, a financial literacy advocate, public speaker and media commentator, a Certified Practising Accountant, and more recently, a group fitness instructor at Club Lime CISAC.
Let’s go back to when you were a kid, have you always dreamed of working in this industry?
Oh no! Not at all. I actually found school quite boring, and I wasn’t into sport, which makes where I’ve landed feel a little ironic. My first year in university was really the turning point for me. I studied financial planning and absolutely loved it. That’s when everything clicked. Numbers have always made sense to me, so finance felt like a natural fit once I found my footing.
Tell us about when you were first starting out, what set a fire in your belly to get here and how did you do it?
What motivated me early on was a combination of curiosity and wanting more for myself. I realised that education could open doors that once felt completely out of reach. I worked hard, stayed focused, and took every opportunity that came my way. Over time, that consistency gained momentum and helped me carve out a space where I could meaningfully contribute to my discipline.
Recall a time when you wanted to chuck it all in; what did you tell yourself when it got too hard?
There hasn’t just been one moment. It’s something that comes and goes. I think we sometimes get caught up in the humdrum of life, and we lose sight of the bigger picture. But often, it’s the small things like a kind word, a moment of encouragement that pulls you back and gives you perspective.
What was your biggest break?
I moved to Australia alone in 2018, and I didn’t know a soul. I had no friends or family here – just two suitcases and a deep determination to make something of my life here. Looking back, it’s probably one of the craziest things I’ve ever done! Then, being promoted to Associate Professor at 34 was a huge milestone. It felt like the culmination of years of hard work and persistence. Another unexpected “break” has been entering the fitness industry. I actually signed up to do my fitness qualification as a birthday gift to myself, with no real plan for what would come next. Stepping into that space as a beginner and now teaching others has been incredibly rewarding.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Think like a man.” It challenged me not to look to others for validation, to take up space, speak with confidence, and not second-guess my worth.
What is it about your industry that you love and what makes you want to pull your hair out?
I’m lucky to be part of two industries that fulfil me in very different ways. In academia, I feel a deep connection to teaching…it almost feels like predestination because I come from a long line of educators. In fitness, I feel humbled that people trust me to be part of their personal journeys. Seeing someone build confidence or fall in love with fitness is incredibly special. Of course, working with different people means you’ll sometimes encounter a few difficult personalities, but lucky for me, those moments are far and few in between.
Tell us how you ‘stay in the know’, what media do you consume?
This is really challenging because there’s so much dark stuff happening in the world. I try to limit the amount of content I expose myself to, but I do stay on the socials purely for the comic relief. I’ve built my Insta algorithm so that I get to laugh at the crazy things people do and say. And there’s a lot of inspiring content out there! It’s my way of decompressing while staying in the loop.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Honestly, I have no idea, and I’m okay with that. Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected but beautiful ways. I focus on doing my part, staying open to opportunities, and trusting that things will align as they’re meant to.
Why should people follow in your footsteps?
I think my story shows that you don’t have to fit into one box to succeed. You can build a career that reflects all parts of who you are. And it’s never too early or too late to try something new.
What advice would you give your past self?
Girl, you’ve got this. The good news is nothing lasts forever. The bad news is that nothing lasts forever. So, be yourself, work hard, and trust the process. The world will open up to you in ways you can’t even imagine!
