From burnout to Bipolar, Samke Mhlongo is opening up honest conversations about what professional South Africans really face and how supportive partners, like Profmed Medical Scheme, make it easier.
South Africa (19 February 2026) – Samke Mhlongo is not afraid to have the tough conversations and has, for two seasons now, run the successful Savvy with Samke vodcast in partnership with Profmed. Here she has been joined by co-host Charmaine ‘Miss Chaz’ Dube, and an inspiring array of guests to talk all things boardroom to burnout and even fertility journeys between meetings.
We are excited to feature Samke’s story today as a Profmed member spotlight. She has been candid about her own health battles and how having the right support has made all the world of difference.
“I have been diagnosed with Bipolar 2, and I’m very willing to talk about it.”
“It’s a chronic condition on the Prescribed Minimum Benefits list as well, which means my sessions with my therapist, which are vital for my mental wellness, are always covered by PMBs, even if my day-to-day benefits run out. These are the types of topics I want to share with others, so that they know what’s available to them, and that we should be speaking about these journeys and our experiences.”
Inspired by her own journey with Bipolar 2 while in the corporate space, Samke was the perfect fit for having meaningful conversations about the other aspects of life that affect the modern professional navigating life and career.
Not only is there a focus on being career-driven and ambitious, but also on balance, on mental health and on family. Episodes since the launch have ranged from managing motherhood to breaking glass ceilings. From running a strong business to how getting older affects one’s career and lifestyle.
“The beauty of Savvy with Samke is that it makes these topics approachable,” says Mhlongo. “You might be going through perimenopause or struggling with burnout or debt, and here’s a conversation that shows you you’re not alone, and there are tools and people who can help. That’s what Profmed is enabling.”
We celebrated the success of Season 2 last year, where more people tuned into the conversations. Having these important conversations shouldn’t take away from the professional space, but rather enhance it and create spaces where people feel safe to be ambitious and vulnerable when needed. Profmed is doing that in a wholesome way. You can watch or listen to them all here.
“Profmed puts out so many great tools and resources,” she says. “What we’re working on now is ensuring that members are supported to use them and that there’s hand-holding, gentle nudges, and prompts to help people get the best out of what’s available. That’s how you move from being reactive to truly proactive about your health and wellbeing.”
While Samke still navigates challenges, she is grounded in knowing support is there, and that it’s not only her journey that’s worth sharing, but that of every Profmed member (or future one) too.
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This phrase conveys Samke Mhlongo’s message that ambition does not eliminate the need for support. Even highly driven individuals benefit from guidance, mentorship, and encouragement to achieve their goals and maintain balance in their personal and professional lives.