Coach Elvis: From Making Beats to Beating Expectations at The School of Hard Knocks

Coach Elvis

Pronouns: He/His

Hometown: Townships of Gugulethu

Favorite Sport: Soccer

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

During and After COVID, I was unemployed. I was always composing music at home, and I would make tiny bits of money from selling beats and recording people’s songs, and that was it. Most of the time, I would produce for younger people for free because they never had any means to pay for studio time but had the talent, so I just thought I should be the helping hand on the production side. I started seeking and applying to call centers in 2021. I secured job interviews but couldn’t get past the interview process. Later that year, my uncle returned with a vacancy poster from Safe-Hub, and I applied. I got the job, and then a SoHK vacancy came later that year, along with two other opportunities. SoHK was about helping people, which I always did, but focusing on mental health instead only of skills development.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

Balancing the tone of the room when delivering or presenting a session is challenging. Being energetic and funny while trying to deliver a serious message is challenging. Now I am aware of it, and it’s still in progress.

How do you prioritize and maintain your mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

“You can’t pour from an empty cup,” so I also fill up my cup by talking to my therapist and figuring things out with her.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from your time coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

Delivering Next Gen Men Program in Gauteng was the best experience yet. This journey challenged me to step up as a leader, and I am proud of everything our team accomplished together!