At ArcelorMittal, some of the most compelling career stories are shaped not just by ambition, but by passion and persistence. Lefty Sebabi, who joined ArcelorMittal South Africa as a maintenance technician in 2011 is now Plant Manager at the Cold Rolling mill (South). Lefty demonstrates what’s possible when curiosity meets opportunity: from taking apart radios as a child to leading large-scale industrial teams, Lefty’s career reflects both the technical depth and leadership vision ArcelorMittal fosters. This conversation with Lefty captures the key moments of his journey.
What sparked your interest in engineering?
Curiosity. I always wanted to understand how things work. As a kid, I’d take apart radios and toys—sometimes getting into trouble for it! That instinct to explore turned into a desire to improve systems, which led me into engineering.
Can you walk us through your career path?
I started my engineering career at Columbus Stainless in 2006 through an experiential learning program. I moved through various mechanical technician roles, managing small projects and supporting maintenance operations. I studied part-time for my B-Tech in Mechanical Engineering and later transitioned into maintenance planning.
In 2011, I joined ArcelorMittal South Africa as a mechanical technician in Cold Rolling, later progressing to maintenance engineer, then maintenance manager. I also completed a BSc Honours in Technology Management and eventually moved laterally into a production manager role, which pushed me to learn fast and outside my comfort zone.
After gaining that dual exposure, I pursued a Master’s in Industrial Engineering to bridge maintenance and production. I was appointed Plant Manager in 2021 and am currently completing an MBA—again supported by the company.
What contributed most to your career growth?
My career growth has been driven by a mix of personal commitment, strategic choices, and the right opportunities. Continuous learning—both informal and through formal education—has kept me aligned with industry trends and equipped me with the certifications and degrees needed for each next step. I believe your career grows as fast as your skillset evolves. A strong work ethic, being proactive, accountable, and solution-oriented, along with emotional intelligence and teamwork, have been essential. Just as important has been working in a company like ArcelorMittal that values internal growth, supports development, and creates an environment where technical and leadership potential are actively nurtured.
What advice would you give young engineers looking to grow at ArcelorMittal?
- Embrace a learning mindset early on: Start with curiosity and humility. Learn as much as you can about technologies and systems—even beyond your direct role—to see the bigger picture.
- Seek mentorship and ask questions: Connect with experienced colleagues and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback. Informal learning often drives the most growth.
- Demonstrate reliability and initiative: Deliver quality work, take ownership, and proactively suggest solutions when you spot inefficiencies. Critical thinking and action are valued here.
- Get involved in cross-functional projects: Collaborating across departments like production, quality, or R&D expands your knowledge and visibility.
- Communicate with impact: Clear communication of technical ideas - especially to non-technical teams - is key to advancing your career.
- Stay passionate and purpose-driven: Let your passion for engineering fuel your growth. When combined with competence, it becomes a powerful force for impact
Was there a defining moment that shaped your leadership style?
Yes, a defining moment came when I led a multidisciplinary project under tight deadlines, involving teams that rarely collaborated. Initially, I relied solely on technical expertise, but it quickly became clear that wasn’t enough—miscommunication and silos held us back. I had to step back, reflect, and shift from managing tasks to leading people. Drawing on informal mentorship, I changed my approach, focusing on empathy, communication, and building trust. That experience taught me to align teams around shared goals and empower others to lead from where they are.
Since then, I’ve shaped my leadership philosophy around three pillars:
- People first – understand your team’s motivations and challenges.
- Purpose-driven – align work to a bigger “why.”
- Agility and learning – always evolve, adapt, and pass the knowledge on.
That experience transformed me from a project manager into a leader who helps others grow technically, and professionally.
If you could go back and speak to yourself at the start of your career, what would you say?
I’d say: “Slow down, stay curious, and trust the process.” When I started, I was eager to prove myself, focused on getting results fast, climbing quickly, and being technically flawless. But what I’ve learned over time is that sustainable success isn’t about speed, it’s about depth, resilience, and relationships.
Define success for yourself: “Don’t measure yourself only by promotions or titles. Measure your growth, your impact, and how aligned you are with your purpose.” I held maintenance manager roles twice in my career within Cold Rolling, but different plants for a reason.
What do you look for in future technical leaders?
In new hires and future leaders, I look for strong technical skills, good character, and a team mindset. Leadership is more than solving problems—it’s about influencing others and driving innovation. A solid engineering foundation is important, but I value those who ask “why” and chase “what’s next.” Continuous learners who stay curious often lead the way forward.
What excites you about the company’s future?
The future of the company is bright because it’s being shaped by people who care deeply about progress, performance, and purpose. I’m excited to play a part in that journey not just as a plant manager, but as a leader of people and possibilities.
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