From Qoaling to the boardroom
Letsosa’s journey of purpose and ‘quiet’ ambition
BOKANG MOSHOESHOE
MASERU – In the vibrant hills of Qoaling Maseru, a young boy with a curious mind and a quiet determination began a journey that would take him across continents, cultures, and countless moments of self-discovery. Now a man Paki Letsosa is a rising figure in Lesotho’s business landscape. As a Sales Manager at Maluti Mountain Brewery, his story is one of curiosity and ambition.
Letsosa’s path started like many others in the school halls of Thetsane English Medium School and later at Sefika High School.
But even in those early years, there was something different about him.
He had an itch to understand the world not just from textbooks but from experience.
It was in these formative years that he found himself drawn to the world of entrepreneurship. While his peers memorized formulas and historical dates, Letsosa dreamed of ventures and value creation.
That dream took flight when he moved to Berlin to pursue an International Baccalaureate at the Berlin International School. In the heart of Europe, amid the rich culture and fast pace of Germany’s capital, Letsosa began to see the world differently.
He took Higher Level Business, Economics, and Physics, but it was not just the academics that shaped him – it was the exposure, the diversity, and the independence.
Berlin, he says, was where he began to refine not only his thinking, but also his palate – developing an appreciation for beer that was part enjoyment and part cultural exploration.
‘‘Sefika is where I realised I wanted to do something more- something bold. I am naturally outgoing and Berlin helped me refine that. It taught me more than academics, it taught me taste, perspective and possibility. It was then I developed a sophisticated palate for beer, turning casual sips into connoisseurs appreciation,’’ Letsosa said with a laugh.
After completing his IB diploma, Letsosa took an unconventional yet intentional detour – a gap year, a move that many feared might derail his momentum, but which turned out to be a period of deep self-exploration. He travelled, visited art galleries, networked at start-up conventions, and most importantly, gave himself permission to not have all the answers.
It was in that uncertainty that he found clarity.
He did not just want to study business.
Busines is what he wanted to do.
That revelation led him to the Netherlands, where he enrolled in a University of Applied Sciences to study International Business and Management.
This was no ivory tower education. It was practical, grounded, and applied.
Letsosa worked while studying, taking on roles in finance for a hotel in Amsterdam and later as a business model developer for a tech-driven disaster response start-up.
These experiences built him.
They sharpened his analytical mind and strengthened his work ethic. And yet, he still found time to take up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and long-distance jogging. These disciplines taught him to take control; focus.
When Letsosa returned to Lesotho, he was ready – not just on paper, but in spirit.
He applied for a graduate trainee programme at Maluti Mountain Brewery. This was a highly competitive opportunity to learn the ropes at the country’s most dynamic beverage companies.
He succeeded, not just because of his qualifications, but because of his clarity of purpose.
Over time, he grew into his current role as Beer Sales Manager, a position that blends every part of his story: business acumen, cultural appreciation, analytical strength, and a deep love for human connection.
But who is Letsosa really?
When you ask him, he does not list titles or accomplishments.
He talks about peace of mind. About creating a life rooted in balance, fairness, and truth.
“In a world full of noise, peace is my compass. I am not afraid to say no, to walk away, and to protect my well-being if something feels out of alignment,’’ he says.
His personal philosophy is grounded in the moral theory of Immanuel Kant: “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.”
Letsosa lives by this, believing that if a principle cannot be applied universally, it is probably not worth living by.
His values – fairness, responsibility, honesty, and dependability are not negotiable.
They form the backbone of how he navigates the world, how he makes decisions, and how he treats others. And perhaps that is why his version of success is so refreshing.
For him, it is not about the flash or the fame.
It is about alignment, doing work he loves, supporting his family, living with integrity and sleeping well at night.
Letsosa is does not define his life through singular moments of achievement, but through the quiet consistency of growth. Still, he considers landing his current position at MMB a significant win not because it is the destination, but because of what it represents: perseverance, sacrifice, and staying true to his path.
At times there were moments of doubt – especially during his gap year, when direction seemed unclear. But instead of letting fear take the wheel, he leaned into the discomfort and used it as a learning period.
That courage would become a defining trait.
Criticism too, has played a role in his growth. Early in his career, he was told he focused too much on analytics, neglecting the emotional side of sales.
Rather than brushing it off, he listened, adapted, and found a new balance – combining data with empathy. It is a skill that now sets him apart as both a strategist and a people’s person.
Letsosa is also not shy about admitting his motivations.
He is driven by growth, the kind that stretches his mind and pushes boundaries. He finds joy in setting and smashing sales goals, developing innovative marketing strategies, and mentoring the next wave of young professionals.
But he also finds joy in the little things – a peaceful jog, a good beer, or a deep philosophical conversation.
He draws inspiration from thinkers like Kant and from business leaders who embody both ethics and ambition.
In professional life, he has been fortunate to be mentored by four individuals who, in his words, “live by the same values I aspire to” – a testament to the importance of role models in shaping careers.
As for the future? Letsosa is just getting started.
He plans to continue growing in the beer and beverage industry, eventually leading larger teams or perhaps launching his own venture. But whatever comes next, he is clear that his core will not change.
He will continue to act with intention, to protect his peace, and build a legacy rooted in value not vanity.
His advice to the younger generation is firm but encouraging: ‘‘Stay adaptable, be intentional, seek peace, define success on your own terms and never be afraid to take the long way around because sometimes, that is where the real lessons live.”
Letsosa is many things, businessman, thinker, beer connoisseur, strategist, but more than anything, he is proof that you do not have to choose between purpose and passion.
In a world where many chase success for the sake of appearances, Letsosa stands out as a man who chases meaning. His journey from the quiet streets of Qoaling to the buzzing boardrooms of Lesotho’s leading brewery is not just about career milestones, but about staying true to who he is.
He reminds us that success does not have to come at the cost of peace, that ambition can coexist with integrity, and that the most rewarding paths are often the ones carved with purpose. As he continues to grow, learn, and lead, one thing is certain; Letsosa is not just building a career, he is building a life worth remembering.
