Playing my part in developing the next generation of business leaders and credible entrepreneurs is a mission I am committed to.
Had an opportunity to be a speaker at the Eight2Five Innovation Hub EIGHT2FIVE WOMEN MENTORSHIP CIRCLE powered by Old Mutual Zimbabwe, sharing my INSIGHTS on Breaking barriers in the so-called male-dominated spaces like security.
This is the gist of what I shared: “I talk to you today not just as an entrepreneur, but as a testament to the invincible spirit we all share as women. For 27 years, my company in Zimbabwe has navigated what many called impossible, growing from an idea to a successful business employing over 4000 people.
But, guys, let us first acknowledge the elephant in the room first—lack of self-belief—but at the same time celebrate overcoming it.
I was written off before I even started. The whispers were loud: ‘A woman in the security sector? Impossible.’ What a joke!’ The market had no confidence. But we proved them wrong. This isn’t just my story; it’s a narrative many of you might recognize in your various areas. It is the story of pushing past bias, breaking barriers, and building from the ground up.
So, what insights can I share with you?
The incredible volatility of our operating environment—currency gymnastics, policy shifts, economic rollercoasters, political uncertainties- calls for thinking ‘outside the box.’ These are not footnotes; they are the very ground we have built upon and succeeded all the same. We made the so-called male domain area look like a little picnic.
Just 4 or 5 short insights
1. Mindset—cultivate a positive one all the time – attitudes for me are things like courage, perseverance, authenticity, integrity, etc.
2. Plan, work your plan, and work damn hard. I thrive on that.
3. Put yourself out there – Be visible and speak from a position of strength—therefore, READ
4. Always GET THINGS DONE—as that is excellence, which is the ability to do better than before. EXCELLENCE IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution.
5. Accept failure as part of the game—I have had my fair share of that.
Lastly, ladies, when you start making some decent dollars, be NICE. It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice. It’s that simple; being nice will get you far, trust me.
I also took the liberty of encouraging the ladies to get a copy of my award-winning business book, “Entrepreneurial Success: Growing Business in a Fluid Economy,” which gives relevant insights from a practical perspective with homegrown solutions.
