Ch4

4th Edition | FREE

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CONTENTS 4

Mukuka Circa

Are you a Nkongole addict?

Lelemba (cover feature)

Mutinta Mazoka

Zambia’s game changers

Masuka Mutenda

Kachepa Mtumbi

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17 20 21 24 27 32 34

Nou Koncept– Office Essential colours

Truths for our daughters

Chilimba

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8 things you should never say at work

Zambia labour laws

Stuff we like

How to schedule your day when you are

unemployed

Mutinta & Muchemwa Sichone

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Monica Musonda Press release

Zambians to follow on twitter

30 day challenge

Corporate Heelz NetWorkOut in pictures

Simunza Muyangana

The Balancing act of parenting

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Editor’s Note FOUNDER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janice Matwi SUB EDITORS Veronica Simubali Pamela Munyanta NATIONAL MARKETING AND ADVERTISING MANAGER Pamela Munyanta NATIONAL PUBLIC RELATIONS AND EVENTS MANAGER Pamela Munyanta PROOFREADER Limpo Chinika DESIGN Elaine Mwanza PUBLISHER Corporate Heelz Corporate Heelz® is published six times a year Contact FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/ corporateheelz TWITTER www.twitter.com/ corporateheelz EMAIL editor@corporateheelz.com EDITORIAL Editorial is most welcome if it is of a newsworthy nature and accompanied by a good quality photograph. Articles should be directed towards our readership base of business and professional women. Corporate Heelz has editing rights on all articles submitted.

Editorial submissions are accepted on the basis that the publisher may use the author’s name, comments and content for this publication and promotional purposes including electronic and print media. Authors waive all right to copyrights (if any).

ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements created by Corporate Heelz for this publication cannot be copied or reproduced without permission of the editor.

ADVERTORIAL Advertorial is accepted in all sections. A large, clear professional photograph must accompany all articles. Prices are available on application.

Please email advertising@ corporateheelz.com DISCLAIMER Materials and articles in this publication are general comment, not advice. The information is believed to be accurate and reliable but no responsibility is taken for any opinions expressed or for errors and omissions. Readers should not act on the basis of the material without taking professional advice relating to their particular circumstances.

KEY INGREDIENT TO SUCCESS - CLARITY OF PURPOSE.

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e all had ideas of what we would become when we grew up, a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer….. our dreams where pure and full of hope. As we grow up we are tainted by ideas from family, friends and environments around us. We start to pay attention to too many opinions of who the world thinks we should be and that what brings discord and loss of direction.

Discontentment creeps in and we don’t give the life we are living our own. There are many key ingredients to success many of which we have highlighted on our Facebook page the past months but above all we need to be clear of what we want for ourselves. We need to clearly set objectives, visions, and targets of what we want to achieve and then stick it.

How do you achieve clarity of purpose?

By aligning yourself with people who will help nurture and grow your dream, people who will cheer you on and not rain on your parade and discourage you. We had a conversation about forming positive associations through networking and by creating business/career circles.

This edition we feature for the very first time, Zambian men making a difference and following their dream, we are calling them the ZAMBIAN GENERATION OF GAME CHANGERS. These are people who have decided to follow their dream, young Zambians with a true clarity of purpose. Our other GAME CHANGERS include Mutinta Mazoka-Mmembe who launched a proudly Zambian makeup line, Masuka who organized and hosted the first ever Zambian hair show, all these have achieved success

from the passion and drive derived from the clarity of purpose.

Our cover Lelemba, is an award winning financial writer, keynote speaker and social entrepreneur. She is the co-founder of the Sandras and Lelemba Institute (SLi) for personal and leadership development based in Cape Town and is a director for Zoona Transactions Zambia Limited a mobile payments business that makes transacting in Africa Easy Quick Safe for enterprises and primarily unbanked consumers.

We also delve into the world of “Chilimba” and find out the pros and cons of indulging in this practice.

We endeavor to take this online relationship we have forged with to to meet in real life through our Corporate Heelz MeetUps. Our May CH MeetUp theme was in form of a yoga morning with Townai Clarke. Our first in the series of Corporate Heelz NetWorkOuts (Networking whilst working out) on May 25th graciously hosted by Hotel Intercontinental.

It was a wonderful event and a great start to our NetWorkOut series. Our next event is the High Tea on July 27th, this is a must attend, details in the ezine, our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Thank you for all the wonderful feedback we have received from all our readers, please keep writing to us, we would love to hear from you.

Till next time, keep making inspiring, enlightening powerful connections!

Janice

Editor

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Embrace and drink in every challenge, mistake and failure. Everyone loves to flaunt success yet we should really shout our failures from the rooftop because that’s where the real lessons live.

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A New Era for Zambian Entrepreneurs

Mukuka Social Media Maven

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Gwata and in 2010 we were bbming and I wanted to do more with my blogging.

So we came up with Diasporan Darlings.”

Mukuka shares.

Mukuka was born in Luanshya, and her parents first moved to Australia when she was 5 and then returned in 1992. She later went to school at Nkhwazi Pimary School and then did one term at St Mary’s Secondary school before returning again to Australia in 1996.

“In 2007 I moved to England for a year to work but I moved back to Australia after a year of working for a law firm. When I returned in 2008 I fell ill. Due to my illness, I was taking a lot of time off work. It got to the point where I was in pain most of the time, uncomfortable and severely anemic. I was still having issues with my health and also trying to work at the same time as well maintain this hobby. I had 2 or 3 surgeries to I had my third surgery last year that completely helped me to regain my health and change my life.

During the recuperation period of that surgery. I started the blog C1RCA1964 as a way to reconnect with Zambia, discover creatives, locations businesses etc. I then partnered with Mazuba Kapambwe and from there, thats how we started to push C1rca1964 as a social media management business.”

uilding clout online in a space crowded with millions upon millions isn’t easy but Mukuka has boldly taken on the challenge and she is excelling at it. A social media enthusiast changed her passion into a living. Mukuka’s success story to grow an innovative internet based brand is not only admirable but inspiring, it’s one that shows how a passion can turn into a lucrative venture.

A holder of a Bachelors Degree in Legal Studies and a trained paralegal, this professional blogger started blogging in 2010, “A friend of mine suggested we start blogging to fill in the time between hospital visits, sick times etc. Through blogging I met my business partner Vimbai

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CH: Firstly, we would like to know, what is blogging?

There are a lot of misconceptions about what a blog is and what blogging is about. So, my personal definition of what a Blog is, is that it’s an abbreviated term for web log and it’s a type of website where a user can put text, images, and links which can be viewed and/or commented on by visitors to the blog. Depending on what you think a blog is and what blogging is about often defines the way your role as a blogger and the content you decide to share/ publish. Often you hear people think blogging is simply an online personal journal, it can be; but in recent times blogs are being used for a variety of reasons. Nowadays companies utilise blogs to communicate and interact with customers, stake holders and media houses to share the companies latest news, industry opinion pieces or as an advertising or promotional platform. You’ll see that with Zambian newspapers such as the Post, Daily Mail etc have incorporated blogs to their main website to offer a new channel for their writers and keep up in this digital age. On an individual level you can create a blog to share with the world your expertise on specific topics or as we’ve seen with sites like Zed Gossip or Kachepa 360, you can purely be a gossip blogger. The content and the style of blogging changes but at it’s simple core blogging is purely sharing your content online for others to read and comment.

CH: Circa 1964, is an interesting name, what behind the name?

Circa (from Latin, meaning “around”) and 1964 (On 24 October 1964, Zambia declared independence from the United Kingdom and then-prime minister Kenneth Kaunda became the inaugural president.) = C1rca1964. I think that our independence went deeper than politics, culturally and socially I felt that it gave Zambians the message that we should have the self-determination to be independent in all areas of their lives. So in this digital age C1rca 1964 is trying to encourage people ( especially creative Zambians) to remember that message.

journals, written in to newspapers and loved english literature.

However I’ve always been told that all of that should be a hobby. With the rise of social media/ blogging and this being the digital age it afforded me with the freedom to pursue what was a hobby especially during a difficult personal time when my professional career was suffering because of my health. When you are ill and taking sick days after sick days, there is no way you can keep a professional 9-5 job. I wanted to be able to do something that brought in some sort of income, fitted into my haphazard schedule yet still motivated me to work despite being ill. Surprisingly blogging did that for me. I’m eternally grateful for it. I could work from home, in bed or at the hospital as long as I had a laptop and internet connection.

I was also able to connect with people that became my friends, mentors, business partners, collaborators and support system.

CH: What do your parents think about this shift from law to the world of social media? *LOL* It’s not easy for Zambian parents to see their child make what seems to be a rash decision to make a “hobby” into a profession. Neither of my parents are into social media and because of that they have a hard time in understanding it’s purpose and also in accepting my choice to have a career in this field. However, I think that we live in times that require us to sometimes go against the grain. Not everyone can or wants to be a lawyer or a doctor. And you have to ask yourself, as I did; what happens when your degree or job isn’t working for you anymore? Do you give up? One of the best lessons that I’ve learned is that the road to success requires you to have an abundance of self belief. You can not expect people to invest in a dream if you don’t believe in it or you require others to co-sign your dream.

CH: You have done a lot of travel, how has that impacted on your blogging?

It’s taught me to push my boundaries and face my fears.

Travelling is a fantastic opportunity to get to know who you are away from the people and the place that’s always placed you in one category. I got to meet new people, see new places and experience new things. Travelling required me to leave home on my own, leave my comfort zone and do what I wanted to do. If I’m honest as much fun as I had, at times it was scary. Blogging reflects that for me. Just like travelling, blogging opened me up to a myriad of new experiences and people. Before travelling I always had a sense of what I thought people wanted me to be and sometimes that would come out in my writing. I wrote what was expected of me. After travelling I was creating content and publishing it online for other people to see based on my experiences, thoughts and interest. It was great to see that my blog, my content, my voice travelled further than I could ever imagine. I didn’t know how people would respond to it yet I wasn’t scared because I accepted that it was all part of the journey to be a better blogger.

CH: You are a paralegal by profession, at what point and why did you decide blogging was the path you would follow?

Mukuka: I love the law and justice but in truth I’ve always wanted to be an author or a journalist. I’ve always kept

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CH: Blogging and social media management is only just catching on to most Zambian companies, how has been the response to CIRCA1964 and how do you market your business?

Both blogging and social media management are two things that Zambian companies either get or they don’t.

The response varies, there are those that get it and understand it’s reach and potential are often excited that there are people like myself and my business partner, Mazuba Kapambwe that are offering these services. The more traditional companies tend to shy away from social media and although we would love to work with them sometimes it is true that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. We market mainly to companies that we feel that are receptive to social media, i.e they may have a social media account already but it’s not performing well or it’s stagnant.

Our marketing approach for our business is primarily via social media but we also reach out to businesses through

Be persistent.

Annoyingly so ;-).

The blogger/social media industry is always about convincing people why they need you until it’s apparent that they can’t do without you and in the end it just seems like common sense to always hire you. If you continuously put in the work to pitch yourself, your brand and business you will get that back three fold.

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networking events, cold calling and referrals.

CH: What is Diasporandarlings and what has been the response?

Diasporan Darlings is an informative and entertaining web platform that seeks to feature and spotlight all items or issues of interest to African people in the diaspora and those at home on the continent (Africa). The response to our website has been gratifying, since we launched in 2011, we have seen our readership numbers grow every month and people interact with the site quite frequently. Our greatest achievement for us is seeing people comment on articles thanking us for writing about experiences they have also had and congratulating us on our site.

CH: You have two different partners for both your businesses, how do you juggle CIRCA1964 and Diasporandarlings?

Sleeping in shifts lol. I won’t lie it’s very difficult. My Diasporan Darlings business partner, Vimbai Gwata is based in South Africa and my C1rca 1964 business partner, Mazuba Kapambwe is in Zambia. The timezone difference is the greatest challenge because by the time they are waking up it’s nearly the end of a work day for me. So my day actually ends when theirs ends which is normally around 1am/2am in Australia. Not to mention issues with internet connectivity on their end. I’m very lucky to have partners that I can trust and be honest with. The biggest thing is communication and organisation. Without it we would not be here.

CH: What start-up capital did you have to start CIRCA1964?

C1RCA 1964 started off simply as a blog so initially it didn’t need start up capital. As the business side of things kicked into high gear we opted out of getting investors or getting a loan and instead tapped into my savings and my salary to fund the business. It was pretty much the same thing for Diasporan Darlings as well. To keep both sites running or any blog for that matter, here’s the breakdown of how bloggers make a living so that their blog/website can effectively pay for itself: Affiliate deals (commission on sales) Advertising Revenue Sponsorship/endorsements Online store/merchandise Advertising our business clientele services via the websites

CH: What lessons have you learnt from managing an online business?

Ultimately you can save time and money, reduce your overheads and reach a much wider market. You also make it easier for your customers to do business with you outside of business hours. However it’s hard because a lot of our clients are used to the traditional business model. You have to be willing to think outside the box and although plans are great they can be the enemy of progress. The online world requires you to continuously keep up with what’s new and popular. Having a plan slows you down so sometimes you just go with the flow. As a creative I love that! It keeps me on my toes and makes for great brainstorming sessions and discussions with my business partners. On the business end, you always have to gauge what works for you, your business and your clientele. Most importantly, never compromise your integrity and never rest on your laurels.

CH: You recently organized a Tweet Up Fundraiser, What is a “Tweet up” and how was the fundraiser?

A tweet up is when a group of friends on a social networking site (normally twitter), decide to meet up offline. Our tweet up was a little bit different as we decided to host a fundraiser for a friend of mine, Mutsa Marau of

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Meet Mutsa. We also collaborated with Zambian street fashion bloggers, Mafashio and the all female extraordinary Zambian tech group, The Asikana Network. We held the Tweet Up Fundraiser at BongoHive, the only funky and fun technology workspace in Lusaka.

It was such a great success, people were able to network and connect in a safe and fun environment. We raised some money for a worthy cause and we were able to collaborate and promote all our brands on the day.

CH: What’s next for CIRCA 1964 and Diasporandarlings?

From a personal perspective as a partner of both the businesses I’m in the final stages of planning to move back home to push these two endeavours into their next phase.

With Diasporan Darlings we have a lot of things in the works and by the end of the year we will get to see them come to fruition. With C1RCA 1964, my business partner Mazuba and I have two particular clients we are working with (Bongo Hive and Barefeet Theatre), both of these organisations have afforded us with so many opportunities to continue to further the social media management side of our business.

We are also continuing to work closely with The Best of Zambia to promote the creative industry in Zambia by sourcing and helping to showcasing Zambian content for their site.

CH: What advice would you give entrepreneurs just starting out in this industry?

1.Be persistent. Annoyingly so ;-). The blogger/social media industry is always about convincing people why they need you until it’s apparent that they can’t do without you and in the end it just seems like common sense to always hire you.

If you continuously put in the work to pitch yourself, your brand and business you will get that back three fold.

2. Embrace and drink in every challenge, mistake and failure. Everyone loves to flaunt success yet we should really shout our failures from the rooftop because that’s where the real lessons live. You will make the same mistake over and over until you learn the lesson which helps you perfect your business and that is often followed by success.

3. Know your worth and your level. A lot of bloggers will sell their talents and work short to make a quick kwacha. People don’t understand that we hold various roles; i.e editors, social media managers, writers, business development managers, HR, secretary all rolled into one. That requires work that needs to be adequately compensated. However in the same vein, if you are starting off don’t try to fleece companies for money that your talents can not match up to. If you are a beginner humble yourself and do some free work sometimes to gain experience.

4. Collaborate. Goodness, this one which is so obvious yet so lacking. Everyone wants a piece of the pie and they don’t want to share. There is enough to go around! The fact is, if you collaborate you widen your platform and sure up future work with others.

5. Be adaptable. A lot of people get frustrated by blogging because things never stay the same. There’s always some new platform to conquer. As an entrepreneur people need to embrace that. Whenever you are in a new or changed situation you have to be able to adapt quickly and still have your wits about you. Remember it is survival of the smartest blogger not the most popular.

We have no doubt that Mukuka will take off in the blogging stratosphere Follow Mukuka on twitter @c1rca1964 and her blogs via http:// www.diasporandarlings.com/about

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Are you a

NKONG W

hen you are in University or college all you look forward to is getting that awesome job that will be the answer to all your prayers. A job that will allow you to buy whatever goodies you’ve been dreaming of.

When you finally join the ranks of the corporates and start to earn yourself a salary, you tell yourself you need to “stock” your wardrobe in order to “fit in” and the spending begins.

You discover Zambia’s “credit card” nkongole giving you up to 3 months to pay. Soon enough you find yourself in the company carpark with every bootsale racking up bills higher than you earn a month all because its 3 months to pay. You proceed to start Mandahill/Levy to hit the Woolworths, Edgars and you spend even more.

You gleefully look for “bargains” and

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tell yourself you need the stuff you are accumulating. You need to remember that even if you spend cash at malls, it’s all Nkongole because you are spending money meant for rentals/ school fees for your kids/fuel for your vehicle on non-necessities. Nkongole means living beyond your means.

Monthend comes and you are owing three times what you get paid and start turning off your phone to avoid people you owe money. You find yourself getting stressed everytime monthend comes around because months later you are paying for a shirt that you don’t even like anymore.

“After working for 4 years, I realized I didn’t I had nothing to my name but a wardrobe full of clothing.” Maureen** shares. “By then my friends had started buying plots to build their dream

houses and progressing in securing their future. I started lying to friends that I was also building to “fit in” but I was lying to myself. Pretty soon I was quite in an elaborate web of lies that left me feeling even more drained and directionless.”

Nkongole is like any other addiction; it takes one realizing and admitting that they have gone too far. And the need to change has to come from you. “My moment of realization came when I lost my job suddenly, I was owing in excess of K35,000 (rebased) and didn’t know how or where I was going to clear the debt. After months of sleepless nights, I got a new job and cleared all my debt.

It was an extremely stressful period but it’s the shock therapy but I needed it to kick my addition.” Says Mubanga.

G

LE addict?

Here are a few tips in managing a Nkongole addition

spend on whatever goodies you want for yourself

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. Admit you have a problems and start putting measures to adjust

.

Avoid going to the malls with your debit card, instead make a budget, withdraw the funds from your account and leave your debit card at home. Then use cash to transact.

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. Set aside a budget for yourself from your earnings. “Pay yourself” a salary from your earnings. Use this amount to

. Avoid the boot sales in the carpark, make up a polite excuse for friends who are always calling you to “just have a look.” It starts with having a look to see that perfect shoe or handbag you’ve been seeing in glamour magazine.

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. Cut out ENABLERS, friends who spend just as much as you. You need to find someone you can confide in about your spending habits who will keep you in check.

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. Ask yourself if you REALLY it. You honestly need another black dress in your wardrobe to add to the 6 you already have? Or if you doing your monthend shopping, do you really need that exotic jam or are you attracted by the fancy packaging? If you see a bargain, walk away and come back later and ask yourself once again if you need it.

Start using your earnings for save for big projects like building your dream home, taking your family on holiday, buying your dream car. It’s one step at a time, start saving today. **Not her real name

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CHCover story

Financial Fitness Authority

Lelembaphiri

By Janice Matwi

T

he first time I meant Lelemba, her bubbly warm attitude drew me to her. She is an optimistrealist who relaxes you and makes you feel comfortable around her.

I soon realise that Lelemba’s personality and career of choice was a match made in heaven, because I realised that trusting Lelemba was an intergral part of her financial fitness sessions. You have to be comfortable enough to talk about your spending habits and face hard facts about what hinders you from living a life of full financial independence.

and full accounting cycle consulting and training, Business development, Strategy, Personal and professional development training including financial fitness.

We finally got to a slot in her busy schedule to chat with Lelemba and get to know a little bit more about her‌ How did you come up with the idea for Financial DIVAs and then arrive at the decision to turn your idea into reality?

I grew up with entrepreneurial parents.

My mum despite only having a secretarial qualification was a very savvy businesswoman who built

One of the most difficult things was just deciding when to leap.

This award winning financial educator, writer, keynote speaker and social entrepreneur is a wife and a mother of two boys, enjoys what she does and it shows. Her interactive financial fitness sessions leave you quite equipped to look at money very differently.

Lelemba is also the co-founder of the Sandras and Lelemba Institute (SLi) for personal and leadership development based in Cape Town and is a director for Zoona Transactions Zambia Limited a mobile payments business that makes transacting in Africa Easy Quick Safe for enterprises and primarily unbanked consumers.

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several successful businesses. My dad is a management consultant who has been working for himself since the age of 35. I think growing up with them as role models contributed heavily to my being resourceful with money. It also taught me how to work hard and look out for opportunities or create them to make money. My upbringing, coupled with a natural knack for numbers led to my going into finance as a career.

In turn I found that a lot of my family and friends naturally came to me for financial advice and I enjoyed giving it.

Lelemba has consulted with private, public and government organizations for over nine years. Her experience extends across South Africa, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Angola and other sub-Saharan countries.

This sparked the idea that I could probably create a business by sharing what I knew with others and with the support of my husband Sandras and my friend Gwen Kloppers turned it into a reality with my first workshop on 4th April 2009 at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Her specialities are a diverse portoflio of Financial management, budgets, risk

The name itself was born out of a branding exercise which involved

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asking my closest friends and family the top 5 words they could use to describe me. From that came the acronym D.I.V.A which stands for: - Determined and Daring - Inspired and Intelligent - Vibrant and Victorious - Action-oriented and Authentic Is your current role the result of a carefully planned career strategy, or have you made the most of opportunities as they have presented themselves?

Both. I have made it a habit to take the time regularly to introspect and determine what my values are at the different stages of my life. I find that it is important to do this because as we grow we evolve and what mattered even as recent as last year may not matter as much today. And so I have found it useful to sit down at least twice a year, to evaluate what I value most at that point and create or expand my plans to support those values. And these plans cover all areas of life not just my career, and will thus encompass things like what I want to do with my family or how I want to develop myself personally. Knowing what is important to me has made it better for me to see the opportunities when they present themselves and to evaluate which ones to take up or not.

What were the key learning’s from your Financial fitness workshops, particularly with regard to women?

Were there any surprise findings?

The most surprising thing for me after running these workshops in different countries and for different ages and classes of women is the fact that despite these demographic differences, women tend to have very similar issues around money management. We also want similar things for ourselves financially. For example most women would like to be more confident about managing their finance; we all crave some financial independence of sorts even though that means different things to different people; and most importantly is the common willingness we have to keep learning, growing and sharing. This is a good thing because women who are just starting to get financially fit can learn from and relate to the success stories of others who faced similar challenges and be encouraged.

What did you find most difficult, and most enjoyable, about the leap from corporate career to entrepreneurship?

One of the most difficult things was just deciding when to leap. My husband and I had already been building our

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I realized that the titles and the various roles I play don’t in themselves make who I am. And even if you took away the titles of accountant, business woman, wife, mother e.tc; I am still me. Simply learning to value and nurture that ‘title-less me’ was worth the downtime. business for two years alongside our corporate jobs by the time I decided to jump ship. I had been running the workshops throughout this time and building my profile so I knew for certain I was going to do it, I just didn’t know when.

In the end what sparked it was my attending a networking event where one of the speakers was describing the symptoms of burn out.

As she spoke I was freaking out, thinking to myself, ‘Oh my goodness, I am burnt out!’ At that point I decided something had to give and it was time to move on.

My husband was extremely supportive which made it so much easier.

I also went through something of an identity crisis after quitting my job! I literally stayed in bed for a few days, crying, eating and feeling sorry for

myself. I was thinking ‘now what am I? Can I still say I am an accountant without a corporate job?’ Being an accountant working for large corporations had been my identity for so long and I didn’t realize just how much of myself I had tied up into that identity until that point. I felt naked!

However working through those feelings was one of the most rewarding growth experiences for me. I realized that the titles and the various roles I play don’t in themselves make me who I am. And even if you took away the titles of accountant, business woman, wife, mother e.tc; I am still me. Simply learning to value and nurture that ‘title-less me’ was worth the downtime.

The most enjoyable part was the

reward of finally doing work that is most meaningful to me and that I really love.

What are the key benefits of financial fitness? Any special prerequisite to become financially fit?

Some of the key benefits are that when one is financially fit they are in better control of how they make and spend money. This gives peace of mind because you have a solid game plan for both your present and your future.

Secondly with improved financial capacity, one has increased options available to them to experience things that can enhance the quality of life.

In addition, it also relieves the added strain that money problems put on relationships. Money problems have often been cited as one of the top 3 reasons for divorce.

The good news is that the only prerequisite to financial fitness is a willingness to learn and to put what you learn into practice.

Why did you move to Cape Town instead of staying in Zambia?

We moved to Cape Town mainly for career development. We felt trying out a different market would be a good learning and growth experience. We were also looking for a bigger market

for the business ventures we wanted to pursue but at the same time not be too far from our families because the kids were still very young and we did not want them growing up not knowing their extended family. At that point we literally just quit our jobs, sold everything and moved not knowing how it would work out so we are grateful it turned out alright.

Right now, as I am also a director for Zoona Transactions Zambia, I spend on average one week every month in Zambia so can fairly say that I live both in both countries.

What is your top tip for balancing motherhood with your business?

The 3S’ – Selfishness, Structure and Support Selfishness: This is to do with how one spends their time. Time is a critical resource that when wasted cannot be taken back. I am therefore very selfish with my time and try to fill up my days doing work I love, doing things that are most meaningful to me and spending quality time with the people who mean the most to me.

Structure: I find that when one has a lot of activities going on it is helpful to have some structure for how you will do them. For me this entails planning

ahead as much as I can and deciding in advance what activities/projects I will do and when. This helps ensure that I can allocate enough time to everything that is important. I find that structure is important not just for career and project plans but for the family too as we can then support each other better.

So it’s simple yet critical things like on a daily basis dinner time is 18.30 – 19.30 and that means the family takes the time to sit together and catch up on the day’s activities. On a weekly basis Friday is date night for me and my husband. That means the kids know not to expect us home for dinner.

Sunday is family and friends day. That means I totally put my work away. On a quarterly basis we have a family long weekend getaway to reconnect away from the daily routine. Every year we take one long family holiday etc.

Support: I have accepted that I am only one person with 24hrs a day to work with and having support is therefore critical. This has meant learning to trust that others can do some things as well as or better than I can and delegating what I can. It also means taking the time to appreciate those that support me.

Of course this isn’t fail proof but it

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Four financial truths every woman should know:

1 Start somewhere. Even if this means just starting to do some simple research on your career of choice. Remember every expert was once a beginner definitely keeps me sane.

Who do you most admire, both within your own field and as a role model in life?

I don’t have one single role model.

I admire several people for different reasons and therefore have different role models for the different areas of life. For example I admire Michelle Obama as a family woman because despite being the first lady of America she values and guards her family time selfishly. I admire Oprah Winfrey as a career role model for creating an empire doing the work she loves.

I admire Beyonce’s physical vitality because to me she embodies the fact that one doesn’t have to be reed-thin to be fit and attractive. My list goes on in similar fashion.

In addition I must mention that I believe having a mentor is also vital for career development and so I have a mentor as well as a business coach.

What three pieces of advice would you give to someone starting a career like yours?

- Start somewhere. Even if this means just starting to do some simple research on your career of choice.

Remember every expert was once a beginner - Persevere. Things won’t always go as planned but there will be worthwhile lessons in everything.

- Have fun. The prize doesn’t lie at the

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end of a journey. The journey itself is the prize.

What is next for you?

My mission in life is to educate and empower people to enrich themselves and transform their lives and communities. I am dedicated to developing Africa and I strongly believe that one of the keys to doing that is to develop and enable entrepreneurs on the continent. However some of the biggest impediments to entrepreneurship on the continent are lack of access to finance and financial services; entrepreneurship education; and technology.

So right now I am focused on Zoona.

We are leveraging mobile technology which is more readily available on the continent, to create entrepreneurs through our agent network that services primarily unbanked customers.

We are also enabling existing small entrepreneurs by providing them access to finance and financial services. Our whole executive team is made up of passionate entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds brought together because we believe in Africa and finding solutions that will contribute to developing the continent. I am therefore excited about contributing to growing the organization and its impact in Zambia and the rest of Africa.

We wish Lelemba success in all her endeavors and have no doubt she will continue to soar and achieve even more in the next coming years, she’s definitely a Zambian to watch.

That each of us is responsible for where we are financially in our lives right now we are happy with it or not. If we are happy with where we are, its important (and okay) to take the credit, give ourselves a pat on the back and keep whether growing. If we are not happy, its important to take full responsibility for that too in order to do something about it, rather than play the blame game. Its not your spouse or boyfriends fault; its not your parents or children’s fault; its not even the governments fault. As long as you’re an adult - you are responsible for your own financial well being.

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That we are capable of achieving our financial goals.

We as women have what it takes to accumulate wealth and be financially independent. The key to this is to keep learning about money; to apply what we learn and; to have the discipline to keep doing these two things (learn and apply).

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That each of us is valuable as we are and we don’t have to feel we need to compete with one another ‘to be more important’. Until you value yourself, don’t expect others to value you. The world simply reflects what you feel about yourself back at you. So if you don’t value yourself enough to ‘pay yourself first’ (save) and accumulate some money; why should others want to give you their money?

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Building wealth is a team sport and so the sooner we start to work together as women, the better off we will be. Working together encourages learning, discipline and accountability, which are important for achieving any life goal including financial ones.

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woman of firsts in most industries in Zambia, Mutinta or “Chicco” as she’s affectionately known by most has never been one to shy away from a challenge; she has been a pioneer of many entrepreneurial ventures in Zambia among them a talk show – Talk It Over With Chicco.

A Mother of 8, Mutinta talks to us about launching her new cosmetic and Spa line called Colorevolution & Spa Essentials.

Early education started at Nsansa Primary School in Ndola later to Ndola Trust School.

Later moved to Lusaka and attended grade 6 and a term of grade 7 at Nkwazi Primary School. She then went to boarding school in the UK. A graduate from Syracuse University with a degree in Political Science with the intention of going onto Law School but opted to take a year out and went to work for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs in Washington, D.C. “Instead of going back to Law School I decided to get an MBA from the American College in Atlanta.” Shares Mutinta.

She later worked for American Express for a little while as a Financial Advisor, then moved into the nonprofit sector and

worked for an organization called Aniz Inc. in the City of Atlanta. It is an HIV/AIDS CBO as Program Director.

“While there I was invited as a guest on a TV show called “African Treasures” (http://www.africantreasurestv.com/) on AIB TV in Atlanta. After the show I was asked to be a cohost of the show. I did the show for 6 years.”

She moved to Zambia in 2007 and joined Duncan, Gilbey & Matheson as Head of Sales & Marketing. “It’s a family owned business which we have managed to revive. It was founded in 1966 and was then the only distillery in the country. However we have resumed our position as the leading Spirits producer in Zambia.”

“In 2007 I decided to pitch a talk show to Muvi TV and thanks to the open mind of Steven Nyirenda, “Talk it Over with Chicco” was born. The show ran for 4 seasons. After which I decided that I wanted to concentrate on something else.

(Children, family, DGM etc.)”

Colorevolution was initially born in 2005, while in the USA Mutinta had started the cosmetic line in partnership with someone. The brand was called then called Mineral Element. Later Mutinta revived the brand and has since continued it with in partnership with Marissa Pomerantz in the US.

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How does it feel living the dream, managing your own brand?

It is a very challenging thing to embark on, but worth every bit of sweat I have and continue to endure.

What differentiates your Colorevolution range from other products on the market?

The benefits of using Colorevolution’s mineral makeup are countless. Our unique blend of 100% natural minerals is free from preservatives, talc, synthetic chemicals and other filler ingredients contained in many other makeup brands.

Instead, we use only 100% pure and natural minerals from the earth-- Mica, Titanium Dioxide, and Iron Oxides. These gifts from Mother Nature help heal, protect and nourish your skin while giving you a natural and radiant look.

Tell us a little about the early days of your business. How did you raise the capital?

Initial Capital of $15,000 came from a combination of Savings and Credit. The beginning was fun but scary at the same time. I had some challenges with my then business partner which resulted in me putting the line aside, but I am grateful something within me always encouraged me to revive the business and I am so glad I did! Lesson…listen to your inner voice, it possesses great wisdom.

What is your marketing strategy and what has been the most effective source of new customers to date?

I currently don’t have an elaborate marketing strategy, it’s a small one. I currently advertise through word of mouth.

Go into something you love, not because someone else is doing it and making money.

I am avoiding just putting my products in a store as I feel that would separate me from my customers. Colorevolution is a very unique product which requires me to explain the products versatility and application methods to the user. I also feel that a lot of women are afraid to use make up or feel that it is too “loud” for them, my part in this is to help them overcome their fear and assist them in creating a “look” that truly represents the unique and beautiful beings they are.

What do you believe are the key pros and cons of being an entrepreneur in Zambia?

entrepreneurs that are of great help in educating and connecting women.

The cons are, especially in my case, people can be reluctant to sample something new, as with everywhere, people are more comfortable with what they know. The other challenge is that of the cultural norms we have in a country. A woman entrepreneur has limited time to grow her business as it has to be divided with her domestic responsibilities. One cannot travel as extensively or as late as they would like as this often does not augur well within our society. That being said, I must say that this is changing, the paces maybe a little slow, but it is happening.

When talking about Entrepreneurship in Zambia one has to look at gender as well. This is because though there are pros and cons both genders face there are some that are unique to women. On the general course, the pros of being an Entrepreneur here are first and for most the market is open. It is like a semi blank slate of paper. There are many areas that one can delve into. It is easier to register a company here in Zambia.

In the case of financing, interest rates in this country are mind blowing, especially for someone like me who came from a place where interest rates were as low as half a percent. That being said I do appreciate the positions of banks, there is a high default rate, but either way it does pose a challenge to those venturing out on their own.

I have noticed that there are workshops tailored for female

our Government to offer greater incentives for Zambians to

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The other challenge is the competition from low entry barriers given to foreign investors. We need to keep lobbying

your business. Look at your business as a marathon and not a sprint!

What were the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome these challenges?

Countless challenges!

But same approach to overcoming them. I know what I want my business to become, nothing will stop that…in short, I keep my eye on the prize.

What is your distribution model? Where can people find the Colorevolution range?

open businesses as this will stimulate and help grow the economy and remove us from the dependency of foreign investment which at time is not here for protracted length of time. I have nowhere to go; Zambia is my only home as is the case with the majority of Zambian entrepreneurs.

What information do you wish you had when you were first starting out?

The wisdom to choose a partner carefully.

What qualities do you think women entrepreneurs need for their business to have longevity?

I call them The 3 P’s – Passion, Patience & Perseverance Passion - Go into something you love, not because someone else is doing it and making money.

Patience - Don’t think you will be a millionaire in a short period of time; allow your business to grow at gradual pace.

Perseverance –Don’t be easily disappointed when things are not going as you hoped, you have to be resolute in

As I mentioned earlier I have a Direct Sales model. I personally meet with my client and have a beauty consultation with them in order to ascertain their unique beauty needs. This has two advantages, the client gets what they need both at the time of sale and also have access to me in the future and I, by my ensuring they use my products as they are supposed to be used will have a walking advertisement in my clients.

Word of mouth is one of the best methods of marketing in my view.

That being said, I do plan on one day having a retail outlet, I just don’t want to do so until I am able to provide the same services I provide now.

I do have a website, www.colorevolutionafrica. com and can be reached via email on mutinta@ colorevolutionafrica.com and telephone on 097 449 2416 Please share one or two of your favorite, and most helpful resources?

Networking is essential to any entrepreneur. Make sure you connect with your potential customer base, join organizations where you can meet people. As a woman I encourage us all to support one another in whatever line of business our fellow women are in, this is the only way we can be successful business women and grow our Zambian economy.

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CHEnteprenuers

Zambia’s Game Changers

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What specific events or situations lead you to create ZedHair?

I got my first relaxer at age 10 and before that my hair was short like a boy. So going natural 3 years ago was a huge step because I had no idea what my real hair was actually like because I had never spent any time with it. When I went natural, I just chopped off my hair and decided I would figure it out as I went along. My natural hair journey led me to books and blogs and YouTube channels from the US. I found the information at times difficult to relate to the African and Zambian context. ZedHair was a platform for me to document my own natural hair journey for myself, but also an avenue through which I could share what I was learning with others and package it for the Zambian context.

Not that being natural in Zambia is all that different from being natural in the US, but so many products and tools are not available here that one must improvise or substitute them for others.

You recently held Zambia’s first hair show, Can you recap on the organizing and final event and what you learnt from your experience?

Masuka Mutenda Startup Diary: Being a Natural Hair Entrepreneur Career/Education/Family history

I

am proud to state that I come from Chingola. I often joke that I have copper in my blood. I am the first born in a family of four. We have the full set -- two girls and two boys. I describe myself as a communication specialist by training and a development specialist by practice as I have spent more years working in NGOs than in the media.

But, recently, I have returned full time to my communications roots.

Communication is my passion and I absolutely love telling the story, getting the message across. I believe in the power of words and pictures.

What’s the hardest maintaining ZedHair?

part

about

ZedHair is basically a hobby that I am really passionate about. So, although it does take up a lot of my time, I enjoy it immensely. The hardest thing is finding time to write and

balancing the busy times with the not so busy times. I try to schedule posts in advance for those periods when I know I will be very busy with work or school or just have a lot going on personally, but it is not always possible. This is also a challenge for other ZedHair contributors. Another challenge is sourcing great pictures to go with what I write. Taking good pictures takes time and if you use other people’s you also need to ensure you have permission to do so and that due credit is given.

Communication is my passion and I absolutely love telling the story, getting the message across. I believe in the power of words and pictures.

The ZedHair Natural Hair Show that was held on 6th April was amazing. It was inspiring and encouraging seeing that so many people are proudly wearing their natural hair. By this I mean women who are not hiding their natural hair under a wig or weave. At the same time, ZedHair is also about promoting healthy hair care and practices regardless of whether your hair is natural, relaxed or locked. So in this regard, it was very motivating to see that people are willing and eager for information, they just don’t know where to go. I was happy to learn that my contribution to this pool of knowledge is helping some people.

What next for ZedHair?

Many ZedHair readers are just starting out on their natural hair journeys and are learning how to care for and manage their hair. People go natural either due to damage and breakage, or just because they want to embrace their natural selves. The other group of readers has been natural for a while and just wants ideas on what to do with their hair. There are many people who are closet naturals under their weaves, not because they are ashamed of their hair, but because they haven’t got the first idea of how to style it for different occasions.

So, over the next few months, we really want to focus on the basics of healthy hair and maintenance and on getting

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ZedHair is also about promoting healthy hair care and practices regardless of whether your hair is natural, relaxed or locked. So in this regard, it was very motivating to see that people are willing and eager for information, they just don’t know where to go. I was happy to learn that my contribution to this pool of knowledge is helping some people. to know and understand your natural hair. We will also focus more on styling, by giving practical steps on how to achieve certain styles and showcasing various options.

I am also looking forward to partnering with other entities to reach more people. Because I have a publishing background, I am considering producing a magazine on an annual or half-yearly basis. We will also be having smaller quarterly natural hair gatherings as a form of support group for people to come and learn and share amongst themselves. The Natural Hair Show will remain an annual event.

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You are quite a tenacious believer of your cause, especially for something this new to Zambia what drives you?

By nature I am an inquisitive person. I seek knowledge to empower myself so that I can make decisions that are evidence-informed and proven.

I approached my own natural hair journey in the same way and this is extended to ZedHair as well. When I first started ZedHair I got a very negative reaction from someone that didn’t have the desired effect of the person who made the comment. Instead, it challenged me to carry on with what I was doing. I’m on a mission to lead a natural hair revolution. The negative

comments inspired me to learn more about my natural hair, how to care for it and style it. I wanted to know if it was possible to have natural hair and look good while wearing it.

Two years after starting ZedHair, I am proud that I have 16 inches of hair that I grew myself, from my own head. My hair is my crowning glory and it is my responsibility to be a good steward of that which was bestowed upon me.

And if I can help other women to love and accept themselves just as God made them and equip them with the knowledge and information that will also help them grow long and healthy hair, then my work is done.

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Founder and CEO of KPR consulting a Public Relations firm with clients ranging from multi-nationals to local firms. Kachepa also writes a column in Saturday’s post called “Talk of the town”, a funny but real insightful look into life in Zambia. Kachepa is featured as part of a ZAMBIAN GAMECHANGER… 1. Is your current role the result of a carefully planned career strategy, or have you made the most of opportunities as they have presented themselves?

It’s a combination of both. I’ve always wanted to run my own set-up in media and people tend to think this is my first attempt. I think I’ve got some three businesses that didn’t take off and looking back, I’m really happy they failed because it was all a mix of being naïve, unprepared and acting on a whim. After realizing I wasn’t equipped enough to follow my dream at the time, I got a full time job in advertising and PR, learnt the ropes and cut my teeth before venturing out to set up on my own after six years as an employee.

2. What steps did you take when you were starting your PR company?

I was freshly back from having worked out of the country and didn’t want to ‘start my own thing’ immediately.

Starting a business is a very common move to make once somebody has had experience abroad and I’m not against it. I just thought I needed the grounding of a job as well as to soak in the working culture, challenges and pace all over again without getting ahead of myself.

After three months of really intense work on some interesting accounts, I felt I had the necessary momentum and insight into how things were being done.

Having the enthusiasm of having been abroad and full of ideas, I tapped into my local insights and set out to establish a PR consultancy with a mobile phone and an overheating laptop! Looking back, those were the most exciting days I’ve ever experienced where uncertainty keeps you going.

3. What was your first pitch and how did you prepare for it? What lessons did you learn from it?

Never hide from an opportunity to tell people what you do!

Our first client was actually won following a succession of casual conversations about a newly formed

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Kachepa Mtumbi Having the enthusiasm of having been abroad and full of ideas, I tapped into my local insights and set out to establish a PR consultancy with a mobile phone and an overheating laptop!

Looking back, those were the most exciting days I’ve ever experienced where uncertainty keeps you going.

PR consultancy would do for them.

It was in the enthusiasm of telling my prospective client about the company that really won the account. So, I didn’t really pitch for the job in a traditional way but knew where I was going with it!

I think it’s something that we’ve maintained for a while – we establish a relationship long before we pitch business to clients. And when we’re invited to pitch without a previous relationship, we try getting a chemistry meeting to gauge whether we’re the right fit for the company as people and professionals.

4. How do you motivate your staff?

What culture have you adopted at your firm?

I wouldn’t boil it down to motivation but empowerment.

I believe people that are empowered are self-motivated to drive themselves

We’re not doing too badly with aspects such as media relations and publicity but the next step will have to be focused on scaling up institutional capabilities in dealing with the bigger picture.

How do you handle challenges as CEO? My approach is to deal with the problem the moment it comes up.

One has to be able to step back and look at the bigger picture and I believe that’s a skill I’ve tirelessly worked on for the last few years. It’s a challenge being on top of everything but I make an effort to get regular updates from the people I work with as well as follow up immediately.

6. Is blogging a hobby for you or does it earn you extra income?

Nobody that joins our firm will have a job. They’ll have a career. That for me is the difference between somebody putting in the hours for a pay cheque and one that’s getting a real return on their university or college training and exposure to the working world.

5. How is the Zambian PR landscape compared to the Malaysian landscape that you experienced?

It’s easy assume PR has made strides in Zambia with growing media outlets, big corporate events and exciting product launches but behind the scenes is where Zambia’s PR landscape needs to do the most of its improvement.

I think we still have the challenge of winning over the media, stakeholders and clients as being their partners in a common goal to communicate with accuracy, fairness and balance.

Zambia’s PR industry has to move from the frontlines to now focus on important aspects such as reputation, crisis and stakeholder management, public affairs and media training.

There’s a saying that ‘threats to your business and reputation do not respect office hours.’ Advertising and marketing still retain huge percentages of budgets but cannot actually turn around the perceptions and realities of a brand’s reputation.

Despite the immediacy of TV and the internet, PR works in real time which is something advertising and marketing can never catch up with.

You can lose money and earn it again.

But lose your reputation and it was good knowing you.

11.Have you always aspired to a career in PR? If you hadn’t chosen PR, which other career paths might you have taken?

I don’t blog but have a regular newspaper c o l u m n t h r o u g h which I channel some opinions about life and living in the city. I’d like to start a blog version of it as soon as I can find the time.

I knew at a very early age that I wanted to write and over the years, I’ve put this to use as a journalist, radio presenter and now, a person working in PR. Chances are I would have ended up writing terrible, unreadable novels about a guy who invents powdered water and a second one about an office haunted by the ghost of Bob Marley.

7. What are your thoughts about networking for business?

I still want to write a biography of Paul Ngozi though.

You can’t do too much of it but I’ve always thought Lusaka especially, moves in certain circles that you’re either part of or not. The idea is not to force it as similar interests and outlooks on life and business eventually gravitate towards one another.

12. Share a mantra or quote that inspires you and why.

“The things you own end up owning you.” better than the guy looking over their shoulder. So it’s a culture where you’re given room to take full credit for your work on both small and major accounts as well have something to be proud of when your head hits the pillow.

believe PR is a waste of company’s resources?

8. What makes your company stand out from other PR firms?

Ultimately, we’re not resources but people and our lifestyles, experiences and relationships with the outside world impact on the value we give our clients and partners.

We have an ability to soak in the culture, people and aspirations of the companies we represent. Our clients know that we represent them with the same effort and dedication that they put into the work they do.

9. What has been the achievement for your firm?

biggest

We’re honestly still very young and feel our moment is still to come.

“The things you own end up owning you.”

I suppose that’s self-explanatory but I find a lot of inner balance in living lean, not surrendering the importance of family and friends. We’re always out to stock up on possessions and it’s a race you can’t win. Every time I find myself excited about something with a significant price tag on it, that quote

by Chuck Palahniuk brings me back to earth. But I do have the guilty pleasure of owning more books than anything else, though.

After all, life rarely gives you the chance to pick your coffin.

13. Looking back, what would you change about your past?

No. I’m good. God’s blessed me with an opportunity to give a real go at life and it’s turning out alright with a career I enjoy, good health, supportive family and having a wife who happens to be the funniest woman I’ve ever met.

10. What do you say to skeptics that

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Muchemwa Robert Sichone

Sindiso Mutinta Sichone

Mutinta & Muchemwa Sichone W

e speak to Husband and Wife team who run a Research and Integrated Marketing and Communications Company: We started Global Link Zambia Limited in 2010 as Global Link Consultancy Services, which we latter rebranded to Global Link Zambia Limited in August 2011. Currently we are located in Woodlands, Lusaka. Global Link is a full service; value driven agency that provides intergrated solutions in research, marketing and communications.

We established the company in response to what we felt was the growing market demand from the Government, Non-government and the Corporate sector for “NEW APPROACHES,” in the dissemination of information about services or products or both. We curently have multiple arms of operations and offer

complementary services as well as products.

Our approach is to provide value to our clients by offering the most current and innovative tools; processes, technologies, and highly skilled personnel. We investigate prevalent trends within a market and create platforms that ultimately drive our clients into those markets.

The corner stone in being different is obviously creativity and we have turned creativity into a lifestyle which is driven by passion and defined by out of the box thinking – a fusion of originality and proven methods designed to deliver success in every project. We have established a strong foundation for teamwork and developed a culture of communication that transcends hierarchy, creating an organic factory of ideas.

Drawing on this culture we strongly believe that Global Link will continue to prove to be the most diverse and versatile business development brand in the industry.

About us Mutinta is a Lawyer by profession and Muchemwa is a Communication for Development specialist. We are both entrepreneur’s.

1.Tell us a little about how you work together as co-founders.

Muchemwa: When we started Global Link we felt it was very important to clearly define our roles. So from the onset we decided to establish a very basic corporate governance structure.

This meant that we would constitute a Board of Directors (of sorts) that would provide the overall direction of the business.

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In that regard I took up the role of Managing Director, Mutinta took up the role of Company Secretary and we then invited a family friend – Mr Haswell Kalinda, a qualified Management Accountant to sit with us as the third board member in an advisory capacity.

Global Link does not maintain a full time staff. It hires on a per project basis. In September 2012 we had our highest number of11 employees.

We make all the critical decisions together except the day-to-day operational decisions that I am allowed to make as Managing Director. In my absence Mutinta or Haswell will act in my place with the full authority to make those day-to-day decisions.

We have made a lot of effort in decentralizing the decision making process because we recognized that a lot of start-ups center their decision making processes on the founder of the company. We viewed this as a weakness and decided to have at least three people that have equal decision-making authority. We have also made it easier for our staff members by providing them with guidelines on how they can make their own decisions if they are engaged in negotiations with a client, for example to avoid a situation where they have to refer all queries to me.

2. When is the right time to ‘splurge’ on expenses as a start-up?

Mutinta: Most startups do not actually make a profit in the first three to five years of operations to write home about. This is where most start-ups get it wrong. Its needless to say your account bank balance is a very BAD indicator of how well your business is doing. We learned this and more while developing a three-year cash flow projection for our business.

Building or growing a business is a process that takes a very long time so your question is very dependent on what kind of expenses an entrepreneur should splurge on.

Muchemwa: We believe it is very important to acquire the right tools as soon as possible and create a professional work enviroment.

This does not come cheap but it is a must especially if you are in the service industry like we are.

sowed. Many entrepreneurs that I meet cannot even invest in something as significant as a business card latter on air-time (talk time) for their mobile phone.

They prefer to wait until the business can finance its own expenditure, thereby becoming heavily dependent on other established businesses or subcontracting.

This can be very tempting when you are trying to save on costs but subcontracting is a very risky undertaking because you have very little control over delivery timelines, quality etc.

Mutinta: Unlike products that can be easily assessed, a potential client will assess a service company on its capacity to deliver. Capacity means the right tools and how the business presents itself (image/brand).

Therefore if your expenses relate to investing in the right tools, your brand (image) then we would say its important to splurge on those things as soon as possible. If your expenses relate to buying a Range Rover because your bank account says you can afford it then that is a definite NO! NO! Might I add unless your start up is a Luxury Car Hire company.

Muchemwa: Most start-ups in Zambia are very frugal. It is almost as if they want to reap where they have not

Remember that potential clients will always want you to demonstrate that you have the capacity to deliver and

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this is where investing in the right tools is very important.

3. What principles have transformed your business?

Mutinta: We have one fundamental principle and that is hard work.

However we recognize that hard work alone is not enough to build a business that will stand the test of time. So we have complemented our principle with values that guide our work ethic.

Our values are: Customer Service: We aim to exceed our customers’ expectations for cost, quality, responsiveness, and professional excellence while delivering within the agreed upon performance measures and schedule.

Professional Diversity: We do not know it all so for any project we undertake we always seek and employ a highly diverse workforce of exceptional creativity, expertise, and determination.

Embrace Change: As the world continually evolves we strive to pursue new technologies, processes, and business alliances, which will support

be a business partner, a wife and a mother. Muchemwa can get very consumed in his work so I sometimes have to ensure that we schedule some time in for ourselves.

Discussing the business is unavoidable of course for couples like us that work together because our business occupies a tremendous part of our lives but we realize that it is important to take time for ourselves – watch a movie, take a walk, go to the gym.

‘Us’ time is valuable for both of us.

5. How do you deal with discouraging remarks?

Muchemwa: I believe people find it easy to criticize me or any other person because they do not know where I am coming from, enough detail about what I am doing and where I want to go. This is information that only I know and I always draw a lot of strength from that. Ironically I would be very disappointed if no one said “negative” things about me or criticized me because that would just be proof that what I am doing is not worth anyone’s time. On the contrary if people are taking the time to discuss what I am doing – albeit negatively then that means I am doing something right somewhere, somehow.

market diversification, increasing value for our customers and opportunity for our staff.

Workplace: We believe in creating a working environment that encourages candour, technical objectivity, professional and financial growth.

Ethics and Integrity: This is perhaps one of the most difficult values to uphold espeicially with the current high levels of corruption in Zambia but we remind ourselves every day that we are building this business of our children, their children and hopefully their children’s children. So we are very committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical behaviour and professional integrity.

4. What does your day look like?

Muchemwa: Our typical day starts as early as 4 am. This is usually the best time to brainstorm and plan for the rest of the day. We use the first few hours of the day to complete any oustanding work. At about 6 am we break off for some exercise, which is very important because it keeps us energetic through out the day. This is followed by the school run and after the kids are out

of the way the rest of the business day begins.

The typical business day is very hard to predict. I always layout my daily schedule in my diary but it is usually very different from what I end up doing.

Sometimes a client that was not scheduled will call, or a meeting scheduled to start at 9 will start at 10 because the client has a more urgent commitment or a one-hour meeting will end up lasting slightly longer because the client requires very detailed clarification etc Therefore the regular 8-to-17 hours are spent networking, calling clients, and having meetings with them etc while the actual work (proposal writing, concept development, project management) is done in the evening and weekend hours.

In all this we try to find time to have lunch and dinner together, spend an afternoon with the kids regardless of how busy we are.

Mutinta: It is actually a much bigger challenge for me because I have to

Mutinta: It’s also important to listen to criticism. More than anything else it builds us and our business because its “free” feedback. Some constructive critics (and they are very few) are always quick to point out what and how they could do better. If there is some genuine value in what they are saying then it is important to make adjustments where necessary.

However you should never let ANY kind of remarks – POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE dictate your business trajectory. Your trajectory is something you should always be very clear about in your head.

6. Do you think networking plays a role in growing your business?

Muchemwa: Not really. Most people assume that networking means going to the most “happening” bar and telling everyone in it about your business. However networking – in my opinion at least is presenting your business to other people that in one way or another will add value to it in any informal environment. Yes so we are not writing off the most “happening” bar.

Networking plays a pivotal role in bringing your business and your brand to life. In other words people will have a “face” that they can associate your business to. It rarely has anything to do

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Staff Capacity Building Workshop/ Retreat at Palmwood Lodge Lusaka

with the service or product you provide because if you are providing a good quality service or if you have a good quality product, the people you will be networking with will either already know about it, they would have seen it or even tried it out already.

As I alluded to earlier the best value that networking will add to any business is knowing the right people to call or talk to when it becomes necessary. In that sense – networking is very important!

Mutinta: I couldn’t agree more.

An entrepreneur needs to be very specific about who they network with. Otherwise “networking” will instead have an adverse effect on their business. Some people will just steal your ideas, discourage you… basically…create a lot of negative energy around your vision. So it is just not randomly going around, dishing out your business cards and talking to anyone who will listen…it is a very well thought out process that will ensure that you are talking to the right person, in the right place at the right time.

7. Is your business self-funded or did you borrow any money to start your business?

Muchemwa: Our business is self funded which puts a lot of strain on our “other” income. The banks in Zambia are not very supportive even though they will give you a different impression from the rhetoric that you will sometimes read about in the media. Secondly we are a service provider and most

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institutions would rather deal with a “trading” business because it poses a lesser risk.

I always say the Micro-Small and Medium Enterprise sector (MSME) sector is the new “HIV/AIDS” because everybody that is anybody wants to jump onto the band wagon to talk about it or in a very shallow way demonstrate that they are supporting the sector in order to access finance for their institutions and or organizations.

Once they are funded very little of that finance actually trickles down to the ground where entrepreneurs like us toil away at trying to raise enough capital that will sustain the business in the long term. Interest rates from smaller microfins are very high and sometimes we have to borrow from informal money lenders because of their quick turn around time to finance orders who charge us as much as 30% for every 30 days. This is the reality that we have to deal with. Speaking from my own experience a bank can take as long as 6 months to reach a decision on funding a small business even with all business records in place, corporate governance structures, collateral etc Mutinta: Finances can put a strain on any business relationship especially if you are married like we are. It has taken us a very long time of budgeting, spending, profiting, losing, budgeting again to get to a place where the lines between our personal finance and the business finance is clearly outlined.

However we finally resolved – about a year ago that we would probably never get any external funding for

some of the bigger projects we have and that is when we consolidated our approach towards reducing on overhead costs so that we can save more and self finance our own projects.

8. Your business involves pitching ideas to would be clients, what’s your view on intellectual property in Zambia? Do clients respect it?

Mutinta: As a lawyer I put a lot of emphasis on ensuring that our ideas are protected so we always include a copyright clause in all our proposals or concept documents. I do not think a lot of Zambian clients respect intellectual property rights but I feel it’s important to just have a clause to protect us, as a business.

A lot of work usually goes into the development of any kind of concept but there is very little appreciation of that. Some companies keep concepts and even have the audacity to give these concepts to other competing firms where they feel that they will get a better “deal”.

Fortunately we have not sued any of our potential clients yet for copyright infringement but selling ideas is a very challenging undertaking when you have to protect them as well.

Muchemwa: The option is to sell the concept outright at the onset of the transaction however this is very difficult to negotiate with a new client who may not be very sure about doing business with you. So what we have

started doing recently is to present the idea only without giving the client any documentation.

If they like the idea then they will engage us formally by signing a contract with us so that we can fuly develop and execute the idea at a fee.

So far it has worked very well for us but we are still trying to find even better ways of protecting our intelllectual property and more importantly getting paid for it.

9. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to attract the attention of prestigious companies?

Muchemwa: Quality in service.

Quality in product. Period. There are unfortunately a lot of challenges in attracting big business and lets not beat about the bush…on top of that list is corruption. So no matter how good your service or product is someone that knows s o m e o n e always seems to get that elusive order.

for international brands like the International Labour Organization (ILO), The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in the first three years of establishment have been notable accomplishments in our books because we know the rigorous process that these organization’s undertake to select a consultant or contractor.

12. In your opinion, what is the future of Zambian Entrepreneurs?

Muchemwa: The future of entrepreneurship in Zambia is bleak.

I like to say things as I see them and it is what it is. There are many reasons for this. I recently said in an interview for a South African magazine (Destiny Man) that Zambia is coming from a back ground where a “Businessman” was perceived in disdain or just a notch above a “Con man” and so our education system here was designed to build a work force for the mines,

local entrepreneur’s.

Muchemwa: The other reason why I believe the future for Zambian entrepreneurs is bleak is that entrepreneurs in this country do not like to develop long-term projects. Most of the projects are contract based i.e. some one knows some one who can give them a contract and so they start a venture that can capitalize on that relationship.

This impact’s on the quality of projects and because of that creates the perception that most entrepreneurs’ are not “serious” and are therefore not taken seriously.

All in all it’s still a very new concept to Zambia and if we do not get it right we will miss a very important opportunity and getting it right means developing a strong entrepreneurial culture before we can utilize the economic potential that is available in entrepreneurial opportunities.

Its because of this that I have p e r s o n a l l y embarked on establishing the Zambia Small Business Development Trust, which will aim to among other things build the capacity and provide financing to entrepreneurs after they have gone through an intensive mentorship program. The difference with the Trust and most of the other organizations in Zambia today is that it will be selffunded by passionate entrepreneurs like me in order to create a sense of responsibility to the success of the initiatives it will be running.

If your expenses relate to buying a Range Rover because your bank account says you can afford it then that is a definite NO! NO! Might I add unless your start up is a Luxury Car Hire company.

I used to get very bothered by this because we always put a lot of effort into delivering a service. Sometimes we would get feedback and sometimes we would get nothing at all. Prestigious companies are made up of a lot of people and some of those people have the best interests of the company at heart. So I always tell my staff that we cannot be ignored forever. Someone somewhere is going to see us or hear about us and they will go back to the company they work for and ask why that company does not do any business with us. I am sure that after that we will also have our day under the sun.

10. What other project are you running apart from growing your company?

The Mutinta and Muchemwa: importance of diversifying in business cannot be over emphasized. So we have already started establishing an agri-business called Fresh Harvest.

This is a farming project that is still in its infancy in Nangwena, Rufunsa.

Our main areas of focus are Poultry, Piggery and exotic vegetable farming.

11. What was the highlight of Global Link?

Mutinta: Every new contract we get is a highlight. However working

large multi-national companies and the government.

This education system is still in use today and so the uptake of Entrepreneurship as an alternative to formal employment has been very slow.

Mutinta: Most successful economies are driven by small business growth but we do not seem to appreciate that small businesses play a very important role in creating employment in Zambia.

For example we always complain about how Chinese entrepreneurs employ their fellow nationals without realizing that we could do the exact same thing by building the capacity of Zambian entrepreneur’s, which is what China has done.

Unfortunately we have also created a business environment that allows foreign nationals to easily set up any kind of business with very little investment. I have already mentioned most of these “foreigners” come from developed countries like China where Entrepreneurship or the cost of doing business is heavily subsidized by the Government. This and the very focused work ethic that they come with creates a very uneven playing field that does not work very well for

My vision is to create a platform on which small businesses can merge together and enhance their capacity – whether its financially or in their business activities to make them more competitive and in that sense become recognized within the market. I strongly feel that it is our responsibility as entrepreneurs to ensure that the markets begin to see us as a development alternative and a force to reckon with. That is the end goal.

It was hard pinning them down but finaly when CH got to speak to them, it was an interview worth waiting for. This dynamic duo was a pleasure talking to. They truly are one of Zambia’s gamechangers!

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Simunza Muyangana We would like to provide a platform that hopefully triggers the emergence of local entrepreneurs who will take advantage our growing reliance on mobile or general information technology to provide solutions that can be grow into the region around us.

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Career/education and Life History I have a background in communication using online internet technologies gained largely from the many years I spent working for communication and advertising agencies that chose to exploit the internet as an emerging communications technology.

My education is in computer science leaning towards software development and project management.

What is Bongohive?

BongoHive is innovation and technology hub.

It provides infrastructural support for the IT community in Lusaka to meet, collaborate and exchange knowledge.

We would like to provide a platform that hopefully triggers the emergence of local entrepreneurs who will take advantage of our growing reliance on mobile or general information technology to provide solutions that can grow into the region around us.

What was the inspired moment that led you to launch BongoHive?

Over various conversations in 2011 Lukonga Lindunda, Silumesii Maboshe, Bart Cornille and I sensed a lack of grasp for the application of school education to solve real world problems among graduates in Computer Science or Information technology from a couple of local institutions.

What initially started off as fortnightly sessions to introduce a group of young graduates to core practical technology skills eventually became a workshop that taught them how to develop apps for the Android platform and encouragement for them to explore the possibility of becoming entrepreneurs.

What has fueled the growth and success of BongoHive?

The idea of BongoHive is built around the need to nurture a community of creatives, software developers and other enthusiasts eager to make a mark using information and communication technologies. Every app we have launched has began as a notion by some of our members that they could make life a little easier by building a mobile phone based solution.

What is next for BongoHive? Are you looking to scale your business?

While some progress has definitely been made, a lot of our initial

concerns with regards to the local IT community still remain. We have, therefore, decided to introduce a couple of stable programs that we should make a marked difference in the tech-entrepreneurial space.

In the next few months we will commence our first start-up class for people exploring the idea of establishing a business based on an idea that exploits advantage of information technology in our local context.

Over a limited period of time these explorers will be provided with the infrastructure support, guidance through master classes and mentorship, the opportunity to grow their network and possibly further backing to help them take the first steps into real business growth.

How do you sustain the operations of Bongohive?

The activites at BongoHive are enabled by the kind generosity of our partners who include Indigo Trust, Google for Entrepreneurs, Africonnect Zambia Ltd, the Brenda Davis Foundation and the Sparkman Centre for Global Health.

Would you classify yourself as a nonprofit?

Yes. BongoHive is registered as company limited by guarantee. Any money would normally be classified as a profit is not distributed to the founders but should be ploughed back into supporting the growth of our local IT community.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned during your time in the corporate world and how have you applied it to founding and running Bongohive?

Communication.

Communication is the life blood of any organization whether it’s in application of the corporate strategy, developing your product or service, selling your offering or fitting in as a corporate citizen.

Which companies, established your startup, do you particularly admire their innovation?

In no particular order I’d list:

address the needs of their clientele with regards to finance.

- Naspers for the amazing way they have grown into what is possibly the continents largest media corporation straddling internet, pay television, technology and print media.

- iSchool Zambia for its idea to address the dire situation in our education sector by developing a way to allow every child an opportunity at quality schooling.

What did you find most challenging, and most enjoyable, about your corporate life to move from entrepreneurship?

The initial steps in becoming an entrepreneur are daunting, especially more so if you have scanty knowledge about everything else that goes into the pot like tax, closing sales, looking after clients, delivery quality services or products, watching your cashflow, planning and everything else. While the freedom is exhilarating it can also be a lonely journey.

It was these experiences that feed into what BongoHive is becoming.

What is your management style?

Trust is necessary ingredient for all relationships, including productive ones in the work environment, to thrive.

I believe in allowing and enabling people to make the best decisions to fulfill their responsibilities.

What quote inspires you and why?

“Many of Africa’s best and brightest become bureaucrats or NGO workers when they should be scientists or entrepreneurs.” - Jennifer Brea When I first read Jennifer Brea’s article “African’s to Bono: “For God’s Sake Please Stop!”” in 2007, I got the sense that one of the reasons why our problems in Africa persist is because we’ve developed and communicated this notion that we need a hero of sorts to provide an extensive rescue from our economic woes. The reality is that instead of applying our capabilities at building ourselves out of the hole we are in we’ve concentrated on fussing over everything else.

This quote reminds me that we can determine a future that affords Africans lifestyle choices and we can achieve it.

- First National Bank, particularly in South Africa, for their ability to continuously offer solutions that

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The balancing but not always perfect act of parenting

O

ur first CHer MeetUp had as part of the conversations, being a working mom and how to handle the challenges that came with it.

Most of us go through our days feeling guilty for not being that mom who bakes her children fresh cupcakes to take to school, the one whose not home in time to tuck her babies to sleep. One very important lesson the book “Working Mother’s new book, Working Mom Survival Guide: How to Run Around Less & Enjoy Life More” taught me to accept my limitations and there’s no such thing as a perfect mom. Don’t let anyone guilt you into feeling you are not good enough. You are the only mom your kids have and doing the best you can for your kids by working hard and ensuring their quality of life is elevated doesn’t make you a bad mom.

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We have an excerpt of the Book below, you can buy the book online from amazon as well. You won’t regret the buy.

Book Excerpt You’ve had a pretty good week. The triumphs might include getting your kids to preschool for circle time and achieving professional nirvana when a client approves that never-goingto-end project. But what about you, personally? Are you doing things for yourself that make you feel … wait for it … happy? This is a big one, and it affects the whole family. Your state of mind—from the moment that little egg and sperm gave a cosmic thumbsup and formed a human being—has a direct effect on your children. the good news: 82 percent of moms in our recent Working Mother survey say they feel happier since becoming

parents. only 4 percent are less happy (14 percent feel about the same).

Wherever you fall on this spectrum, upping the happiness factor will make you a better mom.

Here are some strategies for tending to your emotional life.

The “Good Enough” Mom When more moms joined the workforce, we heard all about the “supermom.” A revolt against all those high expectations brought about the “slacker mom.”

Now we’re hearing again about the “good enough mother,” a term coined more than 50 years ago by Dr. D. W. Winnicott, a British pediatrician, sociologist and psychoanalyst. He said the key role of the good enough mother is to adapt to her baby, which gives him a sense of control and the comfort of being connected with his mother.

A mother’s attunement to

There are no perfect moms and no perfect kids. When we accept our own limitations, we can better accept our kids her infant enables him to become more imaginative, playful and spontaneous—and to grow to be his true self. A mom doesn’t need superior skills to nurture her baby, according to Dr. Winnicott, just an ordinary ability to tune in to her baby’s needs and do what it takes to meet them. When the term “good enough mom” is used today, it grows out of the idea that most moms have everything their kids need inside themselves already.

The good enough mom uses her own best judgment, is available to her child, learns from mistakes and loves her child, though not necessarily all of his behavior. Still, today’s working moms can have such high—often unrealistic—standards that they can wind up feeling not “good enough” at all. Keep in mind that there’s no single right way to do things, so you don’t need to worry that you’re doing it wrong and damaging your child. Your baby doesn’t need a perfect mom, even if there were such a person.

A good enough mom: Makes time with her kids a priority. If the choice is ironing or playing with your daughter, pick playtime.

Doesn’t compare herself to other moms, especially stay-at-home moms!

It may look rosy on the other side of the motherhood fence, but you don’t know their real stories.

Accepts limitations. There are no perfect moms and no perfect kids.

When we accept our own limitations, we can better accept our kids’.

Staying in the Moment One of the biggest working-mother myths about multitasking is that it helps us get more done. This is only the case when the tasks don’t require much concentration—like setting the table while talking on the phone. But if your child asks what “s-e-x” means, you don’t want to be chopping veggies at the same time. we deplete ourselves when we multitask on highconcentration jobs—like when your boss asks you to revise a budget. So multitasking can actually lead to burnout.

The truth about focusing on one thing at a time and living in the moment is that it makes us more productive and happier. Yes, you’re pulled in many directions at once, but

if you choose one direction at a time, you’ll be more effective and less stressed. At work, try for what psychologists call “flow,” immersing your mind fully in one activity. At home, take time to give your kids your full attention—they need it.

Stress Busters if you’re walking around with a stiff neck and a knot in your stomach, and your personality is always set on irritated, it’s time to do something about your stress level. This doesn’t require two hours of meditation daily or locking yourself in an isolation chamber.

There are simple things you can do to conquer stress.

Exercise. Yes, we know you barely have time to pee, let alone put on your sneakers. Which is why all we’re asking is that you commit to ten minutes. That’s it. Do something easy, like walk around the block or flip on a fitness channel and join in or pick up a couple of soup cans and pump. Try to find something you like and stick with it. If you’re done after ten minutes, fine, but chances are, you’ll say, “I can do another ten!”

Get physical. When you’re under pressure—plugging away on a particularly difficult project at work, or coping with your child who is going through a “stage”—try to find a physical outlet for your frustration, preferably one that lets you smash and bash things, like kickboxing.

Express yourself. When you feel your emotions building, vent to a friend who’s good at talking you down, or simply confide in your dog.

Keep your perspective. Recognize a situation for what it is. If you’re fuming because the train is late, again, remind yourself that this is one of the many things that are out of your control. Try to belly breathe.

Limit sugar and caffeine. Too much of these stimulants can leave you feeling tired, cranky, and like a stick of dynamite. Stay hydrated. taking a sip of water can be amazingly calming.

Worrying Less Fretting over your kids’ safety, your career decisions, your relationships and your overloaded schedule is bound to happen from time to time. but worrying, which can be an appropriate emotion depending on the circumstances, can become destructive when left unchecked. if you feel persistently anxious, call your doctor. In the meantime, try one (or all) of these strategies to help ease anxiety.

Write down your worries in two columns: “Things You Can Control” and “Things

You Cannot Control.” This can help you identify when to try to let go and when to act.

If journaling isn’t for you, try talking it out with your partner or a friend. the goal isn’t to dwell on your worries but to acknowledge them, expose them to the light of day and let them pass.

Think of worries as toxins, then find a way to get them out.

For the things you can control, or at least influence, such as saving for your child’s college education or keeping your family healthy, come up with action plans. Start a college savings account, no matter how small. make an incremental change in your lifestyle, such as going for a family walk after dinner or switching to organic produce. Taking action to battle a fear can help you feel better.

For the things you cannot control, such as natural disasters, accidents or the nation’s economy, indulge in your fears, but only for five minutes.

Cry, pace or stew, and then move on.

Visualize your worry by picturing it as a balloon floating away or a log floating downstream. when you can no longer see it, get on with your day.

When You Feel Overwhelmed Bombarded by demands, expectations and deadlines, it’s easy to feel like we’re facing more than we can handle at times.

Here, five steps that will take you from paralyzed to powerful: 1. Make a list. Jotting down everything you need to do helps you see the true scope of what you’re facing. For each item, write steps you need to finish it, then focus on what the next step is.

Consider crossing off tasks you feel you should do but don’t want to do.

2. Ask Yourself, “What matters most?”

Set priorities based on importance and urgency—what needs to happen today, what can be done next week and what you can put off indefinitely.

3. Focus. Once you’ve picked a task to complete, practice total engagement. Turn your phone to mute and shut down email so you can give it your full attention.

4. Set time limits. Dedicate a certain amount of time (say, 20 minutes) to each task. Set a timer and stay put until you hear the ping.

5. Just say no. Practice saying “no thank you” politely and firmly and with as few words as possible. Whether turning down a business-lunch invitation or a playdate for your son, don’t justify the no with a detailed explanation. Still not comfortable saying no? Try saying “I wish I could, but”—it’s a softer version.

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Essential colours for the office

Personal and Corporate Styling and Make Up service that aims to educate men and women on the importance of self image; This platform covers topics and discussions on building and managing your brand any age, budget or lifestyle. www.noukoncept.com This month in the NouKoncept Column, we focus on colours, what are essential colours and what are appropriate colours for the office‌.

New Koncept now has a blog you can subscribe noukoncept.wordpress.com

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Meryl Streep wearing one. See image to the left.

With her silver /grey hairstyle, doesn’t it make you look forward to aging but also it’s a gentle reminder to women who are 40 and over to embrace their age and discover their unique and authentic brand.

After all, life has just began!

I also favour the white shirt in a men’s wardrobe for office. Paired with a red or blue tie means authority.

The same can be worn, without the tie, but with a jacket /blazer and loafers to work cocktail taking the look from office to-night outing.

•

Men and women, enjoy your white shirts with:

•

Black formal skirt and pants suit

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On denim for casual Friday

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Under a cardigan or striped blazer

It is an all-purpose purchase. And remember that you can never have too many white shirts!

Ladies, if you are going to wear a red dress to the office, use it as canvas to build upon.

White Shirt – Wardrobe Staple White shirt a wardrobe is staple. It is the best from your basics on which you build your wardrobe. This information is for both men and women business professional wear. Every one can wear it in a formal fashion, either crisp-white or creamwhite. Usually not both.

I have always loved a white shirt. It’s a must-have in my wardrobe. I can either wear it formal on a pencil skirt and heels to work, and this same look can be taken from the office to after work dinner or drinks. Ladies, you can add a bold /statement necklace to glam up for the evening too!

I fell in love -all -over -again with the white shirt when I saw

Red, for office?

Dressing for Success means wearing appropriate clothing.

Is RED appropriate colour for professional business wear? In the past red colour for women especially has given the reputation of the wearer being scandalous or bad news! In the western culture or Christianity associates the colour red with sin. Also people who wear red are depicted as ruthless, someone who would do anything to get what they want. However, in Chinese culture red is a positive colour and is associated with money, good luck and fertility.

So you always had to be careful about what your choice of colour is saying to those around about your body image.

Globalization has changed the way red colour is depicted. Red exhibits Power and Wealth. For men, a red tie has been known to work as a ‘power’ tie.

Whilst this colour works for high status executives or job positions that require negotiation, this colour like any other very bold colour will certainly not work for either men or women at job interviews, funerals, black tie events or during Christmas if your goal is to make a statement. For women, a red dress to the office doesn’t have to be inappropriate. Just make sure it’s the right length, cut and fit.

Ladies and gentlemen, ensure you wear the correct shade of red that compliments your skin tone. There’s two types of red. Reds that appear as if they have yellow and those that appear as if they have blue. If you are a larger in size then opt for darker shades of these tones of red.

Ladies, if you are going to wear a red dress to the office, use it as canvas to build upon.

Wear black, brown or nude shoes.

Make sure your accessories compliments your shoes.

Keep your accessories very basic /simple.

Add layers such as a dark coloured blazer, jacket or scarfs to down play the bold colour.

Just remember to dress for business, not for pleasure!

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Corporate Heelz

eNoticeboard Introducing the

The Corporate Heelz eNoticeboard speaks to, for and about women. To be distributed weekly, it fast tracks your brand via email to over 2,000 business and professional women.

This is the most economical way to advertise events, products specials, workshops, services or even positions vacant. All Corporate Heelz members on our mailing list get an introductory discount.

Email us advertising@corporateheelz.com today for more details. www.facebook/corporateheelz www.twitter.com/corporateheelz

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Truths for Our

Daughters

By JOAN SOLOTAR

A

s a senior professional in financial services — an industry with comparatively few women in the executive ranks — I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about why there aren’t more women at the top-most levels of companies. I’ve read the studies and heard the theories that women don’t network well; don’t have the “vision thing”; communicate too passively; don’t ask for bigger jobs and the top clients; and have fewer sponsors who are willing to use political capital to advocate for them the way they do for their male colleagues. There’s a lot of agreement and repetition when talking about the problem. It’s when discussing solutions that things get quieter. As a mother watching her 18-year old college freshman daughter contemplate her summer job options and future career, I want her to be exposed to success stories — not to what women lack or haven’t done or can’t do — because I know these successes exist and we need to share more of them. If young women everywhere went into the workforce steeped not only in the message that “you can’t have it all” and inundated not only with data on the lack of senior women, but armed instead with all the accumulated advice and wisdom of experienced women who have thrived in and enjoyed their careers, then they — and the organizations they’re joining — would be much better served. Here is the advice I’ll give my daughter — and all young women like her eagerly anticipating building a career — as she starts to make decisions about her life. These are some truths that I know now, twenty-plus years into my career, but wish someone had told me earlier.

And though I didn’t always follow these guidelines, my career has been more successful — and I got to where I am today — because of them. Maybe my daughter will embody these early on and be ahead of the game.

Be confident. I’ve watched you

approach multivariable calculus class this semester with coolness and calm.

Bring that spirit into the workforce with you. (For the record: I can’t think of a single thing I’ve done in my entire career that approaches the complexity of multivariable calculus).

You don’t need to “know it all” on day one. And neither does anyone else, including that very confidentsounding guy in the cube next to you.

Even CEOs ask questions.

Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It took me about a decade, if not longer, to figure this one out. It’s easy to hold yourself back by thinking there is someone else out there who is more talented, more experienced, more skilled. You won’t grow in your career if you won’t venture beyond what you already are comfortable doing.

You have no idea where your career will lead you longer-term so think of it in smaller, manageable stages.

Opportunities will come along. Be fearless, take them, and don’t worry so much about what’s next.

Speak twice as loudly as you think you need to. I really wish someone had said this to me before my first presentation in a corporate boardroom — when someone actually asked me to “speak up”.

Be prepared. Practice. Know the numbers inside and out. Great business judgment develops with time, but even on day one, you can have the facts — and this is powerful.

Find that person who believes in you — and then listen to them, even if you don’t like what they’re saying. You will look back and be thankful that you did.

Draw lines in the sand. Know what it is you absolutely won’t give up and stick to it. No one will thank you for not having a life outside of work, never

taking vacation. The most successful people I know weave their lives and work together throughout the week.

This gives them both career longevity and life fulfillment.

You will frequently feel like you are not giving your 100% best anywhere — either at home, at work, with friends, with other outside interests. I feel like this all the time — and it’s okay. High achievers always strive to do more at work, with family and friends, with your other outside commitments and interest.

Pay it forward and good things happen. Take the call or the meeting request when friends and colleagues reach out for business or career advice and connect them with others who may be helpful. They will remember and it’s an easy and genuine way to expand your network.

Be ready — for anything.

It’s time for us to change the narrative of why there aren’t more women at the top. Can we simply whip up a “how to” and change the trends we all see? Likely not — because there is no Secret Formula X for success. We each bring a varying mix of talents, ideas and experience to the equation, as well as differing life circumstances.

That’s why we need to start sharing our success stories, instead of focusing on all the reasons why women opt out or don’t live up to their potential in the workforce. On this Mother’s Day, share your story with someone who needs to hear it.

Published May 10th in the Harvard Business Review About Author Joan Solotar is a Senior Managing Director, Head of the External Relations & Strategy Group, and a member of both the Executive and Management Committees at the Blackstone Group, the global private equity and alternative asset management firm.

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“Chilimba” friend or foe

By Veronica Simubali-Mumba

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ost of us have heard of this word used by our Moms, grand mothers, aunties, it started at a point when having a bank account was a reserve of the working class. It served as a “saving pot” for women who wanted a large amount to invest in their children’s school fees, businesses, rent to building projects.

Of late we have seen an increase in companies who operate on the “Chilimba” principle. However, you need to be careful before investing in these schemes. The Chilimba principle is basically what the west calls pyramid schemes. Not all is bad about Chilimba but we would like to give you a bit more information on this practice.

the presence of several banks and microfinance institutions on the market.

The scheme which was previously only popular amongst close friends, workmates or informal associations was traditionally done monthly but has now evolved and is done daily for traders who deal in food and other daily requirements and both men and women have at one point been a part of a Chilimba group.

What is Chilimba?

The Chilimba concept is not restricted to Zambia, although called by different names in different countries in Africa; they work under the same notion of cyclical saving and investment schemes in the informal sector and offer the biggest competition to formal financial institutions.

Chilimba a popular local name for a savings and credit scheme in which members pool their money together and disperse it to members on a rotational basis. It has been a source of finance for most low to middle income groups in Zambia, whether its raising money to buy a new Television set or saving money for a small enterprise, Chilimba is still a preferred investment scheme in Zambia despite

So what makes Chilimba a more attractive source of finance as compared to accessing money from established organizations such as banks and microfinance institutions?

From experience, with Chilimba there is a high level of trust amongst members of the group, trust so deep that you can contribute your money to pay one member of the group and wait in some cases four months

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to get your turn, without any sort of documentation to show that you contributed your money. Although this can be a downside it is an intrinsic value in doing Chilimba.

Most people find Chilimba very convenient albeit risky; it has worked for them in the past and provides quick financial solutions every time they need to meet basic daily needs.

However, in the recent past, companies have sprung up that purport to be doing Chilimba but on a more organized level with promises of higher returns of up to twenty five thousand kwacha, the risks in these ventures which renowned economist

Chibamba Kanyama referred to them as “Ponzi schemes” named after Charles Ponzi who widely used the scheme and took in huge amounts of money. Ponzi schemes are also know as pyramid schemes.

Some of the schemes were fronting prominent economists as sponsors or supporters of the schemes which Mr.

Because people are attracted to the idea of making a quick buck with very little effort, many different forms of disguised pyramid schemes have succeeded in fooling people.

Kanyama denied.

Due to the promises of high returns many people joined the schemes but unfortunately were disappointed as the schemes did not have legal backing and many people lost money after buying forms which they could not sell for them to regain their money.

Commenting on the matter when the schemes first became popular, Mr. Kanyama advised Zambians seeking for ways of investing their money to counter-check the credibility of any such promoters before they commit their money.

“Considering that many Zambians seek to diversify their investments through which they will save for the future, many unscrupulous individuals are leveraging the opportunity by hoodwinking unsuspecting members of the public to invest money with them. These individuals are advised to focus their energies into credible businesses that this economy offers.” Said Mr. Kanyama He said the existence of fraudulent Ponzi Schemes or Chilimba should also be an eye opener to the existing financial institutions to design financial products that are flexible, competitive and reflective of the saving culture among Zambians.

Owing to the huge costs of borrowing money from established institutions coupled with bureaucracy in accessing financing many people in Zambia will still prefer Chilimba or any other scheme that provides convenience in accessing funds.

Further, the lure of high returns on the money invested in these schemes no matter how risky is the challenge that organised micro lending institutions will continue to face and will need to challenge.

What Is A Pyramid Scheme?

A pyramid scheme is a fraudulent investing plan that has unfortunately cost many people worldwide their hardearned savings. The concept behind the pyramid scheme is simple and should be easy to identify; however, it is often presented to potential investors in a disguised or slightly altered form. For this reason, it is important to not only understand how pyramid schemes work, but also to be familiar with the many different shapes and sizes they can take.

The Scheme As its name indicates, the pyramid scheme is structured like a pyramid. It starts with one person - the initial recruiter - who is on top, at the apex of the pyramid. This person recruits a second person, who is required to “invest” K100 which is paid to the initial recruiter. In order to make his or her money back, the new recruit must recruit more people under him

or her, each of whom will also have to invest K100. If the recruit gets 10 more people to invest, this person will make K900 with just a K100 investment.

The 10 new people become recruiters and each one is in turn required to enlist an additional 10 people, resulting in a total of 100 more people. Each of those 100 new recruits is also obligated to pay K100 to the person who recruited him or her; recruiters get a profit of all of the money received minus the initial K100 paid to the person who recruited them. The process continues until the base of the pyramid is no longer strong enough to support the upper structure (meaning there are no more recruits). (From pyramid schemes to envelope stuffing, there are a lot of scams masquerading as legitimate part-time work. Visit investopedia to read more in Recognize And Avoid “Work At Home” Scams.)

The Fraud The problem is that the scheme cannot go on forever because there is a finite number of people who can join the scheme (even if all the people in the world join). People are deceived into believing that by giving money they will make more money (“with an investment of just K100, you will receive K900 in return”). But no wealth has been created; no product has been sold; no investment has been made; and no service has been provided.

The fraud lies in the fact that it is impossible for the cycle to sustain itself, so people will lose their money somewhere down the line. Those who are most vulnerable are those towards the bottom of the pyramid, where it becomes impossible to recruit the number of people required to pay off the previous layer of recruiters. This kind of fraud is illegal in the Unites States and most countries throughout the world. It is estimated that 90% of people who get involved in a pyramid scheme will lose their money.

Fraud Disguised Because people are attracted to the idea of making a quick buck with very little effort, many different forms of disguised pyramid schemes have succeeded in fooling people. Despite the illusion of legality presented by these revamped schemes, they are still illegal. It is thus important to recognize the characteristics of such so-called investment plans.

Source : Investopedia.com

Lelemba on Chilimba The Chilimba system being a type of Rotating Savings and Credit Association (Rosca) can be a great system when applied well. These types of Roscas, although called by different names like Susu in Ghana or Stokvel in South Africa are popular all over continent and have the potential to contribute to micro-enterprise development. They encourage discipline, accountability and working together (when everyone’s paying) but like any type of saving I feel its more beneficial when the money received is used for investing into something that will bring back more money than used purely for consumption.

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8

Things You Should Never, Ever Say at Work

by Steven Barnes

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ne wrong word or thoughtless response can ruin a reputation and stick with someone for a long, long time, especially in the work place. We tend to spend more time at work than anywhere else, which is why we usually end up lackadaisical and let our guards down. To avoid any major fails, take my advice and don’t say these eight phrases at work:

“That’s not my job.”

Telling someone “That’s not my job” or “I don’t have time for that” effectively suggests you don’t care and aren’t willing to help. It’s okay if you need to direct someone to a different department or if you have a heavy workload that won’t let you take on anything else, but be careful how you relay that information—and realize it may be you asking for a favor next week.

“Or else.”

Threatening or giving anyone in the office an ultimatum rarely ends in success. Whether it’s to a long-time employee or a new intern, be careful with your wording. Making demands can quickly label you as someone who is difficult to work with and not a team player. You may be tempted to look for other job opportunities, but don’t threaten your employer with that information. If you feel that intimidation is the only way to have your voice heard, you may want to re-evaluate your work environment.

“Last night was so crazy.”

Even if you have a casual work environment, keep the weekend party stories to yourself. Overhearing you talk about getting wasted isn’t going to impress your boss.

Alternatively, it may make you appear to be irresponsible and careless—especially if you come to work hungover and bored.

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“To be honest…”

Beginning a statement with “to be honest” usually relays the message to listeners that something negative is about to be said. It also implies that you know you’re about to be rude, but you don’t care. More importantly, it can lead colleagues to wonder if they should doubt the integrity of other statements that lack the phrase. Without being offensive, learn to communicate what you need to say in a straightforward manner.

“You look tired.”

Show compassion instead of blurting out that someone looks under the weather. There may be a legitimate reason, such as sickness or stress. But it could be that she was running late and didn’t put on any makeup, or he is going through something he doesn’t want to talk about.

“How did they get promoted?”

Office gossip is never a good idea. Nothing can ruin your career faster than a negative, poisonous attitude about your co-workers, boss, or company. Stay away from name calling, like “he’s a jerk” or “she’s lazy.” Not only will it make you seem childish, but it may quickly put your name on the elimination list.

“This may sound stupid, but…”

Prefacing comments or suggestions with discounting phrases such as “I may be wrong, but…” or “this may be a silly idea, but…” diminishes the impact of what you’re about to say. Instead of sounding authoritative and confident, you’re reducing your credibility and your opinion’s value.

Eliminate these phrases from your work vocabulary, and instead speak with certainty and conviction. You won’t sound like a jerk or be thought of as a complete pushover if you politely but clearly communicate your thoughts.

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Employment Act of Zambia

hether you are an employer or an employee, it’s imperative that you know the laws of the land concerning the workplace. Our focus as Corporate Heelz is what the law says about Maternity leave.

As women, we will find ourselves in a place where we want to start a family or add to our family. Maternity leave has been an issue that is of interest to women in the workplace. Note that most companies have their own employment policies but we have an extract of the basic conditions of service by law from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security.

What are the basic conditions of service by law Annual leave: A full-time employee who has worked over a period of six months is entitled to 2 days leave per month which accumulates to 24 days per year.

Public holidays: When an employee works on Sunday or public holidays (E.g. Christmas) he/she is entitled to overtime pay at double the normal rate.

Overtime: Employees working over 45 or 48 hours in a week as the case may be, are entitled to 1.5 times their hourly rate.

Sick leave : An employee certified unable to carryout his or her work due to sickness or accident is entitled to 90 working days on full pay and 90 days on half pay: An eligible female Maternity: employee is entitled to 120 days maternity leave, which is exclusive of

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annual leave. It is important to note that the duration for maternity leave in the Statutory Instruments Nos. 56 and 57 of 2006 is meant for protected workers only while other workers are covered by the Employment Act, CAP 268 which provides for paid maternity leave of 90 days.

Housing allowance: An employee is entitled to 30% of the basic salary as housing allowance.

Transport allowance: An employee who lives beyond 3 kilometres radius from the place of work is entitled to K80, 000 per month unless the employer provides transport.

Lunch allowance: An employee is entitled to K70, 000 monthly unless the employer provides adequate meals free of charge.

In case of Summary Dismissal employers are obliged to present a report to Labour office within 4 days

of dismissal If case doesn’t warrant dismissal, employee will be entitled to severance benefits of 2 months basic pay per year of service for each completed year of service as may be directed by the Labour Commissioner or Labour Officer.

Note that these are basic conditions of employment; employers are therefore encouraged to provide better wages and conditions of employment. For further details, reference may be made to Statutory Instrument numbers 56 and 57 of 2006.

• Source Ministry of Labour and Social Security • For more information, visit Our Contact Info Ministry of Labour and Social Security, New Government Complex, Independence Avenue, P.O. Box 32186, Lusaka, Zambia.

Tel: +260-211-221432, Fax: +260-211225169, Web-Site: www.mlss.gov.zm, E-Mail: mlss@mlss.gov.zm

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Stuff we 1. Yoga and Pilates

The stretches will not only strengthen your core but will have you feeling great! Its all the rave around the world and we finally understand why, best with a healthy managed diet. Yoga and Pilates are also a fun way to lose those extra kilos.

3. Smartphones

Smartphones are making life really easy now, from alarm clock, to assistant to photo album, those of you who own smartphones will agree that life’s never been particularly the same since you got one. Beware the addition to be online constantly and the temptation to upgrade with every new model released on the market.

2. Eating healthy

With applications now downloadable to your smartphone, eating healthy has never been easier; we love the Noom and DietPoint applications available on iPhone and android platforms (Samsung, LG, Sony, HTC and others) phones.

DietPoint is loaded with healthy diet plans that help you lose weight the healthy way. Counting calories is something that is time consuming but well worth it in the end. Noom counts the steps you take a day and apparently doctors say that you need to take at least 10,000 steps a day. We warn you, its no easy feat!

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we like!

4. Anything Apple

Apple products are not only good looking but they work too! No numerous updates required to run the gadgets and the apps are amazingly cool!

5. Nike training gear

Comfy and functional, you can wear your Nike gear, dri-fit pants, t-shirts and sassy trainers from the gym to the super market or your kids sports day events. We love the comfort and flexibility this gear provides. Comes in various awesome colours .

6. Twitter!! !

We often have a thousand ideas, words going through our minds and twitter gives us the opportunity to share those ideas and thoughts and what’s even greater is that we can connect with like minds and discover some pretty awesome people.

7. Kutowa’s Bubu4u line,

not only are the Zambian designs by our own Towani, they are comfy and fashionably hot outfits. Visit the Kutowa Shop and Studio on Nangwenya road. Other garments in the Bubu4u collection are available for sale. Call 0961 943 457 or 0966 728 911for more details.

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How to Schedule Your Day When You’re Unemployed

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o you lost your job. Or you graduated from college and can’t find a full-time position. Whatever your circumstances, unemployment can be tough. It can be tempting to stay out all night and spend all day under the covers. You keep your mouse on the refresh button on your email, constantly checking for news from potential employers.

But believe it or not, there are better ways to spend your unemployed days. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your day:

Make a schedule, and stick to it. While your bed seems to have some gravitational pull of its own, you have to get out of it. Set your alarm clock for the same time every weekday. Get up, shower, and put on real clothes (as in, not PJs or sweats). Even if you spend the day sitting at your desk on the computer, you’ll feel better having showered and dressed. Keep a regular bedtime too ‘” try not to go to bed in the wee hours of the morning. Assume a night schedule similar to what you’d keep if you were working.

Plan out your day. If you don’t own a planner, you might want to invest in one. Allocate time in your day for activities like applying to jobs, exercise, socialization, and networking.

Applying for jobs: Applying for jobs should occupy a large part of your day. Research niche job boards, specific companies, major job boards, and social media sites to see where unique job postings might crop up. To keep the job search from getting monotonous, assign specific job boards or sites to specific days. For example, Tuesdays and Thursdays might be spent looking over companies’ social

media sites, while Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays involve searching on niche and major job boards.

Rank the companies that appeal to you in terms of how well your skill set fits with the openings available. Make note of companies you’d like to work for that don’t have current job openings, and subscribe to RSS feeds that might help you track when openings become available. Keep track of all the jobs you apply for, and be sure to follow up when appropriate. Send follow up emails a week or so after submitting an application and always send a thank you note after interviewing. Organize your applications in terms of their status: researching, applied, interviewed, etc.

Exercise: Physical exercise is important to keep you feeling fit and happy. Even if it’s just a walk around the block to clear your head, make time in your day to get out of the house. Staying cramped up inside all day will only dampen your spirits. Don’t trap yourself in and obsess over your unemployment. Go for a bike ride, a run, a walk, whatever ‘” just get out of the house and into the sunshine.

Socialize: Keep in touch with family and friends. This is another way to break up the monotony of your daily routine ‘” plus they might have useful contacts in your industry. Pick their brains over coffee and catch up on other aspects of life. Be sure to leave time in your schedule to let your hair down so life doesn’t feel like a constant cycle of applying and waiting.

Network: Networking is one of the most important aspects of finding a job. Schedule time in your day to email contacts you might have in the industry. Set up lunch and coffee

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While it can be hard to be unemployed, a positive attitude goes a long way. Keep your spirits up and believe in yourself; meetings to ask about your field, the best places to look for jobs, any recommendations they may have or openings in the industry that may not be common knowledge, etc. Be sure to follow-up with your contacts after these meetings to keep the connection going.

Volunteering with nonprofits looking for your skill set is another great way to meet people, plus it boosts your resume and gives you great experience. Keep a comprehensive list of contacts who might be able to help in your job search.

Update your status on LinkedIn to reflect your current job search and network through your LinkedIn connections.

Make a weekly goal list. Aside from your daily plan, make a weekly goal list to chart the progress you want to make over any given week. Check things off as you get them done; at the end of the day, those check marks will make you feel accomplished!

Check your goal list at the end of each week to make sure you’re staying on track. If you’re not getting everything done, reassess the way you’re spending your time. Make

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sure you aren’t spending too much time on Facebook or watching re-runs of Dawson’s Creek on TV. Compare your daily schedule and your weekly goal list side-by-side to confirm you’re using your time effectively.

Maintain a positive attitude. While it can be hard to be unemployed, a positive attitude goes a long way. Keep your spirits up and believe in yourself; eventually, hard work and perseverance will prevail. You will find the right job.

Armed with these tips, be prepared to spend your day in a whole new way. Make the most out of your unemployment, and you won’t be unemployed much longer!

Heather R. Huhman is a career expert, experienced hiring manager, and founder & president of Come Recommended, a content marketing and digital PR consultancy for organizations with products that target job seekers and/or employers. She is also the author of Lies, Damned Lies & Internships (2011)

Monica Musonda Honoured as 2013 Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum Monica Musonda, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods was in March selected as one of the 2013 World Economic Forum Young Global Leaders.

The honour is bestowed each year to recognize the most distinguished leaders under the age of 40, amongst thousands nominated from around the world. Young Global Leaders represent the future of leadership, coming from all regions of the world and encompassing business, government, civil society, arts & culture, academia and media, as well as social entrepreneurs.

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan chairs the selection committee and the nomination is in recognition of Ms Musonda’s professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world through inspiring leadership.

Other African nominees as Young Global Leaders in 2013 include South African parliamentarian Lindiwe Mazibuko, Nigerian founder of Flying Doctors Ola Orekurin, and Liberian founder of Face Africa Saran Kaba Jones. This year’s class comprises 199 young leaders from 77 countries.

Commenting on Musonda’s nomination, Dr Tukiya Kankasa-Mabula, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Zambia said: “I have known Monica for 20 years and this is a well-deserved recognition for her hard work and dedication.

Monica’s strategic, forward thinking and influencing skills are clear qualities of a future leader and I would like to congratulate her as only the third Zambian to be named as a Young Global Leader.”

Monica is the Founder & CEO of Java Foods, a food processing company established to provide affordable nutrition to the mass market by processing Zambia’s high quality wheat into instant noodles (under the brand name “eeZee noodles”) and pasta. Java’s first plant will be commissioned in January 2014.

A dual qualified English solicitor and Zambian advocate with over fifteen years post qualification experience; Monica has held senior positions both in private practice (with Clifford Chance & Edward Nathan) and working as in house counsel at the International Finance Corporation in Washington DC. Her most recent position was at Dangote Industries (Lagos, Nigeria) where she served as Director Legal and Corporate Affairs. Monica was the project lead responsible for the Dangote Group’s $500m investment into Zambia to build the country’s largest cement plant, due to be completed in 2014. Her experience working with one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs (Aliko Dangote) gave her the impetus to start her own business and in 2012, she moved back to Zambia and set up Java Foods.

Monica serves as a director on the Boards of the Bank of Zambia and Dangote Industries Zambia Limited. She is also the Chairperson of Kwacha Pension Trust Fund. She is a founding member of Jurispractice, an organisation that helps provide continuing legal education to lawyers in Zambia. In February 2013, the African Leadership Institute invited Monica to become an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Associate.

Corporate Heelz heartily congratulates Monica on this highly prestigious accolade and looks forward to hearing more from her in the future.

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Zambians to follow on Twitter We have twitter listed as one of the things we like…a lot. Our musings feel at home with many like minds on this social networking platform so we decided, why not compile a list of Zambians to follow?

We asked tweeple to nominate #zambianstofollow and below are the people nominated. Note this list isn’t about the most popular people but about nominations from other Zambians on twitter of people they feel are worth following. Corporate Heelz started this initiative to strengthen the Zambian community presence on twitter.

Find time to nominate your favourite #zambianstofollow on twitter, what’s even more fun is that you can nominate yourself! Here goes folks, get following….

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30 day Challenge I

t is been said that it takes about 30 days to form a habit. The ones that are good for you require cultivation and determination. The starting phase is the hardest, especially if you want to change an old habit into a new one. This is why giving yourself a challenge for a minimum of 30 days is a great way to improve all facets of your life. Yes, it is a gift. So, take a moment to think ‘Who do I want to be in 5 years?’ What kind of habits would you like to have? You better start now if you want your new habits to influence your lifestyle and consequently your life!

Pick some challenge from our list or make up your own but we encourage you to get started today! Keep a log, challenge your friends and stay inspired! Be cautioned, picking too many challenges at the same time can easily result in a failure of all of them.

“I guarantee you, the next 30 days are going to pass whether you like it or not. So why not think about something you have always wanted to try and give it shot for the next 30 days.”

Matt Cutts-Engineer at Google

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#1

Write a I-Like-This-About-You note/text/email each day for someone (Easy)

This is the perfect way to let someone else know you care.

We are so often focused on the bad stuff that we forget to mention the good. You surely will make people’s day, 30 days in a row!

#2

Talk to one stranger each day (Hard)

This is a great one to cure approaching anxiety. Have you ever resisted the temptation to talk to someone because you were afraid and said to yourself that you actually don’t want to talk to her/him anyway? Not anymore! After 30 strangers you will understand people are just people and there’s nothing weird in speaking to someone you don’t know.

#3

Take one picture each day (Hard)

This one gets harder nearing the end of the challenge because at one point you will run out of the easy shots. This one is great to combine with other challenges, a great way to make a photo diary! Instagram is a perfect place for your photo diary.

#4

Re-evaluate one long-held belief each day (Intermediate)

Questioning your own beliefs is a great way to rid yourself of limiting beliefs while continually adapting to new knowledge you’ve taken on since putting old beliefs together.

#5

Take a 30 minute walk each day (Easy)

Walking is healthy, relaxing and inspiring. And it is both easy and free! A great exercise while walking is to observe other people and think about what the differences and similarities are between you and them. This will definitely increase your empathy and your observing skills!

#6

Take a moment each day to practice self compassion and self-love (Hard)

Do you love yourself? Do you beat yourself up after you make mistakes? This is because our society sets standards that are almost impossible to achieve. And so we form a habit of thinking we are not good enough, not worthy enough. There is also a kind of stigma on self-love, it is

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often confused with either being arrogant or it being a weakness. Both are wrong. It is a skill that can be trained so you will develop the emotional skillset to accept parts of yourself which you might not like very much, you learn to stop fighting against frustration and start accepting it as an integral part of life itself. Self love and self acceptance are also crucial to loving and accepting others around you.

#7

Try a new recipe each day (Intermediate)

If you want to learn how to cook you need to practice, practice, practice. Forcing yourself to try a new recipe each day is a great way to learn of more techniques and ingredients. It also makes it easier to drop bad food habits you might have and turn them into healthy ones!

#8

Refrain from alcohol and other drugs for 30 days in a row! (Depends)

Do you have a social circle where there hasn’t been a sober night out for years? Can you try to have fun without ingesting drinks to alter your doors of perception?

This is a great challenge to learn how to stand up for yourself against peer pressure.

#9 #1

Write a 50,000 word novel in 30 days (Hard) Ever wanted to write a book? Do it. Do it in 30 days.

0 Learn how to draw a human face in 30 days (Intermediate)

There are many ‘how to’ youtube videos on drawing and if you ever wanted to learn how to draw, stop making excuses. Set yourself a challenge and be amazed what you can achieve in 30 days!

#11

Watch a documentary each day (Easy)

Always wanted to know everything about a certain topic? You are in luck, it’s the digital era! There are more documentaries online you can possible watch in a lifetime. YouTube, Google Video, TruthTheory. org and TopDocumentaryFilms.com are some of the great sources.

#1

2 Read a chapter each day (Easy)

We all know we should be reading more often but somehow we are glued to the same computer screen you are staring at right now. Clicking buttons. The solution is to take some time each day to read one chapter.

Just one. Easy right? Do it somewhere cozy or outside. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, turn on some ambient music.

#13

Study a topic you’d like to master each day (Hard)

Always wanted to know everything about Economics? Investments? Psychology? Physics? Educate yourself without school! Pick a topic, plan at least a lecture or an assignment each day and become a genius on your passion!

day Challenge #14 #23 Walk/Drive a new route to work/school each day (Easy)

This is a great challenge to keep alert, discover new places, get a better understanding of your city and to have more fun while doing one of the mundane daily tasks of life.

#15

Read a new article/post on Corporate Heelz each (Easy)

A great way to keep inspired, to come up with new ideas and to motivate yourself to make the best out of life!

#16

Avoid gossip for 30 days (Hard)

Any morsel of gossip thrown your way should be met with “I’m sorry I don’t discuss people behind their backs.” After all, they say those who gossip about others with you, will gossip about you to others.

#17

Pick one bad habit you already have and ditch it for 30 days (Hard)

Do you like to see the negative side of things? Do you practice self-hate? Do you eat fast food?

Quit them for 30 days, and pick another challenge instead!

#18

Inspire yourself each day (Easy)

Studies have shown that people who are inspired are happier, nicer, productive and will not stray away from their chosen path if life gets difficult. So print a quote and tape it to the mirror. Have an inspirational video as your starting page. Use an inspirational mantra for meditation. Get a principle to live by. In short, get your dose of inspiration each day!

#19

Take a cold shower each day (Intermediate)

Cold showers are great for uplifting ones mood, cure stress related diseases, to strengthens ones immune system and to make your skin beautiful.

#20

Think of an accomplishment you’d like to achieve for each year of the next 30 years, a year each day. (Hard)

This is great existential shock therapy. You can’t answer these questions without facing your life as it is right now and how it is likely to unfold. This one also gets harder progressively. It’s a great way to reflect!

#21 #22

Practice a random skill everyday (Easy)

There are many available “How To” on YouTube and other video sites. Free courses, cooking tricks. Broaden your arsenal!

Take the stairs every chance you get (Intermediate)

So take the stairs every chance you get for 30 days. It is healthy, it doesn’t look silly and it will add up over a lifetime :)

Wake up early each day (Intermediate)

It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom. – Aristotle

#24

Keep a journal (Intermediate)

Great for memory, reflection and especially awesome to look back to in the future and remember the good old times when you did these challenges!

#2

5 Don’t lie for 30 days (Hard)

This is quite the challenge. Stop deceiving yourself and others, speak from the heart. This one goes great with cultivating right intentions, because if you master that, there won’t be any need for lying!

#26

Combine challenges (Easy)

Take a photo of yourself reading a different book at a different location. Take 10,000 steps on a new route to meet new people. Instead of shopping from Mandahill mall, go to Arcades or Levy Mall.

Do all challenges, a different one each day. Wake up early to make time to meditate, practice self-compassion.

#27

Doing something that scares you every day (Hard)

Fear is the one thing keeping you from being the best version of yourself. The only way to overcome your fears is to face them head on! It maybe the right time to ask for that raise you feel you deserve.

#28

Don’t complain for an entire day (Hard)

This one will likely take more than a few days to work up to achieving. Even if you’re a highly positive person, it’s difficult not to utter one negative sentence for a 24-hour span. Don’t be down on yourself if you can’t make it past an hour — as with everything this takes practice! This one is also great practice for becoming conscious of your thoughts.

#29

Make a connection with an old friend from School (Hard)

Catch up with old friends, organize a high school reunion if need be. There’s nothing like going back to remind you of the strength of the dreams you had in secondary school (high school) to rekindle your passion for success

#30

Practice (at least) one completely selfless act each day (Easy)

Go out of your way to help someone else out who may or may not deserve your kindness. Give your neighbor’s a lift or offer to carpool. Spend all your weekends volunteering at an orphanage. Take a friend out for lunch and make it all about them. Do something that takes real effort on your part while brightening the day of the receiver.

Share your progress to our editor (editor@corporateheelz. com), we would love to be part of the cheerleading team that urges you on.

CHPROFILER

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Corporate Heelz NetWorkOut‌..

Networking while Working Out.

C

orporate Heelz is committed to creating and sustaining a supportive network online and offline, where all corporate women and women business owners can find answers and inspiration in their business endeavors.

Our offline relationships are nurtured through CH MeetUps for the month of May was in form of a yoga morning at Hotel Intercontinental in Lusaka.

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CHPROFILER

Corporate Heelz held it’s first NetWorkOut as a yoga morning with Towani Clarke.

The commonality of the workout experience was a catalyst for much more natural conversation, sharing of ideas, and exchange of stories.

The workout was one hour and we will have a post-workout happy hour. We were delighted to meet ladies from all walks of life who enriched the experience for us.

CHPROFILER

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CHPROFILER