Ch5 ezine

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CONTENTS 6 Yuyo Kambikambi 11 Media 365 (cover feature) 26 Upfront with Nalukui 30 Zambia’s game changers 31 Chiteu & Chisenga 36 Irene & Chongo 40 Chi & Hope 46 Yemba 50 Dress code, what does

52 Corporate Heelz Leans in 53 Elizabeth Pemba 58 The Rise of the Zambian Employedprenuer

60 Women helping women 61 Décor with Duni 70 Corporate Heelz Launch 74 High Tea in pictures 78 Anakazi

it mean?

To The Editor

Hello CH,

This will be a good platform to encourage the women folk to get involved in the socio-economic development of Zambia.

Networking is the way to go as it provides you an opportunity to learn new things, improve on the concepts but also have people one can relate with. Sometimes, when you hear what others have been through; how they started out business or whatever it is they are doing; and how they have managed to be where they are it just gives you the determination.

I have finally read my first ever Corporate Heels Ezine and really enjoyed it. Thank you so much, it came at the right time. I love the article on parenting and I’ll order the book as soon as I can. I have felt guilty for a while now about how little time I spend with my children as a single working mum. Thanks so much for that. All the other articles are wonderful too and inspiring and I’m getting started on that 30-day challenge too.

Corporate Heelz this is a good job that you’re doing. Keep it up. Cheers!!!

Lulu Lumbiwe Limbikani

Wesley Litaba Wakun’uma

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One again, thank you and keep on sharing the stories.

Acknowledgements FOUNDER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Janice Matwi SUB EDITORS Limpo Chinika Admin AND ADVERTISING Leonisa Mumba PROOFREADER Limpo Chinika DESIGN Elaine Mwanza PUBLISHER Corporate Heelz Corporate HeelzÂŽ is published six times a year PHONE +260971901576 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.

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Editor’s Note

Leaning In

& Rediscovering Your Power

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he month of July was a very special month for Corporate Heelz, we officially launched Corporate Heelz and had our first ever Corporate Heelz High Tea, the success of these events were a true testament of how relevant we have become in many Zambian women’s lives. The feedback was overwhelmingly inspirational, we formed some wonderful partnerships and had a lot of meaningful conversations with various Zambian women from all spheres of life and I have no doubt that a revolution is taking place and great strides will be taken.

And cue in, the Lean In movement…..The lean in movement has taken the world by storm. We have some of our features telling us about how the LEAN IN movement has impacted their lives.

Some may ask, what is the big deal? It’s a book about the “feminist movement” and we’ve heard it all before. Well the big deal is, LEAN IN is rallying women from the world over and encouraging women to share their stories of triumph or share what they would do if they were not afraid.

That’s why I am leaning in at least, I’m leaning in towards my dream to start and grow a women’s network that will encourage the sharing of inspiring and enlightening stories of Zambian women in order to empower each other.

To have these powerfully meaningful conversations that will build women and begin to slowly reveal their power. We ARE POWERFUL, in living a purpose filled life, living a life that sees us achieving our dreams and touching lives along the way. As we talk about highlighting our strengths and potential as Zambian women, remember you are uniquely positioned to achieve more if you remain authentic and focused on your goals.

Join our Corporate Heelz Lean in circle and inspire fellow women by sharing your own unique story.

Email info@corporateheelz.com for more details on leaning in.

Till next time!

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Janice Matwi

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Yuyo NachaliKambikambi 6

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Passionate communicator Yuyo: Many people don’t know this but I think (as said earlier)….my love for Public Relations or Communication started when I was about 7 or 8 years old in a strange kind of way because my first ‘public’ stint was actually the presentation of flowers to the Prince of Wales in 1979, and thereafter it was like an ‘epidemic’ of events just unveiled themselves to me for instance inspecting guards of honour with the late President of Mozambique Samora Machel and Angola’s President –Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

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he always greets with an infectious smile, in our opinion, Yuyo is a true poster woman for the Public Relations fraternity. A woman with nurturing patience, Yuyo has been mentoring women for years and we are delighted to chat with her and find out more about Yuyo.

CH: Can you tell us a bit about your career path?

Yuyo: Goodness where does one start from to answer that question? Hmm, let me see. I think to sum it all up; Yuyo (or Y2K as most of my friends call me) is a born communicator. I would say I have been a communicator probably all my life and I will explain why I say so in the next few sentence, but ‘OFFICIALLY’, I studied Journalism and Public Relations from the then Pan African Institution called Africa Literature Centre based in Kitwe – I think from there on I have never looked back and moved on to study for various courses, certificates, diplomas and all, all to do with Communication. I hold a BA Public Relations Degree and will in 2014 be embarking on a Master’s Degree with an emphasis in Strategic Management and Leadership.

But I think my decision was made when at 12yrs old I was honoured and privileged enough to be, and probably ever will be the youngest ever in the history of Zambia to be Master of Ceremonies for a Head of State’s birthday party. This was for our founding father Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda’s 59th birthday.

CH: What do you enjoy the most about your work?

Yuyo: This may sound funny especially that there is a Movie with a similar title, but I get a real good kick out of FIXING THINGS. Call me ‘The Fixer’ if you like but I seriously do get ‘high’ when I sort out a problem at the office which for me translates to the fact that the company’s good ‘image’ has remained intact because of my intervention.

CH: What do you do to stay motivated?

Yuyo: Aside getting inspiration from my God and Saviour each morning he so graciously allows me to wake up; I read quite a bit especially on new communication trends and most importantly I do like to interact with like-minded people be it male or female who have gone this road before or are indeed still walking or running the same path I am.

CH: What advice would you give to PR students? and those considering a making a career in PR?

CH: What propelled you into the world of PR?

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Yuyo: Always ask where you don’t understand. I have learnt over the last 20 plus years that it is really no skin off your nose to ask. You actually grow so much more in your career.

CH: What attracted you to National Breweries?

Yuyo: Hmmm…now that’s a trick question. I was actually head-hunted for my current position at National Breweries, a position which has now also seen me working for Zambian Breweries and Heinrich’s Beverages. (All SABMiller Plc Subsidiaries).

Truth be told, I struggled to accept the job – being a born-again Christian, my beliefs and so on but that’s a story for another day. All I can say is here I am 4 and a half years later – and yes am still a born-again Christian with many faults like many a human being but also knowing in my heart that I am probably even on more firmer ground spiritually than I was 4 years ago.

CH: What was the best career decision you made that led to your current career path?

Yuyo: Disobeying my father who wanted me to be a lawyer!! *smile*…..and I say this with great respect for my late dad who was my biggest ever fan of what I do now…….deciding to study Journalism is what has brought me thus far… and I have not regretted it for a minute.

CH: What has the most successful communications campaign you have launched at National Breweries?

Yuyo: Internally – I still have that ‘feel good’ feeling when I recall the Malaria Communications campaign that was launched in National Breweries for a first time ever. Externally – it will have to be the anti-litter communications campaign which we first launched in Garden compound then later spread it to other provinces through the Ministry of Local Government

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and Housing.

CH: What is the one lesson you learned the hard way, but wish someone had told you at the beginning of your career?

Yuyo: Always document meetings, emails of decisionmaking nature etc., no matter how insignificant they may seem to be, as these could save you face and definitely your career.

CH: What’s your secret to juggling being a wife and being a mother and a very demanding career?

Yuyo: Having been married for 19yrs, and with two teenage children, I believe my family has been very understanding of my career and supported me wherever possible...naturally I have missed out on some of my children’s important milestones, but I can only hope and pray that I have made up in other ways.

The girls are older now and don’t really need mummy around 24/7 as they are beginning to find their own life paths. BUT I will drop everything, and I might add that includes my job (Luckily, I have always had very understanding bosses) if any of them need me.

CH: What powerful call to action can you give Zambian Corporate and Entrepreneurial women?

Yuyo: Ladies it’s our time really. Our time to excel, our time to make the difference in our country, our time to just stop this ‘pull her down’ syndrome….we seem to have been at it for so long that I honestly think it’s now ‘stale news’ and if we are to have the male folk respect us more and see as equals on a negotiating business table, then enough already!

comment. This effect which is really an invisible barrier to women climbing the corporate ladder sadly is perpetuated by us women ourselves. It starts with a few women already in top positions ‘talking down and mean’ about their fellow women who they well know are more than able to do well in top positions like themselves. Not sure whether it’s another form of an inferiority complex where women don’t want to recommend their fellow species. So it all starts with us and as soon as we fix that, then the men will have nothing on us.

CH: What in your view are the tools that women need to succeed in the corporate arena?

Yuyo: I have said this before and I don’t mind saying it again. The most important tool a woman needs to succeed in the corporate arena is a button that needs to be switched on every day –a button called ‘the believe in yourself”- tool……you can have ALL the ‘material’ tools like a car or even an Ipad, or an ‘emotional’ tool like ‘support’ BUT I believe you won’t get very far if first and foremost you don’t believe in yourself. That’s been my tool for a number of years now and it’s changed my work culture and life. After all we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us.

Yuyo will be one of our mentors on the soon to be launched Corporate Heelz website. Look out for her profile and get a chance to ask her more questions about her career and any other advise in her field.

CH: What are your views about the glass ceiling effect?

Yuyo: My view on the glass ceiling effect and I expect to be shot afterwards is a continuation from my earlier

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Corporate Heelz MeetUp Series presents

he Corporate Heelz MeetUps are ongoing series of events aimed at creating inspiring, enlightening and powerful connections. The Corporate Heelz MeetUps showcasing successful Zambian women who share their success stories in order to encourage other to lead. Incredible Zambian women leaders speak about how they have led the way through their vast experiences in order to encourage others.

Powering up! Success strategies on how to Lean In & Rise to the top.

This is the inspiration of the Powering Up! MeetUp.

Corporate Heelz recently joined the LEAN IN movement (www.leanin.org). Our members have LEANED IN and have been adding their voice to this call for women to rise up and taking positions of leadership.

The MeetUp will feature three main segments 1. Powering up for your career – strategies on how to rise to the top of the Corporate ladder and stay relevant from Zambian leading corporate women 2. Powering up for your business - valuable insights to starting and growing a business in Zambia from prolific Zambian women entrepreneurs 3. Dress for Success – a segment with tips on what to wear for job interview/what to wear for a meeting with potential clients/dressing for your body type.

For more details Like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/corporateheelz Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/corporateheelz Email us events@corporateheelz.com Call us: 0971901576 advertising@corporateheelz.com

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Media 365 Dynamic, Driven Business Minds

Mary, Cathy, Natasha and Fred‌ Media 365 Directors and Zambian Gamechangers

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Not many young Zambians can claim successful setup of Zambia’s first youth newsletter then magazine, which won numerous awards and later started running Media 365, this enterprisingly bold sibling quartet is achieving leaps and bounds and has quite some experience running a business in Zambia.

The team exhibits a oneness and a resolve that will definitely see them earn even achievements to add to their high achieving business portfolio. I met up with Mary, Cathy, Freddy as they were packing to move to their new office in Kalundu. Only Natasha was missing as she is currently residing in London, England where she is a PhD candidate at Oxford. Our interview and photoshoot ended up being a catchup session since I had not seen them in ages. I had worked with the Media 365 team on their Trendsetters project under Youth Media. As always, it was a morning of meaningful conversations.

Their accomplishments read like a multi-national conglomerate rather than a business run by young Zambians all under the age of 36. But they have not been without their share of ups and downs and hard business lessons. They have been some serious life and business lessons for them, it has taken years for them to hone their collective skills and strengths to build a successful family business.

Media 365, has managed projects for United States Agency for International Development (USAID), namely ZCCP and Society for Health, to campaign manage and implement the One Love! Kwasila (OLK)campaign, the OLK campaign was part of the regional One Love initiative that aimed to have people reduce their sexual partners in a bid to stem the spread of HIV. This multimedia campaign used TV, radio, print, digital, and social media to get its messages across. OLK won best multichannel campaign at the Africa wide Communications in Health Awards in 2009. The same year, Media 365 was contracted by MTV International to roll out a grassroots campaign for its global HIV/AIDS awareness campaign MTV Ignite, using local radio, peer education workshops,

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and VIP and local screenings of its Kenya produced 3-part series Shuga. Over 10,000 people were exposed to the Ignite campaign. In 2011, Media 365 signed a two year contract worth $1,000,000.00 with USAID’s Communication Support for Health Campaign to produce a 26 part TV drama series called Love Games. Love Games premiered on local TV in January 2013. In 2011, Media 365 were commissioned to localise the regional Brothers for Life campaign in Zambia for UNICEF. This included developing TV, radio and print materials. In 2012, Media 365 were commissioned to roll out phase two of this campaign. In 2011 Media 365 developed the first ever national governance quiz for the Governance Secretariate, called Explo Quiz. Media 365 developed the tutorials, pre-quiz packs, and quiz questions.The three day quiz was subsequently made into a 30 minute documentary for TV. In 2012, Media 365 once again coordinated and managed the Explo Quiz tournament and this time produced a 13 part TV series on the games.

I do not think that there are any set rules or parameters for artistic expression and not even the sky is the limit, so authenticity to me is really a matter In 2013, Media 365 produced business grow. of being true campaigns for Ministry of Justice, Natasha: So far, I think we’ve been UNDP, UNICEF worth ZMW1,000,000. to your self fairly good at managing our dual roles The Media 365 team proves that success isn’t an overnight achievement, it takes learning, teamwork, focus, determination and planning…the team shares their success strategies and journey into the world of running a successful Zambian business.

CH: How do you get over the childhood memories i.e nicknames, “I’m older so I’m right” experiences in your business?

Mary: If only I could get my way using the “I’m older so I’m always right” trump card. Unfortunately for me, there’s way too much democracy in this business! We fight, we argue, we quit (on a regular basis) but now I think we are starting to learn that ultimately we all want the business to succeed and have to set aside those issues to see our

as siblings and colleagues. When we discuss media 365 business, we’re always rather professional and write formal emails to each other! The separation of the roles doesn’t always work though; sometimes you’ve had a disagreement at home and find that you can’t shake it in the office! Still I think we are quick to talk things out (as much as possible) and remember that Media 365 isn’t just about us, but the whole team, so it helps ensure we know where to draw the lines.

Fred: We didn’t, we still call each other nicknames and generally the older ones think that they’re right! Jokes aside I think there is something to be said about the wisdom that the experience of life teaches and so each person’s own experiences and what they bring to the

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table is respected. We are tough and do not respect each other out of a sense of courtesy and obligation, but because that respect is earned.

sisters) and we all became involved in it in someway, so the essence of family has always been present in what we do.

Cathy: We try to value each other’s experiences, but I think we do sometimes have the odd ‘I’m the older or younger sibling so I should be treated like such’, but that doesn’t fly most of the time. And sooner or later we just get on with it. So really it doesn’t impact the business much.

Natasha: We’ve been working together for a very long time, since Trendsetters days and so the partnership felt like a natural progression, although we all discussed whether we wanted to be in the company together.

CH: Was it a planned partnership or did it just happen?

Mary: Oh it was definitely planned. Each of us are very strong in our individual skill area, and between the four of us we cover most of the needs of the business.

Fred: It was kind of a combination of both - it just so happened that we planned to go into business together.

We all share a passion for media as a vehicle for social change. Media 365 evolved from Youth Media, an NGO that was founded by Mary, Cathy and Anna (my older

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CH: Do family values play a role in the growth of the business?

Cathy: Yes! We use the values and the belief systems that we grew up with to guide how we run the business and the things that are important to us - like responsibility, healthy competition, ethics, team work, supporting each other etc.

Mary: Definitely. What has been interesting is that we have often believed that we have the same values but a situation will arise and we find that we’re not in agreement. When that happens I think it’s important to

discuss and reach consensus.

FMP: Definitely. The family values and the business values are one and the same. The business is an extension of our family beliefs and goals that were instilled in us by our parents, both of who have worked in public service for the greater good of Zambia.

NP: I think yes. We’ve been fortunate enough to be brought up in a family that didn’t limit ourselves and also taught us to work hard; I think that has contributed to our own work ethic in the business.

CH: What would you say has been the most difficult moment for your business and how did you overcome it?

MP: This has been one of our most successful years in terms of the work that we have produced but we have had a lot of internal challenges in the business, mostly financial, as we attempted to grow to rapidly and it has hurt us. Hiring mistakes was one of the biggest for us.

Hiring the wrong people ended up costing the business financially - that alone cost us approximately K332, 800 that we’re still coming out of. We’ve learnt that it’s best to grow incrementally. I think we’ve also learnt very quickly who’s in it with us for the long haul, our staff who stayed through the tough times (we’re grateful to), our suppliers (thank you, thank you) and our clients who continued to have faith in us (we love you).

CEO of EnSite Solution said that being an entrepreneur is like the man riding a lion - ‘People look at him and say ‘wow he’s brave’, he thinks, how the hell did I get here and how do I get off without being eaten!’. So it’s not easy.

We’ve definitely had our ups and downs, and right now we’re going through a major down period. I have every faith that we’ll overcome it, and it’s the people left with you that you know are the ones that had your back.

I truly believe business is personal, so those relationships are important. Honesty and communication. Not everyone is going to understand, and that’s fine. But I don’t think I’ll ever forget who was there and who wasn’t.

And I appreciate those that are here, cheering us on, and supporting us.

The important thing that we have is our determination and hardwork. The chips are down and we pull together - as a team - maybe that’s why our family values and upbringing is so important for the growth of the business.

Fred: I wouldn’t describe any one particular moment as the most difficult. I would say running a business

CP: Running a business is tough. My friend - also an entrepreneur- sent me an article where Toby Thomas,

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in Zambia is difficult and everyday presents its own challenges. Most SMEs in Zambia face similar problems of under capitalization, financing, human resource issues (including values, attitude and work ethic) etc and it often feels we are fighting running battles and putting out fires just to make things work. But it forces you to be innovative, resourceful and determined to succeed and I think a combination of these things and sound business practices and a number of other things (I don’t know if there is any one recipe to succeed in business) will be the way to overcome it. Right now as we make efforts to expand we are faced with even more challenges and I guess time will tell how well we do. But with each lesson learnt a solution is found and so we carry on!

CH: What in your opinion what were the building blocks to getting to where you are?

Mary: We had a very clear idea of what we wanted to do and how that was different from what the market was offering. We were also lucky in the sense that we had a really good network that we tapped into to help support us to start our business. We had no start-up capital, what we had was a lot of goodwill!

Fred: I think that it has been a combination of many things.

We are thankful for what we have and our achievements thus far, but the journey is long and we still have goals to fulfill. So the building blocks that have helped us get to where we are and are helping us achieve our goals include our personal and company values of hard work, determination, creativity, innovation, team work, respect, responsibility, communication and efficiency, having fun and enjoying what we do. We are also made strong through our network of friends, associates and staff (all the people we work with to deliver products and services) and the support of our families. But above all is the strong sense of purpose and our guiding principle to add value to our stakeholders and the communities we serve. We believe in what we do and in the ability that we have to change the world for the better.

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Natasha: Resilience, hard work, creativity, passion, team work.

Cathy: Hardwork and determination. Everyone thinks that there is an easy route to everything but there isn’t.

And you have to have passion and love what you do something has to drive you, especially when it gets hard (which it will), and especially during those lonely times!

CH: You were the publishers of Trendsetters Magazine, Zambia’s first youth magazine, why did you discontinue?

Mary: That’s a complicated question, and I think an honest answer, at least for me, I had been doing it for over 10 years and I felt that I wanted to pursue other interests.

That chapter of my life closed and I went on to do a variety of other things, which brought new experiences and new knowledge. What still amazes me to this day – is how many people I meet in shops, our offices, who just say ‘I love Trendsetters – when will it come back?’

CH: You have been running an NGO (Non Governmental Organisation) for quiet some years now, what experiences have you learnt from marketing and pushing the sexual reproductive message to Zambian youth?

Cathy: Actually we only ran one NGO for about 10 years, and now we’re running a social enterprise (which is a forprofit company that impacts social good) and have been for the last 5 years. We do actually use proven theories for all our campaigns, as well as marketing disciplines.

Ultimately, when you’re pushing sexual health messages, you are selling a lifestyle that you want people to adopt - so you’re selling a ‘product’ and that’s generally what marketing does - communicating the value of something.

Mary: Just tell it like it is. I think all to often a lot of campaigns and media marketed at young people don’t really resonate with them, because the products (and the people driving them) refuse to address the prevailing issues on the ground.

Natasha: I think it’s really important to be real. Once you start talking about sex, a lot of people get defensive

and want you to start censoring yourself, or they want platforms for youth to express themselves and be heard to act like certain things don’t happen in Zambia. In my and above all to preserve a music genre and way of life opinion, one of the reasons why we do have so many that has its roots in originality. I do not think that there problems with HIV and unintended pregnancies (for are any set rules or parameters for artistic expression example) is exactly because people want to push sex and not even the sky is the limit, so authenticity to me is and sexual related issues under the carpet. The only way really a matter of being true to your self; what you believe we can deal with our issues, is if we face them head on. in and how you see the world. The challenge I feel that a It’s also important to remember that the Zambian people lot of artists are facing is that they do not truly know or are are very diverse, and sometimes you won’t have a one comfortable with who they are and so have challenges size fits all solution so it’s important expressing themselves in a way to remember to tailor different the audience may perceive to I truly believe business that approaches to your audience. be authentic. I hear a lot of the time is personal, so those people complaining that Zambian CH: Cathy you lived in the UK for music lacks originality and the relationships are a couple of years and had a what potential to cross borders and attain would be considered to be a good important. Honesty international success like Nigerian, career with MTV, why did you come Congolese or South African music. and communication. back?

I think that the potential is there Not everyone is going but we, and that includes all stake Cathy: I wanted a new challenge. I wanted a break! I was working hard, holders - investors who will pump to understand, and and I wanted to put the same effort into the business; that’s fine. But I don’t resources for my own thing. Plus I missed my managers who will guide the artists family. I learnt a lot at MTV, but it think I’ll ever forget careers, record companies that will was time to move on. Sometimes put the music out there; artists who who was there and you have to do what is best for your create the music, and the people who wasn’t. And I soul. who should support the artists by appreciate those that buying the music and attending CH: Fred, you were once in a Hipthe shows, need to collectively play hop group, how do you view the are here, cheering us our parts, each in his own way to authenticity of Zambian musicians? on, and supporting us. develop the industry. My advice to What advise would you give a young anybody trying to get into the game Zambian trying to get into the game? is recognize that this is not easy, Fred: I like to think that I will always be hip hop and its a lot of hard work and practice. Its a tough business you never know, one day you may just hear a Freddy with a lot of players and for you to stand out you have to Banknote$ album! I was amongst three founders of the have that something extra special about you. You have Hip Hop Foundation in 2007, including Chaila Penza to be thick skinned and very tenacious - never give up, (founder of Cypher Music) and Duncan ‘Tha Holsta’ be creative and innovative, be smart (this is a business), Sodala (Zone Fam Founder and Manager) and we seek out mentors who can offer advice - learn from and founded the organization with the belief that we needed share with others, stay abreast of new technology and to develop the hip hop industry in Zambia, provide industry developments and always read that contract

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... and again work hard. Being an artist is committing yourself to the art - no half way moves, you have to be willing to go the extra mile and then some. If you are not willing to do this you shouldn’t be in the business. And at the end of the day, you really do have to have the talent to be the talent, but if you are passionate about music and have other skills, your investment in the industry is still very valuable. As an industry we need not just the talent, but the whole machinery that makes the business move.

So recognize which role you play and play it with all your heart! Lead, follow or get out of the way!

CH: Tell us more about One love Kwasila and Love Games the series.

Natasha: One Love Kwasila and Love Games are both edutainment pieces, that is using the principles of entertainment to provide an educative message. With both OLK and LG, I think one of our main aims is not just to give people information but also for people to really think critically about risk behaviour, choices they make and what can be some of the consequences of those choices. The shows are not prescriptive – we are not trying to tell people this is how they should live, or this is right or wrong, I think it’s up to everyone to make up their own mind based on the information and issues we raise.

Also I think its really great that OLK and LG cause people to sometimes have such polarizing views, getting people talking about the shows (even if they don’t agree) is also a great way for people to talk about the issues. Dialogue is a good start to behaviour change.

CH: Love Games is quite a hit with Zambian audiences, how was the experience of producing a series, that is according to many, Zambia’s best-produced series?

Fred: It was challenging. It was for us as Media 365 the first time producing something of this magnitude and the film and television sector is still in its infancy, so as you can imagine there were many challenges that the first time brings with it. We never expected it to be easy but I don’t think we anticipated it would have been as tough

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as it ended up being. Mostly, to tell you the truth, I feel there were many things that challenged us that shouldn’t have if we were working in a more developed industry such as even in South Africa and I attribute this to a general lack of training and experience in many aspects of production management, technical and talent. We need a school of creative media and arts including film, television and sound amongst other courses to truly build the industry. But from the bottom of my heart I give thanks to the people who worked on the project to make it a reality because they did the best that they could and were willing to learn and improve, sacrifice, go the extra mile and ultimately make a product we can all be proud of. We suffered together, joked and laughed together and hopefully we will all be proud of what we have achieved.

Most of the cast and crew are aware of the challenges that we face in this business and were understanding of that fact and that helped. I think it helps when you are all on the same page and share a vision. However, I can’t say that it was all good and we had some pretty horrible experiences with some negative attitudes and behaviours that truly threw us off and had the potential to ruin everything. So you have to watch out for those kinds of people. At the end we had to bring in some South African technical expertise to help us complete within budget and on time. Our goal had been a 100% fully Zambian production, but the reality is that I do not think we were ready for that. And even though we do need training, I think a lot of why we could not pull off a fully Zambian production is because of the negativity of certain individuals who would rather destroy than build.

But now we know ... such is life.

On the other hand I think at the end of the day the product speaks volumes to the hard work that we put in and of the creativity and innovation, I wish more people would recognise and invest in as a means to combat poverty and the myriad challenges we face. It was also great working with companies and individuals that recognized this potential and supported us through in kind sponsorship, including Zamtel who paid for

the broadcast of Season 2, G4S who provided security services, Java Foods (Easy Noodles) who fed the crew of Season 2, Handyman’s Paradise who provided the set materials and numerous others who opened their homes and places of business to us and assisted with materials. And of course National Aids Control, USAID through its Communications Support for Health Project who funded and trusted us to pull this off. I hope that many more companies, organizations and individuals can see the benefit of supporting and investing in the local entertainment industry. I think that the private sector and government need to recognize that we are not begging, we are presenting them with a huge opportunity to partner with a growing industry that is key to the development of this country.

Overall, we have shared a great experience with a great many people and learnt some valuable lessons. It has been a great time of great work.

Cathy: To add to what Freddy said, it wasn’t easy! But definitely rewarding. There were a lot of lessons learnt and was a good experience (good in the sense of any experience is good for you) for those who worked on a set for the first time. Lots of long hours and late nights.

It was definitely challenging!

But it definitely also taught us a lot about people we can work with and people we can’t. For me personally, I also learnt that people here aren’t driven to have careers, they want jobs. A career is something that you will work hard for, something you have a plan for - it’s a pursuit of lifelong goals. Maybe it’s the final situation/culture we have in Zambia where young people aren’t told the difference between careers and jobs, or that careers even are encouraged. Jobs are just about getting paid.

This was something I found different from the UK entertainment/broadcast/production industry. Young people in Zambia aren’t hungry, they want to get paid without putting in the effort. People say the team at Media 365 are hard working, but I think it’s also about the leadership, we may be the founders, we may be the

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managers, but I work hard to achieve my goals. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m still hungry for it, and that’s what drives me.

CH: When we see the finished product, it all looks so seamless and easy, could you share your experiences with the “behind the scenes” preparations?

Cathy: Season one and two were very different experiences - we learnt a lot from season one that we applied in season two. But it started with developing the story, there was research into the storylines, into the characters - to ensure that we had believable characters and storylines. Fiction is really dramatising the reality isn’t it? So if we didn’t use true stories, the story wouldn’t be relevant. That’s why I do kind of chuckle when I read the critics say that Love Games is copied from western storylines and it’s not true reflection of Zambia. If those reporters had only bothered to come and talk to us to understand how the story was written, they’d understand that first of all the Zambian story has many angles there is not only one story that characterises Zambia.

We did go for a more urban and middle class approach because that’s what the client wanted especially as HIV data now suggests that HIV is spreading faster in that demographic.

A lot of the characters and storylines were borrowed from real people and real events. But not in an obvious way, for example, a character might have borrowed characteristics from two or more real people. Stories were real events adapted for the character - so again, dramatising reality.

There were technical issues we also had to overcome especially around the story of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV and that required meeting with specialists and getting their feedback on our planned storyline. Just figuring out how to make baby Cleo die was a process! We went back and forth with what could be the thing to kill her. Because of the fact that babies can survive even if they are HIV+ we couldn’t just make

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up a death, and that’s why it was building from episode 1 really.

Then came the part of finding the right crew. We knew exactly what we wanted to do - though the original name and even the original way we had wanted to shoot it changed after we wrote the script - we needed the crew who could be part of this effort. We put together some of upcoming talent we believed in,and some industry veterans. Our original plan was to bring in foreign heads of departments to manage their departments but also train our young talents. Somewhere along the line that idea didn’t quite materialise - timelines and stuff - and we worked with people who convinced us they were qualified to deliver what we were looking for.

It’s our name on the product so we don’t accept anything less than the best of quality. We tried to accommodate people but alas some things just didn’t work. I don’t want to go back to the dark times of season one though, I don’t like to dwell on the negative, and I believe in living without regrets (plus everyone has a confidentiality agreement that means no talking about what happens behind the scenes! lol) Season two worked to our original plan and it was great.

Season two is definitely more heavy, slower paced than one, but I think it has far more depth and character. I love it.

CH: What lessons have you learnt from running a production company in Zambia?

Fred: Well I think that at the end of the day a production company is still a company and the principles of business still apply. It is very important to run a tight ship and have a solid business model. It is very important to be on top of your game, honing skills, talent and creativity to produce results. You need a tight plan, the right strategy but ultimately it comes down to individuals who will do the work so you need the right team but you also need to be right with yourself. Full commitment and hard work.

Cathy: I think I’ve answered a lot of that in my responses

to the other questions but the key things I would say are: There is raw talent in Zambia. Young people need to be given a chance, but they also need to learn hard and soft skills to understand that no one owes them anything. I remember when I went to work for MTV, my elder sister Anna quoted Eminem’s line ‘You only have one shot, do not take this opportunity for granted’ - that always sticks with me, and I wish more young people would see life that way too.

People want jobs, not careers. Jobs come and go, but you want longevity in the industry, and that comes with hard work, determination and your eye on the prize. When I went to work for MTV, I went from a management role in Zambia, to being like an assistant. Eight years later I was a vice president, and now I’m running what I believe to be one of the most cutting edge and ambitious agencies in Zambia. But I’ve never slacked, I’ve never complained about the hours, I’ve never complained about the drudge work, because I knew it was all building towards my character. Even now, I do say I’ve paid my dues, but if that contract or client requires me to get down and dirty, I’ll do it. Sadly, I meet people who are wantprenuers or who dream of a career but don’t have a plan, and don’t want to have a plan. They’d rather burn bridges to get paid.

Business is personal. Your successes are built on your relationships. So when you burn those bridges be damn sure you won’t need them along the way. Your relationships - your social capital - is so important. I still foster my relationships that I have with built over the years and they really come in handy.

CH: What strategies have you used to manage the teams you’ve had?

Mary: Embracing something that I have taught them, and seeing them continue to use those skills long after we’ve stopped working together. The strategy to manage teams – the team is everything, I strongly believe that there are few great entrepreneurial ventures, that have

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been achieved by an individual, it’s usually a great team behind the success!

Cathy: I really don’t like micro-managing people. I believe that people should take responsibility for their work and be proud of the work they are delivering. We provide an environment where people can develop themselves both in technical (hard) skills but also in soft skills.

I think it’s important to empower your team, but they also need to be clear about your goals and what is acceptable and what isn’t. We’re a small team so really people need to get on with their work with minimal supervision.

Fred: I have not received many compliments from staff so the few that I have I hold in highest regard. One of the Love Games actresses said (and I paraphrase), ‘ Thanks for the opportunity to realise my potential. I will always be thankful and I am with you all the way.’ Its nice when we recognize the efforts of others. And we endeavour to recognize and reward the efforts and skills of those who work with us. In terms of other management strategies again we extend respect to the people we work with and try to create a space where everyone can participate, be heard and feel that their contribution is worth something. As much as possible we encourage team building activities. As mentioned above the business is an extension of the family and we treat those who work with us as extended family members.

CH: What in your opinion needs to be done by people in the media production industry to improve and increase high quality Zambian productions?

Cathy: The will of the producers and the production team has to be there. But we also need a supportive environment. Quality is cheap in one sense, and expensive in another. We need clients and the audience to demand the quality and be willing to pay for it. We can’t have multinationals bringing in foreign production houses to produce things and pay them the high price and then cut us down on price.

But as production companies we also need to come

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It is very important to run a tight ship and have a solid business model. It is very important to be on top of your game, honing skills, talent and creativity to produce results. You need a tight plan, the right strateg y but ultimately it comes down to individuals who will do the work so you need the right team but you also need to be right with yourself. Full commitment and hard work. together and agree on competitive rates so that clients don’t undercut us, as well as being open to working with freelancers from outside of Zambia, and indeed together (we’re working with some of the best production houses in Lusaka on a project and it’s amazing to see 20 odd industry talent - representing like 6 companies - sit around a table to work together on something). We should always be the lead production company, there is no reason why MTN should pay a South African production company to produce a spot in Zambia, while that company uses a local production house as a fixer.

We should get the contract and bring in the foreign crew that we may (or not) need to get the job done. Support local production houses and local competent crews.

Fred: Well I think its about following the processes. What we are doing has been done before so its not like we are inventing something new. I think we need to know and understand the rules. Only then can you break them.

There is a lot that needs to be done and I fear I may lapse into a whole essay but in summation I will say we need to follow the processes that result in high quality work. We know what these are by our training - formal, informal and by observation of what others have achieved and researching how that was done and brainstorming how

this can be applied in a local context. We also need to invest in training and development. This is for every key member of the production process from writer to editor.

But often I think that quality suffers because there is a perception that Zambians don’t appreciate or need quality so why spend more resources and efforts than you need to, to give them quality. I think people must recognise the difference between low budget and low quality, it does not aways equate the same thing. And where is the sense of pride that allows low quality? But at the end of the day you cannot force people to do anything and there will be low quality productions and there will be high quality. I think right now the focus should be on getting as much content out there as possible. It is a starting point and in time things will improve.

CH: What are your thoughts on women helping women?

Mary: I believe in sharing my knowledge and experience with anybody who needs it, whether they are male or female.

FMP: Its a good thing. Women should help everybody.

Cathy: It happens! I love my sister-friends. They support me and they are my cheerleaders. But I also see the insecure women who for some reason don’t want to support other women - we are then our worst enemies.

I do believe we need to stop talking about those types of women and start uplifting the types of women who do support each other (because they exist) until we start seeing this as a norm. I really am a girly girl - my best friends are women!

CH: What a typical day for you in the office?

Cathy: The first thing I do is have a cup of tea. I can’t function without my caffeine but I’m not a big coffee drinker.

Then I check emails. I like to know what is going on. I’ll respond to anything urgent, otherwise I hold on it until I’ve had time to get proper feedback as necessary. Then the rest of the day is spent doing work according to my

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to-do list (which I usually prepare the day before, and other things I think of in the middle of the night I email to myself to add to my to-do list or note it down in my ipad), fire fighting and having engaging conversations in the office - we enjoy talking about stuff - either stuff we’ve watched on TV or stuff people are talking about on twitter etc.

I also like catching up with our task list, making sure everyone is on track for project deadlines. I’m the crazy, annoying one that harasses people to do their tasks!

Mary: It depends on where we are in the year. In the beginning months we have quite a bit of down time but it really becomes manic from March onwards. But my day involves, e-mails, meetings, writing, and creative meetings – my head’s spinning just talking about it.

Fred: I start my day with a plan: what needs to be done etc, then deal with emails and phone calls, meet with my teams if need be, catch up on news (anything I haven’t already heard on the Breakfast show on Hot FM) and work on whatever assignments need working on. I have no fixed hours, the time is dependent on what needs to be done, but I’m generally in the office from 0800 to 2000hrs with earlier starts and later ends when we are in production (we can work from 0600 to 2400hrs for 6 days straight when we are on production).

CH: If you could pick up any other career what would be why?

Fred: I think I would still be an entrepreneur. Maybe in food processing or something that could still add value to people’s lives. I take pleasure in seeing people happy.

Since I was 10 years old I always wanted to be in the entertainment business more so in film and television production , so I haven’t really given much thought to anything else. At one point I considered becoming a lawyer (when everyone said there was no future in what I was doing) but for now ... there is no plan b, career wise.

Mary: I’m dying to invent something! I would love to be a designer – think about it -everything in our world is

designed from the chair that you sit on, to the pen you write with, the remote control you change the channel with – it all begins with design. I’m encouraging my kids to go to technology and design school (I would if I could).

Cathy: An executive chef! Or maybe a personal chef...

I love cooking. I’m a foodie at heart and I find deep satisfaction in feeding people with food they love.

CH: What 5 strategies would you say have worked strike the right balance in this sibling business?

Cathy: Respect each other. We each have a very different skillset but when we work together it completely complements each other.

Talk it out. We obviously disagree on stuff, and I think that’s normal. But we also choose to discuss everything and reach a consensus - or at least get to a level of agreement that we can all live with.

Focus on the end-goal. When we all know what we’re working for, it builds consensus and teamwork.

Do it better. We thrive on innovation. Keeping competitive and creative is key for us. We always what to strive to do outdo ourselves - we are are our own competition!

Fred: I don’t know if I would call them strategies but more so values and principles.

- Shared Vision and goals - Respect for self and others - Applying principles of sound business practice and as is relevant to each particular discipline (be it research, print, radio and television etc) - Take no prisoners and push it to the limit!

CH: What next for Media 365?

Mary: What next indeed!

Fred: Big things. But its a secret ... you’ll just have to wait and see!

Follow Media365 on twitter and Facebook for an updated schedule of Love games schedule

A Leading Lady T

here comes a time in every major theater production when the lights are suddenly dimmed, the crowd falls into a hush, and every eye is focused on the spotlight as it sweeps across the stage. That’s the time for the theatrical masterpiece that is your life. Every line has been written by a Masterful God with you on His mind. Will you miss your cue at this critical moment? Or will you move out into all that God has imagined you to be?

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Will you step out and live out the plans God has for your life? Your name is up in the lights, yes YOUR name. You reading this right now your name is up in the lights, and you have been given the starring role in “The Rest of My Life!” So take a deep breath and dare to move “now”! You will dare without risk, my dear lady, as God is surely able to complete that good work in you which He has begun. Trust him.

If you’ve noticed in most movies where there is a leading lady there is usually almost always a best friend or maybe what others would call a “side kick”. In your life, have you ever found yourself to be that undesirable character known as “the side kick?” And there are characteristics that are attached to the one who plays the side kick - the “nice” one, the one who acts like a door mat, the cry baby, the push over or doesn’t speak up. She is the one who simply lets others make decisions for her. In most cases it’s a terrible and unpleasant position to be in and can be incredibly disempowering.

Now now ladies I am not saying go out there and be mean to everyone no! I realize that sometimes we do need to take the role of the best friend or side kick. However I need you to understand that more often than not there will be times where the traits of the leading lady need to be present in order to gain some control over your own life.

I’ve been there heart broken, sobbing and moping around because of some failed friendship and the only way I took the lead role in my life was when I decided to put my foot down and took action to try to change something I had some control over. Which is ME? It’s not about being a

Let’s not get carried away thinking you can just become a leading lady by thinking, wishing and hoping! I believe that to change your life you have to change the way you think first

loud mouthed woman with a ‘can’t nobody hurt me’ attitude – It’s about knowing your worth, what you deserve and actually doing something in order to have it. Being brave enough to set your standards and live according to them.

Now let’s not get carried away thinking you can just become a leading lady by thinking, wishing and hoping! I believe that to change your life you have to change the way you think first, because as a man thinketh in his heart so is he.

You eventually become what you think of yourself. Now, to be a leading lady you have to make better choices in life. When you change your choices, you change your life. And the best part is, the more you make choices that a befitting of a “leading lady” the more you find yourself evolving into someone you did not even know was in there, but she is. She’s been there all along. We are who we are because of the choices we make. Change your choices, change your life. You might be amazed at

PROFILE Nalukui Mutumwa Lubasi is a writer and motivational/ inspirational speaker.

She promotes womanhood wholeness and wellness. She challenges women to a higher standard of godly womanhood by empowering them to change the way they think, act, behave and carry themselves as extraordinary women. She recently launched her blog www.nalukui.com and is also a youtuber.

She is a lawyer by profession and holds a Masters in Human Tip! Resource Management from Nottingham Trent University.

Nalukui has featured on several radio programs on stations such as ZNBC Radio 4, Radio Christian Voice and QFM. She is a sought after international speaker and currently working on publishing her first book.

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Steps to becoming a leading lady.

the leading lady hidden inside of you! You are not doing yourself or anyone else any favors if you continue living an average sub-standard life. Frustrated, tired and

1

A leading lady is a woman who takes care of herself. Now I am not saying spend hours upon hours doing your make up but by all means do take care of your body, your physical health. It can be simple things such as finding a happy medium for your weight, eating healthy and exercising. Exercise has been proven to reduce stress. Be hygienic, do your hair and look and feel fabulous! Being healthy is essential because it makes you more energetic and sure does wonders for your confidence. A leading lady is confident. That’s what allows her to stand out.

2

A leading lady lives life to its fullest, smiles and laughs often.

Nobody wants to see a grumpy woman walking around depressing everyone. Cheer up.

Don’t let life beat you down. Learn to find the beauty in everything in your life you will find that you have less to complain about. Living life to the full? Try new things, be adventurous.

Be out going. Hang out in groups and try out things you’ve not done before. But whatever you do, keep it CLASSY!

3

at your wits end! Now let’s look at first steps to take in order for you to become a leading lady.

A leading lady is not afraid to go after her dreams. Don’t wait for people to approve of you or your purpose in life; they are not your God. You can do anything, you can be whatever you want to be but it’s up to you to work towards making it happen. You have to take responsibility and do what is necessary to make your dreams come true. Sometimes it will mean spending less time with Sue, Suzy and Sally so that you can spend time investing in making your dreams come true. Don’t be distracted by life or the naysayers. They are there to motivate you even further. Thank them!

4

A leading lady loves herself, loves others, and is happy. She lives out loud, not afraid to be her true, authentic self, the best version of herself because she has accepted who God created her to be and embraces it. You cannot love others if you don’t know how to love yourself. So spend time getting to know you and love yourself then you can love others. No, you don’t need to get along with everybody but if you want to be accepted and respected, GIVE IT! Don’t expect what you don’t give.

These are the first few steps to take in order to be a leading lady. YOU are the leading lady in your own life! No one else can be you. You are an original and ONLY you can star in your own life. The role is yours and belongs to no one else. Put your foot down and take control of your life. Life is not allowed to be tossing you from north to south, east to west. Take charge. You are a leading lady so ACT LIKE IT.

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Sisters doing it for themselves

Chiteu

&

Chisenga

M

eet Chiteu Muyoya-Mundia and Chisenga Muyoya, Chiteu is the Store Manager at Fashion Express Levy under the Foschini Group (T/A Fashion Retailers Zambia Ltd), Chisenga is the Co-Founder for Asikana Network (featured in edition 1 of the Corporate Heelz Ezine) and also works as a Software Developer at Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation where she focuses on developing SmartCare, Zambia’s national electronic health record system.

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We talk to these two sisters LEANING IN AND PUSHING towards their dreams, whether it’s making a 360 degree career change to co-founding Asikana Network, a youth led technology organisation that empowers young women in Zambia. These two sisters are definitely Zambian gamechangers and not afraid to own the title.

“My mum has always referred to me as her “chisebulabula” meaning the one who leads the way. This has been the path my life has taken, my parents have always taken pride in making sure that we are leaders wherever we are.

What I felt was pressure growing up to be the best and make sure I did things right for those that were coming after me, I now realise was training to never shy away from stepping forward and reaching for the stars.” Chiteu shares.

CH: You’ve had a life that exposed you to various environments and culture in Africa, do you think this has aided in your way of thinking about achieving success?

Chiteu: Absolutely! Being exposed to different cultures and ways of thinking has resulted in seeing things through different lenses. I have learnt the value of time, being disciplined, not being passive, setting goals, having a good work ethic and putting in 110% every time.

Chisenga: The media tells us that Africa is a continent of corruption and poverty. We are a beautiful people with so much to offer and it is up to us to change those negative stereotypes. Being exposed to different cultures has definitely instilled a deep sense of “Africaness” in me.

The experience has left me open minded, tolerant and enables me not just to think outside the box, but to throw it away completely.

CH: Chisenga you hold a BSc in Computer Science and are now currently pursuing an MSc in Information Systems Management and you (Chiteu) have a Bachelor of Laws degree, was your career progression a happy accident or did you make a conscious run towards the role you are in now?

Chiteu: Well my first passion is people, interacting with them and filling in the gaps they may not even know existed. So my degree was a happy accident, it’s not something I consciously wanted to go into, my dad played a huge role in pointing me in that direction but it is something I truly appreciate. Although it is not what I am doing now, I believe law gives me the ability

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“Never settle for second best, believe in yourself, respect people, value people you meet no matter their standing in society and fly with the eagles”

to look at things from all angles, I am able to analyse situations and read all possible outcomes. This has allowed me to think through my decisions and make wiser choices. Once I was done with the law degree I went after my first love and did Business Management focusing on marketing which gives me the type of interaction with people that I have always loved. People ask me why I’m not practicing, how I wasted four years, my answer; have the courage to write YOUR own story, YOUR way.

Chisenga: Despite being exposed to computers at a very early age, I had never seen computer science as a possible career choice, but instead dreamt of a more traditional path in medicine. After high school, my father persuaded me to do a short computer course in whilst waiting to apply for medical school. I fell in love with programming and the rest is history.

CH: Do you think your parents urging you on with positive reinforcement has helped you LEAN IN more towards your dreams?

Chiteu: A resounding yes!! Our parents have raised four wonderful, responsible individuals and it is because they took the time to mold and guide each one of us according to our talents and abilities.

We were never grouped together and expected to be the same. When we were ready to fly the coup they encouraged us and ushered us out, they nurtured and tough loved (where necessary) each one of us and today they can be proud of the children they have raised.

Chisenga: It is critical for women in any male dominated industry to have a strong support system at home.

I thank God for parents who taught me to believe in myself even when I have made mistakes. My father has always pushed us hard, offering constructive criticism

that has moulded me into a woman who is not afraid to dream big.

CH: Has the LEAN IN movement made a difference in your lives?

Chiteu: The LEAN IN movement is something that came at just the right time.

I have always been one to challenge the status quo and when I picked up the book and began to read it, it just resonated with my thoughts, my ideas and I remember thinking yes, yes and yes. It validated where I want to be and what I am reaching for. The movement says you CAN lean in and take what is rightfully yours.

Chisenga: Having been written by a woman who shares her honest experience as a woman in a male dominated industry, the book Lean In is especially dear to my heart. The Lean In movement has encouraged me to unapologetically push forward in my career, lean in more towards my ambitions and be an example for generations that follow.

CH: Please share with us how you found out you were being awarded Milead Fellowship and your initial reaction?

Chisenga: I was at a Mobile Monday Lusaka event when I received the email. I showed the email in disbelief to my friend Ella (Asikana Network co-founder). She was more excited about it than I was, and it took several weeks for the magnitude of it all to sink in.

CH: Bearing in mind you only find out about you being awarded this honour recently, has the magnitude of this award sunk in yet?

Chisenga: I have only now begun to realise that such an award comes with many expectations especially that of being a role model to young girls. It is a welcome responsibility and I look forward to staying true to my values and being the best Chisenga that I can be.

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CH: Has receiving this honour changed your perception of your role in business? And has it made you more mindful of the impact that your work has, particularly on the entrepreneurial landscape?

Chisenga: One of the key lessons learnt through this experience is that no mission is fulfilling if it only serves the individual. We are tasked to use whatever opportunities we are privileged with to develop our communities, not through charity but by teaching people how to fish. Industries develop through collaboration and you cannot possibly do everything on your own.

CH: How do you envisage this honour will affect your business journey?

Chisenga: The opportunity to interact with passionate young women from all over Africa has inspired me to reach higher and be courageous every step of the way.

Courage is the most important of all virtues to have, as it affects every single aspect of your life.

CH: From Zambikes to the Fashion world, those roles are two worlds apart. What lessons have you learnt in your previous role and have applied in your current role?

Chiteu: Consistency, professionalism and making true meaningful connections with people, whether it’s something as simple as remembering their name or acknowledging them when they walk into your space.

CH: You have a popular natural hair blog, has this dream been born from your work in the world of fashion?

Chiteu: I wouldn’t directly say yes but the fashion world has definitely played a role in getting it started. I have been natural for almost four years and kept being asked about how I managed and maintained my hair and a lot of the questions were coming from clients that walked into the store. I would spend time trying to explain the basic steps to natural hair care and although they listened there was no guarantee that they were retaining any of what I was saying. This led to my thinking why not have a place to talk about it and refer people to so that they could get the information they needed as and when they needed it. Initially I was unsure about it but thought why not just jump into the deep end. It has been an amazing experience so far and I didn’t even realize how popular it had become, I monitor activity on the blog and get hits from as far as Germany and Australia. As a result of the blog I am in the process of turning some of

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what I write about into a business, one of the first blog turned business in Zambia I believe, so look out for the launch of Coils&Strands before the end of the year.

CH: You have reached a level of success and influence that few can hope to reach at such a young age, being named one of the top 28 young women leaders in Africa and a recipient of the Ministry of Science’s postgraduate scholarship for outstanding females in science and has recently been named a Global Shaper under the World Economic Forum. Are you satisfied with how things have turned out or are you still hungry for new challenges?

Chisenga: I am humbled by your words and believe that the journey is only just beginning. What one accomplishes yesterday is never good enough for tomorrow. I therefore refuse to become complacent and will keep striving to take on new challenges.

CH: How did you come up with the idea for Asikana?

How did you go about developing it?

Chisenga: Ella Mbewe, Regina Mtonga and I attended a free mobile applications development training at BongoHive. We were the only three female participants and begun to think about challenges being faced by women in the ICT sector. We formed Asikana Network, an organisation that seeks to empower women and girls through technology. Asikana Network provides a platform for like-minded women to network, give and receive mentorship, and free technical skills building.

CH: Tell us a bit more about WRAPP (Women’s Rights App) Chisenga: Created as part of the Women’s Rights Initiative by Asikana Network, WRAPP is a mobile application that serves to inform Zambians of women’s rights, which legislation backs them up, and what to do if the right has been violated.

Zamrize provided training to the young women who participated in the development of the application. We will soon launch WRAPP Version 2, check the Asikana Network facebook page for details!

CH: What do you enjoy about being an entrepreneur in Zambia? Is there anything you’d like to change about the Zambia startup scene?

Chiteu: Zambia is a place of unlimited opportunities. If

you take the time to look there are so many gaps that can be filled by a simple idea and making people aware that they have a need that can be consistently met. I would change the lack of accessibility to people or mechanisms that can help someone develop their ideas, test them and eliminate the unnecessary to build a successful business. There is too much trial and error and by that point you may be too invested to realize that the idea is not a viable or sustainable business. We need to look at business from a different perspective, our current position of all or nothing is what costs many people their life savings and stops others from even starting out.

Chisenga: Being a social entrepreneur is a constant learning process, and the lessons cannot be drawn from a text book. A major highlight is being part of the transformation process of girls who pass through Asikana Network programs.

I cannot emphasise the importance of collaboration in the Zambia startup scene. There are a lot of individuals doing amazing things that can be much bigger if we work together more.

CH: Who are your role models and /or mentors?

Chiteu: I would have to say my dad, his discipline and work ethic is amazing. I have also over the years learnt a great deal from John Maxwell especially about connecting with people.

Chisenga: There are many women and men who I draw inspiration from. My mother has taught me to love selflessly and without restraint and never to let circumstances change who you are.

CH: What are you thoughts about women helping women in Zambia?

Chiteu: I feel we have not had enough of this locally. Most people play their cards very close to their chests and tend to feel that if they help someone that person will be better than them. In my personal capacity and where I work I am challenging this and I am so glad that there are like-minded women out there who are willing to do the same. We must get to a place where we can dance and celebrate each other’s achievements and be the hand up when our fellow woman needs it. I think it’s time to get past the “each (wo)man for herself and God for us all” instead of standing and watching from the sidelines, waiting for the person the fall flat on their face, let’s get

into the trenches, roll our sleeves up and work together.

Chisenga: I believe that networks such as Corporate Heelz and Asikana Network are encouraging women to help each other by providing a platform for them to network.

CH: What next? Where do you see yourselves in the next few years?

Chiteu: I am two years into the last five year plan I made, I am gleaning and learning as much as I can from my current position in order to use it as a stepping stone to the next level. I would love to grow my business, work on offering something that will keep people coming back, multiply the effects of leaning in and create a platform for young people to gain skills, grow their ideas and turn them into successful businesses. I think tools like Business Model Canvas should be something every young person is exposed to and taught how to use in order to raise up successful entrepreneurs and I want to be there and part of the generation that passes the mantle onto the next to build on and not have them have to start from scratch.

Chisenga: I look forward to exploring opportunities in the Zambian technology sector. I see Asikana Network growing even further and making a significant impact on the way women are perceived at individual and corporate level.

CH: What is the best advice you have ever received?

Chiteu: My mother said to me when I was 18 “Never settle for second best, believe in yourself, respect people, value people you meet no matter their standing in society and fly with the eagles” I try to practice this every day.

Chisenga: My sister Chiteu has taught me to act as though failure is impossible. When I make mistakes, and that happens often, thinking about her strength and her unwavering belief in me gives me courage to say “it’s water off a duck’s back”, learn from it and move on.

The two sisters are sounding boards for each other and each other’s no.1 cheerleaders. We at CH believe that the qualities these two sisters embody are part of the anatomy of Zambian gamechangers.

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Irene

&

Chongo

I

rene Musonda and Chongo Musonda are the brains behind the motherdaughter business BOLD IMAGE.

Irene Musonda is a Marketing and Public Relations Consultant with years of experience working in Multi-national corporations. “I started my enthralling marketing career at the then ROP (1975) Limited after attaining my Bachelor’s degree at UNZA. I was responsible for Brand Management, Product Development, Research and Advertising.”

Irene tells CH.

During her employment at ROP, Irene went on to the USA’s World Trade Center for a postgraduate Export Promotions and Trade Development course in New York.

Thereafter she went for another Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing Management at the University of Delft in Holland.

Irene shares how her multi-disciplinary career roles have added value to her current role as CEO. “I have worked on both sides of the Advertising world that is, as a Marketing and Sales Promotions Manager for Zambia Airways, Stanbic Bank as well as Client Services Manager at Young and Rubicam one of Zambia’s top advertising agencies. It’s been an exciting life and I have now taken on new challenge as CEO of Bold Image, andAdvertising, PR and Events Management Company.”

Irene’s daughter and Director in Bold Image Chongo, is an Oxford University Graduate with a Masters’ degree in Hospitality Management. Irene describes her as being “sharp” in computer skills and has a rare touch with events planning to give it that extra unique, unusual touch and is extremely well organized.

CH: How does it feel to grow a family business and take it to new levels of success?

Irene: It’s been both exciting and challenging in the initial days. But determination and a ‘never say die’ attitude has seen us through some tough times. We have learnt from those who have gone ahead of us that its never easy in the beginning. We have read up on biographies of corporate entities which have global impact today, that the beginning was rough and sometimes down-right demoralizing. But they never gave up because they had two key drivers, passion for what they were doing and a vision. These are two absolutely necessary ingredients.

Once you get over this, business begins to journey to you on its own and its great.

Chongo: Its challenging but so rewarding knowing that you are the employees that you are working to pay. Also knowing that others depend on you, your hard work and your results makes you stretch yourself that much more.

The pressures are real, but they are also the fuel that keeps you going. The legacy that my mother is passing onto me, is what I will pass on to my two daughters when it’s their time.

CH: Was working together part of the plan or did it just

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happen?

One should not think of barriers because I honestly think that when you have a vision and a passion for what you start, those two will be the key drivers to overcome any challenge.

Irene: Well for me it would be a ‘yes’ and a ‘no.’ We started working together when the company was called CBI Communications, when it was a purely Public Relations company. Later Chongo left for a short stint to Malawi and I thought that was goodbye, but she came back and we reorganized the company, re-registered it as Bold Image, incorporating Advertising, Corporate Branding and Corporate Events.

Chongo: it was part of the plan from the beginning, we have individual strengths that beautifully compliment each other, in the same broader industry.

CH: Irene you had been in the Corporate world for some years before starting your own business, what lessons/ advise did you get that have been invaluable to you?

Irene: In my last role at Stanbic Bank, it seems now that it was a dress rehearsal for what I am doing now. I was left alone to drive the entire Marketing strategy for the entire bank from start to finish when I joined in 2002.

I worked completely unsupervised and so I was forced to think creatively and independently because there was no one to help. Later when I desperately needed help, I set up cross-functional teams for various projects. This took a lot off my plate.

To those with a desire to venture out but terrified of failing, do not fear. Just do it. Look inside and see what you naturally love to do and follow your heart. You will no doubt stumble and fall a few times along the way, you run into insincere people, but stay on course and be unshakeable and don’t stop. Keep going.

CH: What unique contributions do you think you each bring to the business?

Irene: I think I bring focus and enthusiasm. When the road gets tough, I keep going and soon enough a good client comes along who will call you without pushing them that ‘Madam, your cheque is ready.’ I love challenges, I don’t give up and I also bring my amazing world of experience and so with every challenge we may face, I always know; there is an answer out there, and soon enough it shows up.

Chongo: My mother is a master in her field, in my opinion. Watching her work, brainstorm when creating a marketing concept, is a sight to behold. She has

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an amazing eye and a brilliant mind. I feel my love for organizing any scale of event, attention to detail and love of delivering exceptional customer service, be it for a small family event or for a major corporation’s product launch, allows me to help grow Bold Image brand and excellent reputation.

CH: What’s your business’ major focus?

Irene: Its really hard to say. We have basically selected 3 main areas, Advertising, incorporating branding, public relations and corporate events management.

I have a passion for all three. One of the most rewarding aspects of this field is conceptualizing an idea and then working through execution and finally seeing something that was just an idea in your mind being actualized and rolled out and a client saying ‘this is great.” It’s a great feeling.

PR is also one of the field that I thoroughly enjoy. I think over the years I have developed a very unique way of communicating concepts and strategies. I somehow manage to get into the mind of a client during a briefing session to understand exactly what they want and I am then able to bring out a strategy that really works for the client.

challenges and learning curves. It took us a while to draw the line between the company and the family – the two cannot intertwine. At the office she’s ‘CEO’, family time she is “Mom” and we both had to evaluate our roles in both relationships. Having said that, I love working with her, she’s my friend, mother, mentor, counselor and teacher.

Irene: Family dynamics play a big part. My number 2 is my daughter and mother of my granddaughters. Our office adjoins the main house and sometimes the kids are in and out of the office but by and large it’s working out fine. The plus is that we can work long hours when the babies have been put to bed.

CH: Irene, what values did you instill in Chongo that see today adding value to your business?

Irene: The values that I have instilled in Chongo are professionalism, integrity boldness, out-of-the-box creativity and attention to detail. One of our philosophies is that when we are cash strapped, the interests of our employees override everything else. We are always the last in line to be paid.

CH: What is your top tip for balancing motherhood with a career?

Chongo: Initially we had started with a focus on Public Relations and Media/Press management for many of our clients. Gradually we have grown the Events section, but we are reaching new heights with our television and radio commercial productions. This is an area I am new too, but I am learning so much from ‘my boss’.

Irene: The female gender is naturally endowed with tremendous ability for multi-tasking. We somehow miraculously manage to keep all tasks, family, career, church, friends etc on the radar and none gets ignored, all manage to receive proportionate attention. We are a masterpiece of God’s creation.

6. What has been the biggest challenge that you faced growing the business?

Chongo: Purposefully making time for my family. I have two daughters five and two and they are my world. I have days or afternoons dedicated to each child but also for all three of us and days with ‘Nana’ and the rest of our amazing family

Irene: Acquiring new business. The easy way for most people is to use their connections, friends, relatives to get business. I don’t like that at all. I like to get business on merit. That brings its own challenges, but with determination I believe in the long run we will be a big force to reckon with. The only ‘connection’ we depend on entirely is the Holy Spirit. He has the concepts, the earthshaking ideas and knows where the clients are.

CH: Chongo, what’s it like working with your Mom? Irene, do family dynamics ever interfere with the some of your business decisions?

Chongo: It’s great!! However it has coming with

CH: In your opinion, what are the barriers to up coming businesses in Zambia and what are your thoughts on how they can be overcome?

Irene: One should not think of barriers because I honestly think that when you have a vision and a passion for what you start, those two will be the key drivers to overcome any challenge. You go through some really rough patches sometimes but these two can keep any business going.

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Hope

& Chi

An award winning Duo of Zambian Gamechangers

I

f you’ve never tuned in to their morning show on Hot 87.7 FM, then you are missing out on some really good radio. Gritty, funny, veracious, this duo keeps one hooked and makes fans of the skeptical and competitors alike. The Duo affectionately tagged “ChiHope” by their listeners, were recently awarded by MISA, the Honorary Charles Mando Award winners for 2013. The world is definitely taking notice of their talent.

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Hope Chishala is a Marketing major through the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) which she attained after studying at ZIBC. Hope’s passion for all that she does is highly evident when you meet her. She admits that she enjoys singing the most though when asked when she might be releasing an album laughs out loud in the signature Hope laugh and says “I’m keeping it in the shower for now.” A mom to two-year-old Taurai, she giggles when CH asks if she’s dating and says “I think so…” CH leaves it at that. This bubbly St John’s Convent School and Roma Girls Alumni was born in Kitwe but moved to Lusaka over 12 years ago. She also has reveals that she has some great hairstyling skills…she actually does her own hair!

Chi was born Chinyota Msimuko in Luanshya. He was educated at Waterford United World College in Swaziland and later St John’s College Johannesburg for A’levels.

Chi then studied at WITS University School of Law. The award winning DJ is a Youth Ambassador for the U.S Embassy. Chi also Founded and manages Yipyap Media, a copywriting and radio production company that has done work for brands such as MTN, Parmalat, Zambia Breweries, Unilever and Banc ABC to name a few. CH took time to chat this young dynamic duo of Zambian Gamechangers….

CH: You make such a good team, how did you end presenting together? Was it planned, did you know each other before the show?

Chi: Well thanks for the compliment first and foremost.

When I was told I would be given a show after auditioning, the owner of the station was kind enough to ask who I would be comfortable working with. I thought a male/ female combination would work for the kind of show we do. I was the new kid on the block really.

Hope: Oh! I Didn’t know we make a good team lol, well nothing was planned, I knew him the first day we got on radio together and what one would call chemistry unfortunately found its place.

CH: You speak candidly about issues affecting Zambians, which has made you quite popular….and unpopular to some. What is the highest and lowest point

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of your show?

Hope: Highest point is when we open the phone lines to get to hear what people have to say on issues affecting the nation…lowest point is when some callers are so rude and at times use vulgar language…gosh! I sometimes feel like breaking the phone! (Laughs out loud) Chi: I would say the low points do come from people who don’t understand how media has evolved the world over and haven’t woken up to the fact that the best presenters have an opinion. It’s how you get the conversation going with your audience and have a relationship so to say.

The high point is when decision makers appreciate the feedback the show gives and act on public opinion for everyone’s benefit.

CH: How did you gain such a bold voice to speak openly about issues?

Hope: It hurts so much to see how selfish and irresponsible some politicians can be so I would rather speak out.

Chi: I’ve never seen it as being bold at all. Let’s face it.

As Zambians we love to talk. It’s the same conversations people have every day. Ok, admittedly sometimes we get humorous with it but that’s the entertainment element of the business. I also have to also credit the government of the day to actually allow such a platform to exist in the first place. You shouldn’t need guts to exercise a right because well… it’s a right, right? (Laughs) CH: How do handle the backlash from people who don’t like what you have to say?

Hope: Not to argue with them but find out what they didn’t like about what I said but still stick to my opinion.

Chi: I wear my MISA award on a gold chain around my neck.

Seriously though, it’s media. Whatever you do in media you will never be 100 % of the population’s cup of tea.

If it’s positive criticism I keep it. But the fact is you can tell garbage from a mile away. Politically, the satire of our “Kawalala Party” does remind critics that we are nonpartisan and does give food for thought to people in an entertaining way. But hey, don’t join media if you are try

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Youth brings about a curiosity, passion and drive that if one never loses through life, they can achieve anything.

Oscar Wilde once said, “Youth is often wasted on the young�.

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to avoid criticism.

CH: Where do you get the material for your shows?

Hope: I always keep my ears open to what’s happening not only in Zambia but the world and a million thanks to our very reliable newsroom.

Chi: Hope’s ears are big enough for sure. Thanks in advance for photo shopping them in your shoot. We work very closely with the newsroom but you definitely have to be an avid reader and researcher even in your own time.

CH: You guys always sound quite upbeat and happy, what mindset do you need to have as you get on radio?

Hope: ”Leave my issues behind” when I open the mic, its not about me but the cry of the many Zambians.

Chi: You have to be professional in any job. Hence my not understanding bad attitude from anyone in any office. If we leave our issues at home so should you. That and coffee is God’s way of showing me he loves me. Now the secret is out.

CH: What has been the most memorable interview ever and why?

Hope: Hmmm…memorable…not one yet.

Chi: I can tell you the interview I wish I did. Mr Brown Kapita. The ADEDO ZAMICANO Party president. That interview is considered a classic with our listeners. The “You are lacking iSkuru” interview. My more memorable moments admittedly are the ones that have happened off air. Spending a morning with first Republican president Kenneth Kaunda, fun with South African comedian Trevor Noah. Those were great moments because those are being who have influenced my life and career in some way or another.

CH: What in your opinion is the state of mind of young Zambians and what if any negatives should be changed?

are looking for a quick buck and compromising on quality. Youth brings about a curiosity, passion and drive that if one never loses through life, they can achieve anything. Oscar Wilde once said, “Youth is often wasted on the young”.

CH: What is the day in the life of Chi and Hope like?

Hope: A lot of media work.

Chi: Geez. Just thinking about it gets me tired. The day starts around 5:00 for the Breakfast show, then it’s either off to a T.V shoot or audio studio for advert work.

Afternoons usually involve a couple of meetings and brainstorms with the people I work with for clients. And it usually ends with putting scripts or advertising concepts and presentations together until about 21:00 hrs. That’s the average day if I’m not attending or MCing a function.

CH: What other interests do you pursue?

Hope: TV presenting, News casting, singing, interior decorating.

Chi: Cooking can you believe. I don’t get much time to do it these days though.

CH: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Hope:” Listen before you respond” this piece of advice has helped me a lot especially as a radio presenter on a very interactive show.

Chi: Always thank God at every milestone for your talent even if it’s just a simple “thank you” when you wake up.

Someone I met about 5 years ago once told me that.

Can’t even remember the person’s name but that has never left me.

CH: Where do you see yourselves in a couple of years? A TV show perhaps?

Hope: The young Zambian needs to learn to be focused in life … identify and capitalize on their strengths.

Hope: Still on radio and obviously more TV appearances and if the kawalala party succeeds…parliament wouldn’t be a bad idea (wink) (Laughs out loud)

Chi: If something is being done well then it looks easy.

There’s no magic to success. It’s pure work ethic. The work ethic needs to change in Zambia. Too many people

Chi: (Laughs). There are certainly plans to grow the show that I’m sure the competition would love to read. Actually …. does the competition even read?

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Yemba David Chilambwe.

Also known as BalistiQ

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They say all artistes have quirky behaviour that most “ordinary” people don’t understand. I think Yemba is an exception to the rule. When you meet him, he’s humble, accommodating and very passionate. This is why we picked him to feature as a Zambian Gamechanger.

His work left us all smiles, he is truly a unique photographer who takes his work seriously, it won’t take you going through his all albums on his facebook page to realize that he truly committed to his passion which he turned into a career. He shares that he’s also a graphic designer and shares that he’s always willing to share the insights he has gained from his profession with others who are interested. It was hard getting him to give us a pic of himself as he says he doesn’t like the way he looks in pictures. Educated at David Kaunda Technical High School, he ventured into computing at ZCAS attaining a Bsc through Greenwich University. He also attained CCNA from Cti South Africa.

Yemba has worked for Omega Channel South Africa, ABN Nigeria, Ad-one South Africa and currently Blackdot Advertising (Former D & C Saatchi & Saatchi) where he’s worked on some of Zambia’s biggest brands.

What Favourite two photos you have taken recently?

Yemba: This is always one of those difficult questions…

I’m a photographer so I’m always critical about the pictures I take and my favorites constantly change.

I guess the picture of my wife on the Zamtelligent Campaign is definitely one of them (for obvious reasons) plus it’s everywhere so that feels good. The second would have to be from one of the CSR projects I shot for Sun International Livingstone last year.

How do you keep yourself motivated and your photography fresh?

Yemba: I’m constantly looking out for what other photographers are doing. The internet is always a great source of inspiration and gives me the motivation to do something different or improve on something I’ve seen.

What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

Yemba: Shooting the Sun International CSR projects is

definitely top on my list. I spent almost a week in the outskirts of Southern Province and I had a chance to meet some very nice people and of course take some really nice shots.

Is there something you’re still learning?

Yemba: Photography (laughs) Do you view your photography as a business or as an artform to be shared with the world?

Yemba: I’d say it’s a bit of both. I know sometimes as Artists, it’s hard to strike a balance because personally I love taking pictures and the feeling that comes with it.

On the other hand I think any form of work including art deserves some form of remuneration. If a person is in a comfortable position, in my opinion it brings out the best in you. Besides I’ve spent quite a bit in positioning myself rather competitively with regard to buying equipment and even skill development and exposure.

How have you invested in your business to ensure sustainability and growth for the future?

Yemba: The first and most important thing I have done is to build relationships that are genuine with the clients I have. The most powerful form of marketing that any business can have is through referrals.

The hardest part of your job?

Yemba: The long hours I have to spend away from my wife. It can be tough.

Things you say or do to put your clients at ease in front of the camera?

Yemba: WOW! I don’t think I have a particular equation for that, most times I use a bit of psychology and humor to ease them. I’ve also realized that once they see a few shots from the camera as we shoot, they tend to be more comfortable.

What trait would you say that you possess that makes you a unique photographer?

Yemba: I would say Humility and Respect for people.

Photography is an art that has opened me up to meeting people from all walks of life, with different characteristics

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I would say Humility and Respect for people. Photography is an art that has opened me up to meeting people from all walks of life, with different characteristics and from all over the country. Every shoot is different and it takes a lot of respect and humility to be successful each and every time.

and from all over the country. Every shoot is different and it takes a lot of respect and humility to be successful each and every time.

Who has influenced you the most in photography?

Yemba: There are a number of people both internationally and locally. In Zambia I’d have to say Gareth Bentley has been one of my main influences. He’s well rounded and has great experience. Vatice Mushauko opened doors for a lot of us upcoming photographers and made us see that we can also do some great work as Zambians. Enock Kavindele has also brought a needed freshness to the industry. Internationally Emmanuel Bobbie and Dotun Ayodej. I think our West African brothers are doing some exceptionally good work in their respective countries and abroad. El Rey from South Africa is also a brilliant photographer. I know you said who but a combination of all these photographers has modeled me and my work to what it is.

Which five words would you use to describe yourself?

Yemba: Crazy, curious, fun, ambitious, friendly What in life inspires you to create art in the form of photographs?

Yemba: Everything… you can make art from anything and there is no better way of showing it than through a photograph.

If you could take photographs anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Yemba: I’ve always wanted to shoot in India. It seems like the kind of place that has an interesting balance of everything… colour, scenery, landscape, emotion the list is endless Follow Yemba’s work On Facebook: www.facebook.com/balistiqphotogrphy His Website: www.balistiqphotography.com His blog: www.balistiq.wordpress.com/about/

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CH Fashion tips So when the invite states,

By Kapesa Singogo Smith Chatterjee

by Kapesa

(MCom IST, BSc, HDA, A+, MCP, TSIA) FOUNDER is a service that aims to educate women about the importance of self-image and how to manage it at any age, budget or lifestyle.

Black Tie Men

Cocktail Men

Ideally would be looking at a black tuxedo and matching pants. Black tie (optional) means dark formal suit instead of Tux. Formal white shirt with pleated front and cuff links, black silk or twill bow tie, black patent leather shoes and black socks

Jacket, formal pants, shirt with out without tie

Women

Floor-length black evening dress or separates. Dressy -est cocktail or little black dress is appropriate.

Dress code, what does it mean?

What does dress code really mean?

H

ave you ever received an invitation to a work event and saw the words, “Black tie”? Or an invitation to an after work”Cocktail”? Have you ever wondered how these dress codes differ from each other? Do you ever think about how to take your business formal wear to an after work event such as cocktail or black tie, hassle free?

I get such questions from clients asking what is an acceptable dress code? What do all these words mean? Well ladies and gentlemen, the first step would be a brief lesson in understanding what all these dress code terms mean:

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Women

Little black dress is ultimate cocktail option but not too sexy or slinky

Business formal Men Dark coloured business suit, dress shirt, conservative tie, leather shoes and socks

Women

Tailored dressy styles – dress, suit pants or suit skirt, stockings (optional: check the company dress code) and heels

Semi formal Men Dark coloured business suit, dress shirt, tie, leather shoes and socks

Women

Short cocktail dress. Pants suit or suit skirt

Here are a few options for Black Tie | Cocktail | Semi-formal | Business-formal | Businesscasual

Stripes … it’s all a play on optical illusion

However, if you must insist on stripes on stripes “make sure that both patterns have something in common like color or has width variation.”

orange, red-green. It is a bold look (bravo!) but tough on the eyes. remember, “It’s all a play on optical illusion”

Colour is another factor to consider when choosing stripes.

Avoid complimentary colours like blue-

Here are some of my favourite options for business casual. What do you think?

Horizontal and Vertical Stripes in Business Casual Wear You won’t go wrong! There is always a top or bottom for each body type, male or female. Dare to separate yourself with stripes from plain or solid colours!

Vertical stripes are considered more stylish than horizontal.

Think Pinstripes!

These narrower lines make you appear taller or thinner by streamlining the figure. Horizontal stripes are more casual and suited to add volume to frames.

It is recommended to pair stripes with a solid colour.

Otherwise, stripes on stripes can easily cross to unflattering!

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Leaning In &

Finding Your Own Voice….

Lean In Founder Sheryl-Sandberg

“B

ecause I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed. If I fail, no one will say, “She doesn’t have what it takes.” They will say, “Women don’t have what it takes.” - Clare Boothe Luce “A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman.

But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.” - Melinda Gates The quote by Clare Boothe Luce remind us how hard it can be sometimes for a woman climbing the corporate ladder or as a woman setting up or growing a business.

We are blamed for not working together and blanket statements are issued towards women and their work.

But the second quote by Melinda Gates reminds us of the silver lining, that we are strong women and our voice will get heard. Imagine if we all put our voices together!

This is why we were drawn to the LEAN IN movement. It all started with a book by Sheryl Sandberg the COO of Facebook above women pushing towards the goals by LEANING IN. The world over is “LEANING IN” and now so are we!

Corporate Heelz is also joining the movement that women the world over have taken up. Why are we leaning in? Well, lean in is right up our alley as Corporate Heelz, it encompasses what Corporate Heelz is about to create, encourage and nurture inspiring, enlightening powerful

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We can’t achieve success without enlightenment.

Enlightenment come through knowledge. connections.

Inspiring - by sharing our stories of what we have overcome and triumphs. There are very few success 1 stories shared by our Zambian women, stories show that

obstacles and challenges can be overcome. Remember your story can be the key to unlocking somebody’s dream.

Enlightening - We can’t achieve success without enlightenment. Enlightenment come through 2 knowledge. Sharing of knowledge through the group will elevate our enlightenment and thus propelling us to achieve more.

Powerful connections - Through sharing our dreams, our group members may become conduits to us 3 achieving our dreams. They maybe that someone, to point us in the right direction.

What great about lean in circles Tip!is that it’s not the preserve of a few, anyone can form a circle, so if you and your friends would like to lean in, simply visit the lean in site www.leanin.org or visit mightybell.com for resources on how to form your own lean in circle. Contact us if you need help setting up one or you can simply join ours.

Here’s to growth and here’s to leaning in!

More about leanin from the LEAN IN website www.leanin.org www.facebook.com/leanin

Elizabeth Pemba Journey of a former Model, Advertiser, Veteran Media Consultant and Certified Life Coach from the Fearless Living Institute as told to Corporate Heelz.

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B

eing in the media both press and electronic I am normally is the background and that’s where I function best because we work as a team and not as a one-man show. In the background I feel creativity flows easily and undisturbed. Besides I am by nature a bit of a born perfectionist, so in the background I can monitor that everything is in its place operating like clock work.

who also owned a recording studio on boundary road in Northrise Ndola who taught me the tricks of the trade and Ernie and Peter Allenspach who operated as A&S Graphics Ndola were my photographers. Their mentorship really gave my confidence and career as a model a huge boost.

Because of their mentorship and guidance, I went on to represent local cosmetic products like Snowfire Household products like Surf, Pepsodent toothpaste, But the journey has been a long winding road, from a Household Gas from Zamox travel agencies and many trained airhostess with Central African Airways, UTA more. It took guidance, focus and hardwork for my talent and Alitalia back in the day. During the early days I was to be recognized. trained on the job as a radio Later, I briefly served as Miss broadcaster/presenter with Zambia immediately after the then Zambia Broadcasting Zambia’s independence without Corporation (ZBC), thereafter I all the trimmings, pomp and once again returned to school splendor that goes with the title for further studies in Public which at the time was still in its Relations and Marketing where I infancy and at an experimental graduated with flying colours. I stage but I was honoured to be later joined Barker McCormack chosen. and Gilbert Advertising in Ndola where we were living at the ELIZABETH’S JOURNEY as a time. When my husband got transferred to Lusaka where I joined him and got a position at Lightfoot Advertising, which I thank God for all the healthy later changed their name to experiences I’ve had in my life.

Fleetfoot Advertising Lusaka.

All of them have led me to the next level of my careers and passion. As I grow older, my ELIZABETH’S JOURNEY as a experiences implanted the bug of life coaching and events planning. From my checkered resume you will tell I’m a lady with on a mission. And the Charm, style etiquette and hospitality has always been bus did not stop here, later I tried my hand at part time tops of my agenda, which saw me going to back to cosmetology, this is when my journey into life coaching finishing school to acquire the skills and tools of how to began. I believe that a person needs to look good inside survive in a competitive environment anywhere on earth, and out. I embarked on long distance life coaching by I then enrolled at the Lesley Charm and Modeling School. “Invite change” and “coach compass’ by telecast for Charm and Modeling School positioned me competitively a couple of seasons until I read the tragic life story of and gave me the tools to function at regionally and Rhonda Britten the founder of the Fearless living institute international level on location with photo shoots for who also featured on a television lifestyle series “starting different clients. I appeared on annual calendars, show over” whose family history touched my heartstrings. A cards and press advertisements and in Television sad story of a young woman who triumphed over family adverts. Credit goes to three professional photographers tragedy family dysfunction, set backs, disappointments, who were based on the Copperbelt namely Uwe Gerstle divorce and several broken relationships and still comes

Now in my sixties, widowed with three married adult children and a grandmother of 6 grand children, I can safely say I lived life to the fullest with no regret

Life coach

Model

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out tops. She inspired me to another level with her British radio contract series dubbed “Help me Rhonda” that’s what I eventually adapted for local radio, as our first sponsored radio program on Radio Phoenix an agony segment dubbed “Tell me Josephine” an agony segment on different dysfunctional situations in the family.

Now in my sixties, widowed with three married adult children and a grandmother of 6 grand children, I can safely say I lived life to the fullest with no regret.

I’m now trying my hand at my third book two being true autobiographies sold out and one fiction still in manuscript form. This gives you an in sight in to my life story. There has never been a dull moment in this long life and I believe I can pass down my experiences and wisdom to the next generation something I do quarterly to full time staff at the radio station and regular inductions for new recruits. Hard work and focus have been imprinted on me, at my age I still report for duty at 05:00 hours everyday.

ELIZABETH’S JOURNEY as a

Media Consultant

Presently I’m serving as General Manager at Radio Phoenix where I have been since inception in March 1996 two days after my birthday, this should give you the insight in how close this assignment is to my heart.

Best classified as a vocation rather than a career. Prior to Radio Phoenix I served both National News papers the Times of Zambia and the Zambia Daily Mail much later on the National Mirror from where I left to help with the establishment of Radio Phoenix.

I have had the honor to train most community and commercial radio stations in the region, in particular the Peoples choice of Lesotho and Radio One of Tanzania.

Finally I advise young people to remain grounded in all your endeavors. I have been honored to rub shoulders with eminent people from all walks of life nationally, regionally and internationally without going to my head rather I let that kind of exposure keep me focused. Never look down on people because those same people may rise and help you one day.

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s t c a f Fast

She was Miss Zambia right after Zambia’s independence During her modeling days, Elizabetha Pemba modeled for - Zambian Breweries - Reckitt & Colman now

Reckitt and Benkester - Lever Brothers - Johnson & Johnson - Zamox - Dunlop Zambia Ltd - GEC - Teal Record Company - Cutler Hammer Igranick - Schweppes

The Rise Of The Zambian

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t used to be that Entreprenuers were entreprenuers and corporates where corporates. But now the line has slowly blurred and is slowly merging. Cue in the Employedprenuer.

An Employedprenuer is a term that is used to describe someone in formal employed but is also an entrepreneur.

More and more people in the corporate world are dabbling in the entrepreneurial world and growing big businesses. Some in readiness to become their own bosses, some to expand their income base.

“I was inspired to become an Employedprenuer when I read a quote about how it was dangerous to put all my eggs in one basket. It took some planning for me to get my business started; now I own a company that is a registered supplier of various items with local government ministries. The start is not easy but becoming an Employedprenuer is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have faced challenges where I had to hand in a tender for my own business and I have tight deadlines at work, it takes discipline, focus and a good support system.” Says Jennifer Mwape.

“I sell anything and everything, entrepreneurialism is in my blood. Our parents were entrepreneurs and involved in selling all kinds of wares and that how I have found myself as an Employedprenuer. I love what I do in the Corporate world and I wouldn’t trade it for the world but I also need the extra income to supplement my current income and offer my family a better quality of life. I also support some of my extended family. I believe in creating wealth for myself and not just crapping by, I believe in multiplying opportunities and so when I find myself with K1,000 I think how I can multiply that income. I watch my expenditure very closely because any income is an opportunity for me to multiply.” Shares Employedprenuer Lisa Mulozi who currently works at Airtel Zambia as Corporate Communications & PR Executive.

“I’m very clear about separating my roles and only conduct my entrepreneurial activities after hours and

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weekends. I’m very clear about my career progression in the corporate world and I wouldn’t want to jeopardize my chances by focusing on the entrepreneurial activities during working hours.” Lisa adds.

Lisa shares how she stays on top of her game as an Entrepreneur by adding, “As an Entrepreneur, I look out for gaps in the market that I can fill. I also use LinkedIn and Facebook a lot to advertise my wares. I have a Facebook group called MAKWEBO where people can advertise their businesses at no cost. Facebook is an extremely powerful tool and I hope small businesses realize it’s potential to use it.”

“I experience challenges like debtors defaulting or taking longer periods to pay for the goods because I’m sitting in an office, and I can follow up on weekends but I have cultivated patience and persistence which usually gets that challenge resolved.”

“Other than that, I enjoy balancing this act, it’s keeps me challenged and motivated to be the best that I can be.”

For some it hasn’t been as successful as they had hoped.

“I started a restaurant whilst I was working and employed people to run it on behalf, let’s just say I picked the wrong team. I trusted they would manage the business well because I was busy with work but my business made losses, customer service was bad and many other issues plagued my business. I ended up closing my business within 6 months but I learnt some very valuable business lessons from that. I learnt that some businesses require your absolute attention and cannot be run remotely, I know I will do it again but for now, I need to refocus my business goals.” Marilyn, a banker shared during our Corporate Heelz Lean in mini session.

Whatever you want to venture into, just remember the lessons shared by the women in this piece and weigh your options.

Are you an Employedprenuer? Share your lessons with us and inspire someone today.

“Facebook is an extremely powerful tool and I hope small businesses realize it’s potential to use it.”

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Women Helping Women:

An Open Letter to My Generation:

“Lift as you Climb”

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ear fierce go-getters, future Ms. Presidents, and fellow women ready to change to world,

You inspire me. All of you. I’ve never been more proud to be classified amongst a group of women and feel such pride. Among us are accomplished businesswoman, innovative entrepreneurs, catalysts for social change, revolutionary thinkers, standout campus leaders and brilliant thinkers. Whether you feel worthy of falling into one of these categories, you all possess the fire to make a difference with your gifts. The flame just needs to be lit.

As a group, a generation, we owe it to each other to stand together and fan each others’ flame of potential. For those of you who have it figured out: pull others with you, and fan harder. While chatting with a fellow L(L) member about her recent professional development meeting, she shared a nugget that was a true light-bulb moment for me: “Lift as you climb,” she relayed.

So simple, yet so powerful. As we are given tools to climb our respective ladders, we must bring others up with us. There was somebody, somewhere, who talked us through a tough professional situation or introduced us to the contact who became a career game changer. They gave without hesitation and without expectation. In time, it is our turn to do the same.

When we get a phone call or email from the young woman asking to talk with us about how we built our careers, don’t let the message get lost in a sea of to-do’s. And when we meet the new co-worker who doesn’t know a soul and just transplanted into the city, let’s offer to take her to lunch. Our small gestures will lift other women up more than we’ll ever understand–until we’re on the receiving end of such grace.

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The impact of these gestures can be just as important as the implications of our reactions. When was the last time we felt an inkling of jealousy when reading about a woman our age who had exactly the job we wanted? Or what about when our fellow gal-pal at work got the promotion we were gunning for? Did we put on a fake smile for her, or genuinely celebrate her success? It is a reaction that we are all fighting to improve.

How can we change our hesitation, or jealousy, into pride for our female peers? Because the more we cultivate a disruptive atmosphere, the more we perpetuate long-term problems like bullying among females in the workplace. The New York Times cited a survey by the Workplace Bullying Institute showing that 40% of on-the-job bullying was done by women, and 70% of that bullying was to other women.

I think we can all agree that as women, none of us are proud of that statistic. I’m far from a psychologist, but I can only imagine that when we become more secure in our own path by being better mentors and supporters, the less threatened and aggressive we feel toward our fellow women.

We will all have our time to shine. Maybe it’s now, maybe it’s years in the making. However, when that time comes for others, it is even more important that we support them for their achievements. When we all stand together as a unified group, our power is limitless. Whether in small groups at work, or in cross-coastal relationships among college girlfriends, supporting others during our times of achievement and times of need creates a culture of women helping women–a professional culture that will set this world on fire.

Love, Maxie

DĂŠcor with Duni

Putting Colour into the Basics!

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W

e may not all be design inclined but we all love to walk into a beautiful space, whether it be an office, a shop, shopping mall or indeed a home.

It feels even better when that space you are walking into is yours - your garden, your office, or your home. That feeling of being in a space which is not only aesthetically beautiful but also gives you a feeling of peace, joy or tranquillity, is unmatched.

As busy mothers and working women, the time to ensure that our homes are looking their best is not always there.

There is also a general misconception that making your home look good will cost a lot of money. These three; ‘I am not design inclined, I don’t have time, and I can’t spend too much money’, usually means that we do not take advantage of the simple design elements we are surrounded with which we can use to create a stunning home that is both pleasing to the eye, and a delightful space to live in.

Colour is one of the best design tools, and an accessory in its own right, which can be used in the home to great effect. It can also be used to bring your personality and character into your spaces so that when you are in them, there is a harmony between you and the space that inspires you when you need it, puts you at ease at the end of a long day, and motivates you to build and keep a warm environment in your home which your family can take pleasure in every day. Colour can be added in three basic layers, which you then build on when you are designing a space.

PROFILE Duniya is a sales strategist with over ten years’ experience in the fields of ICT and Banking. Her career has been focused on business development, sales management and strategic planning in both fields and she has been responsible for managing both sales and technical teams to grow business AND deliver solutions and services to clients. She has worked with all the leading organisations across all sectors and industries in the Zambian market, as well as some in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and has played a key role in many pioneering solutions that have been developed for the Zambian ICT market including the introduction of fibre-based solutions, digital leased lines for data access and electronic billing systems for utility companies. She is also an insightful and intuitive trainer with a passion for personal development.

Duniya is now running two businesses which focus on her passions, design and technology.

TDM Integra is the first ICT consultancy service firm of its kind in Zambia, offering a full service-based consultancy resource that gives clients access to the best ICT skills for business planning. The goal of Integra is to align business operations and strategy with network systems for enhanced operational efficiency and growth on the bottom line.

BDN Innovations is an interior design and home improvement concept with a difference; designing rooms, homes and spaces using colour schemes, unique furniture to create spaces that are individually suited and are a reflection of what matter most to clients. While BDN brings the design skills and know-how to design projects, its key focus is on giving clients homes and spaces that are both beautiful and full of character, so that its clients can take full joy and pleasure, and own the spaces created.

With all the experiences she has had, and all the plans she still has for the future, Duniya recognises that the most important task in her life is bringing up her 17-year old daughter, and so the first phrase she will always use to describe herself is ‘Natalie’s Mum!’

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The first layer is wall colour. There are many definitions and principles with which we can choose wall colour, but the one which works best is simply the colours you like and think about how they can be translated into a space. Colour in a space works best when you embrace it, rather than shy away from it. Bold, bright colours will give you a striking, visual and lasting effect, and the only major cost will be a tin of paint and some brushes. With the various types and quality of paints on the market, you can get this effect at a budget that suits you, but with a result that is guaranteed to dramatically change your space and give it the character you choose.

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The second layer is fabrics. Here again there is such a wide variety of choice, and so many rules which the designers will insist are key when you are choosing bedding, curtains and all other types of linen for your home. However the first principle which anyone can follow is ‘always choose carefully’! When you make a conscious choice to buy a set or towels that complements the walls in your bathroom, you get a better effect than you would if you buy one simply because it is on special or because it is convenient. This blend between the set of towels you choose and the colour of your bathroom wall will be a conscious design choice you have made which will make a difference to the way your bathroom looks when you walk into it. Curtain fabrics are a very dramatic but simple way of enhancing the look in your home. Here again, be bold in your

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choices. An experienced tailor or designer might help in blending different colours and patterns together, but whenever you are making that choice, choose the colours that appeal to you, and colours that will work well with the colour you have just painted on your walls. The colour of your curtains can be further complemented by the style of curtain you choose - mix two bold complementary colours together rather than going for a single fabric. When you think about how much fabric you and have and use in your home - curtains, carpets, bedding, towels, cushions, and pillows, and more – you can use these basics to continuously bring an element of design in your home, without any additional costs. Every home has to have these basics, but the choices you make when you buy these basics for your home, will have an impact on the look and feel of that precious space.

The third and final layer is accessories. Paintings, vases, flowers, statuettes, and all other decorative pieces can also be used with colour to create simple, elegant beauty.

If you are buying decorations for your home, choose colours that will stand out, so that your pieces stand out. It is also important to remember that one beautiful good quality piece, will have a far better effect than many poorly chosen ones. Another wonderful area where you can use accessory colour in the home is again with the basics - the choice of plates, glasses, and cutlery can also be a design choice which adds to the mood and tone of any space. Even a simple arrangement of colourful flowers is dramatic when well placed! All these basics, when carefully selected, come together in a seamless way, and the end result is a beauty you feel in every area of your home, and one that you control.

By using colour and paying attention to the three design layers described, you are already well on your way to transforming your home when budget might be a constraint, and even when it’s not. Making conscious design choices on the basics in your home is one design trick that we can all use to our advantage, and very successfully, because the effect is immediately noticeable and has a very big impact on the overall look of those precious spaces that matter most.

Tip! By putting colour in the basics, we can easily create spaces with character, which allows us to enjoy them that much more!

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Thebestofzambia.com partners with Corporate Heelz Recently we had the opportunity to get to know Corporate Heelz a little better. This initial getting to know you period, has so far been completely virtual. We have found an inspiring leader in Janice Matwi, and an organisation we want to work with. Building the individuals we work with is a key part of our reason for being at the Best of Zambia. We’re excited to partner with Corporate Heelz, and to be able to give the ladies on our team the chance to go to Corporate Heelz events. We believe Corporate Heelz events will give our girls the opportunity to be inspired, to learn and to grow – something we are deeply passionate about. Attending the next event will mean our meeting moves from the virtual to the flesh. That means we will get to meet some Corporate Heelz e-zine readers too, and we can’t wait!

In the mean time, we have the chance to share a little bit about thebestofzambia.com. And, my, my, do we have a big vision! Like many, everything we have done so far has been achieved through a combination of bootstrapping, lucky breaks, almighty risks, personal investment, unexpected blessings, and the support and sideline cheering from some fantastic people. What we have right now though, is far from the final picture our team holds firmly in our minds.

Firstly, because we work on the web, our product will never be ‘finished’. It must continuously evolve with changing technologies, target audience needs and culture. Secondly, we are currently working towards our design and development team spending three months reworking the site to bring it up to date. After all, one has to invest in order to grow. This will be the third major overhaul of the site, and the next restructure will include:

•Making the site mobile (cell phone) and tablet friendly •Providing a space for an online marketplace •Giving more prominence to events, offers and jobs •Enhancing the site navigation so website users have a clearer, easier, and more exciting journey of discovery through the site •Embracing new theories on gamification, attraction marketing and website performance •A rebrand that will make our image more applicable to other African markets Now let’s stop there, before we give away too many inside secrets! Essentially, we are here to enable Zambian businesses to get more from their advertising budgets. We’re talking promotion to the 47,000 people who currently visit our site monthly, and commission free enquiries direct to your inbox.

Our easy, powerful and affordable system, offers organisations in Zambia a fully integrated online advertising and communication system that will help generate leads via the internet. Talk to us today about how your organisation can benefit from being a member of thebestofzambia.com Our team looks forward to meeting you, and working with you! www.thebestofzambia.com +260 955 051 035, hello@thebestofzambia.com, Plot No. 27362, Chitemwiko Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka

Chiyaba Kayukwa, CRM Administrator

Kristina Kaniki, Sales Executive

Nambeye Katebe, Multi-media Journalist

Inonge Ngala, Sales Executive

Pestensam Mafuta, Accounts Administrator

Advertise with us to reach a discerning audience of HOUSEHOLD & ASSET ACQUISITION DECISION-MAKERS, AMBITIOUS & LUXURY-MINDED ZAMBIAN CONSUMERS.

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Corporate Heelz Launch O

n the 10th of July, Corporate heelz was officially launched. The event was attended by various CH members and supporters of the network.

The Corporate Heelz Launch was made possible with the support of Redd’s, Zambia’s Premier Cider, Intercontinental Hotel, Global Link Zambia and Top Floor.

The theme of the launch was “Individually strong but even stronger together.” Corporate Heelz Founder Janice Matwi made the call for women to rally behind one another to achieve more… ”There’s a revolution going on. Zambian Women are standing up and using their voice and want to be counted! During the years we have been growing the network, sharing our message, we have met some definitive Zambian women, progressive thinkers making a difference in their own way and defining their destiny.

We are fired up to finally officially launch Corporate Heelz. It’s happening at the right time in the right place.

There’s strength in numbers so we believe in synergy, as we are all strong individually but together we are stronger. Corporate Heelz was born in part, from a sense responsibility to the generations of women who came before us and to those who will come after us. We, as Zambian Women need to start reminding ourselves a strength that has existed and has never been fully shared. Despite the difficulty experienced as women, there is some before us, and in the present who have

made a difference and changed the status quo.

We need to build this platform of women together that will become a platform that will give us strength and ability to create change.

The past few months, I’ve have been speaking with women from all walks of life, trying to find out a bit more about what holds us back from reaching our full potential and what we can do about those barriers. It’s been a wonderful experience and I have learnt quite a lot from those conversations. Women want to help other women but don’t know how. There’s a desire to share what they know but the platform where they can form relationships has been missing.

We have now started sharing quotes of these conversations using the ‎#meaningfulconversations ‎#progressivethinking ‎#womenhelpingwomen Now comes the time for some reflection, we have identified the issues, we need to start having meaningful conversations that will ask the right questions as we start this journey, questions like “how are you going to fix this?” “ How can I become a part of this movement?”

“What are they key messages/lessons we need for those will come after us to learn?” These questions will be the start for us to create our own inspirational stories. Stories that will encourage other women.”

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Corporate Heelz Launch

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A

new twist on networking, the Corporate Heelz High Tea was a sold out event and a huge success! Thank you for all who attended the event.

Thanking our partners Woolworths Zambia, Redd’s Zambia., ShowMasters Zambia, InterContinental Lusaka, Curves Manda Hill, Knightsbridge Signaturewear, Signwave Printers, The Deli, St Collete’s Clinic for Women, Zorganics and Good times Events.

Pictures by Matimba Shiyanga-Om’mani

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Women helping women

testimonals from the Corporate Heelz High Tea Our strength is renewed and our resolve reinforced that we need to forge on and touch more lives, Thank you all for writing to us, looking forward to hearing from more women. We need to tell our stories, remember your story maybe the key that unlocks someone’s prison.

Thank you for the wonderful event that brought beautiful, strong and ambitious women from different sectors together. I really didn’t know what to expect. I kept asking the MC Lulu if all we will do is sit and talk with other women in an effort to network and know more women.

I am glad I came!!! I learnt that I have to work on my networking skills. Listen to the other people with the intent to recall the information. The speech that The Human Resource Director, Mrs Mwila gave could not have come at a better time for me. I am that person who is not too sure what I want to do career wise. Recently I developed an interest in marketing and communication but can’t find a job in that area. Listening to the Airtel HR Director, Mrs Mumbi Kandeke Mwila gave me hope, that I am not alone and that there’s a way around my situation and I can still excel in life. The guidelines she gave are my little campus for now. I will start positioning myself for the job I want. Do whatever I can to get to where I want to be. I don’t usually know how to plan for 10 years, so I was glad to hear her say it is okay to plan even a few months…..for as long as you are planning ahead .

I also loved how the Corporate Heelz Founder, Janice Matwi encouraged us all to have support structures filled with women. I am an only child, and I don’t have so many female friends to be honest, I have more acquaintances than I do friends. It was great to be around so many ‘sisters’ and too share the laughter, the food, knowledge and everyday struggles. I will always remember what Janice said about having women in our lives for support,

and that it can be a mum, sister, friend, boss, it doesn’t matter –women need women.

I could go on and on. Once again THANK YOU for such a wonderful event and thank you for Corporate Heelz (women helping women). I look forward to the next High tea and of course any other event that you will have. I wish you lots of success and joy as you take Corporate Heelz to greater heights.

Lots of love Mwaba Kayula “The best part of it is the networking with Likeminded, stronger, more experienced women who I know I can learn from. Sitting in that little garden gazebo was a great collection of knowledge, strength, wisdom, love, intelligence and passion from diverse sections. Seated among those women were Mothers, Directors, Wives, Lawyers, Sisters, Business owners, Innovators, Healers… and the list is endless. THE POSITIVITY AND HAPPINESS was also very contagious. From the registration desk I could feel the unadulterated genuine laughter and joy of these women to be there, to share and learn.”

Jayne Mazimba, Le Sizzle Café It was indeed awesome to see women come together in such a wonderful manner to share ideas, enlighten each other, love each other and most of all inspire each other.

I really enjoyed every moment of it, especially when I met Dillian who was my Girl Guide leader at primary school 28 years ago. We should have more events like that more often. The guest speaker Mumbi Kandeke - Mwila really inspired me, I’m using part of what she said at work, thus being deaf to what others say about me or my performance and just focusing on what I can contribute to the company and this approach has really made a difference in the way I handle things at work, also I have become more aware and sensitive to the way I carry myself, I am more confident in what do knowing that I can running to a higher being GOD when I am in need. God richly bless you Mumbi and may God continue to lift you up.

Nakabanga Shamwana

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We had laughed, loved, smiled, networked and relaxed ourselves....Thank you Corporate Team for a great job of bringing amazing and wonderful women together to such a blessing networking and building up event.

Women need more of such inspiring events, meetings to build themselves personally and to build their careers. Its thumbs up to all the women who were present let’s not stop here but continue with the same spirit of supporting and building each other positively, we definitely had a great time with everyone. God richly bless you all!...

Mellen Mawele Hello CH, I don’t know why I have taken this long to write you but anyway, id like to say a job well done on the High Tea my friend and I really enjoyed and learnt a lot it was worth every penny.

It was a success, enjoyed it all and made some meaningful connections, picked up some good leads too. The power of networking. Keep it up Corporate Heelz. You are doing a great job. I particularly admire your attention to detail.

Well organised event. Excellence pays. Weni Kabota

Mumbi’s talk was also very inspirational I hope in future we can get her and a few other ladies to come give a talk on campus because there are so many girls who don’t have dreams beyond university, all they think is graduation then marriage and babies, they don’t realise they have potential to do so much more even with that in the picture. Many are talented all they need is a little nudge in the right direction.

Maureen Kandy Nabulyato-Zulu

And I guess sometimes its a little scary when we think about breaking into the corporate world because we don’t’ really know what to expect and school doesn’t really prepare us for the world i.e real life lessons.

It was such a great event. I learnt a lot and I enjoyed myself..Thanks

Thanks for the weekly emails, at least they help me to stay focused and keep going.

Sheba Mwenda

Zanele M. Phiri

It was awesome..looking forward to next years event.

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Mutale, U.K based, African Woman of the Year 2012 and Founder of Positive Runway: Global Catwalk to Stop the Spread, delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the conference and presented awards to honorees.

The following outstanding women were honored at the award ceremony:

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nakazi Center Celebrates African Women Leaders and Entrepreneurs at Annual Rethinking Business Development for African Women Conference.

Los Angeles, CA - Anakazi Center for African Women’s Empowerment and Development (Anakazi Center) hosted its first annual Business and Career Development Conference, titled: “Step into your Purpose: Rethinking Business Development for African Women,” on July 27, 2013, at the Radisson Hotel LAX. In the two years since Anakazi Center launched, they’ve been hard at work growing their community and creating opportunities for personal, professional, business development, and growth for African women. July 27, 2013 was an important milestone in their history as they held their first annual Business and Career Development Conference, titled: “Step into your Purpose: Rethinking Business Development for African Women”.

True to their reputation for networking, establishing, and leveraging strong partnerships, Anakazi, in collaboration with the US State Department International Visitors Program, hosted 10 leading African businesswomen, who were visiting the United States through the African Women’s Entrepreneurs Program (AWEP). Anakazi Center also launched the Anakazi African Women’s Achievement Awards to honor trailblazing women in tech, business, human rights, and philanthropy, who work in service to African women and girls.

Highlights from the conference and awards ceremony included informative panels on “Turning Ideas into Actions: Connecting to Purpose” and “Rethinking Business Development for African Women” and a fashion show, led by African Fashion Week Los Angeles, featured high fashion by African designers. Justina

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Elizabeth Sichinga, Zambia/US Economic Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Award Winner Elizabeth is CEO, President, and Managing Director of African Global Super Center AGSC), an international trade and development company committed to countrycentered, community-focused development and redevelopment of Africa, African-American and African diaspora communities.

Anakazi Center honored Elizabeth for her accomplishments as a leading African woman entrepreneur and for believing in Anakazi Center from day one. Elizabeth has supported Anakazi Center since inception: serving as a mentor, co-host of “Voices of Anakazi,” and connector to organizations in Zambia.

Muadi Mukenge, DRC/US Human/Women’s Rights Award Winner Muadi is Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa at the Global Fund for Women (GFW) and overseas an annual budget of over $1.8 million in grant-making and capacitybuilding to women’s organizations.

Anakazi Center honored Muadi for her passion, advocacy, and commitment to African women and girls’ rights and for her contribution as keynote speaker at Anakazi Center’s 1st Annual Rethinking Business Development for African Women conference .

Rentse Ugokwe, Botswana/US Humanitarian Award Winner Rentse Ugokwe, tFounder of Rentse Foundation is a successful, self-made businesswoman, role model, and humanitarian. She draws on her own life experience of hardship and triumph to transform the lives of children and grandmothers in Botswana.

Anakazi Center honored Rentse for her critical work providing housing for grandmothers who are holding communities together and caring for AIDS-affected orphans and vulnerable children in Botswana, and her commitment to the Anakazi Center’s mission.

Hadiara Diallo, Niger/US Economic Empowerment of Grassroots

Virginia Wangui Kinoro, Project Manager, Mama Africa (textile), Kenya

Rentse Ugokwe, (right)

Hadiara Diallo, Director of Microfinance at Wells Bring Hope is an advocate for women and girls’ rights in Africa and around the world.

She is a firm believer in providing women and girls with opportunities to go to school and generate income, bringing about positive, sustainable change for generations to come.

Anakazi Center honored Hadiara for her dedication to improving women and girls’ lives and ensuring that communities in Niger have access to clean water.

Elizabeth Ngonzi, Uganda/US Empowering African Women Technology Award Winner

Habibatou Moussa Hassane, Founder and Director Design, Niger

Hadiara Diallo

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Elizabeth “Liz” Ngonzi, is an international connector, cultivator and communicator with over 20 years of experience facilitating strategic relationships, developing and strengthening brands, and inspiring personal transformation.

Anakazi Center honored Liz for her leadership as an African woman in tech, and for being a true champion of our mission. Liz has been featured three times on “Voices of Anakazi,” has showcased Anakazi Center at the Wilson Center and in other media, and actively mentors Anakazi members.

Interested in learning more about Anakazi?

Visit www.anakazi.org, https://www.facebook.com/anakazi, or https://twitter.com/anakazi.

Muadi Mukenge (left) receives award from Justina Mutale.

Elizabeth Sichinga,(left) and Cameroonian born, US based, Immigrant Magazine Founder, Pamela Anchang.

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