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Mini Cooper (2019)

We love a fun small sporty car with “a brisk 6.2-second zero-to-60-mph and a 134-hp turbocharged three-cylinder; the sportier S has a 189-hp turbo 2.0liter four-cylinder. The lineup is highly customizable and seriously fun to drive; all models come with Mini’s trademark go-kart handling” which is definitely a fun ride for an area with great roads but slightly chaotic for imperfect roads. Outside of the cute factor the base price starts at $22,750usd dependent on the country.

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EXPERIENCE P

Porsche Panamera Turbo (2017)

Starting at a base price of $147,950usd and Executive price of $161,050usd Porsche is anything but ordinary. “The Panamera Turbo comes with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that delivers 550 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels courtesy of standard all-wheel drive. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.0 seconds and estimated top sepped of 190 mph” caranddriver.com the Porshe Panamera Turbo is a dare-devils dream.

We’re honoured for our main article to be about the spectacular Stella Nkomo a true marketer, strategist and creative at heart. Stella is one of Zimbabwe’s top 50 influential people and sits on the boards of numerous high impact businesses, but she’s not just a business and community leader she’s also a woman of prayer, a mentor to many and an inspiration to thousands.

Who is Stella Nkomo?

Stella is a passionate woman of excellence who loves unconditionally and above all is a woman of prayer. Professionally, she is a business executive, transformational and dynamic leader who is also a Chartered marketer and events specialist. She is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for the ZITF Company as well as the Head of Marketing, Sales and PR. She is an award winning marketer and thought leader with 15 years’ experience in strategy management, business planning, events management as well as building and promotion of brands. She is also a brand management guru who focuses on customer centric approaches, pushing for revenue growth that ultimately lead(s) to business growth and profitability. She is the reigning Top National Marketer of the Year (Executive) 2022 in recognition of her efforts in spearheading winning marketing campaigns for ZITF. As an accomplished Events Manager and Coordinator, she has been instrumental in making sure that the ZITF Company’s exhibitions and events remain the biggest and most effective platforms for business growth in the country. A recipient of various industry awards in recognition for her business acumen and marketing prowess, in addition to being the Top National Marketer (recognised by Marketers Association Zimbabwe), she was recognised by the Institute of Public Relations & AMP; Communication Zimbabwe as one of Zimbabwe’s Influential Women and Industry Innovators in PR and Communication, 2022. She was also recognised as one of Zimbabwe’s 50 Most Inspirational Women (2020-21) by the Institute of Corporate Directors Zimbabwe in association with Women Corporate Directors Network. She was also named as one of Bulawayo’s 10 Most Outstanding Women (2020 -2021) by GirlPowerZW in association with Culture Fund. She was awarded the Southern Region and National Customer Service Excellence Manager of the Year award (2014) by the Zimbabwe Institute of Management. In 2020, she was also selected for theprestigious International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) in the USA for the Multi Regional Project on Trade Policy Issues and their impact on the global economy. She is a national leader, exercising the roles of; 1. ZESA Holdings Board Member and Non-Executive Director, 2. Trade Measures Board Member, 3. Gwanda State University Councillor, 4. Vice President for the CZI Matabeleland Chamber and 5. Chairperson of the Marketers Association Zimbabwe Southern Region Committee.

What occupation did you want to be part of as a child? Were you always a creative at heart or is this something you stumbled across?

Initially, I wanted to be an air hostess ( I always wanted to fly so much as a child, and this looked like an easier route!) and then later I imagined myself being a pilot - I suppose that’s how I became an aviation and space fanatic. Actually, God is full of humour; my best friend is a pilot! However, later I found my passion in marketing and I have never looked back. I was quick to model myself as a thought leader in this space, although my desire was to fulfil a greater purpose premised on transforming organisations and people’s lives in general, a mandate that I am now executing. I have always been a creative person who pays attention to detail in everything that I do. I always want to leave an indelible mark wherever I am, which then forces me to always be creative. Creativity is what fuels change and transformation in the society. We would not have all these innovations if we did not have creative minds. I am thankful to God for giving me a spirit of creativity and the wisdom to use it innovatively for the betterment of the various organisations I am associated with.

As Deputy CEO of ZITF what does your day-today job entail?

My day-to-day job is to assist the Chief Executive Officer in providing strategic leadership and directionto the organization. This is carried out in

the form of guidance and supervision of all departments to enable them to achieve their set targets as they align with the overall organization’s vision and mission so that shareholder business objectives are realized and maximum return on investment is achieved. I also Head the Marketing, Sales and PR function of the Company where my job is to establish, develop, manage and co-ordinate ZITF Company marketing, business development, sales and public relations strategies in line with the Company strategy. In terms of daily operations; no one day looks like the other – one day you will find me sitting in the Board and talking strategy, or in an evaluation committee planning for the purchase of new conferencing equipment. On another afternoon I could be inspecting a venue to ensure that it is up to spec for our events, or approving the marketing campaign for one of our numerous products and services.

What was your first day on the job like?

Surprisingly, for me, it was like any other day at work. Yes, the title had changed and obviously I was excited as so many colleagues and industry leaders wished me well in my new position, but the fundamentals of my roles and responsibilities were still the same. Outside ZITF, I was already sitting on various boards and committees that not only gave me almost similar challenges and experiences but also the confidence to navigate the C-Suite. So it was a natural progression that I had already imagined and prepared for, for quite sometime. However, I had an opportunity to reflect on what this new title means, that as a leader it is not about a title, but impact, influence and inspiration. It means my behaviour must inspire, firstly the ZITF family and secondly, the community at large. I have to care more, love more and do more for people. It also means that I am expected to have a clear vision, mission and commitment to integrity that will guide me in everything that I do.

Your role is a very senior role, do find a number of women in similar senior roles in Zimbabwe and what is the effect of that?

Of course, great strides have been achieved in ensuring that more and more women do take up leadership spaces in the country. What is also fantastic to watch is that at policy level, government has taken a deliberate effort to include women

in decision-making roles. However, I still believe that we have to do more as a society to empower women; starting at grassroots levels when young girls are making choices. They should be empowered to view themselves as a vital cog in the development of their nation. Remember, little girls with dreams become women with vision. So we need to constantly reflect on what more should be done to break societal barriers that have continued to promote gender bias and inequality. I think the time is now for us to challenge the status quo and make appropriate campaigns and interventions. We simply need more women at the highest level(s)!

What are some of the key lessons you’ve learnt in regards to networking over your work tenure?

Porter Gale, the author of, “Your Network is your Net Worth,” says, ‘Your social capital, or your ability to build a network of authentic personal and professional relationships, not your financial capital, is the most important asset in your portfolio.” I agree with the author as no man is an island. We all need a strong network of industry colleagues, business partners and acquaintances to help us achieve our goals. Networking is great for career development and personal growth but it is not the end-all and be-all of professional success. Yes, network, build those connections, but understand that networking can never be a substitute for hard work. Hard work let’s you stay in the rooms whose doors are opened for you by your networks. There is need for constant balance between hard work and networking.

In 5 years’ time what do you hope to have accomplished at ZITF?

I hope to have fulfilled my role in achieving the goals tabled in our corporate strategy, first and foremost. I am excited and look forward to working together with my supportive Board and CEO, and the entire ZITF family to make sure that we position ourselves strategically as a notable and leading Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) player in the country.

Do you have any side projects that you’re currently working on? Whether that be volunteering your time or an extra source of income?

Apart from my work at ZITF, I serve on various public and private sector boards and committees, some of which I have already mentioned. I have a passion for knowledge sharing so I also do part time lecturing at a local university as well as consulting on marketing and branding strategies for companies wishing to position themselves favourably in the market. I also mentor young women under the Jewels in Pebbles programme whose mission is to develop a well-grounded young professional woman who is *not afraid to venture into new territories. I occasionally volunteer my time and resources for causes that are close to my heart such as the empowerment of the girl child. To compliment my income, I also have small businesses that I am running.

How do you find the time to juggle such a senior role and your other ventures or just your personal life? (Do you work with a team, do you schedule time, etc.)

I would like to think of myself as a highly organised individual. I plan everything and always try to have control over as many things in my life as I can, the most important one being how I spend my TIME. I have found that it is easier to strike a certain level of balance when I am intentional about how I spend my time. My family and my team are very pivotal in helping maintain as much balance as possible. However, I must say, absolute balance is a bit of an illusion. We can have everything, but never in perfect equal amounts at the same time, and I think that is just a part of life. It all comes down to a constant balancing act.

What’s one of your favourite things about, being you?

I always try to look at the bright side of everything in life. That is my drive, which is what keeps me going no matter what. When life gives me lemons, I will do everything in my power to make the best lemonade out of them. I will always find a way around tough situations because I don’t believe in accepting defeat but in manoeuvring difficult circumstances with grace.

That is something I can only do if I maintain a positive energy. I believe in endless possibilities; God blessed humanity with the rare ability to solve any and all problems in the universe.

Please name one hard life lesson you’ve had to learnt and what were your key take- aways from it?

The world does not owe you anything and life is generally unfair so the onus is always on you to make the most of the cards you have been dealt. Nothing in this world is given on a silver platter, but one has to keep on pushing and reaching for greater heights. Just keep working hard and doing what is best for you. Eventually, you will reap the rewards when your turn comes.

If you weren’t doing what you’re doing now in terms of work what would you be doing?

I believe I would be a community developer working with the youth, especially young women, to better their lives and the lives of those around them. Women and youth empowerment is one of my passions and I do hope that in the near future, I will be able to engage in extensive community development work that is premised on women and youth empowerment.

Lastly, we ask all our amazing cover stars this question, what advice would you give your younger 18 year old self?

I will always find a way around tough situations because I don’t believe in accepting defeat.

Never stop learning and working hard to reach your full potential. There is no limit to how far you can go in achieving your dreams. Your mind is your greatest limit so feed it positive, encouraging thoughts. Do not forget the 3Ds and E (Diligence, Discipline, Dedication and Excellence). Those will take you further than any circumstance you may find yourself in. You are the writer of your story and you have God backing you up. In everything you do, dare to win. A winner inspires, a winner is unstoppable, and a winner explores; a winner is about possibilities. Love God, His people and the world; and all the good you put out will come back to you tenfold. <end of interview>

Many thanks to our phenomenal cover star Stella Nkomo for this awesome interview.

15

TERRESTRIAL INNOVATION

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” a quote by Neil Armstrong the first man who was allegedly on the moon and yes that is allegedly for all my conspiracy theory tribe. For many years non-African countries have been far ahead of the African continent when it comes to the race for outer space but now African governments are investing and they’re investing big. It said that “the African space industry was valued at 19.49 billion USD in 2021. This number is expected to grow by 16.16% to 22.64 billion USD by 2026. The African space economy employs a workforce of over 19,000 people, with the government being the biggest employer having 11,000 staff members.” spacewatch.global

Countries like South Africa were amongst the first to jump in on the terrestrial action and while Tunisia was the “sixth African country to manufacture a satellite, launching Africa’s 43rd into orbit. Challenge 1, built by Tunisian company Telnet Holding, was launched from Kazakhstan on board a Russian Soyuz 2 rocket.” africanbusiness.co.za, there is still an optimistic predicition that there will be 110 African-owned satellites launched by 2024, with Egypt being the headquarers under the African Union Commission’s African Space Policy which was officiated in 2017.

Terms like remote sensing which is ‘scanning of the earth by satellite or highflying aircraft in order to obtain information about it’ are key to know when it comes to how Africa will use it’s satellites as this provides critical data to help us prevent floods, natural disasters and pro-actively also scenario plan our resources and ultimately attract global investors on more favourable terms for African governments. “African nations allocated a total of USD 534.9 million for space programmes in 2022. The report states that this means a 2.24% increase from the revised USD 523.2 million in 2021. The connectivity gap on the continent is expected to be bridged via satellite communications. Meanwhile, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) services and satellite TV remain the most significant contributors to Africa’s space economy.”spacewatch. global. “After the launch of Rwanda’s first low altitude satellite, Icyerekezo, in 2019, schools outside the reach of terrestrial broadband gained access to satellite internet. More remote schools and communities in other parts of the continent could follow as more satellites go up.” africanbusiness.co.za. Stories like the launch of the Rwandan satellite highlight why our governments are prioritizing terrestrial/space related innovation and how it can help keep our youth competitive in the future when it comes to employment and income generating innovation.

“The first African satellite, SunSat-1, was launched to space by South Africa in 1999, the industry has accelerated with hundreds of millions USD invested into it. A total of 20 satellites have been launched by African states since 2016 totaling 41 satellites. Egypt leads the way with nine launched satellites, followed by South Africa with eight, Algeria with seven, Nigeria with six, and Morocco with three. Ghana, Sudan, Ethiopia, Angola, Kenya, Rwanda and Mauritius complete the list. Satellites have also been launched by private telecommunications companies in Africa so the innovation does not revolve strictly around governments, which allows private companies to join the space toursim race like Tesla and Amazon in the United States in the very near future it seems. I’m looking forward to smaller African countries like my own Zimbabwe launching their first satellite and the enoromous opportunities that will come from the space economy when we do, until then we are proud to celebrate the amazing work being done in this field by amazing Africans changing the continent.