Interview with
Marshall Chingwaru
H
ello Mr. Marshall, so it’s part of our culture as Zim Influencers Magazine to start with this popular request, can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and what exactly makes you this unique and amazing? I am motivated when I see young people achieving their dreams. I believe we are stronger and can achieve more, together. Marshall Chingwaru (Marshall_Billionaire) is an Entrepreneur, Pastor, Model and currently General Manager at JanJam Stores, one of the leading stores in the fashion Industry. I grew up in the coolest Getto “Emakhandeni” in Bulawayo and I have always seen myself as a young man on a mission. Everything I do, I do it as if I’m behind time thus, one of the things that makes me unique is that I remain true to myself. I believe anytime I try to be what I’m not I become useless. Where do you derive your motivation when you begin feeling like quitting, basically how do you manage to stay afloat in life? I get my motivation from a few people as I believe few opinions build a focused individual. First and foremost, I’m inspired by my mum who has always taught us business fundamentals from a tender age. Another one of my inspirations is my boss Cynthia Sithole (Cyn.) I call her mum. She makes sure every step I take is lucrative and I derive my strength and wisdom from her. I also
acquire motivation from my family specifically my elder sister Flame. Every time I feel like I want to quit, she always makes sure that she reminds me with her strong statement “Don’t forget that you’re a billionaire my Brother. It’s a journey, turn the pain to a blessing” that alone empowers me to adjust my focus when everything seems to be blur. Above all I get my motivation from the word of God, remaining focused and realizing that my identity is found in Christ Jesus. Well, Mr. Marshall you’re a role model to a lot of young people out there. What advice would you give a young man who is aspiring to live a successful life? I would say success is when you understand your God given purpose in life, never underestimate the profession you love. Just because everybody hates it does not mean it’s not good. If there is a demand for your particular product or skill set, the quality doesn’t really matter as demand remains constant. The most important thing is to start and develop as you journey on. More so maintain your faith in your goal and your product, and ensure you can respond to the demands of your market. Does modelling affect your career in any way as a pastor? Modelling does not affect my ministry in any way, reason being I have never done or intended to do anything that goes against my morals.
Instead, Modelling has affected my calling in a positive way. I count myself an inspiration to the Christian community notably Pastors. Welldressed ministers command attention to their audiences and they look honorable. They say the higher the position in life, the higher the criticism, how do you deal with criticism Mr. Marshall? We will always be criticized and people will say whatever they think is right to them, some will even try to define you. I have come to realize that in life learn to avoid drama, have a personal blueprint, a proven network, a roadmap and understand who you are, what you are, what you want and what you are willing to give up to get what you want. That really is the key to success. Beyond doubt, you’re one of the intelligent and influential young people I have met. Which lesson have you learnt from life so far? I have learnt so many lessons. In order for you to learn, you have to be a willing student who accepts constructive criticism. Do not take offense when rebuked but rather see it as a stepping stone to another level. What I can boldly say is I have learnt to be a risk taker, mind my own business, surround myself with purpose driven networks and I have learnt to never let the body tell the mind what to do. They will always give up, it is always tired in the morning, noon and night but the body is never tired if the mind is not tired.
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