Brains and Talent

A Talk With CYNTHIA GAUYA

Who is Cynthia? Well it’s always hard to satisfactorily define yourself. In most cases you find it hard to be fully objective, always torn between heralding the truth or exaggerate facts to create a lasting impression. Objectively I take myself as a goal driven lady, God fearing and determined. I fully apply myself and the appetite for achieving personal goals push me and in most cases in the right direction. Accused of being pampered as the last born in a family of 2 kids, the desire to prove otherwise has been the major driving force. By the way people,ladies are always shy to expose their age however 27 years ago family members and friends celebrated my birth.

What makes Cynthia a unique? This is a hard one. I strongly believe that my determination and focus make me unique. Let me say this at one point at a tender age my family moved from Mutare to Chinhoyi. The move while tormented me as my accent attracted attention at times received with mixed feeling from colleagues and peers. Generally the majority laughed and at times mocked and attacked all the same. Through verbal insults I lost confidence which eventually affected my grades. Parents at time as you know them always want the best out of us. When we fail they say things that get to you. While this was a set back I felt desire to prove a point mount inside me. Reflecting on my journey to where I am now, makes me realise how unique I am. At the age of nine, I was with this renewed vigour I worked hard to change my narrative by working harder in the face of those who doubted me. My first article was published in 2003 in the Edgars magazine. The article changed my life for good. It made me popular at school, I started making friends. I still needed to work on my confidence, so I participated in modelling. I won six titles during my short-lived tenure. I also participated in sports and public speaking. I was a Senior prefect, president for Toast Masters Club and president for Girl Child network. Academically I doubled my efforts to get good grades. I have partnered with seasoned HR people in consultancy as well as being a contributor to local newspapers with HR articles but above all having published in Refereed International Journals. I have occupied Acting Human Resource Manager positions and I am also into lectureship.

What is your vision in life? For me, it’s about having a meaningful life.

What advice would you give to young woman starting their careers? Believe in yourself, aim high, remain focussed and the sky will be the limit. Remember and always remember that smooth seas do not make skilful sailors. Turbulence of nature will fight and at times appear to defeat you. Always remain prayerful, grateful and you will never regret. Never focus on a closed door, look for new and better opportunities. Guys remember we live once. Make the best out of it. Youths? If you want success and a stress-free life, stay far away from your relatives. Let them be the last people to know your plans. If it is a business project, do not involve them. Do not get me wrong, I love all my relatives and I treat them with respect. However, they are the last people to know about what I am doing in life and my progress. We are all destined

for greatness and I believe you can achieve your dreams if you keep your plans to yourself. Remember this, no matter how good you are, you will always be replaced. Like they say, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Go to your 8-5pm job but have something else you are doing on the side, never rely on source of income. One source of income is a recipe for disaster. Remember always to pray for wisdom. 18