Harnessing resilience to steer through crisis

THIS month, I made the decision to dedicate two articles to honour the memory of two great leaders. Last week’s article focused on the late Professor Munashe Furusa, the former Vice Chancellor and CEO of Africa University.

He was a visionary leader who left an indelible impact on all who had the privilege of knowing, working or interacting with him.

This article focuses on the late Raphael Chimbganda, a war veteran who grew up in Uzumba, Zimbabwe.

He spent his early years in formal employment. However, since 1992, he carved his entrepreneurship journey in Harare, Waterfalls. Both Professor Furusa and Raphael Chimbganda were close to me, and I learnt a lot from them.

Both passed away on the same day — January 13, 2021 — in the morning.

And they both died of the same ailment. However, what I learnt from them about leadership was different.

The late Raphael Chimbganda’s story was that of leadership and resilience.

He was an entrepreneur who founded many start-ups in his lifetime, each time leading them through transformative periods. He demonstrated unwavering resolve and adaptability.

From the early nineties, Chimbganda, through strategic decision-making and focus, successfully steered a start-up in cane furniture manufacturing to new heights, setting an inspiring example for entrepreneurs across industries. During its peak, the company he founded — Canecraft — exported high-value cane furniture to discerning clients, hotels, corporates and even exported many products to Germany.

Due to the economic downturn in Zimbabwe, however, his business folded in 2004.As with many other enterprises at the time, the business could not survive the “VUCA” (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) environment.

Although Chimbganda was deeply affected by the failure of his business, he did not give up. He started a logistics business and remained resolute for more than five years. Again, his business did not survive. But he remained determined.

After securing a piece of land in Waterfalls a few years later, and with the support of his family, he sold the family house with the vision to start a private school.

The journey to build the school, which started in 2013, was not easy, but a few years later before his passing on in January 2021, Great Harvest School had a steady enrolment growth rate. It is now one of the most sought-after private schools in Waterfalls.

From this experience, many lessons emerge. In an ever-changing and unpredictable world, leadership and resilience have never been more crucial.

Leaders who demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity inspire those around them and steer their businesses through turbulent times.

Whether it is navigating economic uncertainty, facing societal challenges, or overcoming personal setbacks, the mark of true leadership lies in the ability to persevere and thrive in the midst of adversity.

Resilient leaders are not immune to setbacks or failure; rather, they demonstrate the ability to bounce back from adversity with heightened determination and wisdom.

Their strength lies in their capacity to adapt, learn from failure and inspire others to do the same. In times of crisis, resilient leaders become beacons of hope, guiding their teams through the storm and instilling confidence in a brighter future.

The story of Raphael Chimbganda is testament to the power of resilient leadership.

When faced with supply chain and market disruptions in the cane furniture manufacturing business, he quickly pivoted his business model, investing in logistics and then education, and adopting a new, sustainable vision that not only seized new opportunities, but also solved challenges of many parents who loved quality education for their children at affordable tuition fees.

In conclusion, the mark of true leadership lies in the ability to lead with resilience, face adversity head-on and emerge stronger than before. As we look to the leaders of today and tomorrow, may we find inspiration in Raphael Chimbganda’s unwavering determination, commitment to growth and powerful example of what it means to lead with resilience.