‘Education a pre-requisite for every professional’

NMB chief finance officer Margret Chipunza (MC, pictured) was named one of Zimbabwe’s 50 most inspirational women. Below is an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent ( ZI)

ZI:

Tell us your journey from when started until you came to the top

I did my articles with Deloitte while at the same time studying with UNISA for a Bachelor of Accounting Science degree. I qualified as a chartered accountant and joined the banking sector. I first became financial director of a bank when I was 28 years old. When I look back it was such a blessing as I got to interact with very mature and seasoned business people at such a young age.

I have worked for various financial institutions since then, mostly as CFO.

ZI: What are some of the challenges that women face in the corporate world as the climb up the ladder and to remain at the top?

MC: A lot of the challenges I have faced were largely a result of my own insecurities and lack of self- confidence. I think women need to overcome the limits that sometimes they put for themselves. I have not encountered a lot of external obstacles in my journey just because I am a woman. I think as a country we have come a long way in eliminating these.

ZI: Is Zimbabwe ready to embrace more women leaders in business?

MC: I think largely the country has already embraced women leaders and well qualified women have access to more or less the same opportunities as men. There could be some small pockets of environments where it is believed that leadership is for men but I think these are isolated.

MC:

ZI: What are some of the good leadership qualities that you possess and have worked as a competitive advantage in business?

I am a devoted Christian and I have

MC:

found that when I am striving to live my life according to God’s word daily, it makes a great foundation for good leadership anywhere. A high level of integrity, humility and sincerity are essential to good leadership. I strive to lead from the front and to be an involved leader.

ZI: Most female leaders also have motherly and wifely duties at home. How do you balance the daily demands of being a leader at the office and in the home, especially taking into cognizant that Zimbabwe is undeniably a patriarchal society?

MC: That is a great question and this is not easy. Having married a man who shares the same beliefs as myself and who is in the same industry has made it much easier for me. Being his wife is not a burden at all but a blessing. I am blessed with three beautiful children. I continue to fight to give my children my very best no matter what challenges I face. Ultimately I depend on God to provide the strength and wisdom I need daily

ZI: Do these patriarchal challenges also permeate the workplace and how have you dealt with such an emotive issue?

MC: I have not really encountered these patriarchal challenges in the work place. I was blessed to have worked with very supportive male leaders who have believed in me, challenged me and allowed me to flourish.

ZI: What is the importance of education in leadership? Does every leader really have to possess an MBA or Doctorate? Does the MBA taught in universities fit into the fast changing digital world?

MC: I think continuing professional education is a prerequisite for every professional. You want to be up to date with developments in your profession. The world is changing every day and at a very fast pace. Things like AI, sustainability etc are topics that are relevant for everyone. We have to learn what is relevant at any given point in time. I think it’s great to aim towards PHDS and Masters degrees if that is what one wants in their life.