Business leaders embrace the new norm
THE Institute of Directions Zimbabwe (IoDZ) chairman Mike Juru has applauded business leaders for remaining astute during the turbulent times caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. In his welcome remarks during this year's virtual director of the year awards (DOYA) event, Juru said businesses had made great strides in mastering the new normal, amidst a devastating pandemic which continues to wreak havoc in many countries.
"It is a fact that we are doing things differently tonight in light of the pandemic, but it is with great honour for me to welcome you all to the Institute of Directors Zimbabwe’s first-ever livestreaming of the prestigious Director of the Year awards ceremony where we honour extraordinary individuals who persevered during an unprecedented pandemic, as they steered their organisations in uncertain trying times with unforeseen economic downturns, social unrest where a new normal was defined with new trending words emerging such as social distancing, remote working, virtual meetings, and sanitisation,"he said.
Juru told the participants that for their safety and survival, they ought to embrace the World Health Organisation (WHO) laid-down protocols. "Today's and tomorrow’s leaders are challenged by the ‘New Normal Environment’. The Covid-19 pandemic has indeed changed how companies operate and should grow. There is now a need for leadership that makes the long-term sustainability decisions and makes the resilience of our existence a top priority," he said.
Juru explained that this year's theme for the awards Effective Leadership: Building Sustainable Enterprises was befitting as it is widely believed that effective corporate leaders stand on a foundation of solid governance principles to build enduring enterprises.
"This event confirms our drive to live our mandate to train, develop, place, evaluate and award directors as we are committed to ensuring transparency, compliance, and accountability in influencing environmental, social, and economic development through corporate governance practices. We believe that leadership is one of the key aspects that enable sustainability, and it drives us to foster the capacitation and nurturing of effective leaders in the development of sustainable enterprises in Zimbabwe, thus the reason for this year’s theme," he said.
"The award ceremony is one of the most prestigious corporate calendar events in Zimbabwe as it reminds us all that best practice still exists in our country and is recognised and celebrated as we grow better businesses and a better economy."
The DOYA Awards Adjudication criteria are informed by the 360-degree IoD Director Competency Framework, which is an important tool for directors and boards, defining the distinct and wide-ranging competencies required for effective leadership.
Putting knowledge of finance and business strategy on the same level as ethical decisionmaking, effective communication, and the encouragement of diverse views, the framework sets the standard for professional practice for directors.
"Today, we are here to announce the winners of the eight major awards and also to appreciate the contribution of our respected award recipients. A great congratulations to all the finalists, you have certainly established a very appreciable benchmark for other directors. We hope that you will continue to perform well in your respective organisation and in other areas too,"Juru said.
"Eight years ago I was in a similar position, full of anxiety wondering whether I would win the award or not, yet very hopeful and keen to get the results as I had put in a lot of effort into ensuring that I institutionalised corporate governance in my company. Today I share those sentiments and look forward to the announcement.
“Apart from this, I would like to address the participants who may not win and say that your courage to participate on its own confirms that you are a corporate governance advocate and you are on track, do not lose hope because this is not over and the journey continues and you will have many more opportunities to prove your competence.”
In his concluding remarks, Juru expressed gratitude to members of the organising committee for fulfilling their duties as well as sponsors like Stanbic Bank, Dandemutande, and Delta Corporation.
He also thanked the media partners which included Zimbabwe Independent and NewsDay, among others.
"To the judges, for working tirelessly separating the best from the best to come up with the best. Due to the judges’ painstaking work, I have got the honour to once again congratulate all the contestants." said Juru.
He also extended his gratitude to the participants for honouring the event.
"We appreciate and value your support. As spearheaders and advocates of corporate governance best practices, we will always celebrate success and achievement,” Juru said.