Today at It’s My Footprint (IMFP) we caught up with Simba Nyamadzawo (SN) a well-known Motivational Speaker, Author of Faithpreneurship and a leadership consultant who says in his own words, ”I want to spend my lifetime inspiring others, building leaders and connecting great people together. I want to serve my generation.”

(IMFP) Welcome Simba Nyamadzawo and thank you for spending time with us at It’s My Footprint.

(SN) Thank you for having me.

(IMFP) Start by giving our followers a brief background of yourself, your experience and how you rose to your current position.

(SN) I grew up in Domboshava, a village characterised by granite hills situated about 30km North of Harare. My highest academic qualification is ”O” level I did not get the opportunity to go to university. After I failed A’ level my sister Florence gave me a copy of How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie. I liked the book and the author and started to develop an interest in books to do with inspiration and personal development. To date I have read over 200 books. I began to share with others the inspiration and wisdom through seminars, presentations to universities and other civic organisations such as JCI, Rotary and Toastmasters magazine. I have done seminars with some of the foremost thought-leaders and speakers such as Rabison Shumba, Jonah Mungoshi, Tsitsi Mutendi, Kudzai Mubaiwa, Munyaradzi Gwatidzo, Dr Patson Dzamara, Arthur Marara, Tinashe Nyaruwanga, Phillip Chichoni, Nicholas Bhero, Chris Mugaga and Walter Chimene. My articles have been featured in several magazines and articles and I am regular guest on TV and radio.

To compliment my skills I also enrolled for training with a number of organisations such as EMPRETEC, Toastmasters International and others. I now consult for various companies and organisations on leadership and strategy.

(IMFP) Simba, what are you busy with now in terms of research work?

(SN) I am currently working on the 2016 edition of 30 under 30 emerging Zimbabwean leaders. Each and every year my organisation profiles some of the inspirational and influential leaders who are 30 years or below. We discovered that we have so many unsung heroic leaders.

We agree with John Quincy Adams when he said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” As an organization we have decided to acknowledge, honor and celebrate some of the young game changers, thought-leaders, opinion shapers, movers and shakers. We hope the list will challenge and inspire other young people to emulate and learn one or two from the listed contemporaries.”

For a full list of 2015 honorees see the link http://www.3-mob.com/?p=21870#.Vyd2h_l94dU

(IMFP) What were some of the biggest challenges you have faced to date? How did you overcome them?

(SN) Sometimes I solicit consultancy work in certain companies only to find out that the decision makers in those companies have an academic bias and the first thing they ask are my academic transcripts and CV. In such instance I have to rely on my profile and reference of the work I have done. I am glad to say that I am working on an assignment I was given by one of the largest churches in Zimbabwe after they were convinced with my profile.

(IMFP) Simba, did you have any life-changing experiences that put you on the path that led you to, what you’re doing today?

(SN) I grew up as a shy person with stage fright largely because I am an introvert. I encourage people to turn their lemon into lemonade. In my book FAITHPRENEURSHIP I share about the day that changed my life.

It was in 2003 we went for National Scholars Chess Tournament, they were held in Bulawayo at Milton High School an ancient Government School few minutes away drive from the city centre. I was representing Mashonaland West Province. After the tournament we returned to our school, Chinhoyi High School. The Headmaster wanted me to announce the results at assembly in front of all students and teachers. It was short notice. I was not prepared. I could not refuse or negotiate with him because he was a hard man a disciplinarian for that matter. I had no option except to comply. It took me up to eternity to say those few words to make matters worse I am a stammerer. I became the laughing stock of everyone.

That is the day I decided to turn my weakness into strength, my lemon into lemonade. I decided to take charge. I then joined Public Speaking and Debate. I remember when I went there first time the lady who was in charge thought that I was joking or I was after the pretty girls. When I told her I mean business she tried to discourage me saying you are not cut out for public speaking and debate. I pleaded with her to give me a chance.

That is the day which ushered me into a world of possibilities. I am now receiving speaking engagements from business and church organizations. I go around giving inspiration, faith and hope to people. I am no longer afraid to stand in front of people. If I can stand in front of one person I can stand in front of 1 million people. I am glad I failed forward.

(IMFP) I understand you have written books, let’s go into some work you have done.

(SN) My flagship book is FAITHPRENEURSHIP. It carries a message of inspiration and wisdom for leaders. I gravitate more to leadership because I believe the greatest need in our generation is leadership. We need leaders who are solution bearers, peace makers and architects of the future.

The book comes with a foreword from my spiritual father Apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe and has been endorsed by high profile authors and speakers such as Dr Shingi Munyeza, Rabison Shumba, Advocate Charles Magaiza and many more.

What makes the book unique is its relevance. The book has a dual audience, the church and the marketplace. It is a Christo-centric book integrated with universally accepted principles of success. That is the reason why people from all walks of life are buying it; Apostles, millionaires, academics, entrepreneurs, doctors and CEOs of companies which are listed on Stock Exchange. It’s a book with a message for everyone

(IMFP) Did you have any key mentors or people who propelled to who you are, what you believe in and what you are committed to in your work and life? Share with our followers about it.

(SN) I am privileged to have access and receive mentorship from Apostle Tavonga Vutabwashe and Rabison Shumba. I have benefited a lot from their wisdom and assistance. I also look up to other great people like Dr Shingi Munyeza, Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Dr John C. Maxwell and Dr Mike Murdock. I also draw inspiration from the works of the late Mother Teresa and Dr Myles Munroe.

(IMFP) Simba, what skills do you consider crucial for success for an upcoming motivational speaker, and business man?

(SN) I encourage emerging Motivational Speakers to join an organisation like Toastmasters International. They will learn about effective communication and leadership and also get to meet and associate with seasoned speakers.

(IMFP) When you think of the future of the kind of work you’ve talked about here, what gives you a sense of hope for your future?

(SN) I carry a message of inspiration and wisdom. As far as I am concerned wisdom is the principal thing we can never underestimate the value of wisdom in future.

(IMFP) Let’s talk about Simba the man. Give us a bit of your social and family life. 

(SN) I am a last born in a family of five. Ndiri gotwe raMai Wadzanai. I enjoy playing chess. Outside work I also make a deliberate effort to spend time with people who are positive and enthusiastic. I draw energy from reading books.

(IMFP) Thank you Simba for taking time off your demanding schedule. We appreciate and value your inspiring story.

(SN) You are welcome. The pleasure is mine as well.

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