Challenge can be uncomfortable but it also brings opportunity. I moved to Canada a couple of years ago for work and didn’t find adapting at all easy, particularly as a young mother. I’d grown up surrounded by family in Zambia, and the transition involved significant adjustment, not only to the distance from loved ones, but also in learning how things operated in a new country and culture. Ultimately, though, it was an enjoyable experience that gave me valuable personal and professional growth.
I returned to Zambia last year to work at Deloitte. The big challenge currently facing the country is the power crisis, which has had an impact on all key sectors and the economy at large. But as I say, challenges are also opportunities, and the best business investment opportunities in Zambia are currently to be found in the energy sector.
The journey has been demanding, but it has been rewarding
From a young age, I’ve loved numbers so went straight into accounting as a career. I’ve worked for a range of audit firms, including three of the Big Four, and while the journey has been demanding, it has also been rewarding and full of opportunities. I am still learning every day.
What I enjoy most about my job is working with a variety of clients across different industries. I also like collaborating with different teams, which allows us to combine our strengths and work towards a common goal. It is always rewarding to see the positive impact our work has on clients.
In the world of audit, AI will have both positive and negative impacts. On the plus side, we have seen that it can significantly enhance efficiency, accuracy and the ability to tailor audit procedures to specific industries. It can also help auditors effectively analyse large volumes of data and identify anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Yet overreliance on AI could reduce critical thinking and professional scepticism, which are vital qualities in audit. There is also a risk that judgment-based decisions could be sidelined if too much trust is placed in automated systems. Firms will need to strike the right balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and maintaining strong professional judgment.
It is important to empower women in the workplace
If I could pass a law in Zambia, I would remove the requirement for women to work for two years before qualifying for maternity leave. It would ensure that all women have immediate access to this essential support. I would also help mothers get smoothly back to work by introducing flexible working arrangements and access to childcare. These changes would promote gender equality and empower women in the workplace, recognising the vital role they play for both their families and the economy.
‘Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.’ That’s my favourite saying. I like this one too: ‘Your inner growth is the foundation of your outer success. Nurture your mind and your life will follow.’
If I weren’t an accountant, I would have become a psychologist. Mental health issues are far more common than many people realise. I would have loved to help others by providing support, encouraging open conversations and making a positive difference to their lives. These things matter.
Outside work, I am a wife and mother of two beautiful kids. I enjoy spending quality time with them and, when I have the opportunity, I love playing Scrabble, baking and watching movies.
