My uncle, the first black chartered accountant post-independence and CEO of Zimbabwe’s largest retail chain, OK Zimbabwe, inspired me to become an accountant.
I registered for ACCA in 2012 and balanced 14-hour work shifts as a shop assistant and cashier with studying. I later took on a bookkeeping role in the same retail company and started a side business importing crafts and clothing. I qualified in 2016, ranking fourth in the country in the final exams.
I began my career at Deloitte Zimbabwe, where I developed experience in financial analysis and reporting. I took a finance manager role at one of Zimbabwe’s largest agribusiness companies. However, my entrepreneurial drive led me to launch a consulting business in 2019, helping SMEs with their financial records, audits and access to capital.
An MBA is a significant expense, but it will open doors to opportunities
In 2021, I moved to the UK and joined PwC, working on large audit engagements for global clients. Continuing to seek opportunities, I then joined Deloitte in Sydney, Australia, where I audited major financial services companies. These experiences reinforced my passion for strategic finance.
Moving to the UK to work took me out of my comfort zone. Having never lived outside Africa at the time, leaving for a new country during the Covid-19 pandemic was daunting. However, this experience forced me to embrace uncertainty and expand my professional horizons. It was here I realised my interest was in investment banking, pushing me to take the next step in my career and seek the skills and education necessary to make that transition.
I realised an MBA was what I needed to pivot into investment banking, so I enrolled at SC Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University in New York. It has a robust finance curriculum and emphasis on entrepreneurship, and also a strong network in investment banking. An MBA is a significant expense, but I view it as essential as it will provide me with the tools and network to move into investment banking. I’m confident it will open doors to opportunities that align with my vision and my passion for dealmaking.
Whatever we achieve, there is always room to dream bigger
Alongside my studies, I am gaining experience at Obsidian Partners, a New York private equity firm investing in North American SMEs. I support deal sourcing, financial modelling, and due diligence for potential investments, which involves analysing market trends, evaluating company financials, and identifying value-creation opportunities to support investment decisions.
My favourite quote is ‘The sky is just the beginning’. It reminds us that whatever we achieve, there is always room to dream bigger. During my ACCA studies, this mantra kept me motivated as I balanced work and education.
I enjoy dealmaking – bringing together people, ideas and capital to drive growth
What I enjoy most about my work is creating impact through strategic finance. I thrive on unlocking value and finding solutions. I particularly enjoy dealmaking – bringing together people, ideas and capital to drive growth.
My biggest achievement has been joining the MBA programme at Cornell Johnson, which is an Ivy League business school. Coming from Zimbabwe, where access to global networks is often limited, this achievement reflects the hard work and determination I’ve invested in my career. Aside this, one of my proudest career achievements was assisting a property development startup in raising US$3m, which grew into a US$50m valuation. I also co-founded a crowdfunding initiative to address Zimbabwe’s housing crisis, where mortgage options were limited due to volatile monetary policies. This was incredibly fulfilling, as it helped people achieve home ownership while delivering strong returns.
If I had law-making powers, I would make sure that everyone has access to education in the developing world. And if I weren’t a qualified accountant, I would pursue a career in agriculture. Farming gives an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to communities by creating sustainable livelihoods, ensuring food security and driving economic development. In Zimbabwe, I witnessed how agriculture plays a pivotal role in transforming lives, which instilled in me a deep respect for its impact.
In my spare time I enjoy playing golf, spending time with my family, hiking and reading.
