Evangelist Pride Mudzingwa takes some time out his crazy day to give us some insight into his thoughts beliefs and practices about Fatherhood, Business and family
Tell us about yourself, history in business and your current business endeavours?
I started my own business in 2012 and prior to that, I had worked for different organizations until I decided to resign and concentrate on my own ventures. So my first business was Intellect Management and Training Consultancy. This is a Training business that focuses mainly on legal compliance, occupational health and safety in terms of the OHS Act and skills development. I learned the ins and outs of the industry from my previous employers, especially a gentleman called Gert Botha who groomed me in the business.
Then once i dipped my toes in the business world the entrepreneurial bug bit hard, and got a firm hold of me. So in 2016, I registered On Demand Move, which is a technology company. We started only doing web design, web hosting and Voip (Voice Over Internet Protocol). Now we've moved to app development and we are launching our own all-in-one app by the end of July.
Then in 2017, I started Tashi Holdings which is mainly aligned to my wife’s cosmetics business which she has always had a keen interest in. beyond the cosmetics we also us the name for various projects.
Describe the biggest challenge you have had as a Parent and business person. How did you learn from that experience?
For me, the biggest challenge was striking that balance between the business and family. While starting the business, I was consumed with getting the venture off the ground. I had to meet clients, canvas for business, do training and many other duties I had to perform personally. I found that I ended up having very little time for the family. So I had to design my life in such a way that as much as my presence is required in the business, I had to provide the same to not only my wife, but to my kids as well.
It’s no secret the devastation that COVID-19 has caused, do you think this is a good time to start, build, or grow a successful business?
The short answer would be “Yes”. There is no better time to start a business than now. As much as we all appreciate the destruction that COVID has caused but that doesn’t mean life must stop as well. I believe in the old adage of “The journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step.” You cannot wait for all things to be just right to get started. Currently we are launching our app in the middle the COVID pandemic so that when all this is done, we can look back and have a story to tell. So I say regardless of the situation, take that first step and you will realise that all the other steps that follow are made easier.
Who was or is your greatest influence?
Well, in terms of who my greatest influence is, I cannot explicitly say because I have had I've had a whole lot of inspirational mentors throughout my journey. But If I could name two Individuals currently it would be Strive Masiyiwa of The Econet Group and the investing mogul Warren Buffet. These two have shaped my outlook on business and the way I look at being an entrepreneur, I adopted some of the systems that Strive Masiyiwa uses in business that even though he is a black African who grew up in Zimbabwe, he managed to build one of the biggest brands in the world.
Beyond that he has also managed to build an autonomous business that does not require his presence anymore. So I've learned that you can develop people to an extent that they successfully run the business on your behalf. So I've tried to build systems even within my own businesses that allow the businesses to operate as self-sustaining entities. And this is what I'm learning. Warren Buffet is big on investment as well as avoiding loss and unnecessary expenditure. So, I’ve learned quite a lot from these gentlemen.
What do you teach your kids about entrepreneurship?
That entrepreneurship is the best way to gain your financial freedom. Though learning the ropes by being employed in someone else’s company is important before jumping into your own venture.
Have you encountered failure in your business? How do you teach your children to embrace and learn from it?
I failed in the initial phases of my business because I guess I under estimated the value of a coach and mentor. It always vital to have a sounding board when you starting out, someone who will warn you about the pitfalls and potential hazards you may end up facing. I found myself bleeding money because I ended up spending funds on unsustainable activities for my size at the time. I almost threw in the towel in 2012 because my business had run out of resources and was unable to continue operation. But I took it as a learning experience and powered through it. So now I teach my children that failing does not mean you are a failure. It simply means that you have hit a speed bump and have been provided with an opportunity to learn from the experience.
How has fatherhood changed the focus in your career?
Well the one thing I have realised is that it’s all about the family. Before I was mainly consumed with building the business. When I became a father I came to appreciate that the business only exists to support the family. So with regards to my career, my priorities have shifted. In terms of a hierarchy, family always comes out on top, then the career and everything else comes after.
Based on your own experience, what advice would you share with dads who might be just starting out in business?
Well for those who want to start businesses, I would always say go for it. But as a dadpreneur you need to develop the work/family life balance more than anything else. I developed a system that works for me and it can also work for someone else. I've literally scheduled my life. I've shared my life in such a way that there are days that I will not be in the office and are, strictly devoted to my family. There are days that I literally switch off my phone and ignore my emails. So I've literally scheduled my life so that my family do not feel left out. I've learned that it wouldn't make sense to accumulate a lot of cash while the kids don't even know who you are. So you need to develop that relationship. The kids grow fast and I believe you only have one chance at parenthood. One chance. That's it.
