WHEN we programme our minds, we can adjust to uncomfortable situations. Technology was never my friend, so when we were forced into a virtual world, I had no choice but to adjust fast, and get with the programme. For the first few months, I experienced frustrations that made me laugh at myself, and sometimes swear. LOL! After a few years, it has become so natural, as if it was always part of my life. The virtual space has created many opportunities for me, and assisted in growing my network. I met some wonderful people at various Online events, and we have done some fruitful collaborations.

One of the people I recently connected with was Oliver Fortune Chikodzore. We engaged in several discussions regarding the Africa Women in Trade Expo in South Africa later this month. I immediately detected his positive energy and his passion for what he does. I am always inspired after talking to him, because our conversations are very uplifting. He is part of the team for the ‘expo’, which is scheduled to take place from October 19-26, at Cape Town City Hall, Cape Town, South Africa. Themed: “Building Strong and sustainable Value Chain”, this event is meant to raise awareness on the importance of tailored transformational education geared to grow women and youth businesses, building participation in Intra–Africa Trade, promoting collaborations and meaningful partnerships with global markets and investors, as well as support for women and Youth entrepreneurship in Africa.

Imagine wearing your first pair of shoes at age seven, and now being a successful businessman. When he was young, he and his mom visited a relative’s house, and they insulted them because they were poor. This is one of the incidents that made him determined to have a successful life. His journey is inspiring, and I am looking forward to meeting him.

ABOUT OLIVER
Oliver Fortune Chikodzore is a South African entrepreneur who specialises in thought leadership and strengths-based personal development. He is respected for his unique perspectives, and balance of contrarian thinking with measured judgment. He is an individual who is devoted to the well-being of Africa, its youth and future generations. He has dedicated all his efforts and resources to the goal of stimulating Africa to redeem her glory, to reassert her centuries-old contribution to economies, politics, culture, and arts, and once more to be a pioneer in the many fields of human endeavour. He is an abstract thinker, yet also a concrete theorist of note. This is evident in his articles and works in various thought-leader platforms, where he has held presentations and lectures through Project Management South Africa (PMSA) and Cape Media Corporation, just to name two.

Currently, he is the Chief Executive Officer of The African Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, an initiative that helps uplift the youth in struggling communities, and mobilise the future of African development and economic growth.
A fervid entrepreneur at heart, Oliver speaks professionally on leadership, innovation, change and creating a high-performance culture. Oliver believes the blueprint to building a successful business lies in getting four key pillars right: The quality of its leadership; its ability to innovate strategically and creatively; its proficiency at managing change intelligently; and, lastly, the degree to which it can embed a high-performance culture in people, especially in identifying critical aspects in high-pressure situations. He is extremely passionate about instilling leaders with the necessary skills to build empires, and achieve greatness within a highly competitive market.

He also answered a few questions, which gave us more insight into his amazing journey.

1. What have you found most challenging as a CEO or Executive of a large enterprise?

It is how to put systems in place for your business as well as Optimism and Adaptability, especially during and post-COVID-19 pandemic.

2. How did you become a CEO or Executive of a large enterprise? Can you please briefly tell the story?

It was through knowing myself, who I want to be, and the right attitude, hard work, dedication and the right social networks.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

By doing my weekly to-do list and proper planning.

4. What’s the most recent significant leadership lesson you’ve learned?

Critical thinking, collaboration, the emotional glue of influence (empathy), optimism and adaptability.

5. What’s one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. The book has everything you need to know about emotional intelligence, attitude and strategy. “Strategy is not just about how you want to achieve in your business. You need to have a personal plan to shape your whole future. Have you done a SWOT analysis and used scenario planning to craft your journey of where you want to be in five years, 10 years, a lifetime? Seeing possibilities is a choice and making them happen is a passion.”

6. How do you build leadership capacity in a large enterprise?

By empowering others to realise their potential.

Oliver’s success story reminds us that it is possible to overcome and succeed when we need to help others. Our ability to dream and imagine is so powerful. I encourage us to permit ourselves to imagine the life we desire to live. Albert Einstein said, “Your imagination is a preview of life’s coming attractions.”
That reminds me of the coming attractions we see at the movies.
What are the coming attractions showing on your mental screen in the mind as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.