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By Ross Moyo
Zimbabwe’s richest man, Strive Masiyiwa, has shared a powerful lesson he learned early in his entrepreneurial journey. In a Facebook post, Masiyiwa recalled a defining moment when a powerful businessman told him, “Give me one reason why I should help you?” This encounter, which occurred during his junior class days, has had a lasting impact on Masiyiwa’s approach to entrepreneurship.
Masiyiwa approached the businessman seeking help, but instead of receiving sympathy, he was met with a harsh reality check. The businessman told him that he was trying to make money just like everyone else and that he shouldn’t expect help simply because he felt sorry for him. Masiyiwa remembered feeling humiliated and angry, but his mother ultimately helped him see the wisdom in the businessman’s words.
“No one owes you a living,” Masiyiwa’s mother told him. This phrase became a mantra for Masiyiwa, reminding him that success requires hard work and determination. Looking back on his life, Masiyiwa credits this lesson for helping him become the entrepreneur he is today.
Masiyiwa’s story highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance in entrepreneurship. As he noted, “There is nothing that can stop an entrepreneur who does not want to be stopped.” He encourages young entrepreneurs to adopt a similar mindset, quoting Elon Musk: “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor…”
Masiyiwa’s message is clear: success requires hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn from others. His story serves as inspiration to entrepreneurs around the world, reminding them that obstacles are opportunities for growth and that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
With key takeaways from Strive Masiyiwa’s entrepreneurial journey, Zimbabweans and the world at large can learn from Masiyiwa’s experience which influenced his approach to business and philanthropy.Such is a reservoir of wisdom young entrepreneurs facing similar challenges can tap for advice and much more.
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