unveiled the mystery of the 10 pillars, Biblical principles that govern successful
businesses.
Many thanks to Pastor Mtetwa, who became very popular for laying this good
foundation in me. I realized that the reason behind some business failures, despite good
human and financial capital was lack of one vital thing; The realization of God’s
sovereignty and rulership over every business is fundamental to its success.
The ecosystem led us to case studies. I was like a Theology student. Getting Bible
stories relating to the pillars. They linked them to practical modern life. I got to learn that
the story of Jonah had a Tarshish logistics lesson. Peter was running a fish company.
Noah had a marine business. The widow ran an oil company.
It was amazing to realize that ordinary Bible stories had serious business lessons. In
each story were the KBN 10 pillars. There were spiritual lessons relating to business. All
these were leading me to the innovator’s journey.
It was not all fun, the pressure was enormous. These were team assignments, with
serious deadlines. It was a lot of hard work. Every team member contributed. Final work
had to be perfected, cross checks for errors, detail and relevance. Thorough work was
required. Deadlines were serious and punctuality was key.
This is where our sleepless nights began, the grooming for the innovators. The team
worked like a whirlwind hard through the case studies, but as hectic as it was, we found
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ourselves getting closer. They say pressure brings people to solidarity. South Africans
could work with Zimbabweans despite the distance. This was exciting, because we
were networking, fulfilling the pillars. With the exam coming, we created study sessions.
I made a prayer of gratitude, as I hoped the exam would close off the hectic KBN
sessions.
The exam was not as easy as I expected. But I’d studied enough, so I managed to
apply the knowledge. With Covid-19 on our necks, the exam had to be online. No
cheating, so faithfulness was expected. We had to manage ourselves.
What we didn’t anticipate was the drama during the online exam. Network was bad, and
there was a serious system challenge. Fear of failing to finish gave the Innovators a
panic. It was terrible. I cried and begged Minister T. Mtetwa to fix the system. The exam
time lapsed and I was booted out before I could finish. I wept. All my efforts were going
to down the drain.
Being in Zimbabwe, away from South Africa’s KBN base, I was done. I didn’t know there
was option B. Minister Mtetwa posted that the exam could be written as a PDF. A sigh
of relief rocked me as I started typing answers to the PDF. I was relieved. Afterwards I
send two copies of responses to the Minister and Mrs. T. Mtetwa, to make sure they got
my responses. I was really desperate to get my exam responses marked. I thought this
was my final leap in KBN.
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I now found myself belonging to another group, the TBVE group. These groups kept
emerging with no idea of what was going on. I hung in there, praying that it would not be
as hectic as the case study. Sadly, I was fooling myself. I didn’t know that greater work
was lying ahead. The innovators were called to real innovation. To sum up the story,
quickly we found ourselves running a company with real organograms, positions,
divisions and products.
We took up positions of CEO, Co-CEO, CFO, CIT, COO, HM, HR. For the first time I
was the company’s CFO. I embraced the role, ready to show off my abilities and skills.
The future really looked bright with the innovators set up a running company.
We were told the directors were going to experience the real boardroom. We were
taught boardroom etiquettes, and I looked forward to seeing us doing well. I didn’t
realize that a great challenge was ahead. The long sleepless nights came to play, with
no time for a social life. I realized that the life of a real businessman was not easy. This
got us closer. We were divided into teams, trying to come up with a strategy on how we
were going to deliver the 3 tasks we were given.
The Silicon Valley, the Chat bot and the E-book. We had no clue what was expected of
us. We worked hard doing research. We toiled trying to put every bit of information
together. We had to stretch. Like giraffes, born with no long neck we were stretched.
Imagine doing some tasks for the very first time in your life. We did our best and got the
board pack together on short notice. With joy and so much faith we attended our first
board meeting. That was when the pain began.
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The boardroom was no joke. It was serious and everything was done according to plan.
Protocols were observed and professionalism was the order of the day. The
adjudicators were serious as the Chief Adjudicator called us to order.
Introductions were done through our leaders who were the CEO and the co-CEO. After
setting the agenda for the day, the CEO submitted to the adjudicators who started going
through the board pack. The Chief Adjudicator a frowned as she looked at our board
pack. She was disappointed. Our best was not the best. Our spellings were wrong, as
was the grammar – nothing amused her. We tried to explain ourselves, but she called
these excuses and dismissed us. She felt she was wasting her time. In dismay she
adjourned the board meeting and ordered us to make amendments.
We picked ourselves up the following week to another presentation. In the second
presentation we were expected to have perfected everything. We attended to all the
corrections and even improved our dress code. We showed up with so much hope and
confidence. Our black and white uniform, the lime green bow ties and scarfs added so
much brightness to our day.
The team’s walking gate displayed so much confidence. We were so stunning. We
thought even the Chief Adjudicator was going to like us. Our board pack this time
corrected, layout and grammar checks, our presentation eye catching. The media team
did great work. Everything was appealing. Ceremonial greetings and introductions were
done. The Chief Adjudicator smiled at us, for the first time. I loved her smile. She started
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perusing the papers and firing questions. The panel of adjudicators joined in to grill us. It
was a really hot room.
But the panel was really angry at us. None of the 3 tasks were delivered correctly. They
were annoyed by our work. The Chief Adjudicator reiterated that unless we improved
Team Innovators would not make it. We were sad, angry, and disappointed at
ourselves. This was one of my life’s worst experiences. I felt tears and jitters in my eyes.
I felt like quitting. We sat quietly, staring at each other with great remorse. You could cut
the tension in the room.
Mr K. spoke to us, to diffuse the tension. He was God sent. He composed a song to
comfort us. “The Innovators will rise up from this experience.” He sang with his team. I
began to feel better. The feeling of hope filled my heart. It was real that we had failed
and missed the subject matter. Sometimes you work hard but still miss the point. But
the way forward is of much important. We vowed to pick up ourselves and improve for
the best.
The real lesson is never to give up. Never give in to failure. I told myself that the
innovators will rise up again. I feel like one day I will encourage someone when all hope
is gone. The journey to success is not an easy one. It can be likened to The Innovators
journey.
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Chapter Twenty
Gaining Confidence
Asichire Mashingaidze
I thank God for loving me as his child and for granting me the wonderful opportunity of
meeting the KBN family. When I was introduced to KBN I had no clear picture of what
the whole programme was about and I never knew that there are teachings and
programmes for Entrepreneurs. I thought it was just a weeklong teaching programme
not knowing that we will take months.
I downloaded zoom application to be able to attend meetings and be part of the History
Makers Season 11 participants. At first, I didn’t take it seriously and I missed the first
teachings on the25th of July 2020 and I received a private message from Minister
Mtetwa asking why I didn’t attend the induction meeting.
I learnt that there are spiritual rules to be followed and business rules to abide to. We
were taught about the core values of KBN which are integrity, inclusivity, generosity,
and execution. Also, the ten ecosystem pillars.
We were also taught about the importance of accountability and how it instils humility.
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I faced challenges when we were having meetings because zoom application was new
to me I had never used it before so I found it difficult to even join the meeting, worse still
to mute myself and cutting the video.
Then came network issues from my side because I reside in the communal farming
area where reception is poor and most of the times, I had to travel into town to find
network. Doing most tasks proved to be a huge problem because I don’t own a laptop
and my phone screen is too small to type word documents again, I had to travel into
town to type from internet cafes. Yes, there was a time I wanted to give it all up and
concentrate on my farm work but the guidance of my mentors Mr. and Mrs. Mtetwa
brought me back in line and changed. Our mentors are focused and determined to see
everyone finish the course.
I learnt a lot in Kingdom Business Network love, giving and caring is their top priority but
prayer conquers all. Truly KBN members and leaders are chosen by God. The start the
day with early morning prayers at 7.30 am to brighten the day and these prayers were
led by the village pastor. There were the Wednesday connections held every
Wednesday where different preachers were invited to come and share the word of God
with us like Dr Walter Mandaza and Mr Garrine Rhulani.
I have to abide by the word of God as it is not barren or fruitless and be principled
according to Gods teachings and to care for the Kingdom of God for there to be no
limitation in my business. When I water other people’s businesses mine will be watered
too. My business rule is
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S –strangers that is
O – Orphans and
W – Widows
This is the secret behind Gods will. May the Lord continue to bless the founder of KBN
Mr. and Mrs. Kambasha for this wonderful platform which changed my life and mind-set
for success.
The programme empowered me in such a way that I am now confident to rub shoulders
with millionaires like Busi Selesho through the meetings. I now see things differently
through the history makers ecosystem teachings. I learnt how to build relationships and
networks. I know that I can serve my community through their teachings and guidance. I
say NO to poverty I am no longer a slave to fear but I am a child of God. I learnt to work
as a team, teamwork pays.
For my business to grow I will follow all the teachings I got from Pastor Cookie Naidoo
that I must be a prayerful person and to always pray every time no matter which
situation you are in. Not to say bad things about other people or look down upon anyone
and to always be a blessing to others and not a curse. We must seek first the Kingdom
of God and everything else shall be added unto us and always be a giver and God will
trust you with his money.
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Chapter Twenty-One
Discovering New Things
Francis Wenzira
Firstly I would like to give thanks to Almighty God for such a great opportunity and for
meeting the KBN family and Mr and Mrs Kambasha for such a great time.
My experience in this program: I learned a lot of things. As an entrepreneur I learnt how
to start and grow my business. In business there are lots of things. Whether business is
doing well or not, you should praise God.
Before you start a business, you should lay the foundation of Jesus Christ. Put God first,
in anything you do in your business. In business you must focus. Don't quit. To be strong
and not discouraged.
Humble yourself be for the LORD He will lift you up. Work hard if you want to produce
work in the morning and evening. No work no food. As a businessperson, you must
invoice every day and when you are productive, you must get paid.
You have to be God's original mandate for men. God will give you the ability to step into
the next level. He will take you from one level to another.
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In business you must have network. Your network should be impacting generations.
When you have a network, you will be able to move from one level to another. You learn
to interact with others and exchange information and also develop professional or social
contacts with others.
God is raising people that are ready to take risks in business. The destiny helpers are
here. It's the correct network that will connect you to the next levels. With the hand of God
in your life, everything will come back to life. I learnt a lot about character. Let the people
know that you are different through your character. Do not impose your beliefs on other
believers. Be established in your beliefs.
Build bridges with affecting the next person to you. Go into the marketplace and make an
influence by bringing non-believers to the Kingdom of God instead of opposing them. You
should love and embrace non-believers and let the wealth transfer. We must not do
business only in church. We must also go outside the church and start building networks.
You should not be limited to the people at your church, only because there are a few
people. Gossip will be inevitable in that area.
We should break relationship barriers. The problem with Christians is that they don't
network. They spend a lot of time judging people. In business, we don't judge but we
network. That way there’s a generational wealth transfer, until you go and network with
the people that are holding the wealth.
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In order for your business to become sustainable. Whatever you are about to build will
established when you have network. Your network must not be destroyed if it aligned
properly. My experience in learnt that networking is essential part of building wealth.
Never underestimate the person next to you. Don't look down on anyone, because God
doesn't. Be relevant with any person. Do business with the Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and
Whites and build bridges without blaming anyone. This is how we build wealth in the dark
place, which has to be transferred into the kingdom of God.
When you are doing with the people of other religions stay true to your calling. Someone
has to change it is them and not you. You should surround yourself with the people that
you can trust and depend on at any time.
You should have at list five contacts that they always look to in case of emergency. You
will never go beyond the average of people that surround you. Ask God to stretch your
mind as you surround yourself with billionaires. As a businessperson make sure that you
sit with at least one billionaire in a month, to stretch your mind and be inspired by the way
they think. Whoever you hang around with will determine what wealth you make.
God is the one who guide the path you should go. Stay focused on what you know and
allow wealth to transfer. Engage with whomever God wants you to and not allow that to
change your belief system. Keep your morals and be open for business.
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Business is like war soldiers when the battle come you must not be shaken. Battles are
always things to come to your way. Have the tactic of discipline and consistence.
Time is liquid money. Focus, in order to live speed life this has to be in the morning and
evening. Action focus is the doing lead measures bank statement at the month end
whether you are doing profit or loss. Process score board.
Accountability matrix always. Know your mentor who pray for you and God will open the
doors for you exceeding, abundantly above that can a imagine.
Remember to pay tithe and offerings after getting paid. By doing this you will be watering
your business and God will remember your business will sustain and big tenders. Your
business will be covered with the anointing of God
In business, have faith in God all the time. Romans 10:17 says, “so then faith comes by
hearing the word of God. Guard what your ears hear. Words comes means it is kinetic it
is growing it is motion. Invite faith to come. Sleep with joy without money yet with faith.
Do business without revenue yet with faith. The seed of faith must grow for one to get
increase. Faith must be put in action. God honours faith. Faith open portals of heaven.
Give when you liberal God will make you move to the next level. Giving is not something
that can talk about but something that you can do. There is no one who become poor by
giving. The more you give the more the God bless you. When you sow to God you get an
accelerated harvest.
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Be generous and God will bless you. You should make an impact to the life of others.
Giving connects two people the giver and the receiver and this connection give birth to a
new sense of belonging. Before you can transform your wallet from Poor to Rich you must
first transform your spirit from poor to rich through giving.
You must pray at all times. Pray for your business. Lay the foundation of Jesus Christ.
Put God first to things you do in your business.
Pray before you start business in the morning. Let the Holy Spirit lead you all the time.
There is power in prayer to break every chain.
My experience also involves new technology found in Silicon Valley which is a technology
hub that solves problems, particularly utilizing high technology innovations. It includes
devised software machines equipment, intellectual property.
People only talk about phones, robotics, but it's everything looking at these global
companies involved, even GE Siemens power plant companies. This helps in
infrastructure problem solving and efficiency improvement.
There were also pointers on how to present a perfect Board pack. The two major pointers
I learnt are how these should have the following:
CEO commentary
strategic direction
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board administration
I discovered what we call chatbot. It’s a simple computer programming, which stimulates
human conversation software programming on a computer. These communicate through
instant messaging through the internet. It also allows for the following:
Allow computer to learn by themselves without programming.
Natural language
Computer ability to understanding human speech or text.
I thank God for the opportunity to learn about new things I had never heard of.
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RECOMMENDATIONS:
As the Innovators Group, we would like to recommend this Book to all aspiring to walk
the Innovator’s Journey, Entrepreneurs, Start-Ups, Investors, the Upcoming
generations, as well as those who are already in Businesses as it deals with all aspects
of Business from Start-Ups to Giants
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Achieving The Innovators Way
Produced by:
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