A dream on pause After completing her MBA, Tendai started a business in Zimbabwe that closely aligned with her passion for mothers and babies. The market reception was excellent and running it felt deeply fulfilling. “While we eventually had to close temporarily due to the harsh economic climate, the experience was incredibly rewarding. I’m proud of what we built and the lessons I took from that journey. I have a pot full of ideas and every intention to return with a stronger, more adaptable and resilient model. That dream isn’t over – it’s simply on pause. She shares this part of her journey as a reminder that success isn’t always linear. “Sometimes the greatest growth comes from the detours. What matters is the courage to try, to learn, and to keep building.” A legacy of leadership For aspiring professionals, especially young women who may find themselves as the only female or the youngest voice at the table, Tendai’s story is a beacon of hope. Her advice is simple yet profound: Embrace challenges, seek out mentors, and remain true to your sense of purpose. By doing so, you too can break barriers, drive impact, and leave a lasting legacy for those who follow. Lastly, she emphasises the importance of making time for the things you love – a lesson she has come to appreciate throughout her career. “While chasing goals and building, I’ve learned the importance of making time for the things that bring me joy. It’s in those moments that I refuel, reconnect with my purpose, and find the energy to keep going. I urge the next generation of leaders to carry this with them,” she says. FOR TENDAI, UJ WAS A PLACE OF BELONGING, CONNECTION, AND GROWTH. THE RELATIONSHIPS SHE BUILT WITH MENTORS WHO CONTINUE TO GUIDE HER REMAIN A CORNERSTONE OF HER SUCCESS. “I HAVE SINCE CONNECTED WITH ONE WHO HAS BEEN QUITE A GREAT MENTOR AND STILL WALKS THIS JOURNEY WITH ME TODAY,” SHE NOTES.
In 2020-2021, Tendai embarked on her MBA at the Johannesburg Business School, graduating cum laude and at the top of her class. “That was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It broadened my business perspective and equipped me with tools to drive real strategic impact,” she says. The MBA was more than an academic achievement; it was a catalyst for personal and professional growth, preparing her to take on greater challenges. The experience transformed her. “UJ shaped me into a resilient, goal-driven person. CTA was brutal, but it taught me discipline, grit, and how to bounce back from tough knocks,” she reflects. She found the academic rigour balanced by the support and mentorship from her lecturers. “Some of my lecturers truly left a mark, like Mr Dewald Joubert, whose energy and quirky dance moves made Financial Management classes not only engaging but memorable.” For Tendai, UJ was a place of belonging, connection, and growth. The relationships she built with mentors who continue to guide her remain a cornerstone of her success. “I have since connected with one who has been quite a great mentor and still walks this journey with me today,” she notes. At the heart of Tendai’s journey lies a steadfast commitment to purpose and impact. “That’s the foundation of everything I do,” she affirms. For Tendai, impact knows no boundaries. It can touch every aspect of her life and the lives of those around her. Motherhood, in particular, has amplified her drive. “Becoming a mother added even more meaning to my life and sparked a deep passion for continuous improvement and better contribution to the lives of those around me,” she shares.
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