Super Lead

On this podcast Maanda Tshifularo interviewed the winner of the MTN Business App of the year (2017) – Donald Valoyi – CEO of Zulzi. Donald spoke about what it takes to building an on-demand App in the groceries, liquor and food industry. He shared insights on tech evolution, start-funding and building a sustainable business.

Founder of a milti-million rand company, Donald Valoyi-Zulzi is a man who had taken a calculated risk and left his high end job at FNB to invest more time into his start-up company. Through hardwork, dedication, and strategic thinking Donald Valoyi-Zulzi turned his business dream into the successful reality it is today. The interview between Maanda Tshifularo and Donald Valoyi-Zulzi provides insights and helpful tips into the world of on-demand platforms. Below is a snapshot summary of the interview with the prestigious and highly acclaimed CEO of Zulzi:

Why start the on-demand platform?:The start of the platform was to give companies the opportunity to sell online products to consumers. Donald identified a problem within his community and was determined to resolve the problem, which was to enable people in his community to receive their day to day products (such as groceries, product purchases).

Donald’s fear described when he left his job at FNB: The start-up business did not generate the revenue received as compared to his full-time job at FNB. The first few months of the start-up company was challenging,which made this journey both fascinating and painful.

What does being an enterpreneaur in this day and age mean? Being an entrepreneur is not about the job title, its about getting into the day to day functions of the business. You will need to be flexible with your outlook in terms of your job title and do anything that is required for the business, even if it means been the delivery driver if required. Its about playing various roles.

Donalds suggestions for a startupon-demand platform: To enable you to be clued up with the latest technologies, or if you would like to up-skill yourself in the IT field, Coursera is a suitable training website is (www. coursera.com). This website has courses from the top universities in the world and you will be able to obtain certificates from the Coursera website, once the course is done. ….Another tip is to make sure you have the right tools and latest technologies….. A techno co-founder/partner to design or develop your application packages is crucial for this type of business, especially when it comes to obtaining funding for your business…..In an ondemand company, market research and analysis is highly important

Donald’s advice for anyone who wants to start a company but is afraid to take the commitment of starting up their company – You will never know everything in the beginning. This is a new venture, something unchartered and not explored, just go… You will learn as you do this. Leave the comfort zone, however realise that it is not going to be easy process. When you have started your company/venture think long-term and not just for the ‘here and now’.Another fundamental advice is to teach the people around you (family members, friends, loved ones) on how to be supportive whilst you are achieving your goal.

On this podcast Maanda Tshifularo interviewed Ps Lugisani Nefale, the pastor of 6 months old church – Trinity Impact Church. Ps Lugisani shared insights on how to beat procrastination and kick-off what you have been wanting to start.

He is also unpacked the challenges and keys to navigating the early stages of organisation, including casting vision, managing costs, building a team and making tactical pivots along the way

On this podcast, Maanda Tshifularo, interviewed Zipho Sikhakhane (Global Speaker and Strategist). Today ZiphoSikhane works with executives across huge organisations in South Africa, both in the private and public sectors. She is highly passionate about developing leaders and businesses.

Zipho teaches and provides tools to executives on how to be more effective as leaders, developing company strategy, change management programmes, equipping companies on how to redesign the culture of the organisation. She also runs programmes to develop young entrepreneurs Zipho ” the world is our oyster, set your aspirations globally – have a global outlook in terms of how you live, what you want to be, your career. Step out of your comfort zone

An insightful interview detailing the pros and cons of starting-up an institution/business.  LugisaniNefale, the Pastor of Trinity Impact Church provides us with a behind the scenes account of the trails and issues of opening up a start-up institution. The issues discussed is applicable to any start-up company or someone who wants to take on a new challenge but have difficulties doing so. Below are experiences shared by Pastor Nefale:

The right time to start a venture, starting lean, your team: There is no perfect time to start something. It’s not about the right time to start but being the right ‘me’ to start. We must focus on the character, knowledge, experience, network, communication skills, accreditation needed before the start of a venture. The principle theory from a church perspective, is to embrace humble beginnings, Its okay to start in a smaller venue or lower level of marketing activities to avoid spending capital that you would need at a later stage in the business. Everything great started small at one stage, even the greatest leaders where babies at some stage. Don’t suffocate the organisation with a lot of purchases of ‘good things’ that you may find value added but are in fact trimmings for the start-up company – The more money you spend, the less capital you have. Building a team with limited resources is possible if the company has a great vision, and the right leader is in place, a leader with the correct traits and abilities the fundamental tools and aspects required to ensure a successful start-up is running lean. Ensure that your company is aligned to the company vision and having a good financial strategy.

Suppliers working with them and the prospect of firing them when the need arises:

Working with suppliers from a start-up perspective is challenging, enjoyable and interesting. The most important aspect when dealing with suppliers are following-up on orders. Ensure that this is done continuously. As a start-up it is common to let go of suppliers as this is the teething process of your business. You will need to know why you are keeping the supplier, and what you are keeping the supplier for.

Mentorship and keeping the vision alive: Having a mentor to help with your business is crucial for any start-up business/institution. This is very important however with the help of a mentor you will need to have a teachable spirit and having the right attitude is crucial. Maintaining the vision of the organisation is important and a gradual process. Don’t be in a rush for the great rewards, face the challenges and issues that arises as these are the early days, the gradual start. This is a journey, the starting place will not be the same as the end place – Begin with the end in mind. The leader and the vision of the company needs to be in synergy.

Challenge for the week: Remember that what is not used will be lost. Any spear or blade that is not sharpened becomes blunt, if you do put your idea or gift into action. The challenge posed for this week or from the time you start listening to this podcast within 7 days is answering a very simple yet challenging question “what is my legacy or contribution to humanity. What do I want to be read in my obituary in the end?”

Recommended book of the week: The art of leadership by Bishop Dag Heward-Mills