Meet Noreen Mutavhatsindi, a young entrepreneur who embodies the spirit of achieving greatness through her passion and determination.

From the moment she began to speak, Noreen showed a natural inclination towards teaching. Even as a young child, she would gather younger children around her and take on the role of a teacher, inspired by her own teachers. What started as imitation soon blossomed into a deep-seated passion for teaching, ingrained in her very being.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck with unprecedented force, disrupting the lives of students everywhere, Noreen saw an opportunity to make a difference. Recognizing the struggles faced by students confined to their homes without access to traditional schooling, she sprung into action. As a consequence of many students failing to pass their matriculation exams, especially STEM subjects, Noreen, driven by unwavering determination, took action. She founded Phindula Tutoring, a specialised tutoring service focusing on Maths and Physical Sciences for high school students.

In the face of adversity, Noreen’s entrepreneurial spirit soared. Her tutoring service flourished, providing invaluable support to students navigating the challenges of remote learning.

Building A Team

No one achieves success alone, and entrepreneurship often hinges on finding the right people to embark on that journey with you. For Noreen, overcoming challenges like securing initial funding for her tutoring business was just the beginning. As her business grew, so did the need for a capable team to support its expansion.

However, assembling a team wasn’t as straightforward as she thought. Noreen quickly realised that not everyone can effectively transfer knowledge, regardless of their intelligence. This realisation underscored the importance of leadership and team management for a young entrepreneur like herself.

Leadership isn’t merely about issuing directives; it’s about fostering collaboration and empowering each team member to contribute meaningfully. You need to understand what motivates each member of your team and nurture team spirit, which is essential for cultivating a cohesive and productive team.

Furthermore, prioritising skill and aptitude when selecting team members is important. With a dedicated and diverse team in place, there’s no limit to what you can achieve, particularly during the formative stages of your business and entry into the global market.

With that said, here are some key pointers to help you effectively manage a team and lead as a young entrepreneur:

• Recognize that your team members are the lifeblood of your business. Seek individuals with diverse skills to ensure your team can handle a variety of tasks internally.
• Foster honesty and transparency within your team. Aligning values and creating a positive work environment are crucial for success.
• Keep your team informed and involved in decision-making processes. Open communication ensures everyone is on the same page and understands their role in the long-term vision.
• While building a startup requires dedication, remember to enjoy the journey. Cultivating a happy and fulfilled team contributes to overall business success.
• As your business grows, prioritise hiring top talent to drive further success and expansion. Establish a supportive community within your organisation to foster innovation and collaboration.

Problem-Solving

In addition to managing a team effectively, entrepreneurship is fundamentally about solving problems and addressing needs within society. Noreen’s journey exemplifies this principle, as she not only provided tutoring services but also inadvertently created employment opportunities in her community.

To succeed as an entrepreneur, it’s crucial to identify problems and take proactive steps to address them. Keep an eye out for issues that need solving, and leverage your passion and skills to develop innovative solutions. By aligning your interests with societal needs, you can create a business that not only thrives but also makes a meaningful impact in the world.

For Noreen, the milestones she has reached and the goals she’s achieved in her business serve as motivation for her. They fuel her inspiration to persist and strive for more. With her sights firmly set on starting a school, Noreen and her team continue to push the boundaries towards that goal.

So, keep this in mind: if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. It’s the synergy of teamwork that propels dreams into reality. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to make a difference. And with a strong team by your side, there’s no problem you can’t solve. Teamwork truly does make the dream work.

Hear more from Noreen about her experience in Anzisha Prize fellowship program: watch here