74. How Are You Serving Community? with Emmagness Ruzvidz

A Journey With Bernie & Chip

Emmagness Ruzvidzo was a skilled Marketing Strategist capable of building a company’s brand and positioning and her track record in Southern Africa was excellent. So when she, her husband and baby girl left Zimbabwe for Australia, their only thought was, What could go wrong?

Well, nothing. And everything.

On the one hand, Em’s new personal business is now smashing it as a Marketing Strategist, Coach and Trainer. On the other hand, her journey since arriving in Oz raises many questions about the Australian style of management. You see, Em was a girl born of tribal ways where the building of community was a central focus. Values such as personal connection, seeing the good in all, servitude, listening, ‘tough love’, and valuing people’s opinions defined Em’s management style. She held regular meetings at her home, where her fridge and food were open to all. They were equals, not subordinates. She built productive teams quickly. Her people not only respected her; they adored her. But this didn’t sit well with the rest of the executive team, whose status-seeking, power-laden, righteous, protect-thyself ways clashed with Em’s style…and her results.

This episode will question you: Do you build community? Is building community around you even important to you? Or do you prefer a sheltered way of living, where knowing your neighbour is perceived to dilute your own privacy? Does this reflect your fear of connecting with people?

If this is you, then you must hear Emmagness talk of the Ubuntu concept: 'I am because you are'.

It is a concept that honours and draws from the wisdom of the past, and hearing Em explain it will lift your awareness of the powerful potential for community in your own life.

It would appear to me that out of this episode one will come to realise that inner joy and love of life, people and self is impossible without the contribution to and building of strong supportive communities.

Emmagness Ruzvidzo: Marketing Strategist, Coach & Trainer, VAKA Consulting
T. [phone]
E. [e-mail]
Website. vaka.com.au

Bernie K [phone]

Lachlan 'Chip' Huddy [phone]