1. In a few words could you introduce and describe Gloria Zvaravanhu

Gloria Zvaravanhu is a chartered accountant by training, a seasoned business executive proficient in all forms of financial management, business law expert by study and experience, risk management and corporate governance expert by training and experience, insurer by study and experience, leadership coach and mentor by training and passion.
She is a difference maker whose life purpose is to use her knowledge, skills, experience, wisdom, opportunities, relationships and finances to positively impact the lives of others through leadership, motivational talks, coaching & mentorship, and financial management advice. She would like to leave a legacy of impact and influence through excellence, integrity and faith!

In addition to being a CA, she holds a B. Acc-Rhodes University, MBL- UNISA, LLM International Business Law -Cumbria University UK, Insurance Diploma IIZ and various executive development programs over the years and currently enrolled for an MSc in Business Psychology with a UK University.
She is an alumnus of the prestigious US State Department/Fortune 500 Global women mentoring program and is passionate about women development and leadership coaching. Gloria has had vast experience serving as a non-executive Director of several local, continental and international organizations.

2. Describe Gloria in one word
Excellence!

3. What has been your biggest learning since becoming an MD?
That leadership is about harnessing the skills and experience of one’s team to the best advantage. Leadership is about inspiring and motivating, leading, and spelling out the vision. It’s about identifying the right talent and trusting them to do what they are qualified to do. Once that is in place the mill runs smoothly.


4. How would you describe your leadership style?
My default leadership style is that I am a transformational leader. I am not a status quo lover. I question status quo. As a result, I am a leader who believes in setting a clear vision, articulating how I see us getting to the vision and inspiring others to believe in the vision. I challenge myself to bring something different, to be distinguishable. I am energetic, passionate, empathetic and believe that Impossible is nothing!
Practically, I am a situational leader, I see what the situation calls for and engage the right gear. Sometimes the situation calls for one to be a coaching leader, a democratic leader, a laissez faire leader. I can be whatever the situation requires. I can lead from the front, back or in the middle as the situation demands.

5. Can you briefly walk us through the journey you had to take to become the MD of OMICO?
My career began at KPMG Chartered Accountants, where I did my articles and elevated to the position of Manager in the Audit and Corporate Finance departments. I then joined the insurance industry and became the Group Finance Manager at First Mutual Limited and was appointed the Finance Director of the largest subsidiary of the Group (First Mutual Life) at the age of 26/27. I then assumed the role of General Manager at NicozDiamond Insurance Company in 2009 and held the position for ten years. During this tenure I was responsible for Finance, Human Resources, ICT, Treasury and doubled up as the Company Secretary of the organisation which was then listed. I was also responsible for contracting for the regional investments. From there I joined ICAZ as the CEO for 3 years and in that role I represented the Accounting profession at both Continental and International levels. After ICAZ I then assumed the role of Managing Director of Old Mutual Insurance Company at the beginning of 2022.

6. How do you keep up to date with the rapid and varied changes in financial sector particularly where insurance is concerned?
I am a lifelong learner. Iam well known for talking about being “future fit!” I attend conferences/ seminars to keep myself abreast, I read and research on new areas. Am an avid reader and learner. I have done many executive development programs and courses over and above my qualifications in bachelors and Masters degrees. I am currently enrolled for another Master’s program in my area of passion, Psychology, which dovetails well with my passion to lead well, develop others leaders, coach, mentor and impart.

7. What do you think and feel is the biggest strength of OMICO at the moment?
Its people, Old Mutual has got great, skilled experienced and passionate people. In service industry that is the best asset to have! Off course! Old Mutual also have vast resources and exposure to various markets for learning. Old Mutual is a brand that has been in existence for 175 years, around 125 years in Zimbabwe, so there is the trust factor which comes from experience, which is a big asset.

8. What is the future looking like for OMICO?
The future will be an experience that has not been seen before. We are an Integrated Financial services Group, the unit I lead is one of many services we offer as a Group. Our focus is on multiplying the customer experience whilst living out the rest of our values and impacting our communities. Convenience, value, choice and one stop is the thrust of our IFS model. The future is blinding bright, we have invested in “green” sunglasses!

9. Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
I am deeply rooted in my faith as I was born and raised as a Christian. I draw my inspiration from Christ and the word of God. I also have role models and mentors and I have received lots of direct and indirect support from mentors who have helped to feed my continuous learning philosophy. I listen and learn from others regardless of their socio-economic standing or background. My own upbringing makes me relate to people across the varied socio-economic spectrum, because I have literally been at most points of that spectrum. Relating to people comes naturally to me though I am mostly an introvert.

10. As the MD what is one decision you wish you didn’t have to make?
I am never one to have regrets. I make calculated decisions with the information that I have at any point in time. If it leads to failure I learn from it quickly, if it leads to success, I rinse, amplify and repeat! Hindsight is wiser but I never like falling victim to it, I learn and move!

If I could avoid one decision though, it would also be letting go of people. My empathetic and coaching side groans! But sometimes leaders have to make those bold decisions for the good of the company.

11. What one thing makes you lose sleep as MD of OMICO?
I never really lose sleep fortunately (We are those that sleep even in storms!) but as an MD one always has to have the top risks of the organization at the top of mind and ensure that the right controls are in place to avoid occurrence or minimize negative impact. So, I have the top risks on the radar all the time even whilst sleeping. Some worry me more than others but ultimately, it’s about having a system to manage them to a tolerable range.

12. How do you keep your team motivated despite conflicts, obstacles and economic challenges?
I believe being authentic and relatable is a good starting point. Creating a Psychological safe environment for teams is key. Clear communication of vision, understanding them (empathy), being concerned about their development and valuing their contributions lays good ground for productive teams. I aspire to be these things and work towards it daily.


13. What are the most important attributes of successful leaders today?
 Coaching and development mentality
 Emotional Intelligence
 Empathetic and diversity embracing
 Critical Thinking
 Learning attitude and open mindedness
 Good communication skills
 Authenticity

14. What’s the greatest risk you ever took in your life and why do you say so?
Taking on an executive role in a big organization at age 26/27 and with little industry experience. It took a lot of courage and believing in myself. I did second guess myself a couple of times, but it was one of the greatest steps I took to propel my career. The risk of failure was high, but I am glad I succeeded.

15. What are the pitfalls obstacles and challenges did you have to overcome along the way?
• Imposter syndrome and second guessing myself.
• Long hours of work and study and getting out of balances with other life priorities
• Proving myself on the age and gender lines
• Defying odds and breaking out of a background that could have consumed me.

16. How do you align and balance OMICO’s business objectives with your personal vision and goals?

I endeavor to integrate my work and personal life as much as possible. I resonate with the value systems of my employer at a personal level. I see my work as a means to attaining my personal goals. They are interconnected. A success in one is a success in the other and vice versa.

17. What do you love the most about the OMICO brand?
The values and the people are my greatest love at Old Mutual. In addition to that Old Mutual’s Governance, Risk and Compliance Systems are amongst the best and ensure sustainability. The “Why” for Old Mutual is also clearly defined, We do great things every day! I now endeavor to do great things everyday at a personal level.


What would be your message to the girl in school who wants to become a female MD of one of the biggest brands in Zimbabwe one day?

I always say the same four things to a “16-year-old me” no matter what their ultimate aspirations are;

1. Invest in education and lifelong learning!
2. Associate wisely.
3. Seek your life purpose and plan to live it out
4. Be grounded in a supernatural power.



18. What’s your favourite car and why?
I don’t do favorites (I feel boxed) but I do make close friends, Mercedes has been to me what “a little black dress” is to a lady’s wardrobe, it has been an all-time friend. I can try out and have always tried out other cars, so long as they offer me class, security, reliability and a smooth ride!