Name: Lazarus Takawira

Title: Managing Director

Organisation: AfroShapers Group

Proud African, entrepreneur, and author, Lazarus is a maverick thinker who's passionate about developing the next generation of leaders. His books, including The Public Servant, Imagine Africa, and LeaderSHEEP, reflect his unwavering commitment to serving communities with integrity and love. As co-founder and MD of AfroShapers Group and a sought-after conference speaker, Lazarus loves what he does and he does it with love.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Lazarus's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Managing and motivating a diverse team, especially navigating different personalities, work styles, and perspectives to create a cohesive and productive team.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I grew up surrounded by great leadership and from a young age, excellent leadership was normalized and role-modeled in front of my eyes, and by the time I got to High School is naturally walked in the shoes of leadership.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I often set up my to-do-list and after my morning devotion I start by tackling the easiest and fasted tasks for the day (outside meetings).

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

I have recently been reminded that great leadership demands great service. A great leader carries a heart of serving!

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

I recently read The Ten Commitments Of A Leader Committed To Growth book. The book can be used as a leadership manual or checklist, and is applicable regardless of where you are in your leadership journey.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Take every failure as a lesson and do not spend too much time on the victories. keep moving and focus on the next goal.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

I still recall at one time having rushed my son to hospital and the billing and discharging process was taking rather too long, as I was losing my patience I walked up to the staff who was assisting us to find out what the hold up only to end up in a positive conversation. This staff member happened to have read my books before and was excited to meet me and my wife as she shared how the books had changed her life. I was so glad that I did not behave rudely or out of character and this taught me that as a leader you are never off duty. You always have to watch how you act and speak.