Tshiamo Thapa is the Managing Director and partner for Collective Value Creation Botswana situated in Gaborone Botswana. CVCB in short provides services in the development of entrepreneurs and suppliers in the corporate supply chain in order to better access business opportunities and become more efficient.
They also develop and implement Enterprise and Supplier Development strategies (ESD Plan).
For more details, visit their website here.
Here we sit down with Tshiamo, to know a bit more about her journey as a consultant.
Q. What inspired Tshiamo to become an entrepreneur?
Tshiamo: My inspiration for becoming an entrepreneur came from the pathfinder status for most entrepreneurs in Botswana. There is a constant opportunity when in this space to impact lives and contribute beyond self-interests to the growth, development, and progress of the country.
Q. How did Tshiamo get started?
Tshiamo: Involuntarily at first, as I walked into work one day, as a very comfortable operations manager of a diamond manufacturing multinational company, to hear literally that there was no more. Fortunately for me, my partner was already in business and I joined him immediately in our family business more than half a decade ago and I have not looked back.
Q. What was your biggest startup challenge? What steps did you take to overcome it? What did you learn?
Tshiamo: I believe without a doubt the biggest barrier was knowledge gaps that needed to be filled in order to allow the business or businesses to grow. Once I moved away from assuming I understood all there is about running a business and closed the gaps and made the necessary sacrifices in order to allow the businesses to grow, light began to shine at the end of the tunnel.
Q. What is the Most Memorable Thing did Tshiamo Done Since she Started her Business?
Tshiamo: There are many moments that have made the journey worthwhile – getting the high-value clients for one or receiving that commendation from a client who is appreciative of the work even more enjoyable.
Q. What is one book you recommend, and why?
Tshiamo: The book that I totally enjoyed recently is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. I had my own opinions about it before I read it and not because of its cover. However I was pleasantly surprised, I could not put the book down, it is a wonderful read and totally relatable and so detailed. I loved the way Phil Knight really captured and articulated the daily struggles of most entrepreneurs who start from the ground up.
Q. What are your top 3 favourite online apps, tools, or resources and what do you love about them?
- Zoho Books – easiest accounting software out there. I have tried many.
- Canva – I love how they keep improving it and adding features that if you are a designer it is totally worth it
- Notion – might be underrated – but it is such an awesome app – I put all my notes in there
Q. In terms of legacy, what is the mark you’d like to leave on the world?
Tshiamo: My legacy looks like a positive impact, changing lives and capacitating potential. There are so many capable people who just need a chance.
Q. In one sentence, what’s the best advice you’d give to someone just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey?
Tshiamo: Never stop learning.
To keep up to date with Tshiamo and her journey, connect with her on LinkedIn.
