Request Machimbira, Consulting Director and Group CEO of Proficiency Consulting Group International, underscores the pivotal role of strategic leadership and human capital development in driving organizational productivity and sustainable growth.
A seasoned Strategy and HR Specialist with a proven track record, Request Machimbira has collaborated with over 300 organizations across Africa, including Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. His expertise spans strategy formulation, organizational design, and the implementation of performance management systems like the Balanced Scorecard and 360-degree feedback. Focused on enhancing productivity and driving effectiveness, he is deeply committed to advancing business growth in emerging economies.
Named Executive Coach of the Year in 2016, Machimbira brings a passion for executive coaching and management development. As President of Thinkers-Hub, a pioneering platform for entrepreneurial development, he fosters innovation and growth among members worldwide.
In his role as Consulting Director and Group CEO of Proficiency Consulting Group International, Machimbira continues to shape impactful strategies for diverse corporate environments. Through his insights, regularly featured in Corporate World Magazine, he empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of modern challenges and achieve sustainable success.
Q. What sparked your passion for strategy and HR consulting, and how has your journey shaped your expertise along the way?
Growing up, I witnessed organizations grappling with countless challenges, repeatedly using the same approaches yet expecting different outcomes. This inspired me to specialize in strategy and establish a company dedicated to strategy facilitation, organizational development, and innovative solutions. My goal has always been to help organizations thrive by enhancing productivity and sustainability, contributing to a better and more prosperous world.
Q. As an award-winning executive coach, what core principles shape your approach to empowering leaders and driving transformation?
My coaching philosophy is built on the belief that every individual holds the potential to grow into their best self, and every organization can achieve greater heights. Success stems from a commitment to intentional growth—both personal and institutional. With the right mindset and a willingness to embrace change, anyone can unlock new possibilities and achieve meaningful improvement.
Q- Having worked with over 300 corporations across Africa, what has been the most fulfilling and transformative experience in your career?
My career has taken me to Bolivia, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and South Africa, with the majority of my assignments in Zimbabwe. While it's difficult to pinpoint a single intervention, each experience has been rewarding in its own right. Ultimately, the greatest reward for me is fulfillment—witnessing the transformation of an institution and knowing that I played a role in that change. That sense of contribution is the true measure of success in my work.
Q- Can you share a particularly challenging project you've tackled and the strategies you used to overcome obstacles and achieve success?
Every strategic plan is unique, shaped by the specific challenges an organization faces. While I won’t single out a particular project, the most challenging aspect of any strategy is achieving consensus. For example, when six executives are involved, one may see pricing as the issue, another branding, and someone else may point to people. The key to success is aligning perspectives and identifying the true problem, which sets the stage for a powerful strategic response.
Q- How do you manage to balance your roles as Consulting Director, CEO, and President of THINKERS-HUB while staying focused and effective?
Each person is endowed with multiple abilities, as reflected in the Book of Matthew, where talents are given according to one's potential. I’ve come to realize that I possess a diverse skill set that allows me to thrive in different roles. However, the key to my balance lies in a strategically structured team and clear portfolios designed to serve our diverse constituencies. By leveraging my ability to plan strategically for the various entities I’m involved with, I’ve found a formula for success that keeps me focused and effective.
Q- In your experience, what are the biggest barriers to boosting productivity in developing economies, and how do you tackle them effectively?
Third-world economies face unique challenges that vary from one country to another. In nations like mine, currency issues can severely impact competitiveness, escalating production costs and destabilizing the economy. Another critical barrier is the lack of focus on research and development within local communities. Often, budgets for R&D are minimal, hindering the ability to base interventions on empirical evidence. Many economies are now discovering valuable resources like diamonds and gold, which should have been identified decades ago if more had been invested in R&D. This gap in research significantly undermines the competitiveness of developing economies.
Q. How do you stay ahead of emerging trends in HR metrics and dashboards, and what tools do you recommend for businesses to leverage in this space?
Thanks to digital advancements, the world has become a global village, with platforms that allow us to effortlessly stay connected and track global developments. Social media plays a vital role in this, as communities on LinkedIn, Facebook, and other platforms—along with specialized WhatsApp groups—help us stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and insights in real time.
Q. What role do you see technology playing in the future of HR consulting, and how do you envision it transforming the industry?
Technology is already reshaping the HR consulting industry, driving efficiency and enhancing customer-centricity, though its pace of adoption may vary by region. It enables smoother, cost-effective interventions—such as simplifying surveys and eliminating manual processes. Technology has also strengthened global interconnectedness, making it easier to deliver services across borders. For example, I can now run programs for the National Bank of Malawi and clients in Tanzania, all from my desk in Harare, Zimbabwe.
However, technology has its limitations. While it enhances efficiency, it cannot replace the empathy and human connection essential in consulting. Additionally, for economies facing high unemployment, technology may pose challenges by displacing jobs.
Empowering Corporate Transformation Through Strategy and Empathy
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