Brenda Bonyongwa Hurudza never expected to become an entrepreneur. Born and raised in Mutare, Zimbabwe, her life journey unfolded in ways she hadn’t envisioned, blending her education, spiritual calling, and professional expertise into a flourishing business venture. It’s a story of resilience, innovation, and a deep belief that entrepreneurship is more than a career—it’s a spiritual journey.
After completing her studies at Africa University, Brenda moved to South Africa to pursue her qualifications as a Chartered Accountant. Yet, despite her academic success, she never saw herself in a traditional corporate role. “I didn’t plan for this to be a business,” Brenda reflects, recalling how, soon after qualifying, she and a friend ventured into entrepreneurship, driven by a common desire for independence.
“I believe it’s one of those things when you’re studying, and you think about what to do next. Entrepreneurship was exciting because of the flexibility it promised, especially the idea that you control your own time.”
The year 2015 marked the start of this entrepreneurial experiment, but it wasn’t until six years later that Brenda realized she was ready to soar on her own. “In 2021, I thought, ‘Okay, I think I’m ready to fly this plane by myself,’” she explains. This was not just a professional decision, but a spiritual one too.
Brenda firmly believes that her journey is guided by a higher purpose, one that aligns with her faith. “I see myself as a kingdom financier,” she says, emphasizing her belief in the spiritual aspect of business—her company, B-Advisory, is not just about numbers; it’s about fulfilling a divine mandate.
B-Advisory: Rising From the Pandemic
B-Advisory, which Brenda founded during the turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, started as a traditional accounting and auditing firm offering services like tax preparation, financial statements, and management accounts. However, as the pandemic reshaped the business landscape, Brenda found that the focus had to shift. “COVID made businesses rethink their strategies. Before, clients would come in just for financial compliance. But when COVID hit, the question became: ‘How do we survive another lockdown?’” she says.
Many businesses were forced to close, and the reality of uncertainty hit hard. Brenda’s firm responded by pivoting towards a more holistic advisory role, offering strategic guidance to help businesses navigate the new, uncertain world.
“We started to see more strategic requests,” she recalls. “Clients didn’t just need an accountant anymore—they needed a partner to help them plan for the future. So we embraced a more advisory approach, focusing on helping businesses survive and thrive, not just comply with tax laws.”
One of the key elements of B-Advisory’s evolution was the introduction of business coaching, a service that Brenda found was especially important for entrepreneurs during times of crisis. “I realized that business coaching is essential. It’s not just about balancing books; it’s about empowering business owners to think beyond their day-to-day challenges,” Brenda says. This shift in focus led her to work more closely with entrepreneurial apps, particularly those focused on empowering women. “I’m now working with apps that train entrepreneurs, especially women, in business coaching. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Global Aspirations: Positioning B-Advisory as a Market Leader
Despite its South African base, B-Advisory’s aspirations stretch far beyond the borders of the continent. Brenda’s vision is clear: to position the firm as a global leader in consulting services. “We want to grow this business into a global firm,” she affirms. “We’re already setting up branches in the UK and Australia, and that’s just the beginning. We want to partner with firms around the world and bring innovation to the forefront of everything we do.”
Innovation is at the heart of B-Advisory’s business model. As Brenda puts it, “Our grand promise is to inspire excellence through innovative business solutions.” This promise is not just a slogan; it’s the foundation on which the company operates. The firm has embraced cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, to enhance its services and stay ahead of the curve. “AI is part of our DNA now. We’ve integrated it into our systems, and we’ll continue to do so as we evolve,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of keeping up with the changing technological landscape.
Navigating Challenges: Leadership and Competition
However, with growth comes the inevitability of challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, Brenda has faced her share of obstacles, particularly around competition and leadership. “Competition is always a challenge,” she acknowledges. “But the key is to be good at what you do. Focus on being excellent, and the rest will follow.”
Perhaps the most profound lesson Brenda shares is the importance of leadership. “When you start a business, you often think you’re doing it all yourself, but the reality is you can’t grow alone,” she says. “Your business grows with your team. You need to align your vision with the people around you and ensure they understand your mission.” For Brenda, leadership isn’t just about directing others—it’s about empowering her team to feel like part of a bigger purpose. “It’s about making your team feel like they’re part of the change you’re creating,” she reflects. “When everyone is aligned and committed, driving the business forward becomes much easier.”
Through these principles, Brenda has achieved notable success. Under her leadership, B-Advisory has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to consulting, and Brenda herself has received accolades for her work. Yet, she is quick to downplay her individual contributions, focusing instead on the collective effort of her team.
“I don’t see this as something I’ve done alone. It’s the result of the team’s hard work,” she says, demonstrating her humble approach to success. “It’s also setting up in our own country, Zimbabwe as well. I believe it was an achievement,” she said, highlighting the significance of establishing a presence in her home country. This milestone not only demonstrates Brenda’s business acumen but also her commitment to contributing to the economic growth and development of Zimbabwe.
Resilience, Brenda believes, is the cornerstone of entrepreneurship. “Entrepreneurship is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s unique to each individual,” she explains. “There’s no book that can fully capture your experience because you have to learn from your own mistakes and triumphs. The key is to know yourself first—your strengths, weaknesses, and what drives you.” For Brenda, the journey to success begins with self-awareness and self-leadership. Only by leading oneself can an entrepreneur hope to lead a business.
Another important factor that has fueled B-Advisory’s growth is collaboration. “Entrepreneurship isn’t about doing everything yourself,” Brenda notes. “It’s about finding the right partners and building relationships that strengthen your business. Your strengths may not be someone else’s, and vice versa. Collaborations allow you to grow by learning from others.”
With an eye on the future, Brenda’s vision for B-Advisory is one of continued growth and global reach. “We want B-Advisory to be a name known worldwide. I don’t need to be in South Africa to be successful. I want the company to thrive no matter where I am,” she says confidently.
Her path to entrepreneurship may have started unexpectedly, but for Brenda Bonyongwa Hurudza, the journey has been one of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to innovation and leadership. As she continues to expand B-Advisory into a global enterprise, she remains grounded in her belief that entrepreneurship is not just a career—it is a spiritual calling that, when embraced fully, can lead to transformative success.
Through B-Advisory, Brenda is not just offering business solutions; she’s creating a legacy of empowerment, collaboration, and innovation, shaping the future of businesses worldwide.
