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Unlocking Untapped Potential: How Mike Mberi’s Entrepreneurship Empowers the Youth

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The two entrepreneurship ventures established by Mike Panashe Mberi have given him a platform to develop the potential of young people while also guiding emerging start ups towards a trajectory of sustainable growth and profitability.

Mike’s raw determination to succeed in life and a strong desire to uplift Africans and help them overcome their circumstances led him to establish Building Leaders Across Continents (BLAC) and Protrude Global. He says both companies were formed in 2020 in an attempt to unlock the full potential of young people as well as provide effective solutions for companies being held back by a global pandemic and an economically challenging landscape.

Gaps and opportunities amidst turmoil

“Both BLAC and Protrude Global were founded in 2020, amidst the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period of uncertainty underscored the need for resilience, innovation and collaboration values that are central to both organizations. The crisis highlighted gaps and opportunities, inspiring me to act and from those humble beginnings, we have grown into entities that are shaping lives and empowering leaders worldwide.

To Mike, the major driving force behind the formation of BLAC stemmed from his belief in the untapped potential of young people. He also felt that simultaneously setting up a second company was a necessary step towards addressing the shortfalls of many entrepreneurs who were finding the going tough.

“I saw an opportunity to inspire, empower and transform them to go beyond immediate needs and focus on sustainable and long-term impact. BLAC was born to empower young leaders with the skills, vision, and resilience to drive meaningful change in their communities and across the globe. Through leadership, diversity, and collaboration, we guide young people to uncover their unique talents and find their purpose.

“Protrude Global, on the other hand, emerged from personal experiences with professional fatigue and the realization that critical skills like effective communication, confidence, and leadership were often missing in corporate environments, even at senior levels. Protrude Global is an international consulting firm that delivers transformative learning experiences for individuals and organizations.

“We provide skill-building, mentorship, and corporate responsibility strategies that enable businesses to align all of their operations with societal goals. Our work advocates for proactive engagement in issues such as diversity, equity, and climate change, ensuring that organizations create both economic and social value.”

Rising above tragedy

Growing up, Mike – born in 1997 – never imagined himself fitting the shoes of an entrepreneur. As he was completing his secondary education at Vista High School, Mike was expected to follow in the direction of traditional careers in either the teaching, policing, military or any of the other professions.

However, fate would have it otherwise. The death of his grandmother and aunt saw a very young Mike having to deal with tragedy in a way that awakened him to the realities and unpredictability of some of the life’s unfortunate experiences.

“Such challenges taught me to mature quickly. I became reliable and trustworthy due to the personal experiences and unique circumstances I faced. My loses to death required me to be strong, especially for my mom as she had also endured such a devastating experience. Then the passing of my brother and friend, Tanaka Nhundu, in an accident in 2018 served as a poignant reminder that life is short and we must make every moment count. Today, I strive to live a legacy-driven life, always aiming to leave a positive and lasting impact on those around me.”

It was his tertiary studies that were to plant the seeds of entrepreneurship within Mike. A Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies and International Politics at the University of South Africa was a transformative experience that broadened Mike’s understanding of societal challenges while also deepening his commitment to driving impactful change.

“The qualification not only equipped me with the tools to create meaningful solutions but also planted the seeds for a purpose driven life, one focused on empowering the youth to lead transformative initiatives for a better future.”

Confronting and overcoming tough challenges

After starting a business during the global uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike was quickly confronted by the challenges of gaining trust and building a credible reputation at a time when physical interaction was nearly impossible.

“People were hesitant to invest their time or resources in new ventures, especially as the world grappled with survival over progress. Another hurdle was a financial one. Turning a bold vision into reality with limited resources requires relentless creativity.

“I leaned heavily on partnerships and collaborations, leveraging the power of community to amplify BLAC and Protrude Global’s impact. I also prioritized building relationships with like-minded individuals who shared my vision and were willing to lend their expertise and support.”

That was not the only challenge he faced.

“As a young entrepreneur with ambitious ideas, I often encountered scepticism about my capacity to lead and deliver results. Being underestimated simply because of my age forced me to constantly prove my credibility and competence, which sometimes led to unbalanced dynamics where I had to work twice as hard to gain the same respect afforded to older professionals.

“To overcome these challenges, I adopted a growth mindset. I used the scepticism I faced as motivation to refine my skills, deliver measurable outcomes and establish myself as a credible leader. I also sought mentors from diverse age groups who provided guidance and helped me navigate both the scepticism of others and my own learning curve.”

A positive impact

While Mike still has many goals to achieve, he can look back with pride at how the two companies are already being associated with a tangible and lasting legacy.

BLAC has successfully impacted over 1 000 young leaders by equipping them with essential skills in leadership, communication, and strategic thinking. Protrude Global, on the other hand, has complemented these efforts by helping over 20 businesses redefine what it means to succeed in the modern world.

Mike’s two companies stand out as a clear reminder of the tough journey he has travelled so far and are symbolic by suggesting that perhaps the challenges that many young people may be facing today can only be addressed effectively and wholesomely by them.

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