Fame, success, and failure—these three milestones are unavoidable for any entrepreneur or leader. They’re not just markers of progress but real tests of character, resilience, and values. From my humble beginnings in Mbare to my entrepreneurial ventures across Zimbabwe, I’ve experienced each of these stages intimately. Through it all, I’ve held on to one powerful truth: “When at the summit and top of your game, watch out for arrogance and pride. When at the bottom, watch out for bitterness. On your way to the top, avoid being greedy, and on your way down, avoid despair at all costs.”
This lesson isn’t just personal—it resonates with stories of both Zimbabwean leaders and tech icons who have journeyed through the highs and lows of success. Think of Strive Masiyiwa and Elon Musk: their journeys are filled with moments that reveal how fame and fortune can shape decision-making. As the Bible says in Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Humility and self-awareness are the keys that unlock a fulfilling journey, no matter how high we climb or how low we fall.
At the Summit: The Dangers of Arrogance and Pride
When you’re at the top, it’s easy to become entranced by success. You start to feel invincible, like every decision you make is golden. But here’s the truth: pride will always come before a fall.
Take Strive Masiyiwa, for example. As the founder of Econet Wireless, Masiyiwa transformed the telecommunications landscape in Zimbabwe and beyond. However, he has always emphasized humility and staying grounded, no matter the heights of success. Masiyiwa has faced numerous challenges and obstacles but has consistently approached them with grace and humility, reminding us that success should never lead to arrogance. Proverbs 11:2 puts it perfectly: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
In my own life, I’ve felt this too. I remember the rush of my first major success—the applause, the recognition. For a moment, I felt like I had all the answers. But success can be a tricky friend; it can make you forget that life can change at any time. Not long after, I faced a setback that brought me back to earth. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me that success should never blind us from our humanity. We must keep our feet on the ground, knowing that our journey is far from over.
Elon Musk offers another lesson here. As a tech visionary, Musk has achieved remarkable success with companies like Tesla and SpaceX. Yet, his brash public persona and confidence have sometimes been interpreted as arrogance, leading to conflicts with regulators and backlash from critics. His story reminds us that unchecked pride can lead even the most talented individuals to stumble.
At the Bottom: The Battle Against Bitterness
Failure is a reality for every entrepreneur, and it’s often the moment that truly defines who you are. When things don’t go as planned, it’s easy to let bitterness creep in—to feel like the world is against you or that someone else’s success somehow diminishes your own. But here’s the truth: bitterness is a thief. It steals your joy, clouds your vision, and keeps you anchored in the past.
Dumisani Muleya knows failure as well as he knows success. Muleya, a prominent Zimbabwean journalist, faced numerous setbacks in his career, including persecution for his work. Despite the hardships, he refused to let bitterness take hold. Instead, he used those experiences to become a stronger advocate for freedom of the press. His willingness to persevere, despite repeated setbacks, is a powerful lesson on the need to fight bitterness with resilience. Romans 5:3-4 says it best: “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Muleya’s story shows us that failure is just the beginning of building character and strength.
In my life, I’ve had moments that seemed like everything was falling apart. I remember a business that I poured my heart into—only for it to collapse. The anger and resentment were overwhelming. I blamed myself, the market, even others who succeeded when I failed. But holding on to that bitterness only prolonged my pain. Eventually, I let go and accepted the lessons. I realized that failure was my greatest teacher—not an end, but a chance to begin again with newfound wisdom.
Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, also knows the sting of failure. Rejected from numerous jobs and initially unable to secure funding for his business, Ma faced countless setbacks. Instead of giving in to bitterness and despair, he used each rejection as fuel to keep moving forward, eventually building one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. His ability to bounce back, even when many doubted him, reminds us that failure doesn’t have to be final. As James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
On the Way to the Top: Avoiding Greed
Greed is perhaps one of the most tempting pitfalls on the journey to success. As you climb higher, the desire for more—more money, more influence, more recognition—can easily consume you. But greed never leads to lasting fulfillment.
Early in my career, I chased every opportunity that came my way, believing that accumulating wealth was the ultimate sign of success. But I soon found that chasing after “more” came at a cost—my values, my health, my relationships. Proverbs 28:25 teaches us, “A greedy man stirs up strife, but the one who trusts in the Lord will be enriched.” I had to learn the hard way that true success isn’t about money or power—it’s about the impact you make and the legacy you leave behind.
Nigel Chanakira, a prominent Zimbabwean businessman, faced similar challenges. As his wealth grew, he realized that the pursuit of money alone was not enough to bring fulfillment. He decided to refocus his efforts on making a positive impact in his community, emphasizing ethical business practices and philanthropy. His story teaches us that true success lies not in accumulating riches, but in using those riches to uplift others.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, also struggled with the temptations of greed. As one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, Gates eventually shifted his focus from amassing wealth to giving back. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has donated billions to tackle global health and education issues, demonstrating that true fulfillment comes from using resources for the greater good.
On the Way Down: Fighting Despair
No one wants to think about falling from grace, but it’s a reality we all must face. When failure strikes after a period of success, it can feel like the world is crumbling. Despair whispers that your best days are behind you and that there is no way forward. But despair is a liar. Often, it’s the last obstacle before a breakthrough.
Joshua Nkomo, a revered Zimbabwean leader, faced numerous setbacks during his political career, including persecution and imprisonment. Despite these challenges, he refused to let despair win. Nkomo’s resilience and determination helped him play a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s independence, showing us that despair can only win if we allow it to take root. Isaiah 40:31 has always inspired me: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” Nkomo’s story is a testament to the power of hope and perseverance.
In my journey, there were times when I thought it was all over—that the road had ended, and there was no more left for me to give. But those were the times when I had to dig the deepest, to trust that there was still something left inside me. Despair can’t win if we hold onto hope and keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.
Steve Jobs also faced despair when he was ousted from Apple, the company he founded. It was a public and painful setback, but instead of giving in to despair, Jobs used the time to create new ventures, including NeXT and Pixar. Eventually, he returned to Apple, leading it to unprecedented success. His story reminds us that setbacks can be opportunities for renewal and growth.
Growth Through Every Stage
Fame, success, and failure are all part of the entrepreneurial journey—but how we handle each of them is what defines our legacy. Strive Masiyiwa and Elon Musk are two different yet compelling examples of navigating these phases, each showing us lessons on humility, resilience, and tenacity.
