I push beyond limits. My vision extends far beyond that of my generation. My goal is to leave a legacy that will endure for generations to come.

My name is Tadiwa Chinhamu. I’m a 20-year-old Zimbabwean entrepreneur and Electrical Engineering (Honours) student currently based in Melbourne, Australia.

Born and raised in Harare, l was immersed in business from a young age. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs who built their legacies from the ground up, both in Zimbabwe and beyond. This environment gave me hands-on experience in farming, transport logistics, and business operations, laying a strong foundation for my drive to succeed.

But my ambitions extended beyond following in the footsteps of my father, uncle, grandfather and mother. But l cannot downplay these people's roles in my quest to succeed, especially my mother, Afra Nannhanga. My mother is a celebrated businesswoman and women’s empowerment advocate, who has had the greatest influence in my journey. From her, l learnt one of life’s most important lessons as she always says: “ Tadiwa, learn to be a problem solver, detect a problem and find a way to fix it.” That principle lies at the core of everything l do. She also taught me that your network is your net worth, a truth l’ve lived through the countless opportunities I’ve gained by stepping outside my comfort zone.

These teachings, combined with my own life experiences, have instilled in me a deep-rooted passion for problem-solving, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment. My mindset was further shaped by witnessing the harsh realities faced by underprivileged communities across Africa. A formative visit to Madagascar exposed me to a community plagued by poverty and limited opportunity, where young girls, lacking education and support, are being driven into sex work. That experience deepened my resolve to become a changemaker.

The idea for Balance and Empower was, however, born after a conversation with a fellow engineering student here in Australia. She shared that she had no intention of ever working, and instead planned to live off government support. Her family had migrated to Australia when she was two. Her father, once an auditor, had been unable to find work in his field due to non-recognition of his qualifications, and is now working as an Uber driver. I wasn’t shocked by his situation but by her mindset. Coming from a less privileged background, I believe one should be even more determined to succeed, to uplift their family, and to change their story. That conversation was a wake-up call. It made me realise how easy it is to settle, and how dangerous that comfort can be.

Balance and Empower is my response. It's a platform designed to motivate young people to push beyond comfort zones, take ownership of their future, and strike a meaningful balance between discipline and ambition. I aim to inspire a generation to stop settling and start building. Because the truth is, we need to stop making excuses and start doing the work. I live by this principle every day.

In Australia, I’m studying electrical engineering, working part-time at Big W, starting a business, going to the gym, and keeping up with assignments. It’s challenging. It’s exhausting. But l always find a way to keep going, stay balanced, and move forward. That’s the kind of energy I want to ignite in others.

Contact Tadiwa Chinhamu for more info.