Growth Begins with Courage and Continuous Learning

In this edition of Ubuntu Employee Spotlight, Chishimba Bwalya Hara shares her inspiring journey from banking to agriculture, highlighting the courage it takes to embrace change, the value of lifelong learning, and the importance of leading with empathy. As Finance Business Partner for Southern Africa and Managing Director of Bayer Zambia, she reflects on the experiences that have shaped her leadership philosophy and the role Ubuntu plays in building strong teams, meaningful relationships, and lasting impact. Her story offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to grow professionally while staying grounded in purpose and people.

My name is Chishimba Bwalya. I was born in Luanshya, a small mining town in Zambia, and grew up in a family of three children, two girls and one boy. As the middle child, I learned early the importance of balance, independence, and resilience.

My parents played a significant role in shaping the person I am today. My father firmly believed that education was the key to overcoming challenges and creating opportunities in life. He consistently encouraged us to pursue academic excellence and to view learning as a pathway to a better future. Growing up, I always thought I would become a lawyer, but my mother encouraged me to pursue accountancy instead, a decision that would ultimately shape my professional journey. Looking back, her advice set me on a path that has opened many doors and provided countless opportunities for personal and professional growth

I attended Luanshya Trust School for my primary education and later Fatima Girls Catholic Secondary School. My Catholic upbringing and boarding school experience instilled in me strong values, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility. These principles continue to guide how I conduct myself both professionally and personally.

I pursued a professional qualification in accountancy through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) at the Zambia Centre for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS). I later strengthened my business and leadership capabilities by completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.

Education has always been important to me because it has equipped me with the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to navigate different stages of my career.

My Journey at Bayer

I joined Bayer in January 2025, and it has been one of the best decisions I have made in my career.

Making the transition from the banking sector into agriculture was a significant change. Learning a new industry with different business dynamics meant I had to adapt and be agile. Like any new role, the journey came with challenges, sometimes learning through mistakes, and moments of uncertainty. However, those experiences became valuable learning opportunities.

Today, I serve as Finance Business Partner for Southern Africa and Bayer Zambia Director. While finance remains at the core of my role, my responsibility extends far beyond numbers. I work closely with customer-facing squads and cross-functional teams to support strategic decision-making, identify opportunities and risks, and help steer the business toward sustainable growth.

What motivates me most about working at Bayer is the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Whether it is contributing to food security through agriculture or supporting innovations that improve health outcomes, knowing that our work positively affects people's lives gives purpose to what I do every day. Working in Africa makes that impact even more tangible because the outcomes of our efforts can directly improve livelihoods, strengthen communities, and contribute to economic development across the region.

Something I have learned through my career is maintaining a level head, especially during challenging times. I am an avid runner, and running has profoundly influenced my mindset and approach to life. It has taught me that progress is achieved one step at a time and that resilience often matters more than speed. Whenever I face difficult situations, I remind myself to keep moving forward, trust the process, and focus on what can be done today.

My personal philosophy is simple: Just do it. Start where you are, embrace the learning journey, and keep pushing forward. Growth comes from taking the first step, learning from experience, and having the courage to continue even when the path ahead is uncertain.

I believe that empathy is an important quality anyone can possess. Throughout my career, I have learned that success is not achieved through results alone, but through the relationships we build and the people we inspire along the way.

For me, the African philosophy of Ubuntu, "I am because we are" reminds me that colleagues are much more than their job titles or professional responsibilities. People perform at their best when they feel seen, heard, supported, and valued. By investing in people, we create stronger teams and build cultures where people can thrive.

Life Outside Work

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones. Family and friends remind me of what truly matters and keep me grounded.

I would describe myself as open, approachable, and someone who enjoys connecting with people. I believe life should be taken seriously, but not so seriously that we forget to laugh. Whether at work or at home, I enjoy sharing a laugh whenever possible.

If there is one message I would like to leave with young professionals, it is this: “Be teachable. Your attitude will take you further than your qualifications. Seek mentors, embrace feedback, and stay open to learning.” Because in the end, growth is not about where you start; it is about your willingness to keep learning, evolving, and becoming the best version of yourself.