Interview with Violet Machaka
Interview with Violet Machaka

"I am passionate about life and love working with women who are trying to heal from abusive relationships".

Violet Machaka
Administrative Assistant-Corporate Services & Administration
Eastern & Southern Africa Trade & Development Bank (TDB)
Zimbabwe

Master of International Business Administration Batch 2021

Please tell us about yourself and your family. 

I am a single mother of three children. I am passionate about life and love working with women who are trying to heal from abusive relationships. I also support children of single mothers by assisting them financially and psychologically in their studies. I have one daughter, 24 years old, currently studying in Canada and two sons aged 21 and 10. 

What drew  you to the program you are studying at Athena? 

In UniAthena, the focus is on the global/international context.  The modules are relevant not only for my current role but for future aspirations as I am currently setting up a consultancy in Organisation Development.

Do you think it will help you to realise your career goals? 

Yes, it will definitely assist me in realising my career goals.

What would you like to learn next? What are your next career steps?

I would like to specialise in Strategy or Strategic Human Resources Management. My next career step is to get into a senior management role while carrying out Organisation Development Consultancy work.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy traveling, music, and going to the gym to keep fit.

Suppose you had to live alone on a deserted island for a month. What are the 3 things you will bring with you?

My Bible, dumbbells, enough food and water.

If you face a problem at work, what is the first thing you do?

I like to regain calmness to enable me to process my way forward.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your life?How did you tackle it?

Getting divorced and suddenly being the sole breadwinner for three children was the biggest challenge I faced in my life. First, I focused on my own healing, happiness, then ensured my children were alright in the situation and did my best to see that their needs,that is, shelter, education, and upkeep were taken care of.

If you could only change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To  be less trusting of people.

What did you want to become when you were a child?

I wanted to become a lawyer.

What is the last book you read and the movie you saw?

"No one Succeeds Alone" by Robert Reffkin, and the movie – Red Notice.

Who is the person you admire most and why? 

The person I admire most is Ms. Catherine Kimaryo, my mentor. I love her energy, authenticity, intelligence, openness, and the way she takes care of herself physically. She has encouraged me not to resort to excuses for not advancing my skills and knowledge.

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