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Braving the Odds: A Memoir on Perseverance, Finance and Faith
An intimate and inspiring memoir by CNBC, AABLA All African Business Woman of the Year Having been a multi-award-winning CEO of a large international bank, Mizinga Melu knows what it’s like being the only woman in the boardroom. It’s not an easy ride. From navigating untaught corporate politics, finding her skills and experience routinely questioned, and having to work harder just to have her voice heard, her resilience has been constantly put to the test. However, she was primed to overcome hardship. This isn’t just a book about braving the odds in the boardroom—it’s about how an ordinary girl from Zambia overcame such setbacks as the loss of her mother while still a young girl, failing out of nursing school as a young woman, and being denied an executive role she knew she was the most qualified for as an aspiring banker. Melu warmly invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood growing up on a farm and the growth of her deep and unwavering faith, to her years as a global banking executive balancing the demands of career and motherhood while living internationally. Braving the Odds is a story about being a daughter, wife, mother, woman of God, and an African businesswoman in a white man’s world. Through its telling, she hopes to inspire women and girls around the world to not let anything stand in their way.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 17, 2021
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91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 19, 2021
Mizinga Melu’s “Braving the odds - a memoir on perseverance, finance and faith is a descent attempt at chronicling her rise and achievements, and does a good job at letting us know who she is. It however needed a more thorough edit as some of the grammatical mistakes should have been easily picked by the editor. Equally, it doesn’t dig deep enough into the controversial issues of her rise to fame and helm of power. And also doesn’t speak loudly enough on the faith aspects besides her noting she attended Church wherever she went. But overall, it’s worth it’s price but not worth the hype! lol 😂 (but good enough compared to the other Zambian books I have read before)
March 4, 2021
Personally I found this book pleasurable to read, it's written in a very easy to digest form. And I think even very young readers will find it easy not only to read but also to retain most of what they read.
Furthermore the story of her rise from a "farm girl" as she affectionately refers to herself at times to a well traveled CEO is inspirational and I personally feel this book will be used to inspire young people to work hard and seek more for themselves than their present circumstances allow.
Mzinga also offers a very candid and honest description of herself, she is honest and open about both her achievements and failures, virtues and less than stellar behavior at times. For instance she candidly describes an experience where she throws a rock at Hyeleni and also happily describes how hard she worked on the farm. Farm life is described as happy but she does not fall for the trap of trying to make it look like paradise as many African writers tend to do.
In her adult years one is able to follow her growth as a woman and a leader by how well she describes her accomplishments, but not only that she also goes into frank descriptions of her failures and anxities especially at public speaking and dealing with the media. All of this is described in a very simple manner that even young readers will appreciate.
Paradoxically however I feel this book's biggest problem also lies in the very same simplicity I enjoyed so much;
Mzinga does a fine job of describing herself and the people around her but she does not go into much detail the only exceptions to this being her father, who she describes so well and so candidly that even I grew to like him and even felt sad when the book talked about his death. However everyone else gets a very politically correct description.
For instance when talking about her husband Chipepo, Mizinga does a fine job of describing how they grew closer together and fell in love and how their relationship gradually strengthened, but after they move together to Emmasdale, any description of their relationship dynamics are so terse, that it's hard to get a clear picture of their relationship or how her new status affects them both.
This treatment is given to basically most of the characters, I strongly feel that she did this out of respect for the people she mentions in her book, and I can respect her need to keep some things for herself.
As honorable as her intentions were it makes it hard to care about any of the characters outside of Mizinga herself, Her Father Shansonga and her Mentor Christos.
Additionally the writing style itself is rather odd at times with the simplicity in some passages being so overdone that it hurts the flow of the book. Which is not to say she's a bad writer, it just felt like she underestimated her readers a little too much.
All in all this is a fine book that I believe will serve a far more important function in society than mere entertainment, I hope in the future to see more stories like this. Of prominent africans who make it on the world stage in fields other than the arts and sport.
Furthermore the story of her rise from a "farm girl" as she affectionately refers to herself at times to a well traveled CEO is inspirational and I personally feel this book will be used to inspire young people to work hard and seek more for themselves than their present circumstances allow.
Mzinga also offers a very candid and honest description of herself, she is honest and open about both her achievements and failures, virtues and less than stellar behavior at times. For instance she candidly describes an experience where she throws a rock at Hyeleni and also happily describes how hard she worked on the farm. Farm life is described as happy but she does not fall for the trap of trying to make it look like paradise as many African writers tend to do.
In her adult years one is able to follow her growth as a woman and a leader by how well she describes her accomplishments, but not only that she also goes into frank descriptions of her failures and anxities especially at public speaking and dealing with the media. All of this is described in a very simple manner that even young readers will appreciate.
Paradoxically however I feel this book's biggest problem also lies in the very same simplicity I enjoyed so much;
Mzinga does a fine job of describing herself and the people around her but she does not go into much detail the only exceptions to this being her father, who she describes so well and so candidly that even I grew to like him and even felt sad when the book talked about his death. However everyone else gets a very politically correct description.
For instance when talking about her husband Chipepo, Mizinga does a fine job of describing how they grew closer together and fell in love and how their relationship gradually strengthened, but after they move together to Emmasdale, any description of their relationship dynamics are so terse, that it's hard to get a clear picture of their relationship or how her new status affects them both.
This treatment is given to basically most of the characters, I strongly feel that she did this out of respect for the people she mentions in her book, and I can respect her need to keep some things for herself.
As honorable as her intentions were it makes it hard to care about any of the characters outside of Mizinga herself, Her Father Shansonga and her Mentor Christos.
Additionally the writing style itself is rather odd at times with the simplicity in some passages being so overdone that it hurts the flow of the book. Which is not to say she's a bad writer, it just felt like she underestimated her readers a little too much.
All in all this is a fine book that I believe will serve a far more important function in society than mere entertainment, I hope in the future to see more stories like this. Of prominent africans who make it on the world stage in fields other than the arts and sport.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2021
In a world full of a Fast life , braving the odds challenged me to be patient, preserver and remain faithful to God on my way to success .
As a Zambian girl , I can relate with the courage it takes to be different, to lead by example especially in our generation. This book was a great read for me and a reminder of what success can look like if you dare yourself to learn when given the opportunity and to unlearn what you think you know.
My take home
1. Appreciate where you come from
2. Let your work speak for you
3. Learning and making use of the opportunities
5. Dare yourself to be different
Am Braving my Odds 🙏!
As a Zambian girl , I can relate with the courage it takes to be different, to lead by example especially in our generation. This book was a great read for me and a reminder of what success can look like if you dare yourself to learn when given the opportunity and to unlearn what you think you know.
My take home
1. Appreciate where you come from
2. Let your work speak for you
3. Learning and making use of the opportunities
5. Dare yourself to be different
Am Braving my Odds 🙏!
April 30, 2021
Maybe I will come and write a proper review some day but right now I can say this was pretty enjoyable read...
April 4, 2022
A really good book that gave key insights on what took her to the top. A learnt a great deal from reading this book and this is what I believe were the key ingredients in her recipe for success:
Education
On this aspect the author holds an MBA degree in high regard and believes that its attainment prepared her for every professional role that presented itself. What's the lesson? If you want to be ready to manage people and companies then consider enrolling for an MBA.
Cross border experience
She has a very broad range of experience across numerous countries. This lent a heavy hand to her exposure to various people, cultures and systems. She excelled in every country she worked in highlighting great adaptability and versatility.
Hard work and ambition
She's a driven lady that had clear ideas of what roles she saw herself in and was ready to work hard to get there. While she didn't always get the jobs she wanted, her work ethic and ability to deliver results ensured that higher level opportunities found their way to her.
Book quote - ‘Always aim high, work hard and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep [the] faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on’.
Self restraint and emotional intelligence
In the book there's an interaction Mizinga Melu had with a fellow director in which she had responded emotionally to an email. The director pulled her aside and shared an important lesson in self-restraint which basically required her to think about her email before hitting send. Draft your email and wait 24 hours before revisiting it and considering whether you still feel the same way and wish to send it as it is. This lesson can extrapolated to any form of communication. Think before you speak or reply and take as much time as you need before responding to anything that generates any kind of emotion in you especially if it's negative emotion.
Office politics
The author quickly learnt that board decisions are made long before they’re discussed in official meetings. People lobby issues long before they are presented. What's the lesson? Do not be afraid to solicit for support before going into a meetings. You'll avoid a lot of unpleasant surprises this way.
Additionally, in the board room how you communicate a difference in opinion requires a lot of diplomacy and tactfulness. If you lack emotional intelligence and end up offending people with public disagreements you'll very likely end up sidelined or worse, fired.
Book quote: "If rumbling thunder can't hurt, neither can the shrills of corporate politics."
Minus one star
The electronic copies of the book require better formatting and overall a better job could've been done on the editing.
Education
On this aspect the author holds an MBA degree in high regard and believes that its attainment prepared her for every professional role that presented itself. What's the lesson? If you want to be ready to manage people and companies then consider enrolling for an MBA.
Cross border experience
She has a very broad range of experience across numerous countries. This lent a heavy hand to her exposure to various people, cultures and systems. She excelled in every country she worked in highlighting great adaptability and versatility.
Hard work and ambition
She's a driven lady that had clear ideas of what roles she saw herself in and was ready to work hard to get there. While she didn't always get the jobs she wanted, her work ethic and ability to deliver results ensured that higher level opportunities found their way to her.
Book quote - ‘Always aim high, work hard and care deeply about what you believe in. And, when you stumble, keep [the] faith. And, when you’re knocked down, get right back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on’.
Self restraint and emotional intelligence
In the book there's an interaction Mizinga Melu had with a fellow director in which she had responded emotionally to an email. The director pulled her aside and shared an important lesson in self-restraint which basically required her to think about her email before hitting send. Draft your email and wait 24 hours before revisiting it and considering whether you still feel the same way and wish to send it as it is. This lesson can extrapolated to any form of communication. Think before you speak or reply and take as much time as you need before responding to anything that generates any kind of emotion in you especially if it's negative emotion.
Office politics
The author quickly learnt that board decisions are made long before they’re discussed in official meetings. People lobby issues long before they are presented. What's the lesson? Do not be afraid to solicit for support before going into a meetings. You'll avoid a lot of unpleasant surprises this way.
Additionally, in the board room how you communicate a difference in opinion requires a lot of diplomacy and tactfulness. If you lack emotional intelligence and end up offending people with public disagreements you'll very likely end up sidelined or worse, fired.
Book quote: "If rumbling thunder can't hurt, neither can the shrills of corporate politics."
Minus one star
The electronic copies of the book require better formatting and overall a better job could've been done on the editing.
February 26, 2021
Got to read the Book braving the odds.
My take what we go through from childhood will shape our future.
Always dream big and don't just dream work towards your dream.
Sorrowed yourself with a good support system. People that will understand your goals and aspirations. People that will buy into your vision. That way you will be able to spur you on.
One needs spiritual well-being, physical well-being and a good foundation at home in order to be successful in what you want to achieve. Something Mzinga has always pointed out is where ever her assignment took her she always made sure she found a good church. A few times if not once it's been mentioned that the writer is an avid runner. Running does not only help with physical wellness but also ones mental wellness. That I leant from my being a cyclist as benefits of cycling and running are similar tho am now a lazy cyclist.
Hats off to Mr. Chipepo Melu for being the ultimate support system. Always twerking his life to support his partners dreams. Wethout his support the world would have been deprived of a leader who has made numerous impacts to the banking industry.
My take what we go through from childhood will shape our future.
Always dream big and don't just dream work towards your dream.
Sorrowed yourself with a good support system. People that will understand your goals and aspirations. People that will buy into your vision. That way you will be able to spur you on.
One needs spiritual well-being, physical well-being and a good foundation at home in order to be successful in what you want to achieve. Something Mzinga has always pointed out is where ever her assignment took her she always made sure she found a good church. A few times if not once it's been mentioned that the writer is an avid runner. Running does not only help with physical wellness but also ones mental wellness. That I leant from my being a cyclist as benefits of cycling and running are similar tho am now a lazy cyclist.
Hats off to Mr. Chipepo Melu for being the ultimate support system. Always twerking his life to support his partners dreams. Wethout his support the world would have been deprived of a leader who has made numerous impacts to the banking industry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2022
Wonderful, down-to-earth and honest memoir from a successful corporate leader and banker within Africa. I enjoyed reading how Mizinga made sure her previous failures and life’s disappointments, including youth folly, were part of her story to the amazing success she has now achieved.
Encourages one to keep pushing against conventional boundaries.
There are not many memoirs/(auto)biographies from successful corporate leaders in Africa in the encouraging way that Mizinga chose to write hers. Hopefully we have many more of these coming.
Encourages one to keep pushing against conventional boundaries.
There are not many memoirs/(auto)biographies from successful corporate leaders in Africa in the encouraging way that Mizinga chose to write hers. Hopefully we have many more of these coming.
January 31, 2021
A wonderful read!
Of course part of giving this book five stars was the author writes about work, people and times I can recall very clearly.
How wonderful it was to read her account - everything from developing nascent FX markets, to her thoughts on what it takes to be successful, and how best to develop a team. Also, how to cope with pan-Africa travel as a young mother.
Most of all, I loved the personal accounts of people I remember very fondly. That is what adds so much richness to this book.
Of course part of giving this book five stars was the author writes about work, people and times I can recall very clearly.
How wonderful it was to read her account - everything from developing nascent FX markets, to her thoughts on what it takes to be successful, and how best to develop a team. Also, how to cope with pan-Africa travel as a young mother.
Most of all, I loved the personal accounts of people I remember very fondly. That is what adds so much richness to this book.
February 2, 2024
Her faith and valuing her fathers favourite virtue that is integrity are what Mzinga Melu points at as to what has helped her paint an amazing career whilst blazing a trail for all women and girls that dare to dream.. A beautiful and emotional read that keeps the reader interested from start to finish.. happy to start off the year with this as my first read❤️💕
March 13, 2021
Very practical and realistic. A beautifully riveting read
Loved the fast pace and practical tips from the authors journey. Highly recommended to all corporate executives both male and female
Loved the fast pace and practical tips from the authors journey. Highly recommended to all corporate executives both male and female
Want to read
February 7, 2021A must read book!
" A Father's Handbook" a true story of mizingas up-rising down the memory lane with potential to uplift the next generation of superwoman! - Cornelius - The Optimist.
" A Father's Handbook" a true story of mizingas up-rising down the memory lane with potential to uplift the next generation of superwoman! - Cornelius - The Optimist.
February 18, 2021
Motivating
Inspired and easy to access anywhere. Can read on any device and many more to come that we like to share
Inspired and easy to access anywhere. Can read on any device and many more to come that we like to share
March 3, 2022
"To all the African girls and women out there - it is our time to brave the odds!"
April 15, 2022
Being Zambian I can kind of relate to Mrs Melu's story,definately keeping it for my daughter
February 15, 2021
Key lessons on leadership and manoeuvring around board room politics. A must read for all women aspiring for great corporate careers.
May 22, 2023
A good read ,actually fantastic!
A great product of a father fighting for his daughters. A lesson for all fathers with daughters. Highly recommended
read.
A great product of a father fighting for his daughters. A lesson for all fathers with daughters. Highly recommended
read.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews