by Filipa Carreira 

Burnout was first identified in the 70’s and it was a workplace problem. Nowadays we recognize that factors leading to burnout go beyond the professional to include parenting, caring for sick family members, and social activism. In fact, anything that requires you to care and invest your time and energy.

The burnout tri-factor includes:

Depersonalization: This is when you separate yourself emotionally from your work, it is when you disengage because you no longer find it meaningful.

Decreased Sense of Accomplishment: When you keep working harder and harder, but you feel like you get less and less done.

Emotional Exhaustion: This is the overwhelming feeling of being emotionally drained that builds up over time.

Anyone can experience burnout. It is not a mental illness or a medical diagnosis that requires years of therapy, although it commonly overlaps with anxiety, depression, repressed rage, and rage. Burnout is a condition related to the experience of overwhelming stress and it manifests differently in each person.

So, what can you do if you feel like you are experiencing burnout or getting close? I’ll give you a hint, it’s not self-care! Telling someone going through burnout to relax has the same effect as screaming at someone to calm down in an argument, it only instigates more stress. And burnout is a physiological response to overwhelming stress. Going on holiday and switching off from your main sources of stress and reboot is a great idea, but we don’t all have that luxury. For the rest of the time that you cannot just go off grid like you want to, the answer seems to be complete your stress cycles and find your tribe! Completing a stress cycle looks something like this:

Step 1 – You identify a perceived threat, these are your stressors or triggers, the things that stress you out – this can be your kids, your partner, your job, money, co-workers, commuting…

Step 2 – You experience stress as the body’s physical response to these triggers, the commonly known “fight, flight and freeze” response. Your body starts pumping adrenaline and cortisol, affecting your digestion (this is the reason you stress poop before a presentation or an important meeting), and your cognition as you become hyper focused in resolving a particular problem (why you tend to take your work home and think about that spreadsheet while your kid is telling you about their day).

Step 3 – The body receives the signal that the threat no longer exists.

Our problem is that we get stuck in a loop where we identify a perceived threat, we are triggered by someone cutting us off in traffic, we have a physiological response, we feel rage, we release hormones. And then… we don’t process the stress in a way that signals the body to stop stressing, instead we just pile it on until we blow up or implode, experiencing burnout.

Since stress is very much a physical response to a stimulation, one way we can complete the stress cycle is to move our body by running, going for a walk, exercising, and even sex helps us feel the release required for the mind and body to relax. These are important tools for momentary stress relief, however the most important antidote to burnout is love and connection. Studies have shown that people with deep and meaningful relationships are more resilient to burnout. People who feel deeply loved and supported, and those who feel their love reciprocated and supported. So, if you see a new mum struggling, looking like she hasn’t changed in a week, hold the baby for 5 minutes and let her pop in the shower. Your friend is struggling to meet a deadline, send them some take-out. Let them know you care, and they are not alone!

You might be rolling your eyes thinking, “I’m not really feeling the love right now? I’m not going out there randomly looking for friends. Where would I even begin?”. I get it, I’ve been there. But hear me out. Whenever you feel stuck and isolated, I want you to know that on the other side of that wall is just another person feeling just as hopeless and isolated as you, craving connection just as much as you, so reach out.

And remember, you are a Lioness of Africa, this is our pride! We are a diverse community where you are sure to find like-minded warrior women, who like you sometimes feel tired and overwhelmed so reach out to one another network with an open heart and connect deeply. Find your tribe and nurture it like your life depends on it. Because it does! Your mental, physical, and spiritual health reflect your closest and deepest connections.

Book Review

If you have ever wondered what it takes to build a successful business, it’s all about Developing an Entrepreneur Mindset for Success, so says author Lisa Corbitt in her new book of the same title. She believes you need to find your Inner Gem, and uncover success from within by designing your ideal life, no matter your age, resources, or experience.

Developing an Entrepreneur Mindset for Success: Essential Habits for Building Motivation and Financial Freedom by Lisa Corbitt is the new book aimed at those who have been sitting on an excellent idea for far too long because they are afraid to fail. Or those who are currently stuck in a valley of self-limiting beliefs and are looking for inspiration to get past their fears and start their own personal entrepreneurship journeys. Or perhaps those who want to launch a successful business this year, but don’t know where to start or have limited capital. Lisa’s new book helps you to uncover the secrets of world-renowned entrepreneurs, and along the way reset your mindset, learn winning strategies, and unleash the power from within. Wondering how to do it?

Don’t worry – you’ll find all the tools, tricks, and tips for a successful entrepreneurship journey right inside.

In Developing an Entrepreneur Mindset for Success, you’ll discover:

• Personal and business-centered habits that are essential if you want to succeed as a modern entrepreneur – you don’t even need a business degree to start!

• How to overcome success barriers by getting past limiting fears and beliefs you may have adopted over the years

• Secrets to developing an eagle’s focus and attracting positive outcomes in your individual and business life

• How to plan the life you want and design your business around it for an optimal work-life balance

• Less for More – How to make more money and experience sky-high successes by working fewer hours than you currently do

• Steps to take when preparing yourself for a fulfilled entrepreneurship lifestyle

• How to choose the business model that suits your personality, resources, and goals

• Poor money habits that make most entrepreneurs fail – and what you can do to separate yourself from the pack

• Business success tips that moguls swear by – explained in simple terms to ensure you are prepared for entrepreneurship

• How to measure your progress to keep yourself in check and correct mistakes before they get out of hand

Author Quotes

Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to feel like an unreachable goal for the selected few – you can also get there.

Nobody is born a winner – you just have to find the fastest route to the finish line of your goals.

Remember that your life is as good as your mindset, and once you change your perspective, everything on the outside will change as well.

I am a strong believer that all you need is the appropriate mentality to be an entrepreneur.

About the author

Lisa Corbitt is an entrepreneur, certified public accountant and author. She is a firm believer in building wealth and paving the way for early retirement in order to focus on living life to its fullest, and she funnels this passion into her work. Her writing is focused on providing practical strategies to help readers reach their dreams of wealth and freedom. Lisa has been working in the financial industry for 26 years, combining her training as an accountant with her passion for tax planning and wealth management. Helping people achieve their financial goals brings her great joy, and she’s determined to use her extensive training to help others live the lives they truly want to live. She has a particular passion for working with female entrepreneurs, whose dedication and drive inspire her every day. She has an inside understanding of how it’s possible to work with your taxes for the benefit of your entire life, rather than finding them a source of frustration or a hindrance to your business. Lisa now lives in the Bahamas with her husband, a story she tells to show just how possible it is to live the life you thought was only attainable in dreams.

www.amzaccountingsolutions.com

What does your company do?

Customization of wallets and shoes with capulana and other types of fabrics. Creation of folders, wallets, bags with capulana, and nappa wedding invitations, bridal bouquets, lapels for the bride and groom. Also children’s and adult clothing using capulana and other types of fabric.

Costumização de carteiras, sapatos com capulana e outros tipos tecidos Criação de pastas, carteiras, sacolas com capulana e napa Convites para casamentos, bouquet de noiva, lapelas para noivos Vestuário infantil e para adultos com capulana e outros tipos de tecido.

What inspired you to start your company?

The desire to be financially independent.

A vontade de ser financeiramente independente.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

There’s love in the work I do, it’s work I love to do

Há amor no trabalho que faço, é um trabalho que amo fazer.

Tell us a little about your team

A team that loves what it does, is not afraid of challenges, they are united, in fact we are united.

Uma equipe que ama o que faz, não tem medo de desafios, são unidos, aliás somos unidos.

Dr Jesca is also a strong research professional with a master’s degree focused on international business and finance from De Montfort University and a Doctorate in business administration from the University of the West of Scotland. In addition to her many business endeavours, she is also passionate about helping youth on their entrepreneurial journeys. Dr Jesca is actively involved in initiatives that promote entrepreneurial activities among women. She serves as the Chairperson of Young Women Entrepreneurs and is also a member of Women Power Africa and Women Empowerment Network. Most recently she received an award as the Manufacturing Founder of the Year under 30 category. She has also been featured in the Rising Woman Initiative by Citizen and was recognised as the Tanzanian She Hero in 2021.

Lioness Weekender spoke to serial entrepreneur, Dr Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi, about her business growth journey and her aspirations for the future.

What does your company do?

Kahama Oil Mills Ltd is one of the few inspirational stories about a business that started from humble beginnings to scale the heights of success through hard work, focus and a ‘never say die’ attitude. This is a story that deserves to be read and told to generations of the future. The company deals with ginning cotton, processing cotton and sunflower seeds to edible oil and its by-products are sold as animal feeds. KOM also manufacture’s industrial goods such as:- PVC poly pipes and fittings widely used in water piping, sanitation, and conduits for industrial use, steel tubes, which produce round and square pipes used in building and other large installations in various commercial, domestic, and industrial facilities aluminum fabrication for production of galvanized and colored iron sheets used in roofing and other covers. Plastic pails/jerry-can manufacture which are used in packaging for edible cooking oil in various sizes and shapes from 5 liters, 10 liters to 20 liters. IPS plastic furniture/utensils where a variety of goods are produced ranging from chairs, tables, kitchen ware used in homes and offices or hospitality amenities in their various shapes and sizes. In addition, KOM owns a pharmacy, supermarket, bakery, and restaurant. As a known industry leader, we’re used to working with all types of customers – local or global, large or small. Exceptional quality is the foundation of our company and is the driving force behind all decisions; whether it’s which materials to purchase or the best way to serve our customers. We work in a highly competitive field, so we’re constantly investing in technology and research to make sure we stay ahead of the curve. Our commitment to quality guarantees our success and your satisfaction.

What inspired you to start your company?

KOM was started to cater for the needs of our customers in Kahama. In previous years, customers had to wait for products to come from Dar es Salaam.

Why should anyone use your service or product?

KOM offers products which meet the customer demands. We pride ourselves on providing customers with good quality products at an affordable price. Our products stand out when compared to our competitors. We do not compromise on quality.

Tell us a little about your team

KOM has a team of around 200-400 employees. We have a highly diversified team who oversee our operations across 26 regions in Tanzania.

Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?

I learnt a lot from both my parents, my late mom always pushed me to love entrepreneurship and to challenge myself to grow as a person. My father runs several businesses, he is extremely hardworking and has an entrepreneurial spirit. He is my role model and I learn a lot from him every day. From a young age, I was taught the value of hard work and staying resilient. In recognizing my passion for entrepreneurship, I was sent to business schools in India and the United Kingdom to hone my knowledge and skills in business. Apart from working in the family business. I also have a small consultancy business, Frazmo Consultancy, which provides consultancy services in education, business, research, investment, and recruitment. Frazmo Consultancy mainly aims to help students to get into good universities abroad. We also provide research consultancy services to undergraduate, masters and postgraduate students. We also assist entrepreneurs with investment ideas and writing business proposals. I’m also passionate about promoting entrepreneurship among young women like myself. Through the young women initiative along with other volunteers we are able to conduct entrepreneurial workshops to help guide young women on ways to start businesses in various sectors in Tanzania.

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

To be the leading local manufacturing and supplier company for industrial products related to aluminum profiles, HDPE and PVC products, polypropylene- plastics goods, steel tubes products and Agro-processing products, edible cooking oil from sunflower and cotton. In addition to continue to provide high quality products and services to our various customers.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

As an entrepreneur being able to provide solutions to my customers gives me the most satisfaction. Seeing our products and services meeting customer expectations motivates us to find more innovative solutions to keep our customer needs met despite the market dynamics.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

My advice for aspiring women entrepreneur’s is to identify what you are good at and turn your passion into business. You can begin by exploring problems that you are facing and which your community is experiencing and come up with a solution to resolve the issues. Invest time researching and exploring ideas and writing these down in a business plan to be able to start, manage and grow your business. Having a sound business plan increases your chances of getting external funds but also growing your business by being able to track the progress of the goals. Entrepreneurship is a process it won’t always be easy but through resilience it can be done, and you can scale your business to greater heights.

To find out more, contact Dr Jesca Mhoja Nkwabi at KOM Group via email: JESYONCY77@GMAIL.COM or visit the website:  https://www.komgroupnet.co.tz