Emmagness Ruzvidzo
Marketing Consultant | Empowerment Coach
Emmagness is a Brand and Marketing Strategist with over 10 years’ experience. Her focus is on helping companies achieve tangible results through research-based marketing programs. Emmagness is passionate about driving revenue growth and has successfully designed and executed comprehensive marketing, brand, and digital strategies in various companies across a diverse range of industries, such as Banking and Finance, Health Insurance, Energy, Retail, and Fintech, including a Fortune 500 enterprise. Her dedication to staying ahead of the curve drives her to continuously research and experiment with new technologies, seeking out ways to enhance both the efficiency and effectiveness of a company’s marketing efforts.
Career & Background
What inspired you to do what you are doing now?
As an intern at one of the largest car dealers in Zimbabwe, I learnt that Marketing wasn’t a colouring in department (as the accountants called it); but a revenue generating one. I learnt how, when managed properly, it laid a foundation for revenue growth and sustainability of any company.
It’s a field which allows tremendous creativity and problem solving within the confines of core principles. This experience was career altering and has shaped who I am today.
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?
I’m a Brand and Marketing Strategist and have been in Marketing for a really long time (not an indication of my age by the way!).
My role as Head of Brand and Marketing at Global Payments was made redundant in December 2022. After taking a month off to reflect on my next steps and talk to people I greatly respect, I decided:
– I love all things Marketing, I’ve worked very hard to achieve all that I have to this point, I’m not going to change that anytime now.
– I know how to effectively implement and execute marketing strategies and plans, I want to help organisations who are ready, to do just that and benefit from well thought out, research based marketing programs
– I love meeting new people, hearing their stories and finding ways to help them or contribute meaningfully to their lives.
With that in mind, I’ve started two businesses:
– VAKA: meaning build, a Brand and Marketing Consulting firm
– Empowerment Coaching with Em for creatives
I’m excited to see where this year takes me!
Your favourite food for thought
Books
The awakened woman: Dr Tererai Trent (rediscover and awaken your passion, your core, ignite your dreams and become a contributor in this world)
Note to self: Gayle King (what would you say to your younger self if you could write a letter to them?)
Two weeks notice: Amy Porterfield (disclaimer, I’m not encouraging anyone to quit their job!)
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Authenticity
- Gratitude
- Making a difference
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
I’m inspired by women who work hard to be allies, don’t leave anyone behind and collectively advocate for marginalised people in our society. I admire women who overcome adversity, are a voice for the voiceless, people who use their positions of power and influence to champion change for the disempowered.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I want to help creatives become better versions of themselves, to aspire to live life fully, knowing that they have a purpose to fulfil, a life to live fully and dreams to bring to life. I want to help them increase their influence in the spaces they occupy.
What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Asking powerful questions
- Great listener
- Intuitive
- Non-judgemental
- Passionate
Ready to become a QLD mentee?
The best time to apply was yesterday – the next is right now. Let’s shoot for the stars together.