Billy S. Mwape in Zambia
In this new blog series, I’d like to ask four questions to people from different countries, backgrounds, professions, and genders who have all one thing in common: volunteering. I hope you’ll get inspired by their journeys and take the leap into volunteering.
Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.
Billy S. Mwape is a
certified and approved project management consultant and Educator with a proven track record of accomplishment in agile business strategy, project business management, agile parenting, and leadership. He is a passionate Project Manager and leadership trainer with over 17 years of ICT and leadership experience in the mining and banking sectors. Billy is a TED Speaker and public, accredited by Toastmasters International – an organisation for which he is currently serving as a Division Director, overseeing Zambia and Malawi. He is head of IT for one of Zambia’s most innovative Banks, Vice President for PMI Zambia Chapter, Advisory Board Member for The PMO Leader and Council Member for Heriot Watt University Alumni.
Billy is shaping the future of young leaders across the globe by providing mentorship and incubating high school pupils into a junior CEO program, turning ideas into bankable businesses. He is also passionate about the adoption of agile values and principles in real life scenarios.
How did you begin to volunteer?
I noticed a leadership gap in my community, not because we had a leadership drought but because most influential people are driven by monetary reward, and they are highly intoxicated on instant gratification. Reaching out for my higher self, meant serving above self and I could only find that opportunity by volunteering. I am currently volunteering for PMI, Heriot Watt University Alumni and Toastmasters International.
Why did you continue volunteering?
I believe that volunteering is the highest form of leadership because it is purely driven by heart, passion, and purpose. For every purpose to be fulfilled, one needs an assignment and I find my assignment in volunteering. I live to serve people and I enjoy serving because I love people. Nothing in this world was built to serve self but the other.
How has volunteering helped you in your career?
I have met the most amazing people in the world, and this has made my social net worth count in trillion dollars. Volunteering has opened bigger platforms like the TED stage for me. I was able to share my personal story with the world on “innovative ways to support children with special needs” - This golden opportunity was offered to the PMI community. I put my best foot forward by applying and was honoured for my story to be picked. I feel privileged to have uplifted over 1.4 million people’s lives across the globe in the spirit of beaming up the light of hope for people going through adversity.
I have also been able to serve for bigger causes like the Project Management Charity Conference for children and families in Ukraine. There is nothing more fulfilling than touching people’s lives in a real way without expecting anything in return. Volunteering does not come with any pay because the services offered are priceless. The intrinsic motivation and fulfilment are unparalleled.
Would you encourage other people to take up volunteering, and if so, why?
Absolutely! It is Winston Churchill who put it so well - “You make a living by what you get; You make a life by what you give”. Leading a team of volunteers is the most difficult task on earth but the reward is that you learn to lead by inspiration and in the process create long-lasting relationships. You learn to build trust and not territories while accepting people’s differences. This growth transcends self-actualization.
