Strategic Reputation Management- A New Way of Thinking

Komba Malukutila, the name resonates with power, humility, and a vision as clear as the Zambian sky. At 35, he stands as the youngest CEO to ever helm MTN Zambia Fintech, one of the nation’s payment systems giants. But Komba’s ascent is not a fairy tale; it’s a testament to resilience, unwavering drive, and a heart brimming with empathy.

His journey began on the Copperbelt, not in boardrooms, but on dusty streets.

Born in 1988 at Nchanga Mine Hospital on the Copperbelt, Komba, whose full name is Kombalume, is the 1st born in a family of 4. His Sir-name, Malukutila, is that of his stepfather.

Loss shaped him early, claiming both his mother and step-father within months. Yet, the seeds of leadership sown by his mother before her demise blossomed. He understood the weight of responsibility, the need to care for his siblings, and the unwavering belief that he could rise.

“My aunt and uncle were incredible,” Komba emphasizes, his voice laced with gratitude. “They became my guardians after my mother passed, and they filled my life with love and support.”

But Komba knew his role in their household wasn’t simply to receive. His mother, before her passing, had instilled in him the importance of contributing, of adding value wherever he landed. So, each morning, Komba rose before the sun, eager to tackle chores and responsibilities. He wasn’t just tidying; he was weaving himself into the fabric of their home, offering his small hands and willing heart as a silent thank you for their unwavering care. Is there anything else I can do?” became his constant phrase.

Komba would later graduate high school and get a scholarship to study at ZCAS in Lusaka as he was a part orphan. Though ZCAS is predominantly a school where most children are from well to do homes, he never felt out of place studying there because to him, it did not matter that he came from an ordinary background, but that he was there to learn and be the best he could possibly be. And so, he worked hard   putting in the hours into his studies and graduated with a degree in computer science.

Whilst still studying, he designed a portal for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security that would match employees to employers, a gig which paid him so well that he bought his very 1st car with the money and gave some of it to his grandmother to buy farming inputs.

Fresh out of university, Komba landed his first job at Africast. There, he gained crucial marketing skills and valuable exposure to the corporate world. His wage, just under K2000, couldn’t hold him back from his ambitions. With his first paycheck, he printed 100 CVs and hit the streets, hand-delivering them to companies. Out of a hundred shots, only 3 responded: MTN, Airtel, and PWC. MTN saw the spark in him and offered him a chance.

Stepping into the imposing 5-story MTN building at 20, Komba made a silent vow: CEO. A decade later, at 30, it became reality. He did not just walk through the door; he threw himself into work with an unyielding energy, impossible to ignore.

But the climb did not inflate his ego. Despite reaching the pinnacle of MTN, Komba remains surprisingly grounded. He wears his title with humility, acknowledging the village that supported his journey. “Bosses, mentors, coaches, family – it took a whole village to raise me to where I am today,” he says with genuine gratitude.

On Experience and Youth:

“Sure, CEOs are often chosen for their years under their belt,” Komba acknowledges. “But when someone young gets such a responsibility, it is a call to double down on effort and embrace support. You cannot replace hard work – early mornings, late nights, building systems to empower your team. But you also cannot go it alone. Mentors, coaches, advisors – that’s how young leaders take flight.”

Leading with Care and Inspiration:

Komba’s eyes crinkle as he talks about his team. “I prioritize checking in, knowing how families are doing, what challenges they face. When people feel cared for, their loyalty and dedication blossom. Leaders can face resistance, but it is our job to inspire, not just command. People do not leave companies – they leave bad bosses. Be someone they want to follow, learn from, be like.”

Faith, Family, and Values:

A smile softens Komba’s face as he mentions his faith. “Gratitude sets the tone for my day, thanking God for life, my family, my blessings. Raising my sons, I want to instill kindness, respect, and resilience strength to pick themselves up when life throws punches. And above all, I teach them to treat everyone, especially women, with respect and fairness.”

On Gender Equality and Female Empowerment:

“I’ am a vocal advocate for women,” Komba declares. “The world demands more from them, often neglecting their physical differences and unique challenges. Men cannot truly grasp the intricacies of menstruation, menopause, or childbirth. That is why empathy is crucial. Women naturally care for their communities, multiplying resources and sharing generously. Men, meanwhile, tend to focus on individual advancement.”

Leadership Through Inclusion and Investment:

At MTN Fintech, Komba strives for gender balance, consciously favoring women when qualifications are close. He understands that societal constraints may have limited their opportunities, and proactively provides support. “Real wealth,” he says, “is not material possessions but investing in people.”

Finding Joy Beyond Work:

While Komba loves his job, he prioritizes family and fitness. His one regret – Missing some moments with his growing children. He cherishes travel, relishing the culture, diversity, and food of Europe and East Africa. But Cape Town holds his heart, with its coast, vineyards, and, yes, fine wine.

The Journey, Not the Destination:

Has he arrived – Komba laughs. “Absolutely not! Success is the journey, not the endpoint. Complacency is the killer. I will never be satisfied, always striving to grow.” His core purpose – Helping others discover their own.

Goal Achievement for All:

New Years’ resolutions – Komba advocates for SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. “Do not set yourself up for frustration,” he advises. This year, his goals are time management, increased family time, and completing his MBA.

Beyond the Glitz:

For Komba, success is not just the CEO title, the fancy car, or the big house. It is the countless nights of work, the sacrifices made and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

His first home – A leaky servant’s quarter with one mattress and a cooker. Yet, he embraced his freedom and knew he was building people. He sees their potential hampered by entitlement, a career-limiting attitude. So, he mentors them, sharing invaluable lessons: “Do your research, work hard, be humble, and do not take anyone or anything for granted.”

The Price of Success:

Finally, Komba asks a sobering question: “Are you willing to pay the price of success? The sleepless nights, the missed family moments, the constant hustle? If you are, then you’re on the path to something truly remarkable.”