What People Are Saying
“With a wide range of knowledge and his amazing attitude Tawanda is always incredibly helpful and encouraging to everyone who he engages with. Tawanda’s ability to teach and explain in an engaging way helped me to deal with problems I faced in a way which nobody else could. Not only is Tawanda an effective coach and facilitator but his friendliness and ambition make Tawanda an amazing person to be around.”
— Gavin Goddard-Tuinema, Founder, Northern Candy Co.
"I was very lost before starting the Rise Program. I did not know how to write my business plan, how to conduct market research, basically did not know how to think like a business Woman. However, Tawanda was a great help to me, guiding me through every step. He is a great coach who is very intelligent, knowledgeable, caring, and kind-hearted. He taught me problem-solving, networking, delegation and time management, communication and negotiation, and financial management. I have developed entrepreneurial skills throughout his 10 weeks program. Now, I feel very confident to take my business idea to the next step and I am very grateful for it."
— Anahita Valipourkoleti, Toronto, ON
"Tawanda is a passionate and engaging workshop host who speaks from true experiences to help people navigate the ever-changing job market. Collaborating with him was a smooth process and he really puts in the effort to cater to his audience. It resulted in an insightful workshop filled with many different thought-provoking exercises and discussions with our conference attendees. We look forward to working with him in the future!"
— Power Unit Youth Organization
"Tawanda is an awesome career development coach. His authenticity, energy and positivity are contagious. We had 2 sessions on career development; and he really helped uncover how much I had to offer based on the experience and skills I had already accumulated throughout my career up to this point, and above all I was able to discover my superpower. Your sessions and approach to career development is one of the best, I was able to see the results once I adopted the strategies and advice you shared with me. If you are looking to advance your career and discover what your unique value is, Tawanda is a great coach who can help you.”
— Alex Sithole (MBA), EDC
“Tawanda was a fantastic facilitator for the RISE Youth Small Business Program. Anytime we had questions Tawanda took the time not only to answer our questions but to make sure we understood the answer and guided us to further resources to help build our understanding. He did a great job of presenting business concepts in a way that felt accessible and achievable for someone like me, who was unfamiliar with these concepts. Tawanda did a fantastic job creating a safe space for learning and help me build my confidence significantly as a young entrepreneur.”
— Rebecca Coxon, Ottawa, ON
“As a startup business owner of Taleam Systems, I always struggled with the business canvas and customer journey mapping. With the help of Tawanda and the Rise youth program, I received excellent training on completing these important tasks for my business. In addition, he provided me one-on-one support and to many other youths as well. I was happy to participate in the Zoom training workshops throughout the 10-week duration of the youth small business program. I now have a viable business idea and to do well selling my services and products. Thank you again to Tawanda for all his support.”
— Meladul H. Ahmadzai, CEO of Taleam Systems
“Tawanda was a reliable, engaging and dynamic facilitator that showed up each time for our youth entrepreneurs. His extensive business knowledge and motivational skills supported our entrepreneurs apply new skills, whilst creating a safe and fun learning environment. His passion for business and empathy for our participants stood out and allowed our participants to succeed. Tawanda is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a business facilitator.”
— Marisol Fornoni– Program Coordinator, Rise
“I used to be a man that builds his castles in the air without foundations underneath them. I believed that my desire to win, my ambition and faith would lead me to the promise land. In 2019, I was at the lowest point of my life. I felt lost, broken and like a lion that lost his roar.
I increased my efforts in finding a mentor and unknowingly had the opportunity to have a conversation with him. During that first 20min conversation with Tawanda, I instantly knew it was him.
He made me comfortable enough to share my pain, failures and struggles. For the first time in a long time, someone actually understood me. Tawanda was able to relate to me and knew exactly where I was, where I wanted to go and what needed to be done to get there.
No words can describe my appreciation for Tawanda. My mission is no longer cloudy, I am back to being me but a much superior version and my castles in the air now have foundations under them. Tawanda is so much more than a coach. He is my friend, teacher, and mentor.”
— Cory Forde, Founder and President, On The Korner
“Tawanda was a guest speaker for the inaugural Youth Small Business Program - Professional Development for Entrepreneurs event at Rise in March 2021. Tawanda’s presentation to a group of over 30 entrepreneurs was electrifying. His advice together with real life examples was direct and relatable. Tawanda took the attendees through the importance of building a brand and highlighted three keys that applied when networking to bring immense results – authenticity, credibility and trustworthiness. Overall, the presentation that Tawanda delivered brought a much-needed positive energy and sense of urgency to the participants.”
— Mat Savulescu, Training Programs Manager, Rise
“In March, I had the pleasure of hearing Tawanda’s impassioned keynote. Technically, his form was beautifully polished; from his structure and transitions to his vocal modulation, speed, and body language, Tawanda displayed a mastery of persuasion. What was more impressive, however, was how authentic, refreshing, and powerful the content of his talk was. Rarely have I come across a speaker with a true message. Tawanda’s performance was cultivated with care and exhibited a craftsman’s subtlety, and I hope I have the privilege of hearing him speak again in the future.”
— Johnson Fung, Co-Founder and CEO, Meroe Grammaticus Inc.
“A mentor of mine initially introduced me to Mr. Chirenda when I was at a crossroad after I completed my first year of law school. With the disruption caused by COVID-19 and also the horrible experience of the first year of law school, I somehow convinced myself that I would not be able to attain any employment. After meeting and speaking to Mr. Chirenda, my perspective and approach changed.
After our first conversation, Mr Chirenda made me understand and believe that I was born a leader. And no matter how much life appears to deceive me otherwise, I should never give up on my dreams. Furthermore, Mr Chirenda, reminded me that throughout my experiences in life and education, I had acquired many skills that have equipped me with essentials skills that will enable me to achieve my goal. Also, Mr. Chirenda promised me that he would assist me in any way he can to help me gain employment in the legal field.
Staying true to his words, Mr. Chirenda went through all his contact list of the organization to enquire about who was hiring. Also, he helped me in crafting my resume and cover letter. Long story short, today I am working for a fantastic organization based in Toronto, and this is all thanks to Mr Chirenda.”
— Tawfic Amandi, Law Student, University of Ottawa
“Tawanda’s presentation on Building a Winning Brand as Young Professionals surprisingly lightened me. I heard many heartfelt talks and thoughts; I saw something new which I could not see from my blind spot.
He was not only engaging, but the most important was that he opened a few windows for life and career.
It was like that he used his hands to hold something such as faith, courage from sinking. At this unique moment, the sinking stopped and started rising.
The richness and the content of his presentation are so natural, practical, and sharp, fits all ages, young, adults, and all human beings; It was not only a brand, but it was about an individual with a quality life.
His thoughts are full of philosophic depths, which deserve an individual who wants to reach full potentials and have a healthy and beautiful life to pounder.”
— Lei Xu, Workshop Organizer, University Settlement