From Hustlers to Nestlers: Building Sustainable Legacies

Zimbabwe’s hustle culture fuels survival, not sustainability (image source)

It is a fact that the hustle culture has proliferated in Zimbabwe post 2000 economic tectonic shifts. The term "hustler" is often used to describe individuals who embody resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit. Hustling tends to emphasize more on ‘making hay whilst the sun shines’.  It doesn’t focus on building sustainable ventures thereafter. There's a fine line between being a hustler and becoming a Nestler- someone who builds lasting legacies after the hustle. Let's explore how hustlers can transform into Nestlers, fostering sustainable legacies that transcend generations. Hustlers are known for their tenacity and ability to thrive in challenging environments. They're often driven by a survival mentality, focused on short-term gains, and willing to take risks to achieve their goals. While this mindset is essential for initial success, it can be limiting when it comes to building sustainable legacies that outlive the founding visionaries. The writer strongly believes that it is possible to tame and transform “hustlepreneurship” instincts into value adding and value sustaining “nestlepreneurship”, which is structured and systematic wealth creation.

Nestlers, on the other hand, are visionaries who prioritize long-term impact over short-term gains. They focus on creating value, investing in people, and building systems that outlast them. Nestlers are characterized by their strategic thinking. They plan and focus on the future, anticipating challenges and opportunities. They put emphasis on legacy, prioritizing building lasting impact, rather than seeking instant gratification. They invest in people, nurturing talent, mentoring others, and create a supportive community. In short, nestlers value sustainability, prioritizing environmental and social responsibility, ensuring their success doesn't come at the expense of future generations.

How to Transform Hustlers into Nestlers

Here are key strategies:

• Shift your hustler focus by moving from short-term gains to long-term impact. Ask yourself, "What's the legacy I want to leave behind?"

• Develop strategic thinking. Invest time in planning, forecasting, and scenario-building.

• Invest in people. Mentor, coach, and empower others to build a strong team.

• Prioritize sustainability. Integrate environmental and social responsibility into your business model.

• Build solid nests and systems, not just businesses. Create processes and structures that can thrive without you or long after you are gone.

The table below summarizes what happens if the hustle is not transformed into a nestle. Hustling alone is short term and if not augmented with serious nestling initiatives for sustainability. The table looks at once-upon-a-time promising indigenous bus companies in Zimbabwe, which rose to prominence, but faced significant challenges with a number of them falling into the abyss of oblivion.  Analyze the table and figure out why the trend is the way it is. In the next article I will give a detailed analysis of the scenarios.

Table 1: Indigenous Bus Companies that experienced Succession and Sustainability Challenges in post-Independence Zimbabwe

Name of company	Owner/founder	Year of death of founder	No. of buses at the time of death	No. of buses after one year	No. of buses after two years	No. of buses in 2009
Manica Bus Services	Mr. Movern Mahachi	2001	12	10	8	1
Matemba Bus Services	Mr. Matemba	2000	9	8	6	2
Mushandira (Samaz)	Mr. Solomon Tavengwa	2004	10	7	4	1
Masamvu Bus Services	Mr. Masamvu	1998	6	5	5	2
Mwoyomuchena Bus Services	Mr. Mabodza	1995	16	16	13	0
Shoe Shine	Mr. P Hall	1988	62	60	55	0

Source: Ministry of Transport cited in Gunduza & Fungurani (2011) Business Ethics and Corporate Governance in Zimbabwe

The journey from hustler to Nestler is transformative, requiring a shift in mindset and approach. By embracing strategic thinking, investing in people, and prioritizing sustainability, Zimbabwean entrepreneurs can build lasting legacies. Let's celebrate the hustlers and support their transformation into Nestlers, fostering a brighter future for generations to come.

Professor Mufaro Gunduza coaches and mentors Business Intelligence at Mount Carmel Institute (Harare), Indian School of Management, (New Mumbai), and UNISA. He is the SADC Investments Advisor to Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi, Founder of Future Trends Group and Special Presidential Envoy on Business and International Relations, Government of Botswana. He has written several books, including Unleashing Blue Sky Thinking, Spotting Business Opportunities, and Big Picture Thinking (Bookboon Publishers, London & Denmark). He has just assumed the Presidency of the Southern African Chamber of Commerce. He can be contacted on WhatsApp: +263774868896 Phone: +263718925350

Email: mgunduza@yahoo.co.uk