Taking the leap required more than just vision; it required an act of faith.
Winning Without Fighting: The Strategy That Built Zimbabwe’s Top Health Publication
It takes more than just a business plan but relentless and almost fanatical passion to launch a successful media house in Zimbabwe. For Michael Gwarisa, that passion was science. Even while climbing the ranks as a successful business journalist, he felt an irresistible pull towards medical and scientific narratives that shape society. He understood that knowledge is power, and when that knowledge is trapped in medical jargon, the people suffer. Driven by this conviction, Michael stepped away from the corporate ladder to establish HealthTimes, a venture dedicated to translating medical complexity into clarity.
From Business Desk to Health Pioneer
Michael’s career foundation is in journalism, holding an Honours Degree in Media and Society Studies, a Diploma in Communications and Journalism from the Christian College of Southern Africa (CCOSA), and specialized certifications in Public Health and Data Journalism. This combination of journalistic skill and technical knowledge positioned him perfectly to recognize a critical void.
By 2017, Michael had become certain that health and science news in Zimbabwe were relegated to the sidelines, only gaining prominence during national crises like pandemics and outbreaks. His entrepreneurial insight became centred on creating a publication that could give health and science the prominence they deserved. His vision went a step further in not only covering and giving visibility to these stories but also simplifying them, becoming the crucial "bridge between science and the people." His ultimate measure of success was ensuring that even "an ordinary gogo in kumusha (a grandmother in the village)" could understand life-saving scientific information.
The Entrepreneurial Leap: Faith, Family, and First Wins
Taking the leap required more than just vision; it required an act of faith. Michael sought guidance and clarity through prayer. He revealed that just after concluding a 30-day fast with his wife in January 2017, he shared his vision for HealthTimes with her. Having spiritually prepared and aligned on the purpose, his wife immediately provided the essential funding that turned the vision into reality. This intimate, supportive partnership was the cornerstone of Mitap Media, the parent company that now handles publishing, media consultancy, and public relations.
The early days in business were trying times. Michael reveals that it was no walk in the park. However, his first great triumph arrived when he secured his inaugural advertising client. That moment of sending his first invoice and seeing the payment reflect within 24 hours was validation that his purpose-driven venture was commercially viable.
Overcoming the Darkest Hour and Refining Resilience
Michael reveals that running a news operation is an endurance test. As the Founding Editor, he has faced countless challenges, but he acknowledges that his darkest hour came with the relentless pace of covering the COVID-19 pandemic. He felt utterly burnt out, putting in ever-increasing effort only to receive insignificant returns. This made him question the business's viability, and after receiving a job offer, he came very close to closing the operation and returning to traditional employment in communications.
His motivation to carry on was not a new business plan, but a return to his core purpose, which he rediscovered through prayer and time spent in church. This deep-seated resilience is constantly fueled by his family. His wife and three children serve as his deepest source of motivation, pushing him daily to build a legacy and to ensure their happiness.
Trying times have taught him the value of strategic wisdom over brute force. His mentor, Dr. Mudavanhu, taught him entrepreneurial acumen, while Sun Tzu’s The Art of War provided a philosophy that "The supreme art of war is to win without fighting." In business, Michael translates this as focusing intensely on perfecting his craft, making him better than his competition without having to engage in draining battles.
Legacy and the Path Forward
Today, HealthTimes is a fully established name, and Michael’s vision is focused on leveraging the brand for expansion. The goal is to become the leading voice for health and science in the region, documenting African health stories for an international audience through new products like HealthTimes TV and a weekly e-paper.
In reflecting on what it takes to succeed, Michael emphasises two character traits above all, which are consistency and honesty. He believes in delivering on every promise, asserting that true success is the ability to create something impactful that outlives you and continues to make a difference.
His advice to aspiring founders is, “Start and if it fails, start again with a renewed mindset. Giving up is not an option!”
