Tapera Mushoriwa: CEO on a journey to redefine the banking landscape

The morning bustle at First Capital Bank Limited is a symphony of ringing phones, clicking keyboards, and hurried footsteps. But amidst this lively financial artery sits Tapera Mushoriwa, the CEO who doesn’t blink blindly. Forget the starched suit and power tie; his style leans towards approachability, quiet confidence, and impact as he leaps into a gritty journey to redefine the global banking landscape.

That’s because Tapera isn’t any typical banker. Recognized as one of the “Top 10 Most Inspiring CEOs to Follow in 2024,” he’s a leader who believes in the power of innovation, community, and “letting your work speak for you,” as he once said. Unlike a traditional linear path, his journey is a testament to his unwavering determination and ability to surgically identify winning opportunities for sustainable growth. Tapera started his career as a Graduate trainee and rose through the ranks in different organisations to become CEO. He has worked in a foreign country with an international bank where he built a strong corporate banking portfolio from scratch, to being instrumental to the turn-around and digitalization of a local bank as Digital Banking Executive, to leading the pioneering of digital payment solutions targeted at Sub-Sahara Africa under a Fintech as COO,  then rebuilding a public sector bank as the Managing Director, to more recently to as CEO for First Capital, a regional bank drive financial and organic growth. Asked how he deals with challenges, the shrewd and erudite gaffer aptly quoted American Author – Zig Ziglar, “Sometimes adversity is what you need to face to become successful.”

Tapera’s fascination with finance began early on, and he entered the industry through the prestigious Standard Chartered International Graduate Internship program (IGP). On reflection, he teasingly describes this Damascus moment as a backward integration because it came with a pay cut however it opened doors for him to the feted integrated world of finance. This decision set the stage for a remarkable career marked by international exposure, calculated risks, global innovations, and a thirst for knowledge.

In this cover story, Tapera takes us through his life’s journey, shaping him into an industry maven. Read on to draw inspiration for growth, resilience, initiative, and tenacity (GRIT) as demonstrated by his pioneering moves and qualities that can nudge you to become like him. From ‘pay cut to powerhouse’, this tale narrates the meteoric rise of this banking trailblazer.

Success: A Journey, Not a Destination

For Tapera, the concept of success transcends a singular, grandiose achievement. He acknowledges the inherent subjectivity of success, but for the financial institution that he leads – First Capital Bank Limited, the words of Mahatma Gandhi ring true for Tapera – “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” He believes that if the customers are continually satisfied, organizational sustainability is achieved, and success is guaranteed.

Tapera also extracts stimulus from the teachings of the Success Motivation Institute, “progressive pursuit and realization of predetermined, worthwhile goals.”

This powerful quote encapsulates his belief that excellence is not a destination, but a continuous journey that never ends. It’s the resolute commitment to pursuing well-defined aspirations fueled by consistent hard work and a dedicated work ethic.

Walls Crumbling? But He Sees Opportunities to Rise!

Tapera knows the feeling of walls closing in. When challenges loom, it’s easy to feel trapped with limited options. But he views challenges as walls that test leadership, not dead ends. When faced with adversity, true leaders emerge not by shrinking away but by confronting the obstacles head-on. He deems overcoming these hurdles builds resilience, sharpens focus, and a “been there, done that” confidence to tackle future challenges. Tapera’s leadership philosophy blossomed from the fertile ground of his transformed perspective, where fear once held sway.

However, this perspective wasn’t deep-rooted. Early in his career, Tapera learned how to let his work speak for itself. He understood that ‘performance’ always had the last laugh.

Like everyone else, rising, Tapera had his fair share of workplace obstacles. But instead of engaging in futile battles, the latter focused on excelling in assignments. His stellar performance earned him recognition and opened doors to exciting new opportunities, a testament to the power of quiet excellence.

Confident Humility: Tapera’s Contagious Charm

A peer review of the First Capital Bank magnate demonstrated his ubiquitous leadership characteristics which are anchored on confident humility. Avidly known as the secret to successful leadership, confident humility is a way to lead so everyone wins. To achieve this, one must have the modesty to understand who the best person is to tackle a particular task. This is Tapera’s strength – he has an accurate view of himself and that of his lieutenants. Tapera attributes this asset to his humble upbringing and early exposure to the ‘four angelic fires’ of self-introspection, candor, execution, and teamwork under the tutelage of a shrewd entrepreneur – his father, and a confident educator – his mother.   These early fires, unified with his contagious charm gifted Tapera with an ability to impeccably unpack the heterogenous strengths and weaknesses of his team members and to combine their unique advantages into a formidable fireball for a winning punch.

From Suits to Success: What Sparked Tapera’s Banking Journey?

Tapera wasn’t among those average kids daydreaming about superheroes. Instead, his heroes wore crisp suits and wielded briefcases like weapons of financial wizardry. The banking world enthralled him, the convoluted dance of numbers and decisions that shaped the fate of businesses and economies. It wasn’t just a passing fancy; it was a calling. Fueled by a burning desire to understand the inner workings of this fascinating domain, Tapera embarked on a purposeful journey. He charted his course, set ambitious goals, and refused to let anything dim his vision.

The prestigious Standard Chartered International Graduate program presented itself as a gateway to the world he yearned to explore. It was a golden opportunity, but not without sacrifice. It meant leaving behind the comfort of a familiar job and taking a pay cut. Yet, for Tapera, the chance to finally step into the world he admired from afar, the allure of international exposure and the thrill of navigating the intricate labyrinth of finance, was an irresistible siren song. He dived in, embracing the unknown with the persistent conviction of a true warrior. His journey began as a teller, a solid foundation and stepping stone on his path to mastery. Like a morning star, his passion and determination shone through in every new role he took, propelling him steadily upwards. The rest, as they say, is history.

Banking Innovation and Digital Transformation at First Capital Bank Limited

First Capital Bank Limited is a leading provider of banking services within their markets. They cater to a diverse customer base, serving the needs of both corporate and personal clients. In line with the CEO’s insights, they adapt to evolving market demands by pursuing continuous innovation. This involves updating their existing product portfolio and introducing new service offerings opportunistically. Reflecting global trends, their markets are transitioning towards cashless systems and embracing digital capabilities. Consequently, the bank prioritizes the development and implementation of digitally enabled products and has positioned itself to enable all forms of doing business with the customer as the lynchpin, always.

A CEO on a Journey to Redefine the Banking Landscape 

Tapera isn’t just a banker; he’s a visionary architect reshaping the financial landscape. From launching award-winning digital solutions to pioneering the development of Sasai, an all-in-one super app, his fingerprints are on the pulse of innovation. He has navigated diverse teams across continents, and his leadership prowess unites individuals from Africa, Singapore, and the UK. But his impact transcends borders. This adept professional cultivates a culture of excellence, building strong relationships with clients and employees while staying sharp on the ever-evolving edge of finance. He’s not just keeping pace; he’s embracing the future, actively seeking expertise in emerging technologies like Blockchain and generative AI. His unwavering passion for driving success through innovation is the power that pushes him forward, making him a true force to be reckoned with in the ever-changing world of banking. Leveraging their geo-economic and digital capabilities, the shrewd captain and his team have embarked on an audacious campaign this year code-named ‘Ignite the Fire’. This is a bold commitment to fundamentally advance customer experience and exceed stakeholder expectations, anytime and anywhere. Tapera has thrown down the gauntlet and believes that it is time for First Capital Bank Limited to rocket up and be counted among the best in the world.

First Capital Bank’s Approach to Innovation

“Our approach to innovation is based on a well-considered strategy,” the esteemed CEO of First Capital Bank says. “It is all centered around making banking better for our esteemed customers.”  The bank strategically customizes its financial solutions to align with the requirements of businesses.

First Capital Bank prioritizes customer-centric innovation through a well-defined, three-pronged approach:

First, before implementing any innovation, they meticulously assess how the innovation aligns with the bank’s established values, mission, and goals. They ask critical questions: “Why are we doing this? What problem are we solving? Is it sustainable? What value are we creating for our customers and shareholders?” This review ensures that all innovations contribute to the bank’s overall vision and purpose, benefiting its customers sustainably.

According to Tapera, the second part is deliberately building the culture necessary to support change and innovation. It empowers employees to contribute ideas and actively participate in innovation, leading to solutions that directly address customer needs.

Thirdly, they strategically invest in the necessary infrastructure, including cutting-edge technology and dedicated resources. This ensures that their customer-centric ideas can be translated into tangible solutions that benefit their customers and the bank. “All this, we execute at lightning speed without compromising on service quality because time is finite”, Tapera avowed.

Vision for First Capital Bank Limited

The preeminent CEO envisions First Capital Bank as more than just a financial institution; it’s a springboard for economic prosperity. He sees the bank as a ‘trusted partner,’ fueling business growth through innovative financing and cutting-edge digital tools. Their commitment is evident in their relentless support for critical sectors, acting as the backbone of the economy.

Tapera’s vision extends beyond mere numbers and terrestrial boundaries. He aspires to create a ‘sustainable banking model’ that fosters ‘financial inclusion’ for everyone. It means crafting ‘relevant solutions’ that empower all walks of life, ensuring everyone has a seat at the financial table. By achieving this, First Capital Bank will not only contribute to economic growth but also leave a lasting impact on the very communities it serves.

From Humble Beginnings to Leadership Recognition

Tapera’s career ignited within the dynamic world of a service delivery organization, but his ambition soon set its sights on broader horizons. Landing a coveted internship at Standard Bank, he used it as a launchpad, constantly seeking diverse assignments in Fintech. This unremitting pursuit of growth led him to lead teams across continents, from Singapore to the UK, his leadership prowess blossoming on the global stage. Driven by a deep-seated desire to solve problems and make a tangible impact, Tapera harbored a CEO dream since his early days, even setting a personal deadline to achieve it. While reaching this pinnacle took slightly longer than anticipated, the fulfillment of leading and contributing to the financial sector on a grand scale brought immense satisfaction. Currently, this C-suite executive no longer prioritizes recognition; instead, witnessing the positive ripple effects of his actions became his true north.

One moment that perfectly captures this? A heartfelt appreciation letter from the Standard Chartered Group CEO for a completed assignment and being featured on the Group website’s section titled ‘Why Standard Chartered is a great place to work.’ This, for Tapera, was the push that drove him forward, etching his impact on the world.

CEO’s Typical Workday @ First Capital Bank 

“I like to think of the role of the CEO as that of a football team coach,” says Tapera. He sees the CEO as the one who orchestrates the entire play, setting the tone, offering strategic guidance, and directing the team toward victory. They carefully set the strategy, empowering their players, and ensuring everyone capitalizes on their unique strengths to score the winning touchdown.

Tapera epitomizes this philosophy. An early riser with the discipline of a pre-game warm-up, he tackles his day with the same intensity as a fourth-quarter drive.

By 7 am, he’s in the office, reviewing his plan for the day and adequately preparing for any strategic meetings with their stakeholders.

From 8 am, it’s a high-octane scramble, demanding his complete focus on making important decisions to drive First Capital Bank’s success. Evenings might involve dinners with key partners, squeezing in precious family time, and always ending with a quiet review, strategizing the next winning play. It’s a relentless pace, but Tapera wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s the captain of the ship, and he’s determined to lead his team to the championship.

Mantra for Work-life Harmony 

Juggling work deadlines and family life can be a constant tightrope, but Tapera navigates it resolutely. He acknowledges the inevitable dips in family time during crunch periods but makes conscious efforts to bridge the gap. Quality time is his mantra, ensuring he’s present and engaged in his roles as dad, husband, and sibling.

Motivating his team goes beyond pep talks. He recognizes everyone as individuals with unique aspirations and dreams. They come together, each with their strengths, to collectively turn those dreams into reality. Tapera is a firm believer in unlocking the potential within each person, whether it’s through book recommendations, team-building exercises, or fostering open communication. Additionally, addressing their well-being remains a top priority, solidifying a work environment that motivates not just him but his entire team.

The Future of First Capital Bank and Inspiring Words for Aspiring Leaders

First Capital Bank Limited, under the leadership of visionary Tapera, is poised for an exciting future. Over the past year, the bank has championed productive sectors and empowered small and medium enterprises while strengthening its digital infrastructure. This forward-thinking approach is emblematic of Tapera’s relentless commitment to position First Capital Bank as a premier facilitator of business and trade within the market.

Building on its pioneering status as the first bank to list on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, First Capital Bank is strategically placed to capitalize on the plethora of opportunities that lie ahead.

Tapera confidently asserts, “On our current trajectory, we fully expect to lead the market in these critical areas over the next five years.” This persevering resolve translates into a singular goal: solidifying First Capital Bank’s position as a top-tier bank that significantly bolsters the local economy.

Tapera’s message to aspiring business leaders is a powerful call to action: “Time is finite, and so are challenges and opportunities. We do not have a definite tomorrow; let’s act now.” He emphasizes the importance of seizing the present moment and understanding that procrastination is the enemy of progress. By embracing this ethos and channeling their ambition, aspiring leaders can pave the way for a successful and impactful future.