Bertie Kangoya

I am Bertie Kangoya from Zimbabwe , believe in the philosophy of Ubuntu, I love helping others and putting a smile on their faces and making a different in the spaces , I work in. I am results-driven and certified Project Manager (EMBA, PMP, PMI-ACP) dedicated to leading complex programs and transforming strategic goals into reality., I have a strong track record of steering mission-critical projects, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and leading teams through agile and digital transformations. My expertise lies in creating streamlined workflows that enhance efficiency, mitigate risk, and ensure high-quality delivery in regulated and non-regulated environments. My career has focused on leading complex initiatives, from navigating the intricate projects to spearheading full SDLC development and multi-cloud deployments across AWS, Azure, and GCP.

1. What was the most breakthrough moment in your career?

The most significant breakthrough moment in my career occurred when I enrolled in the Executive MBA Poznan-Atlanta program. This experience provided me with a new perspective on the business world and how companies operate within an economy, fundamentally shifting my approach from simply managing projects to actively transforming how they were delivered.

Early in my career, I was leading a critical, complex initiative that was struggling with traditional methods. I made the case to spearhead the adoption of Agile and Scrum methodologies. Going through the EMBA curriculum and courses, this was more than a process change; it was a profound, mindset, ethics shift cultural shift. Seeing the team’s engagement and efficiency skyrocket, leading to higher-quality delivery and greater stakeholder satisfaction, was the true breakthrough. It cemented my belief that the right methodology doesn’t just manage work—it empowers people and unlocks potential.

2. What has been your biggest professional success?

I view success in two forms: what I’ve achieved within my corporate role and the impact I’ve been able to create beyond it.

Professionally, my biggest success has been leading a series of mission-critical projects that have significantly helped companies realize their business objectives. Delivering these complex programs on time, while managing substantial budgets and coordinating diverse global teams, stands as a significant corporate achievement.

However, a success that holds even deeper meaning for me was born directly from my time at PUEB and the networks I established there. During my EMBA, I arranged a memorable visit to my home country, Zimbabwe, with some friends from my cohort. This experience, combined with my personal journey of my parents struggling to pay for my schooling and sharing my parents shoes to attend classes, inspired me to forge ahead with a personal mission: registering fundacjaichanaya.org , with the motto “No matter how dry your season is, one day it will rain.” I deeply believe that education breaks the cycle of poverty, and I am in a better place today because of it.
The most incredible part was that when I shared this vision with my classmates—about supporting the educational needs of children in my home area—the trust and collaboration I had built during our studies led many of them not only to offer their support but also to agree to become the founding council of the foundation. Seeing that idea come to life with the trust and collaboration of my peers is a success I will always cherish.

3. If you could go back to the starting point of your career, but with all the knowledge and experience you’ve gained, what would you do differently?

If I could go back, I would focus on building cross-functional relationships with intent from day one. In my early career, I was very focused on the technical aspects of project management. I’ve since learned that the strongest leaders are those who build bridges— not just within a company, but across their entire professional network. My experience with FundacjaIchanaya.org proved that the relationships you build with peers can lead to outcomes you could never achieve alone. I would have invested more time in understanding my colleagues’ personal and professional goals, as that empathy is the foundation for true partnership.

4. What’s your recipe for success? What competencies gained from your studies at PUEB turned out to be the most important?

My recipe for success is disciplined execution combined with strategic foresight. Success, to me, is about seeing the bigger picture, striving for excellence in my work, helping companies and organizations achieve their business goals and objectives, supporting those who may not be able to reciprocate, and embracing the spirit of Ubuntu.

The competencies gained from PUEB were foundational to this approach:

Analytical Rigor: The strong quantitative and economic training provided me with the skills to confidently manage and control budgets exceeding $1 million and to perform the proactive risk mitigation crucial in my role.

Structured Thinking: PUEB taught me how to break down complex problems into manageable parts. This structured thinking is the bedrock of effective program management and was the perfect launching point for pursuing certifications like PMP® and PMI-ACP®.

The Power of Network: My EMBA experience was the most critical lesson in this. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about building a community of trusted, talented professionals. This PUEB network directly enabled the creation of my foundation.

5. What advice would you give current students who are at the beginning of their careers?

First, take radical ownership of your path. Proactively seek out complex projects, especially those that force you to collaborate with other departments. This is how you build a reputation for being a problem-solver.

Second, become fluent in the languages of both business and technology. You become invaluable when you can seamlessly translate between these two worlds.

Finally, invest in your network as much as your skills. The people you are studying with today are your future collaborators, co-founders, and council members. The trust and camaraderie you build now will be one of your most powerful and enduring professional assets.