Hello Africa,
It is another Konnect Africa Interview. We trust you are doing great.
Today, we feature a young Entrepreneur of Zimbabwean descent. He has his hands in a number of pies… a consultancy for young pilots, a startup that majors on apps and web development etc. Today, He shares his story and his perspectives on Entrepreneurship, Personal development and more.
No time to waste, Friends. Sit back, relax and enjoy the interview.
Tell us about Matthew C. Martino: your ethnicity, education, base/location…
I am Matthew, 23 years of age this year and originally from Zimbabwe – I’ve been living in Essex, UK since 2005 with my family.
You run Lets Fly Academy. How did it all begin?
Lets Fly Academy began as an initiative of me trying to support other young pilots and encourage them to keep the aviation fire burning. We have since moved into aviation consultancy and lobbying for better pilot conditions and also supporting flight schools and students.
What are the three biggest benefits of ‘Lets Fly Academy’ to young people who desire to be pilots and why?
Lets Fly Academy provides free advice, tips and resources. The LFA website has up to date information to equip someone who knows nothing about flying up to a stage that they have a clue. We also organise competitions regularly and offer grants to young pilots.
How can interested people sign up?
Those interested can sign up through – www.letsflyacademy.com
For those young Africans reading this interview who are interested in setting up their own consultancy services firms, what advice do you have for them?
My advice is that always research the target market and create your business with this market in mind, with Lets Fly I am constantly evolving it to meet the needs of our partners, customers and target market meaning that we are always able to drum up some business.
You also run MMD-Tech. What solutions does this business provide?
MMD-Tech buys apps, develops them, then sells them. That’s our core business. We also provide app design services and web design solutions.
How can African tech designers get involved in MMD-Tech?
We are always looking for fresh apps in niche’s not yet covered which we can either purchase at development stage or commission the app – All interested parties can inquire through our website.
You are also a Published Author. Tell us about your books and what inspired them?
Yes, there is “Lets Fly” – a pilots’ manual and “Go For It” – a business startup guide. I wrote both books based on my passion for the aviation field and the business field. I wrote both because I felt the creative calling, so it was only right.
How have you effectively leveraged the power of social media to push your businesses and message?
I’ve exploited social media fully. I love it because it’s free. As long as you can make time for it, then it will work out. A lot of successful small businesses also use social media heavily.
What are some of the major challenges in business and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is getting a team behind you, sometimes you can’t be in three (3) places at once so you will need a hardworking team you can trust and as you start-up, you’re likely to be offering tiny wages. Another huge challenge in business is funding – keeping your cash flow in the positive and also trying to venture into new markets can be challenging.
What do you enjoy most about being an Entrepreneur?
I enjoy having that decision-making power, also the power to make a difference. I am so hungry for success, so being an entrepreneur keeps me on my toes and although I still undertake some part-time employment, by having my own ventures, it gives me a greater sense of staying motivated.
You do a bit of Charity work. Tell us about them and how people can get involved?
I founded MMBF Trust – an internal charity providing grants, scholarships and funding to actors, filmmakers and creatives. There is also a new initiative the MM Enterprise Award offers startup grants and mentoring to young aspiring entrepreneurs. People can get involved by visit www.mmbf.co.uk
What is your inspiration? What keeps you going?
For me, it is the success stories from my charitable work that keep me going. I also recently was awarded the Essex Young People Of The Year award and things like this drive me to want to do more to help others.
Any mentors?
I haven’t got any, but mum and dad are always on call.
For you, Life is….
Life is working
Africa will rise when…..
African will rise when the western countries provide more support to the African countries.
What words of wisdom or advice would you like to leave with the youths of Africa? Inspire a young African in a sentence
I would encourage all young people reading this to go for their dreams with everything they got. Don’t give up !! Ever! And also stay humble and aim to be different, don’t always try to fit in but follow your vision through and through.
Many thanks for sharing with us, Matthew C. Martino
You are welcome.
