“Managing the size and quality of your network is your number one business development strategy. How well, as well as how often you communicate to and within your network, is your number one marketing strategy.” ― Edwin Dearborn
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Thomas Mwakonkha Sakala is an accomplished business development and communication specialist with a decade of experience driving business strategy and communication to achieve commercial goals for professional service firms such as Bowmans Zambia and Corpus Legal Practitioners, as well as value addition and effective resource use for public sector institutions such as the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA).
As Business Development Manager at Bowmans Zambia, Thomas is responsible for overall leadership and supervision of the Zambia Office's Business Development Unit, which includes planning and strategy, managing the proposal and pitch process, strategic partnerships, and client relationship management. Thomas' dedication to this task aided Bowmans' entry into the Zambian legal services industry. In particular, he assisted in the acquisition of 58 new clients in year one and achieved 60% client portfolio growth. In particular, he assisted in the acquisition of 58 new clients in year one and achieved a 60% client portfolio increase in year two despite the unfavourable economic constraints caused by the Covid-19 epidemic. Bowmans Zambia won the 2021 IFLR1000 Africa National Firm of the Year Award in only two years of business, thanks to his notable involvement.
Prior to joining Bowmans, Thomas worked as a Business and Communications Executive at Corpus Legal Practitioners, where he implemented business development programmes, procedures, and processes, such as digitising business development and marketing collateral, to increase the firm's digital footprint and client touchpoints. He was a Standards and Consumer Affairs Officer at IBA from 2014 to 2017 before joining the Corpus team; in addition to PR and media relations, his work at IBA included the preparation of codes, guidelines, and draught rules for the broadcasting sector.
Thomas graduated with a Master of Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Mass Communication from the University of Zambia, in Lusaka. He is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing with the Zambia Institute of Marketing.
WE’RE ALL POTENTIAL PRISONERS: Comparable Business Development Lessons, a memoir that animates business development and communication tasks, was released by Thomas in 2021.
Accolades
REA Award runner-up for Best Print Media Journalist in 2016
Recommendations
"In driving performance, Thomas has constantly challenged himself and inspired others to meet ambitious goals which deliver exceptional performance. This he did very well when he was part of a project that implemented a new enterprise resource planning system and was natural choice in training others as the project was being rolled out to the rest of the team members. Thomas was equally instrumental in ensuring a new website for the Firm and coming up with an appropriate LinkedIn profile for the Firm.
As a Firm's designated Compliance Office, Thomas has been key in protecting and enhancing the Firm's reputation by respecting the standards that are a license to do business, always finding intelligent ways to apply them.
Finally but not the least, Thomas' writing skills and attention to detail has always been very impressive. This has been evident in the way he structures pitching documents to potential clients and indeed any other internal communications. His application to our work was simply meticulous."
Lackson Mukuma, FIoDZ, MBA, FCCA, AZICA, DipCRM — General Manager at Corpus Legal Practitioners
"Thomas is great at what he does. He is also detail-oriented, a fast learner and a savvy marketer. It also doesn't hurt that he is creative, very pleasant to work with and has a great sense of humour."
Olivia Kiratu — Lawyer and Business Development Professional
"Thomas is an eloquent writer and excellent business development executive. I have known him both at a personal and professional level. I admire his great attention to detail and workmanship"
Sibongile Ndaba Luwabelwa — Business Development Lead at Water & Sanitation For The Urban Poor
"Thomas is a highly effective communicator and researcher. This makes him a great business development manager. He is completely immersed in the business and very aware of the environment it operates in. Very impressive."
Situlile Ngatsha·— Legal Counsel at Absa Bank Zambia Plc
"Thomas is wonderful to work with, and has exceptional expertise in public relations and communication. He has consistently demonstrated a solid work ethic at Corpus plus a dedication to success. Thomas is dedicated, self-motivated and capable of adapting to a new environment. He has a positive attitude toward work and is a team player."
Joseph Kaumba — Competition Analyst at COMESA Competition Commission
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