A Journey of a Thousand Miles Begins with One Step
Meet Modestus Mwachindalo, one of Proflight Zambia’s longest-serving employees, who has had an incredible 18-year journey of self-development at the leading local airline, rising from general worker to human resource manager thanks to hard work, continuous education, and determination.
Modestus’ journey in aviation began after he completed high school in 2004. While still in high school, he went to pray and fast with his friends; three of them said they wanted to be pastors. Modestus, however, told them that he lived near the airport, so he would get a job there.
“As soon as we wrote our exams, I stayed home a few days and went straight to Proflight to get a job. I’ve been here since then,” Modestus said.
His passion for aviation was planted as a young boy living close to Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, a site where he and his friends would go to watch planes fly.
It was in 2005 when he joined Proflight as a general worker, and since then, he has grown within the company.
After being a general worker for a few months, he worked as an accounts clerk for eight years, learning accountancy and starting foundation studies for ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
Modestus was later transferred to the newly established service center in charge of procurement. There he worked as a senior service center assistant. This new role also provided cover to the HR manager. From 2019 to 2020, Modestus assumed both service center manager and HR manager roles, as both positions were vacant at the time. Since mid-2021, he has held the sole function of the human resource manager.
“As a human resource manager, I contribute to the company by ensuring that the right people are brought into the company and are doing the right thing at the right time to ensure that our company is moving forward in the right direction,” he added.
Modestus, who has a diploma and a degree in human resource management, believes that the sector plays a significant role in the aviation industry. By fulfilling the organization’s commitments, such as talent acquisition, performance management, and maintaining a healthy work environment, the company has progressed because it has the right people with the right skills for the job.
“Before Proflight became a scheduled airline, it was a charter company. I used to interact with many people and continue to do so today. My passion in this field has grown by meeting and working with a diverse set of people; it’s such a wonderful experience.”
“We have internal training for soft skills and send employees to enhance their skills. The aviation industry is highly regulated; licensed employees like pilots, cabin crew, and engineers need to have training often so that they remain up to date with their requirements,” he said.
The goal-driven man said that his job’s best part is helping solve employee and organizational challenges.
“I wish to encourage young professionals because everything is possible; all we need to do is believe in ourselves. Add a little effort, love what you do, and remain focused. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. I have not worked for any other organization but Proflight Zambia. The past 18 years have been nothing short of amazing,” Modestus concluded.
