Online Reporter
Business Reporter
In a financial world often characterised by numbers and a fiercely competitive, male-dominated atmosphere, Coreen Vongai Madanha, the managing director of InvestIQ Oak Wealth, stands out. She’s the force behind a new Zimbabwean stock brokerage, one that prioritises a “women’s touch” and a personal, relationship-driven approach.
In an interview, Mrs Madanha shared the inspiring story behind her journey, from an idea born out of client trust to building a firm that is not only a successful business but also a beacon of change for women in finance.
Mrs Madanha’s vision for InvestIQ Oak Wealth was a direct result of the faith her clients had in her. This, she says, was the catalyst that empowered her to establish a firm where women could take on stronger roles in the financial sector.
While her team is not exclusively female, it is majority women-owned and led.
“The main challenge was convincing others that there was room for us in a crowded, male-dominated space,” Mrs Madanha explained. “Yet the opportunity was clear: investors were looking for a brokerage that would combine professionalism with personalised, relationship-driven service.”
The journey to building the company from the ground up was a test of “faith, resilience and determination.”
She described the initial six months as an intense period, with significant hurdles ranging from securing capital and meeting regulatory requirements to simply building the company’s brand identity from scratch.
Despite the scepticism she faced from some quarters, Mrs Madanha remained steadfast, driven by her belief in her vision and the unwavering trust of her clients.
Mrs Madanha believes the majority women-led team brings a unique perspective to the world of stockbroking.
The approach, she says, is one built on empathy, listening, and collaboration. They go beyond simple transactions, taking the time to understand each client’s story, goals, and even their fears. This relational style, combined with a heightened awareness of risk management, is a key part of the value proposition.
This “women’s touch” has not only resonated with clients but has also yielded impressive results. Mrs Madanha shared a story about a corporate client whose investment nearly doubled in the company’s first six months.
However, the most heartwarming story came from a nine-year-old boy who invested his gift money with the firm. With their help, he purchased shares in a company he admired, sparking a sense of ownership and joy that was “unforgettable.”
“He told us he wanted to own Chicken Inn one day, and we helped him purchase shares in Simbisa Brands. The joy he felt in “owning a piece” of his dream was unforgettable.”
To attract and retain female talent in a historically male-dominated industry, InvestIQ Oak Wealth has cultivated a culture of mentorship and support.
“Women who join us know that they are not just employees but members of a team where they will be guided, encouraged, and given opportunities to grow,” Mrs Madanha said.
The company also offers flexibility, acknowledging that many women balance professional and family responsibilities.
Looking ahead, Mrs Madanha’s vision for the company is clear: to be a trusted partner that empowers investors with “excellence, innovation, and integrity.”
For women in the broader financial sector, she hopes for a future where they are a “natural and visible part of the industry” and not just rare exceptions.
Her advice to young women aspiring to a career in finance is to “start where you are, with what you have.”
She encourages them to seek mentors, learn continuously, and never be afraid to ask questions. She also stresses that integrity and faith are their greatest assets.
Reflecting on her journey, Mrs Madanha admitted her one regret is not starting sooner. She also acknowledges that for a long time, she preferred to work quietly in the background.
Now, she recognises that visibility matters, and that by being a visible example of a woman succeeding in finance, she can inspire others to do the same.
In the end, Mrs Madanha’s legacy won’t just be a successful brokerage. It will be the part she plays in normalising women’s leadership in finance.
Her dream, she says, is that “in the future, a woman running a brokerage in Zimbabwe will not be newsworthy, it will simply be normal.”
