Engage and Excel Spotlight Feature: Dr. Tsitsi Heslop, PhD

Director of Administration, HR, and Marketing | C&R Home Designs and Construction

In this Engage and Excel spotlight, Dr. Tsitsi Heslop shares her journey as a scholar-practitioner, senior executive, and co-founder of C&R Home Designs and Construction. With over 35 years of leadership experience across public service, business, and academia, she brings a distinctive blend of discipline, strategy, and purpose-driven innovation to her work.

Q&A

Q: Can you tell us about your professional journey and what has shaped your leadership?

My professional journey has been built across some of the most demanding environments, from frontline public service to business leadership and academic research. I served in the Zimbabwe Republic Police and later in the UK HM Prison Service, where I developed resilience, discipline, and a deep commitment to integrity. These experiences shaped my leadership style and continue to influence how I approach governance, people management, and strategic growth today.

Q: What key lessons from your frontline and public service roles do you bring into business?Those roles taught me the importance of accountability, crisis management, sound judgement, and maintaining standards under pressure. They also strengthened my ability to work with people from all walks of life while staying focused on structure, fairness, and results. In business, those lessons translate into strong operational leadership, effective risk management, and a culture built on trust and discipline.

Q: How does your academic background support the work you do now?

My academic journey has strengthened my ability to think strategically, lead with evidence, and design frameworks that create meaningful impact. My studies in leadership, human resources, criminology, entrepreneurship, and business have helped me bridge theory and practice. They allow me to approach business not only as a commercial enterprise, but also as a platform for innovation, empowerment, and long-term value creation.

Q: You are known for developing the Decolonial Economic Agency (DEA) Framework. What does that mean to you?

For me, the DEA Framework is about creating pathways for dignity, sovereignty, and sustainable empowerment within organisations and communities. It reflects my belief that innovation should not only generate growth, but also restore agency and expand opportunity. It is both a strategic model and a values-driven approach to leadership and enterprise.

Q: What is your current role at C&R Home Designs and Construction?As Director of Administration, HR, and Marketing, I oversee the internal structures that support the company’s growth, culture, and day-to-day effectiveness. My role is to ensure that our systems, people, and partnerships are aligned with high standards of excellence, professionalism, and sustainability. I see this as building strong foundations behind the scenes so that the business can continue to grow with confidence.

Q: What achievements are you most proud of?

I am proud of the journey itself—transforming challenge into growth, and service into leadership. I am especially proud of breaking barriers in public service, advancing through higher education, co-founding a business, and developing frameworks that can support wider economic and social transformation. Each achievement represents not only personal success, but also the possibility of creating opportunities for others.

Q: What message would you like to share with aspiring women leaders and entrepreneurs?

I would say: trust your journey, invest in your development, and never underestimate the power of discipline and vision. Leadership is not only about position—it is about purpose, consistency, and the courage to keep building, even in difficult conditions. When women are empowered with the right tools, support, and opportunities, they can create legacies that are truly built to last.