About Sesedzai

Crafting for Greatness.

Refinement is not imitation.

It is alignment.

My name is Sesedzai Joyce Shiri — and my life’s work is helping individuals and institutions align identity, culture, and excellence with confidence and grace.

For over 17 years, I have worked at the intersection of image, etiquette, protocol, diplomacy, and cultural intelligence — equipping leaders to show up powerfully in every room they enter.

But my journey did not begin in boardrooms or diplomatic spaces.

It began at home.

Raised by my grandmother of Lemba descent — a bishop’s wife — I was immersed in a culture of discipline, cleanliness, hospitality, devotion, and dignity. Our home welcomed international guests, church leaders, and community members alike. I learned early that presence is not about clothing alone; it is about composure, respect, spiritual grounding, and cultural awareness.

That foundation shaped everything.

From Hospitality to High-Level Influence

My professional career began in the luxury hospitality sector, where I served in quality management and close protection roles for distinguished hotel chains and high-net-worth individuals. There, I witnessed firsthand how executive presence, discretion, security awareness, and refined conduct shape perception at the highest levels.

Hospitality taught me precision.

Security taught me awareness.

Leadership spaces taught me influence.

Those experiences became the blueprint for my consulting work today.

As a Certified Image Master (CIM) and Certified International Protocol Consultant (CIPC), I now train diplomats, executives, entrepreneurs, government institutions, faith leaders, and emerging professionals to cultivate:

  • Executive presence
  • Cultural intelligence
  • Diplomatic refinement
  • Strategic personal branding
  • Authentic confidence

Cultural Intelligence: My Signature Focus

In a globalized world, misunderstanding culture can cost relationships, opportunities, and reputation.

Cultural intelligence is not optional — it is leadership capital.

As Brand Ambassador for The African Diplomat, I contribute to advancing continental dialogue on representation, leadership refinement, and dignified African presence in global spaces.

I am unapologetically Pan-African.

I believe Africa does not need imitation to be excellent — it needs alignment.

Alignment between heritage and modernity.

Between faith and professionalism.

Between identity and global relevance.

My work equips leaders to represent Africa — and themselves — with confidence, clarity, and credibility.

 

Beyond the Boardroom

I am a multi-award-winning consultant, media contributor, author of Finding the Balance, and co-author of Don’t Be a Stranger in Your Own Country alongside Ambassador Pavelyn Musaka.

My voice has been featured across Pan-African publications, radio platforms, and television programs — always centered on one message:

True refinement begins within.

I also serve in ministry at Abiding Hope Global Ministries, where protocol, order, and excellence are not simply professional tools — they are spiritual principles.

What I Believe

I believe:

Presence speaks before words do.

Culture must be understood before it is represented.

Excellence is intentional.

And refinement is a responsibility.

I do not teach imitation of Western standards.

I teach leaders how to refine who they already are — elevating identity rather than replacing it.

Who I Serve

I work with:

  • Diplomats & Embassy Staff
  • Corporate Executives
  • Government Officials
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Faith Leaders
  • Universities & Colleges
  • Youth & Emerging Leaders

Whether through executive coaching, institutional training, keynote speaking, or protocol consulting  my mission remains the same:

To craft individuals and institutions for greatness.

An Invitation

If you are ready to elevate your presence, refine your influence, and navigate global spaces with cultural intelligence and confidence

You are in the right place.