Rugare Gomo: How to Forge Your Path and Find True Freedom

21st Century Entrepreneurship

Rugare Gomo is a high-performance business and leadership coach who embodies resilience and purpose. We spoke about his incredible journey—from growing up in Zimbabwe to carving out a life of freedom and leadership in Australia. His story sheds light on the courage it takes to break free from societal expectations and redefine your identity on your own terms.

Rugare’s upbringing was marked by systemic limitations and cultural expectations. "The moment I was born, the world was telling me who I should and shouldn’t be," he reflects. Yet, from a young age, he knew that conformity wasn’t his destiny. With one suitcase, $300, and a bold vision, he moved to Australia at 16 to pursue education and opportunity.

We discussed the power of education—not just as a tool for advancement but as a means of self-discovery. "What kind of education is going to open doors for who is you?" Rugare challenges us to reconsider the purpose behind our goals. His relentless pursuit of freedom saw him raise over $120,000 as an international student during Zimbabwe’s economic collapse—a journey he describes as his “first capital raise.”

Rugare’s journey also reveals the invisible barriers that prevent marginalized communities from advancing in professional spaces. Despite being told that his status as an international student would limit him, he rose through the ranks—from working in a law firm's mailroom to becoming a legal professional. "I wasn’t going to be held back by the limitations the world was placing on me," he recalls.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Acceptance as a Foundation for Change: "Acceptance is the first stage to freedom," Rugare explains. Acknowledging his limiting beliefs and low self-esteem was pivotal in forging his path.
• The Importance of Bold Commitments: He emphasizes, "I didn’t wait to be confident to raise the money—it was raising the money that gave me confidence." Action fuels transformation, not the other way around.
• The Cost of Comfort: Rugare invites us to reflect on the price we pay for staying comfortable: "Anytime I don’t live my true self, it’s costing me my joy and my income."

We also explored how leadership is about reclaiming who you say you are, not who the world tells you to be. "Society, family, education rob us of our light of who we are. I help people return and reclaim who they say they are," Rugare shares passionately.

Through his book Dreams: Forging My Own Path and coaching, Rugare empowers others to pursue their dreams with unshakable commitment and authenticity.

For anyone feeling trapped by external expectations, this conversation is a powerful reminder that freedom starts with an unbreakable belief in your potential.