Zodwa Kombo

Zodwa Kombo Project Manager | Operations & Executive Support Summary I am an operations and project management professional passionate about turning ambitious ideas into practical, actionable systems. Over the past four years, I’ve led cross-functional initiatives spanning strategy, analytics, and operations, often in fast-paced or remote environments. I thrive on transforming ambiguous goals into clear workflows, building documentation that actually gets used, and coordinating stakeholders to deliver real outcomes. My work blends analytical rigour with creative problem-solving, and I enjoy collaborating closely with leadership teams while independently driving multiple priorities to completion. Education University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa Bachelor of Social Science: Economics, Political Science & History Invited to the Golden Key Society for exceptional academic performance. - Professional Experience Spiralyze | Project Manager Cape Town, South Africa | 2025 Managed client projects end-to-end, coordinating copywriters, designers, developers and strategists. Tracked timelines, deliverables and handoffs to keep projects on schedule. Maintained clear communication between teams and stakeholders to prevent misunderstandings. Created a handover document to ensure continuity when projects or tasks shifted between team members. Adapted quickly to changes, keeping projects moving smoothly despite shifting priorities. cabinspace | Founder & Project Lead Cape Town, South Africa | 2023 - 2025 Explored a modular housing concept, leading research, feasibility analysis and planning. Conducted user and market research to understand demand and potential constraints. Developed project plans, budgets and timelines to evaluate risks and execution requirements. Coordinated with external stakeholders, including suppliers, advisors and service providers. Balanced creative ideas with practical constraints to make informed project decisions. Wingcopter | Market Research Consultant & Executive Assistant Cape Town, South Africa | 2023 Led market and competitor research to support strategy and decision-making. Synthesised complex information into structured insights for senior leadership. Coordinated executive communications, scheduling, and follow-ups across projects. Supported leaders with timelines, logistics, and information flow for ongoing initiatives. Meltwater | Media Analyst Cape Town, South Africa | 2022 - 2023 Analysed media data and translated findings into client reports. Managed multiple client portfolios and ensured timely delivery of reports. Worked within an agile team environment and adapted to shifting priorities. Skills & Certifications Project management: task tracking, workflow coordination Data analysis: summarising and interpreting complex datasets Strategy and consulting fundamentals: McKinsey Forward Program, BCG and PwC simulations Leadership and entrepreneurship: LinkedIn Learning courses in leadership, entrepreneurship, and customer experience Projects & Leadership Entrepreneur Speed Networking Event | Co-Host & Facilitator Cape Town, South Africa | 2026 Co-designed and ran a structured networking event connecting early-stage founders with industry professionals. Managed event logistics, participant flow, and session structure. Facilitated discussions to ensure participants made meaningful connections. Delivered a session on clear communication and storytelling, applying skills from the McKinsey Forward Program. Volunteering Phaphama SEDI Business Consultant Cape Town, South Africa | 2021 Guided early-stage entrepreneurs in business planning and execution. Facilitated sessions on financial management, marketing, and operational clarity. Helped participants translate ideas into actionable steps to improve confidence and follow-through.