Peter Chulu: Building Bridges in Business Across Borders

Jon Santillan

Jon Santillan

Jan 27, 2025

Inspirational storyBusiness developmentEntrepreneurship
Peter Chulu: Building Bridges in Business Across Borders

Meet Peter Chulu, CEO of SERMALO Group and a global entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in market research and business development. Passionate about fostering international partnerships, Peter works across the UK, USA, Serbia, Bulgaria, South Africa, and Malawi to drive innovation and socio-economic growth.

Can you share a brief note about yourself?

I serve as a professional advisor that aids companies to achieve their goals or streamline operations in a particular area of the business. Mainly Marketing, Finance, supply chain management and more. I offers guidance on effective market research, marketing, lead generation and performance driven KPI’s. With over 20 years experience as an international business owner and entrepreneur, I have gotten to understand the different market trends that contribute to running a successful business.

Why did you choose to start a business?

I chose the business path early in my career driven by a strong desire to create multiple revenue streams. Over time, I realized the significance of pursuing something one is truly passionate about, and I discovered that business aligns perfectly with my interests. I am deeply motivated by growth, challenges, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming obstacles—qualities that business consistently fulfills for me.

How did you start your business?

My entrepreneurial journey began when I was just 15 or 16 years old, selling bags of maize across the Malawi-Mozambique border—an experience that remains a humorous anecdote I often share around campfires. However, my first formal business venture began at the age of 24 or 25 during my university years. I launched my first market research agency with no funding, operating as a one-person team fueled solely by a hunger to grow. Over time, this humble beginning evolved into a thriving company that has employed over 100 staff members and endured numerous challenges, including business setbacks, redundancies, and triumphs. Today, the agency continues to operate successfully, embodying resilience and a commitment to growth.

What do you wish you’d known before you started your business?

I wouldn’t change anything about my journey, as I see every challenge I faced as a valuable lesson rather than a failure. In hindsight, I believe that sometimes knowing too much can lead to hesitation and fear. It was my naivety that carried me through difficult times—being unaware of the battles ahead made me fearless. Now, with age and experience, I find that I need more motivation and encouragement than I once did, simply because I understand the magnitude of the challenges that lie ahead. In business, ignorance can sometimes truly be bliss.

Did you have any support in your journey?

In my earlier years, I had no support, no funding, no trust fund, and no safety net to fall back on. However, in my later years, my greatest source of strength has been my family. Knowing that I have a reason to wake up every day and fight for them has been my most profound support system. With their unwavering presence by my side, I feel unstoppable in both business and life.

What is your greatest challenge as a business owner?

Having navigated the challenges of COVID-19, economic unrest, financial crises, and other global uncertainties, I feel we’ve been thoroughly tested and are now better prepared to face whatever lies ahead. If you had asked me this question a few years ago, my response would have been different. However, the battle scars we carry from the corporate world have taught us resilience and adaptability. That said, the one challenge that can truly halt progress is poor health. Without good health, no matter how mentally strong or determined you are, it becomes nearly impossible to succeed in the corporate world. Maintaining good health is essential, and it’s crucial to prioritize it—even amidst the demands of business.

What advice would you give to your past self before opening your own business?

"Be fearless, for you are far stronger than you realize."

Reflecting on your path to entrepreneurship, what key piece of advice would you offer to aspiring founders ?

It was much easier to succeed when I first started, but in today’s world, leveraging existing technology is essential for progress. Work smarter, not harder—utilize the tools at your disposal to achieve your business goals more efficiently. Don’t underestimate the power of technology, as ignoring it might lead to taking the long, costly road when a more effective shortcut exists. Embrace change, adapt with the times, and never let yourself become the ‘old dog’ unwilling to learn new tricks.