Standard Chartered Bank Zambia CEO Sonny Zulu became a driver of his driver for a day. And below is what he shares

Today, on his birthday, I honoured a man who has faithfully served the Bank for more than 20 years. Mr. Miti has driven three CEOs before me, always arriving at 6:15am with quiet discipline and unwavering excellence.

But today, I arrived at his home at 5:45am. I invited him to sit in my seat while I became his driver. He refused, but I persuaded him, and finally, I convinced him. As he settled into the back seat, his young son stood at the doorway, watching. The look on the boy’s face was unforgettable. In that moment, I realised how powerful it is when people who serve quietly are publicly honoured.

I drove him to work, ran a few errands, and returned him home. It was one of the most meaningful days I’ve experienced.

LESSONS FROM MR. MITI’S SEAT

1. Excellence looks effortless until you try it.
   Every morning, Mr. Miti cleans the car before picking me up. I tried. I failed.
2. Mastery is built on discipline.
   He has driven for decades without a single ticket. I got one today.
3. Professionalism is a silent language.
   He never picks up the phone or chit-chats with passengers. I realised how easily I break those rules.
4. Titles are temporary; honour is earned.
   When the police stopped us, I told the officer I was driving my boss home. The officer turned to Mr. Miti and addressed him as Sir.
   I realised the word Sir often belongs to the seat, not the person. And today, that honour was rightly his.

MY REFLECTION

This day was not just a role reversal, it was a reminder. Some of the greatest people around us serve quietly, faithfully, and consistently, asking for nothing in return. Honouring Mr. Miti showed me that true greatness often operates in the background, long before the spotlight turns on.

Who is the “Mr. Miti” in your life?
Who supports you, uplifts you, or makes your success possible?

Find them.
Acknowledge them.
Honour them while they can still see it and while their children can witness it.

Greatness is not always loud. Sometimes, it arrives at 6:15am, every day, for twenty years.