My weakness? I aim too high

Q: What does your job as a marketing manager at Kenya Breweries Limited entail?

A: It means I have the responsibility of providing leadership and direction to the Tusker team. I lead the development of strategic plans to achieve volume, mix, and market share and profit objectives.

I also work with the commercial teams to ensure their commitment and engagement in the plans in order to deliver flawless execution. I have held this role for the last eight months.

What is so exciting about your position?

No day is similar to the previous one. This makes me look forward to the next day as I am driven by curiosity as to how it will turn out.

Where were you before joining KBL?

I have worked in the marketing and communication industry for 10 years for a variety of local and regional brands.

What challenges do you encounter in your line of work?

I handle the flagship brand for the business and the expectations attached to this role are as exciting as the opportunity to work on this brand. So, I see it all as an opportunity for even more growth within the KBL business as well as growth for the brands within my portfolio.

What advice would you give someone assuming a leadership position for the first time?

I would ask them to take time to learn each individual team member and to also be as open as possible with their team. This will help them build a relationship with the team, which in turn will help the leader inspire and motivate the team to achieve their objectives.

Who is your mentor?

Joe Muganda (former KBL Managing Director, now Nation Media Group CEO). I must give him credit. He has inspired and motivated me in my career. The late Merciana Idah Otiende Okong’o. She implanted in me a very strong character of working with resilience and chasing my dreams no matter what.

What is your biggest weakness?

Chocolate...! On a serious note it is setting very high expectations for myself which in turn makes me push myself too hard. Failure is not something I enjoy, but I take the lessons from my mistakes.

What are you doing to ensure continued growth as a leader?

I try to spend more time being curious as opposed to focusing on the normal way of doing things. I spend time on the ground interacting with people as it keeps me in “the know”. I involve my team in making key decisions.

Favourite foods?

Chapati, nyama choma and Indian chicken curry…

What did you want to become as a young girl?

I always wanted to be a dentist like my aunt. This lasted only until my first visit to the dentist at the age of eight. In later years I developed a passion for marketing and communication.

What do you love doing at your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my family – husband and twins aged two. I try to balance my work and life to ensure I give my family adequate time. Regardless of what we are doing, we always have a good time.

What in your life has brought the greatest satisfaction?

Starting a family has been very fulfilling. Being a wife and a mother is the most rewarding thing and I cherish it very much. It is an experience that I cannot put words to but I am truly grateful for.

What are your future plans?

At this moment I am enjoying managing and controlling profitable growth of my portfolio to take my brands to the next level. For me, the sky is the limit. I am continuously building my capability as a business leader and a catalyst for change in my industry as well as creating possibilities for my people to unleash their potential and also grow their careers.

Where do you prefer to go for your holidays?

Kenya any day. Ours is a beautiful country with many places that one can go to for any occasion. 

Your parting shot?

With regard to work and choosing a career, always follow your passion – this shift in thinking drives your commitment to your work. As Sunny Bindra says, we work to earn a life, not to earn a living.