FOR
MUNIRA RUHWANYA, Operations Manager of Bolt Tanzania, the
cornerstone of her professional journey lies in harnessing the power of
teamwork, adaptability, and resilience while also embracing her innate
strengths as an introvert. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Economics from
Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, she blends academic
prowess with a genuine passion for enhancing customer satisfaction.
“My secret is having the
knack for turning data and feedback into strategic goldmines that boost
operational efficiency and elevate engagement across diverse sectors, from
fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to financial services to the fast-paced
ride-hailing scene,” she said in a recent interview.
According to her, beyond
the boardroom, she finds solace in the precision of baking and the thrill of
culinary exploration.
“These hobbies mirror my
meticulous problem-solving approach, ensuring that every challenge is met with
creativity and finesse. I am committed to constant evolution, and therefore, I
stand ready to leave an indelible mark wherever the journey takes me,” she
said.
She noted that after
graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from SLUAF in Shanghai, China,
she embarked on a career path that allowed her to explore various industries
and roles and did not shy away from trying out different industries to first
find her footing in the corporate world, with a willingness to learn and adapt
along the way.
She began by working as a
sales officer at NSSF Tanzania, where she honed her customer service and sales
skills.
“Later, I transitioned
into FMCGS with companies like Unilever, among others and before Bolt, I was at
Selcom Tanzania, a leading fintech in Tanzania, where I led last-mile
operations for its e-commerce arm,” she said.
Throughout her career
journey, she has consistently sought opportunities to expand her knowledge and
expertise, whether through certifications or on-the-job experiences.
She said her passion for
understanding customer needs and driving operational excellence has been a
driving force behind her career progression.
“Today, as an Operations
Manager at Bolt Tanzania, and having briefly served as Interim Country Manager
leading the Tanzania market, I can leverage my diverse skill set and
experiences to lead data-driven strategic initiatives and make a positive
impact on the organisation’s success,” she said.
She notes that her
previous roles prepared her well for her current position by trying out
different industries and merging her experiences.
She said that the main
hurdles she has encountered are building trust in herself and ensuring
visibility, especially as an introvert.
“There have been
instances where self-doubt and comparison to others have crept in, but she has
learned to navigate through these challenges with resilience. Each obstacle I
face serves as a learning opportunity, pushing me to grow and evolve
professionally.
She noted that by
embracing her natural strengths as an introvert, she discovered a unique
leadership style grounded in deep thinking, empathy, and attentive listening.
These qualities empower
her to excel in her role, which often requires keen observation and trend
analysis, particularly when working with data.
Her ability to leverage
these traits enables her to provide insightful leadership and contribute to my
team, organisation, and visibility.
“Most of our challenges
come from within, and they stem from self-doubt simply by getting out of my
comfort zone. I challenged myself to take on new responsibilities, projects, or
leadership roles that push me beyond my comfort zone. Embrace opportunities for
growth and learning, even if they feel intimidating at first,” she said.
According to her, her
ability to drive operational improvements and manage complex logistics
processes demonstrates her effectiveness as a leader and problem-solver in the
field of operations management.
When working as a channel
operations lead, she successfully transitioned from external third-party
logistics (3PLs) to being in-house managed, which led to the 3x growth of the
team and improved operational efficiency.
In her current role, she
served as an interim country manager within 3 months of her tenure, allowing
her to see the business on all fronts.
She said one of the key
lessons women can learn is “Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone."
While it may feel
daunting at first, pushing past comfort zones can lead to increased confidence,
resilience, and a broader perspective on the next steps.
“A valuable lesson for me
was when, before Bolt, I decided to resign from my previous role without having
anything lined up. I was not sure of the direction my previous role was taking
me, and I took a short break to reflect and re-evaluate myself before taking
the next step, a decision that most would frown upon. It was a scary time,
especially if you understand how tough the job market is,” she said.
However, she said the
decision led to her current role, and within three months of joining as an
operations manager, I earned the trust to step into the interim country manager
role.
Another thing would be
trusting oneself a bit more and applying oneself, because self-doubt and fear
of failure can often hold one back from pursuing their goals and dreams.
“Trusting in your abilities,
intuition, and decisions can help you realise your full potential,” she said.
She said navigating a
predominantly male-dominated sector like transportation certainly comes with
its challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to drive meaningful change.
At Bolt, they firmly
believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity.
“As a woman in
leadership, I’ve found that embracing my unique perspective and experiences has
not only allowed me to thrive but also to inspire others to do the same. At
Bolt, championing equality isn’t just a checkbox; it’s ingrained in our ethos,”
she noted.
She further revealed that
at Bolt, they prioritise initiatives that promote gender diversity, whether
it’s through mentorship programmes, leadership training, or advocating for
equal opportunities across all levels of the organisation.
“Our Tanzania team is 60
percent women,” she said.
She acknowledged the fact
that oftentimes, women face pressure to meet certain deadlines, whether imposed
by society or ourselves.
“However, it's essential
to recognise that we are all on unique paths in life. Choose your path and seek
advice from experienced people, but make sure you tailor it to you, as no two
people are the same. Take one step at a time and confront challenges as they
arise. Don't forget to prioritise your physical and mental well-being along the
way,” she noted.