Company: Liquid Intelligent Technologies

Designation: Head of Marketing

What inspired the genesis of your business idea, and why did you choose this particular venture?

As the Head of Marketing at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, I bring over 25 years of expertise in marketing, communications, PR, and media to the forefront. My professional journey began as a college principal, but I discovered my true passion lay in media and communications, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.

As you embarked on your journey, what challenges did you face initially, and how did you navigate through them?

Overcoming challenges in my professional journey involved facing discrimination, often due to perceptions of being too young or female. Colleagues driven by ambition sometimes sought personal gain at the expense of others. My resilience came from staying true to my values, morals, and ethics. As women, it’s our responsibility to uplift and support our peers. Authenticity and genuine happiness for others’ success became my guiding principles in navigating challenges and maintaining composure in the face of adversity.

Can you share your aspirations and principles? Have your priorities evolved since the inception of your journey?

From my early aspirations of excelling in communications, media, PR, and marketing, my journey unfolded, and my ambition evolved into becoming a leader. Over time, I gained wisdom and learned significant lessons. I understood the importance of creating space for others to grow, allowing them to learn from failures with my support. My background in psychology deepened my understanding of the human psyche, emphasizing the significance of mindful leadership. Recognizing that everyone carries burdens, I embraced the responsibility to lead with empathy. Giving back and imparting knowledge to nurture the next generation became integral to my leadership philosophy. In the past few years I have mentored many- and I believe this was a 2 way process – I also learnt from them. I continue to push the envelope- I like out of the box thinking- I want my ideas to be different- and to stand out from the clutter with what we are faced with on a daily basis.

What sets your company apart from others? Share insights into its distinctive goals and responsibilities.

Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a business of Cassava Technologies is a pan-African technology group with capabilities across 14 countries, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa. Established in 2005, Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading pan-African digital infrastructure provider. Liquid Intelligent Technologies is redefining Network, Cloud and Cyber Security offerings through strategic partnerships with leading global players, innovative business applications, intelligent cloud services and world-class security to the African continent.

Liquid is now a full one-stop-shop technology group that provides tailor-made digital solutions to businesses in the public and private sectors across the continent. The Group also operates state-of-the-art data centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nairobi, Harare and Kigali, with a combined potential 19,000 square metres of rack space and 78 MW of power. Through this combined offering, Liquid Intelligent Technologies is enhancing customers’ experience on their digital journey.

How do you foster a suitable corporate culture within your organization?

This is an initiative led by our CEO- filtered down to everyone. This can only succeed when leadership practices what we want to inculcate in our teams- and this is very much the case. It will succeed with continued emphasis and practice.

Describe your interpretation of success and the duration it took for you to define it.

Success for me is knowing that I have positively impacted lives, that I made a difference to someone, that I made someone smile. That someone learnt a skill from me. Over recent years my successes have come to pass in the form of awards

• 1 in 50 leading ladies in corporate Africa
• 1 of 700 most influential Africans in the world
• 10 most passionate businesswoman to watch in 2022

What inspires you most in life?

My parents, especially my dad, played a pivotal role in shaping my business ethos by instilling fundamental principles and a strong work ethic. Additionally, I draw inspiration from remarkable leaders I’ve had the privilege of working with, who recognized my potential and provided opportunities for growth.

Furthermore, my daily interactions with my two nephews, aged 12 and 9, offer a fresh perspective on the world through the eyes of children. Embracing our inner child can provide a much-needed respite from the stresses of adulthood.

What advice would you give to young professionals embarking on their careers?

Stay true to yourself and honor your word. This is a valuable lesson I share with my young nephews – your word is your honor. No matter the size of your promise, commit to it and follow through.