A SESSION WITH THE ICT IRON LADY
Ms. Nancy M. Wambugu is the Chief Officer, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at the National Irrigation Authority. She has zealously worked and made impact in this field she says it is more of a passion than profession for over 15years.
In the spirit of keeping social distancing which she believes should be referred as physical distancing we are impelled to engage through a Google duo video call as she takes me through different aspects of her life sipping an homemade pineapple and chia seeds smoothie.
Introduce Ms. Nancy to us.
“Ms. Nancy is a young at heart lady blessed with one adorable child. A staunch Catholic. I grew and schooled in Mukurwe-ini Constituency, Nyeri County, for my Primary and Secondary education. After my O levels, I did a diploma in Computer Science which earned me a job at my first working station: Bees Communication Ltd as a computer trainer, later at Coda Corporation as an ICT Network Administrator and at my first Government institution; Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) as the Deputy Information Technology (IT) Manager from where I did my degree in Computer Science. I have also completed my MSc in Information Security at Strathmore University.” “I believe that education put in practice whether higher or not is all that is needed in today’s job market. Everyone has certificates. All that matters is what you can do.”
Introduce me to your entry to the job market.
She starts by assuring me that it has not taken the hand of a “godfather” but God. Remarkably, in all the four (4) jobs, Ms. Nancy says she saw adverts in different newspapers, applied and got the jobs. “For KEPHIS, I emerged the best out of 384 applicants.” “I joined the Authority as the Senior ICT Officer and I have since risen to be the Chief Officer in charge of the division which is comprised of energetic, hardworking IT experts in different fields. A team I respect, value and enjoy working with.”
How would you describe your experience as a female leader?
She sips her smoothie. “I am blessed to have worked in Institutions with the right working systems implemented rightly by result oriented management team.” “If the systems are right, leadership is easy.
The Authority has the right systems all round for instance promotion which comes by merit.” She continues to say that the right attitude, focus and persistence in doing the right thing for the Authority has helped her pull through the challenges.
It is said “women are judged more by fellow women.” Have you experienced such? What appeal would you pass to fellow ladies in regards to supporting others in leadership?
I agree that women can be their own worst enemies.
It is saddening that I have experienced it; a situation that almost brought me to resigning. I felt low; very low, but thanks to overwhelming support I received from fellow male colleagues, I worked through the situation and emerged out stronger.
Her advice to fellow ladies; “If only we knew the value of the time we misuse hating. If only we came together-being the majority in the Kenyan population- and have the right attitude we would do great things. Make a change.”
She reminds me of a quote by Selene Kinder,’ I wish that more women realized that helping another woman win, cheering her on, praying for her, or sharing a resource with her does not take away from the blessings coming to them. In fact, the more you give, the more you receive. Empowering women doesn’t come from selfishness but rather from selflessness’
It is also believed that women are more prone to emotional outbursts. How do you manage
“I agree. First I had to identify my emotional weakness because I came to the realization that I needed to have emotional balance to be able remain calm and think straight during a stressful situation or crisis not only at my working environment but also at home.”
“I agree. First I had to identify my emotional weakness because I came to the realization that I needed to have emotional balance to be able remain calm and think straight during a stressful situation or crisis not only at my working environment but also at home.”
“I am short tempered and I choose to deal with it. So when I find myself in such a situation. I take a break. Take a deep breath and count 1 to 10. It calms me and I don’t find myself making rush decisions that I will regret later.”
What inspires you to keep on?
She responds with a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt