Until 2009, I was working in the Middle Eastern countries like UAE and Oman. The Middle East is a haven for investors and supply chain professionals like me. It has a robust economy, low operating costs, and a large workforce, resulting in a high ROI for supply chain companies. Influential families own big companies. There, family ties, connections, trust, and respect get you far ahead. There I realised the value and scope of higher education which I lacked. I had only a Bachelor's Degree at that time. To fill that void, I moved back to Nairobi with dreams of continuing my education. I applied to and was accepted to Avila University, USA for an MBA program and also to an MSc Supply Chain Management Program at Salford University, UK. Both of these institutions are highly ranked and would have elevated my career to new levels. In both cases, I had to leave my job, relocate, and start afresh. I was weighing my options between the USA and the UK. But life had another option in store for me!
My then-girlfriend conceived in the same year, and my daughter Gloria was born in 2010. I was torn between shelving my studies to be there for my daughter or packing my bags to head to the USA or UK for further studies. I made the right decision. I stayed for my daughter! I started working in Nairobi as a Distribution Coordinator. Over time, I moved up the ranks at several companies and made my mark in the supply chain industry. I now have over 10 years of experience in several roles across the industry. Beginning from Logistics Assistant, Team Lead, OperationsCoordinator, Distribution Coordinator, Warehouse, Transport and Distribution Manager, Head of Logistics and Fleet, Procurement Manager to the management of entire Supply Chain Operations, and all trading matters. My secret to success is effective goal setting. My goals in my life and career have helped me to maintain my focus and momentum in my life. It stimulates new behaviours and keeps me on track. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and control over my life. My advice is to set manageable goals and measure what you do. You can never advance on what you don't measure.
I'm also a firm believer in the overall development of myself, which includes work, family, and my physical, emotional, 
and spiritual wellness. Whichever position I occupy, I have never neglected my family, hobbies, and interests. Each year, I participate in at least four 21km marathons that have a cause close to my heart like the one organised by Standard Chartered to raise money to repair eyesight for visually challenged children, by Mater Hospital Heart Runs for raising money to correct heart problems in children, by Ndakaini Marathon for conserving water sources, and the Bible Society Run to raise money to translate the Bible into local languages. Other than travelling frequently; I enjoy a good Netflix binge but can also be found going on hikes, and long bike rides.
Coming back to my career, as I became a seasoned supply chain professional in Africa, I noticed the different and unique work cultures between Africa and the Middle East. Unlike the Middle East, African companies are run by traditionalists who do business in a structured manner with clear roles and responsibilities. A personal relationship with African business leaders will be an excellent foundation for further business talks. Thanks to my experience in both the Middle East and Africa, I have become a global citizen with global perspectives. I have better insights into the industry and know professionals from different cultural backgrounds. As every country, individual, and nation has unique perspectives on the world, there can be miracles when all such divergent viewpoints are brought together. Throughout my career, my previous education qualifications have held my hand. My strong academic background, thirst for knowledge, and my experience in diverse roles on two continents have helped me move up in my career with ease. I was born and educated in Nairobi, the capital of my country, Kenya, where there are plenty of opportunities in the supply chain industry. Business logistics always piqued my attention. It is not just about route optimization but about figuring out a more intricate science. After school, impressed by the scope of this global industry, I earned a CEFORED East Africa Customs Freight Forwarding Practising Certificate (EACFFPC). Then, I pursued a Diploma in Logistics Management and a BSc in International Business Administration. With these qualifications, I moved to the Middle Eastern countries, which are freight forwarding hubs, in search of work. And that is where I worked until 2009.
Recently, the supply chain industry has been undergoing a technological revolution. The widespread use of technology led me to consider e-commerce and database systems. Further, the industry is expected to be highly transparent. Our customers want to know where their shipments are at all times. Our business clients also want our best assistance in solving difficulties to flourish in a competitive market. Hence, we must optimise and integrate the customer experience across all regions, channels, and touch-points, including in-person engagements, phone calls, chat rooms, emails, and social media. We must keep tabs on all shipments and stay in touch with the drivers and fleet managers. Real-time warnings and reminders make the job easier as they help them make quick decisions if problems arise. As a result, I felt inclined to study logistics topics like company operations management and planning techniques.
When I saw the rapidly changing, competitive business world, it reminded me that I needed tools and strategies for my future. My first concern was a Masters Degree. I felt the MSc program could enhance my profile, give me global opportunities, and a winning edge in my future. I thought that the dream of higher education was over for me in 2009. With my career and family, higher education was impossible. But, after 12 years, SNATIKA reached out to me on LinkedIn to pursue a Masters Program in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. I didn’t need to think twice; I promptly accepted and started the admission process. The advantages are numerous: dual certification, assignment-based grading, 100% online studies, and a flexible schedule with work-life balance. I am so happy that I made this choice. To make everything smooth, I've learned to effectively manage my time, though it gets quite challenging at times. I'll divide my time into blocks. I study for an hour in the morning and keep weekends for my loved ones. To be precise, time management is critical for my academic and professional success. The flexibility of SNATIKA’s Masters Program makes it easier for me to experiment with time. Despite the challenges, I'm pursuing my education and looking after my family. I'm also enjoying social activities along with my job and working towards a better future.
From my experience, I believe that perspective and looking at the bigger picture are very important to be successful. If you want to be a successful logistics professional, you must see the larger picture. To be successful in the supply chain industry, you need to be able to zoom out and see the entire process from beginning to end. Set manageable goals, manage your time well, and you will have time for all aspects of your life.