Don’t hesitate to set high standards for yourself: Joyce

Dar es Salaam. The act of setting high standards resembles the gesture of creating a haven for yourself that aligns with your values and authenticity.

It is a level that an individual aspires to reach as they prepare a supportive environment that would smoothen the process to that stage.

A good example is Joyce Jeremiah, who had set such standards from the early days of her career and is now working as station manager with Swissport at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA).

Her journey in the aviation industry began in 2014 when she joined Swissport at KIA as human resources officer.

“I have a law background. I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Law at Mzumbe University. I was excited to practise what had been my dream career when this opportunity to work with Swissport KIA came up,” she said.

“I initially thought I would work here for some time while I continue looking for another opportunity in the field of law, but here I am,” added Joyce when narrating about her career journey.

In 2019, Swissport Tanzania Plc underwent structural changes, which formed a new position of station manager at the Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA).

The then KIA station manager was appointed to the post, leaving his former position vacant.

Based Joyce’s dedication and self-drive, the management did no hesitate to promote her to the new role.

“The beginning was not easy. In fact, it was challenging. It was a tough experience but I persevered because of the great support from my team and senior leadership,” she says.

“The company’s chief executive officer was supportive throughout the way. He actually turned out to be an active teacher who held my hand through the highs and lows,” Joyce adds.

As a result of guidance from Swissport CEO Mrisho Yassin, she says she gained a deeper understanding of the aviation industry and its business aspect.

“He paved the way for us in a manner that we have a shared mind-set surrounding the vision we all have for the company. This helped us to accomplish a lot as we work with airlines which have their own goals and therefore complementing our goals.”

Joyce was recently presented with the Swissport Global Award for Best Cargo Station in the “Small” category.

She has also won awards from Lufthansa Group as well as multiple platinum ranks by Qatar Airways standards.

“Swissport station managers, in KIA and JNIA have both been recognised this year for our performance by a station manager’s global league,” she says.

As male-dominated as aviation is, for Joyce theer was no difference, especially when she was promoted to station manager.

“My abilities were questioned when I first assumed this role because I was still new to the post. My team, on the other hand, was supportive and encouraging. This helped me to get through it all. The rest is history,” she says.

According to Joyce, Swissport works to ensure that there is a gender balance within the two stations and that has seen at KIA’s senior leadership to have succeeded at this by 80 percent.

“It’s a company that is actively changing the notion that the aviation industry is male dominated. This is done through prioritising to get capable and experienced women in different managerial roles and at the same time uplifting women who are already working here,” she details.

Joyce’s experience has taught her a number of lessons, one of which is the making of tough decisions.

“At first, I had a habit of wanting to consult other people in senior leadership but as good as this, sometimes you have to have to show that you can make decisions even in their absence,” she says.

Another lesson that Joyce picked up is that teamwork is the key to efficient work.

“Success can be easily achieved through teamwork. Its important for leaders to impart a sense of goal ownership among team members because this will make them feel involved and important. The teams’ growth reflects that of the company,” she says.

Joyce advises young people to invest themselves as this has the power to achieve any goals they set their mind to.

“Young people have to value discipline and hard work because the two pave for success. On the other hand, young women aspiring to take up space in the aviation industry have to seek trainings that will make them competent and valuable,” she details.

“Nothing is impossible. Young people should not build a wall between themselves and the life they desire to live or careers they want to work in. All it takes is commitment, time and focus to achieve any goal they want to,” she advises.

She further says, “No job is specifically for a woman or a man. Women have to believe in their capabilities before anyone believes in them.”

“Like the human beings that they are, they also have to seek support whenever they need it. Women who aspire to become important players in different sectors have to also understand that it is okay to make mistakes because from them, they can learn and improve,” Joyce adds.