For Palingo, it is all about the ability to work under pressure and satisfying clients

Dar es Salaam. Palingo Mwigeka, a branch manager at Liaison Insurance Broker, credits her success to her ability to work under pressure, address customer problems, make timely choices, and efficiently manage her time.

According to her, these accomplishments are supplemented by her confidence and leadership in team management.

She explained that working under pressure necessitates a combination of resilience, adaptability, and excellent time management.

“Whether facing tight deadlines, high-stakes tasks, or unanticipated problems, one must remain calm and focused in the face of chaos. Prioritisation is essential when under duress,” she explained.

She stated that keeping open communication and teamwork with coworkers can help disperse the workload and gain support when it is most required.

While working under pressure can be demanding, it also presents opportunities for growth and innovation, as individuals often discover new strengths and capabilities they never knew they possessed.

Detailing her responsibilities, she emphasises the importance of identifying and negotiating new business while ensuring the satisfaction of existing customers by promptly attending to their needs and claims.

Additionally, she oversees and collaborates with her subordinates to ensure the fulfilment of their duties, all while upholding the rights of both insurers and insured parties. Mwigeka’s journey to her current position began with a Diploma in Business Administration from the College of Business Education (CBE) in 2006. She then gained experience working with organisations such as the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) and Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) before joining Liaison Insurance Broker in 2016.

“Alongside my professional roles, I also pursued further education in insurance through short courses in Nairobi,” she said.

According to her, developing a successful career through education is akin to laying the foundation for a sturdy and enduring structure. Just as a building requires a solid base to rise, individuals need proper education to ascend in their chosen fields.

“Education serves as the cornerstone of career development, providing the necessary knowledge, skills, and perspectives to navigate the complexities of the professional world,” she said.

Explaining, she said education equips individuals with fundamental knowledge essential for their chosen career paths.

Moreover, education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability qualities vital for success in any career. Through engaging with diverse subjects, students learn to analyse situations, formulate education-equipped solutions, and adapt to changing circumstances—essential skills in today’s dynamic job market.

In essence, education catalyses career development, empowering individuals to pursue their passions, achieve their aspirations, and make meaningful contributions to society.

By investing in education, individuals lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and prosperous professional journey, setting themselves on the path towards realising their full potential.

She said that motivated by her interest in risk mitigation and leadership opportunities, Mwigeka highlights her dedication to excelling in the insurance industry despite challenges such as competition and public awareness.

“Not only that, but also the chance to work as a leader at Liaison is my motivation to work hard,” she said.

Reflecting on her achievements, she underscores her ability to handle pressure, resolve issues, make decisive choices, manage time efficiently, and lead her team with confidence as notable accomplishments.

Balancing her professional and personal lives, Mwigeka emphasises the importance of setting boundaries and priorities. She encourages women to be confident and creative and to believe in their capabilities to fulfil various roles simultaneously.

Amidst all that, she said she is married, but she can juggle family and work by prioritising and setting limits and boundaries for her work issues and family.

“I love my family but also honour the work I have by ensuring I juggle them together without abandoning either,” she stressed.

However, she notes that in her line of duty, she can overcome the challenges by having a good relationship and good customer service with their clients.

“While we work hard to beat the competition, the biggest hurdle is also the lack of awareness by the public about insurance and the importance of insurance.

Beyond her career, Mwigeka is engaged in agribusiness, including farming and poultry, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to success both in her professional and personal endeavors.

She said juggling work responsibilities alongside managing a small farm and poultry demands a delicate balance and strategic planning. “Many individuals find themselves navigating the dual roles of a career professional and an agricultural entrepreneur, seeking to capitalise on the opportunities presented by both realms. This entails meticulous time management, efficient resource allocation, and a resilient mindset to overcome the challenges inherent in such a complex endeavour,” she said.

She said balancing the demands of a full-time job with the needs of an agricultural venture requires careful planning and prioritisation, noting that one needs to allocate dedicated time slots for tending to their crops or livestock.

Furthermore, achieving harmony between work and side farming necessitates leveraging synergies between the two domains.

“Individuals can create mutually beneficial synergies that drive success in both spheres of their lives,” she said.