Maureen: A champion for integrity and personal governance in the marketplace

Dar es Salaam. Maureen Njeri is a seasoned professional in the field of marketing and communications, with over 13 years of experience working across various sectors.

Her leadership journey was built by investing in learning every day, being persistent and consistent, daring to be bold, being passionate, and investing her ability in whatever she does.

She has been instrumental in the launch of global brands and campaigns in the East African market, with her heart weighing in on Tanzania. Maureen is a link in partnerships and collaborations in the private sector.

She describes herself as a self-driven, enthusiastic executive who oversees all aspects of corporate communications (inclusive of brand strategy and management), compliance, and business development strategies.

Some of the brands she managed include Heineken UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour 2012 (Tanzania and Kenya), Share a Coke Tanzania, and Party in the Park Tanzania (Savanna Cider).

With over 13 years of experience in the field of marketing and communications, the guiding principles that have strengthened her leadership muscles over the years were upholding her integrity and being accountable.

She also adds agility and adaptability, being creative and innovative in people skills, and relationship management, being open-minded to new ideas, open to new perspectives, and open to alternatives as well as observing, communicating, listening and being humble as principles and values she upholds.

Throughout her leadership journey, Maureen is a champion for integrity and personal governance in the marketplace, advocating for opportunities and the inclusion of marginalised groups in decision-making.

These groups, such as young people who are often overlooked as a result of certain circumstances or disabled individuals, interest her because of how much insight they bring and the diversity of their perspectives.

Maureen points out that a lack of self-confidence is among challenges that often hold women back when in pursuit of career goals.

"We need to believe that we are enough. We have what is needed. Our input matters. We are insightful," said Maureen.

She said self-doubt about their capabilities and second guessing themselves are also challenges, and calls for women to believe in their capabilities and what they know, showcase their work, present the impact of their activities, and do international strategic network.

Commenting on the challenges she goes through and how she overcomes them, she shares that she is a perfectionist and is overly passionate. In overcoming her perfectionism, she continuously works to translate the perfectionist energies to achieving excellence and curbs her overly passionate attitude by learning how far to go and at what point to let go.

"I have often taken a back seat and waited for my work to speak for me. However, it's now evident, that I need to take the front seat, advocate for myself, and showcase the impact of my work," said Maureen.

To her younger self, Maureen says: "You are enough. Enjoy and soak in each season of life. Learn, and learn some more. Be open-minded and agile. You are uniquely gifted and talented; there's a purpose for which you've been brought into this world. Pursue that purpose. Embrace your gifts and talents."

Her leadership style is characterised by collaboration, integrity, and a relentless commitment to excellence. With her style, she is a supporter of community initiatives, and volunteers to mentor aspiring leaders and promote engaging opportunities for underserved youth.

She shares that community service is an integral part of her life. It lies in the connection one builds and where they are serving. “It keeps me humble and helps me appreciate the seasons of life,” she says.

She firmly believes in giving back to society and making a positive impact wherever she goes. Maureen's dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and fostering an environment of accountability sets her apart as a respected leader in her field.

She continues to inspire and empower others to embrace the principles of good governance for a brighter, more equitable future. Integrity, accountability, and transparency are her guiding principles and have strengthened her leadership muscles over the years.

In striking a balance between her career development and social life, she prefers to approach it as integration of career development and social life.

"I am an avid book reader. To integrate the two, my book selection across the year covers a variety of titles touching on career and social life. I am currently working on having boundaries, between career networking and social networking, with the knowledge that social capital plays a part in career development and acquiring opportunities," she says.