Meet Imelda, a trailblazer in the security industry

Dar es Salaam. For Imelda Lutebinga, the country general manager for G4S Secure Solutions Tanzania, the passion for making a difference, leading diverse teams, and navigating complex challenges across various industries is what has fueled her career journey for over 15 years now.

Imelda, who becomes the first appointed local and female Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a multinational security company in this capacity, is poised to shape the future of the organisation and empowers others to excel.

Apart from her current title at G4S, Imelda wears other hats. She is the founder and CEO of the Kaisiki Africa Initiative (KAI). A global nonprofit committed to advancing lasting solutions in education, health, and economic opportunities.

She is also the regional ambassador for the Women Entrepreneurship Day Organisation (WEDO). With this, she champions women's entrepreneurship through various initiatives like organising workshops, mentorship programmes, and networking events to equip women with the necessary skills and resources.

 “As a country general manager, I leverage my diverse experiences and leadership skills to guide G4S Tanzania towards sustainable growth and profitability. I formulate and implement long-term strategies, foster stakeholder engagement, ensure compliance, and drive organic growth. I am committed to empowering others and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive,” said Imelda.

Reaching where she is today, it all began at Total Tanzania in the communication and training field. She then transitioned to SEACOM Tanzania. Her role was to support the managing director in managing human resources and administration, gaining valuable exposure to sales, marketing, and client management.

She said the diverse experience ignited her entrepreneurial spirit and laid the foundation for her next step, as she then joined DHL Global Forwarding Tanzania as an HR manager.

This gave her an opportunity to lead a full range of HR functions, ensuring employee well-being and driving business growth.

“The skills I acquired there propelled me to become Head of Human Resources at G4S, where I oversaw a team of 12 HR professionals and managed over 3,000 employees. This role allowed me to contribute strategically, supporting senior management and facilitating organisational changes,” said Imelda.

When it comes to growing her career and looking for opportunities, Imelda is consistent. This led her to participate in the Africa regional HR agenda, collaborating across borders and gaining invaluable insights into diverse cultures and business practices.

She said these experiences, in addition to her dedication to people development, earned her recognition as the Top 50 Women in Management Africa 2019 and the East Africa Woman Leadership Award 2019.

Just last year, she was recognised for her outstanding achievements and leadership by being featured amongst Pivoting in Heels 2023, a dynamic pan-African movement uniting female leaders in navigating crises and fostering innovation during challenging times.

For her, the award was for acknowledging a period of turbulent times during the COVID -19 pandemic.

 “This recognition by President Samia Hassan Suluhu, rooted in the security industry, is not just an award. It is a testament to my exceptional achievements and leadership. Moreover, it symbolises a nationwide acknowledgment of my relentless efforts in driving positive change and, notably, breaking barriers as the sole female security leader in an industry traditionally perceived as male-dominated,” said Imelda.

In lifting other women to progress up the corporate ladder, Imelda said that at G4S they are committed to diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in specific policies designed to support women's progression up the corporate ladder.

 “We provide comprehensive support through mentorship programmes and leadership development workshops, with the explicit goal of advancing women's careers within the organisation,” she said.

Adding to that, she said, she actively contributes to the diversity and inclusion council, whose mission is to empower female colleagues to assume key roles in operations and leadership.

G4S has set a target ratio of 60/40 to ensure a balanced representation. Importantly, they extend these efforts beyond the company’s internal structure, fostering inclusivity among our stakeholders and suppliers.

With her leadership style, which is a collaborative and strategic kind of leadership style, she fosters open communication and empowers her team to contribute their unique perspectives.

 “By setting clear goals and providing guidance, I create an environment where everyone thrives. My empathetic approach encourages trust and builds strong relationships, which are crucial for driving success,” said Imelda.

With all at her plate, the challenges she goes through as a woman leader are how to strike a work-life balance. She said resilience and strong support networks have helped her.

Through mentoring other women and her involvement in different initiatives, she is able to connect with like-minded individuals. These experiences empower her to face challenges head-on and advocate for positive change.

When asked about the dangers of leaving a boy child behind, she said that it is vital to recognise that true progress involves uplifting everyone, not just one gender. While we champion the cause of girls and women, we must also consider the potential risks of leaving behind boys, children, and men.

“Picture a future where everyone, regardless of gender, has the chance to thrive. Empowering each individual is not just a goal for sustainable development; it's a pathway to a harmonious and prosperous society. Neglecting the growth and well-being of boys and men could introduce social, economic, and security risks that impact us all,” she said.

As for KAI, they make sure no one is left behind. They impart essential soft skills to young girls and boys, focusing on areas such as youth learning and development and youth workforce development.

“We collaborate closely with both public and private partners to create, deliver, and evaluate innovative programmes, services, and products,” she said.

The aim is to nurture a new generation equipped with both the necessary soft and technical skills, along with the tools to lead purpose-driven lives.

“The heartbeat of our organisation lies in the countless success stories we've witnessed,” she added.

Her advice for young girls in schools looking forward to becoming leaders in the future is that they should cultivate a steadfast belief in themselves and their aspirations. Recognise that education serves as their cornerstone, and they should pursue it with boundless passion.

“Seek out mentors whose accomplishments inspire you and actively build networks that foster and support your journey. While challenges are an inevitable part of the path to leadership, resilience and determination will serve as your guiding lights,” she said.