Munira cites teamwork, adaptability, and resilience as cornerstones to career success

Dare es Salaam. For Munira Ruhwanya, Operations Manager of Bolt Tanzania, the cornerstone of her professional journey lies in harnessing the power of teamwork, adaptability, and resilience while also embracing her innate strengths as an introvert.

Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Economics from Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance, she blends academic prowess with a genuine passion for enhancing customer satisfaction.

“My secret is having the knack for turning data and feedback into strategic goldmines that boost operational efficiency and elevate engagement across diverse sectors, from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to financial services to the fast-paced ride-hailing scene,” she said in a recent interview.

According to her, beyond the boardroom, she finds solace in the precision of baking and the thrill of culinary exploration.

“These hobbies mirror my meticulous problem-solving approach, ensuring that every challenge is met with creativity and finesse. I am committed to constant evolution, and therefore, I stand ready to leave an indelible mark wherever the journey takes me,” she said.

She noted that after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from SLUAF in Shanghai, China, she embarked on a career path that allowed her to explore various industries and roles and did not shy away from trying out different industries to first find her footing in the corporate world, with a willingness to learn and adapt along the way.

She began by working as a sales officer at NSSF Tanzania, where she honed her customer service and sales skills.

“Later, I transitioned into FMCGS with companies like Unilever, among others and before Bolt, I was at Selcom Tanzania, a leading fintech in Tanzania, where I led last-mile operations for its e-commerce arm,” she said.

Throughout her career journey, she has consistently sought opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise, whether through certifications or on-the-job experiences.

She said her passion for understanding customer needs and driving operational excellence has been a driving force behind her career progression.

“Today, as an Operations Manager at Bolt Tanzania, and having briefly served as Interim Country Manager leading the Tanzania market, I can leverage my diverse skill set and experiences to lead data-driven strategic initiatives and make a positive impact on the organisation’s success,” she said.

She notes that her previous roles prepared her well for her current position by trying out different industries and merging her experiences.

She said that the main hurdles she has encountered are building trust in herself and ensuring visibility, especially as an introvert.

“There have been instances where self-doubt and comparison to others have crept in, but she has learned to navigate through these challenges with resilience. Each obstacle I face serves as a learning opportunity, pushing me to grow and evolve professionally.

She noted that by embracing her natural strengths as an introvert, she discovered a unique leadership style grounded in deep thinking, empathy, and attentive listening.

These qualities empower her to excel in her role, which often requires keen observation and trend analysis, particularly when working with data.

Her ability to leverage these traits enables her to provide insightful leadership and contribute to my team, organisation, and visibility.

“Most of our challenges come from within, and they stem from self-doubt simply by getting out of my comfort zone. I challenged myself to take on new responsibilities, projects, or leadership roles that push me beyond my comfort zone. Embrace opportunities for growth and learning, even if they feel intimidating at first,” she said.

According to her, her ability to drive operational improvements and manage complex logistics processes demonstrates her effectiveness as a leader and problem-solver in the field of operations management.

When working as a channel operations lead, she successfully transitioned from external third-party logistics (3PLs) to being in-house managed, which led to the 3x growth of the team and improved operational efficiency.

In her current role, she served as an interim country manager within 3 months of her tenure, allowing her to see the business on all fronts.

She said one of the key lessons women can learn is “Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone."

While it may feel daunting at first, pushing past comfort zones can lead to increased confidence, resilience, and a broader perspective on the next steps.

“A valuable lesson for me was when, before Bolt, I decided to resign from my previous role without having anything lined up. I was not sure of the direction my previous role was taking me, and I took a short break to reflect and re-evaluate myself before taking the next step, a decision that most would frown upon. It was a scary time, especially if you understand how tough the job market is,” she said.

However, she said the decision led to her current role, and within three months of joining as an operations manager, I earned the trust to step into the interim country manager role.

Another thing would be trusting oneself a bit more and applying oneself, because self-doubt and fear of failure can often hold one back from pursuing their goals and dreams.

“Trusting in your abilities, intuition, and decisions can help you realise your full potential,” she said.

She said navigating a predominantly male-dominated sector like transportation certainly comes with its challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to drive meaningful change.

At Bolt, they firmly believe in the power of diversity and inclusivity.

“As a woman in leadership, I’ve found that embracing my unique perspective and experiences has not only allowed me to thrive but also to inspire others to do the same. At Bolt, championing equality isn’t just a checkbox; it’s ingrained in our ethos,” she noted.

She further revealed that at Bolt, they prioritise initiatives that promote gender diversity, whether it’s through mentorship programmes, leadership training, or advocating for equal opportunities across all levels of the organisation.

“Our Tanzania team is 60 percent women,” she said.

She acknowledged the fact that oftentimes, women face pressure to meet certain deadlines, whether imposed by society or ourselves.

“However, it's essential to recognise that we are all on unique paths in life. Choose your path and seek advice from experienced people, but make sure you tailor it to you, as no two people are the same. Take one step at a time and confront challenges as they arise. Don't forget to prioritise your physical and mental well-being along the way,” she noted.