RISING WOMAN 2025; The purposeful leader: How Patricia Mhondo champions women’s ascent

Patricia Mhondo is the Corporate Affairs and Communications Director for Tanzania Cigarette Public Limited Company (TCC Plc), a position she has held since June 2021.

She started her career journey more than 20 years ago with her key responsibilities include ensuring the company’s reputation and corporate brand are well protected while supporting the right operating policies for business.

She ensures reputational risks for the business are managed. Being in her current position for the past four years has been a very fulfilling career experience at TCC Plc with a fantastic corporate culture, the right company values, and the best care for employees.

“My role as a leader requires not just skills and experience but also wisdom, integrity, and empathy, which are key to the decisions that I make. Leading a corporate affairs function has been challenging and exciting at the same time. I have met and engaged with many stakeholders who have significantly helped to open doors and opportunities for our company as well as support resolving our business issues,” she says.

She says that, as a leader, to empower other women to take on senior leadership roles within the company, she must lead by example, inspiring women to believe in the possibilities.

Patricia believes that anything is possible in this world, irrespective of gender, as long as one has the right attitude and determination.

She always encourages women to trust their inner strength, judgment, and intuition because they have the power within themselves to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

“I challenge women to go out of their comfort zone, try new things, and dare to make bold decisions. These are some of the things that women tend to avoid, but they are essential in taking them to their desired destination. As part of my responsibility, I will continue to give constructive feedback, support, and coaching whenever requested,’ she says.

Commenting on the challenges she faces in her leadership journey and how she overcomes them, she says; “Challenges are part of our growth, pushing people to learn, adapt, and grow.”

Balancing work, family life, and beinging able to grow career-wise while raising her children is among other challenges. She took a number of risks moving from one job to another because she has always believed in the power of change.

“You don’t grow if you don’t change, but you always have to be ready to embrace the challenges and grab the opportunities that go along with that,” said Patricia.

She advises employers to implement strategies and policies that provide a fair, inclusive, and supportive environment for all employees, ensuring all genders are valued and respected with the aim of promoting gender equality in the workplace.

She says issues such as promotions and development opportunities should be based on merits and performance and not gender.

To support this, employers must address all gender-specific barriers to ensure good and balanced work conditions.

Patricia, whose leadership style is not fixed to a specific style, is very flexible and open-minded. Her idea of impactful leadership is one that would include empowering people to work independently but effectively as a team.

“This boosts their confidence, promotes their personal and professional development, and promotes their ability to grow. Confident and independent teams can deliver great outcomes. For me, transparency, accountability, empathy, and respect are important in guiding my decision-making,” she says.

She says, for many years, women’s abilities have often been underestimated. This is now improving, and women should always remember that confidence, persistence, and accountability are key to success.

Women should believe in themselves, trust their abilities, and utilize their strength and uniqueness.

One important step is to always be ready to challenge and to be challenged, as there is always a solution.

Supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation