Victoria Lupembe: Dreaming big pays off

Dar es Salaam. Victoria Lupembe is the Head of Legal Services and Company Secretary at Diamond Trust Bank Tanzania PLC. She started working as a legal officer for a microfinance company immediately after her first degree.

Her career intersection began here, as she spent some years working in law firms and later decided to join the banking industry full-time.

Victoria holds an MBA (Hons) in Corporate Management from Mzumbe University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law School of Tanzania, and an LLB (Hons) from the University of Dar es Salaam. She is currently a student member of the Chartered Governance Institute in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

She said her role in the bank includes the management of day-to-day legal functions, as well as fostering the governance culture at all levels—board and management and contributing to the smooth functioning of the company’s governance and legal processes.

"My other role, as the company secretary, is crucial in ensuring adherence to the legal and regulatory requirements. Overseeing governance, statutory and regulatory compliance; advising the board and senior management; and being the board’s and shareholders' communicator," said Victoria.

She said, growing up as a child, she envision to be who she is and is still working hard to climb more ladders.

She told her mother who still reminds her of their conversation of studying hard and be someone one day, focusing primarily on the fact that she should not look for a job.

“Someone should look for me because I fit the criteria of the person they need in their organization. God has been faithful for allowing me to be here today," said Victoria.

She said, the challenges she went through when growing her career turned into opportunities that shaped her to who she is today with her biggest secret being prayer.

"As a young woman, I got to appreciate when there was a need to adapt to new dynamics and develop myself further,” she notes.

She adds that she had to grow a tougher skin while navigating increased scrutiny.

“Today I am thankful for all the challenges and experiences," said Victoria.

Describing her leadership style she said it is a mix of participative and visionary kind.

She believes in involving and engaging the team in decision-making and processes as well as providing long-term direction and leading people closer to their vision.

Her leadership style goes along with her belief that the shop has to operate even when the leader is not around and the masses should not see the gap.

Being guided with her leadership principles she says can never compromise. She mentions integrity, honesty, accountability are fundamental principles in continuing to grow her career day by day.

She said as women leaders there are standards one has to set to bring changes in their leadership positions.

"Stay curious, work hard and build strong networks where possible. Seek mentorship and consult on anything and everything you are keen on. Stay confident in your abilities and embrace all the challenges as opportunities to keep learning and growing in the legal profession," said Victoria.

With the living examples of how women are now excelling in their leadership journeys in the country, regionally, and globally, she still insists on not disregarding the gender bias, stereotypes, and systemic inequalities that sometimes come into play.

She said such inequalities bring women down when climbing the corporate ladder but called for continued effort to excel further.

"We should be able to look back and appreciate the steps that we have taken forward. We should also not forget the power of mentoring the younger generation that anything is for grabs, any top position, and/or accomplishments if we put in the work," said Victoria.

She said women are also facing work-life balance challenges that can also play a role in delaying women in career growth.

She added that women should not sit back and give in but should always strive to excel in everything we touch and put our minds to.

Commenting on how she strikes a balance between her career journey and personal life, she said that theoretically, this can be done but it is hard sometimes when there are tight deadlines and urgent matters that require women's attention.

"I have, however, continued to keep learning and practicing having dedicated time for personal life, self-care, and seeking support when it gets heavy," said Victoria.

Commenting on the International Women's Day theme for this year, which is Inspire Inclusion, and how she is inspiring inclusion at her organization, she said she promotes open dialogue and creates an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

She calls for support initiatives that empower women, mentorship opportunities, equal access to resources, and, most importantly, fostering a workplace or an environment that recognizes and values the contributions of women.