A calculated risk some eight years ago set Monica on a new redefined path to greatness. Monica took a break from her job in 2015 to enroll as a full-time student in South Africa.
The decision, though uncertain, would open her eyes to further possibilities in life affirming the view that it is never too late to start all over again.
“Like Jesus, I refer to this year as the 30th year; it was a year of purpose for me. I was convinced that I needed to pause, take stock, and learn more to pivot and pave new ground. That break from work helped me prepare for the next stage of my career,” she says about her career turning point.
Monica is currently the Trading Manager at Vivo Energy Kenya and has previously served as the Head of Policies at TEDxStellenbosch for three and half years in Cape Town, South Africa before which she was at Oil Libya for six years serving in supply operations and logistics.
"I believe in the law of process, which states that everything worthwhile requires a process. "
She credits staying true to on-self and trusting the process for her journey this far.
Despite holding two Bachelor’s degrees, Commerce (Finance) from the University of Nairobi and Public Administration (Management & Development) from Stellenbosch University, in addition to a Master’s degree in Public Administration (Monitoring and Evaluation), Monica is not done learning.
She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Law from her alma mater- the University of Nairobi.
“I believe in the law of process, which states that everything worthwhile requires a process. Because processes take time and effort, having patience is a positive attribute when trying to succeed in anything worthwhile, including careers,” she adds.
“Another important life lesson is that those who constantly strive to learn more and keep moving forward even through times of stagnation succeed. You ought to constantly learn new things and work to become a better person. Being in a challenging situation doesn’t mean you should be resigned to your fate,” she says.
Monica’s journey like any other has nevertheless not been devoid of challenges with her main hurdle being knowing when to stick or shift.
However, she credits keeping a good character, an optimistic view of life, and a zeal to succeed for her assent to the top underlining that thoughts and actions shape what one becomes.
She currently serves as a mentor in the Global Give Back Circle and MasterCard Foundation-sponsored Baobab Platform Mentorship Programme.
Kepha Muiruri