Breaking generational cycles

Judith Kedijang’s story began in a modest, tightly knit community, where material wealth was scarce, but values ran deep. Growing up in a disadvantaged area, she was surrounded by peers who faced myriad obstacles: many dropped out of school or confronted challenges such as teenage pregnancy and substance abuse, but Judith took a different path.

Her drive to create a better life was instilled by the matriarchs in her family who, despite never benefiting from tertiary education themselves, were pillars of wisdom, discipline, and community spirit.

Judith attributes much of her internal fortitude to these female leaders in her family: ‘Their values of determination, generosity, and self-respect shaped my worldview and contributed to my sense of duty to succeed and, in so doing, inspire future generations.

In pursuit of excellence

‘It was my mother who recognised my potential and sent me to boarding school to keep me away from negative influences in the township,’ she says.

One of the first members of her family to go to university after school, Judith emerged from her studies with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and went on to forge a successful career in the IT industry across diverse public and private sectors.

However, her ambitions had always extended beyond traditional employment. ‘I dreamed of owning my own factory one day – a place where I could innovate and, in some way, make the lives of those around me better.’

These early aspirations were more than fleeting youthful fantasies; they became the guiding force behind her pursuit of higher education and professional development, leading her to Henley Business School and a prestigious MBA degree.

‘When I started feeling stagnant in the IT industry, and after a great deal of reflection, I decided that doing an MBA would grant me the knowledge and credentials necessary to transition into leadership and entrepreneurship.

From employee to entrepreneur

‘I heard about Henley on a radio advert of all things!’ she says. Drawn to the school because of its emphasis on work-life balance and the support offered not only to students but their families, too, it didn’t take long for her to register.

The programme, she says, has made her more solutions-oriented in driving value and service delivery to customers. ‘It has equipped me with the ability to critically assess situations, devise pragmatic solutions and contribute to strategic matters in my organisation, and in government, whether in IT, marketing, finance, or strategy development and research management.’ But it was more than simply a strategic career move, she says. ‘It was a life-changing journey that broadened my understanding of how government and corporates operate, moving me away from specialised expertise thinking to a more holistic “blanket” of knowledge.’

Today, Judith is at last the captain of her own ship. I have matured in my career life and have discovered a passion for mentoring and coaching. I have a five-year plan for my exit strategy from formal employment. My next chapter will be to run my own boutique hotel and establish a consulting firm.

‘I have always known that working for someone else was not for me in the long term.’

The Quick Q&A

What do you like doing in your spare time?

My faith is extremely important to me, so I enjoy going to church and listening to devotional music. I am also crazy about travel. I am grateful to have travelled to many countries on the African continent, America and Europe. A few of the places that impressed me the most were Cyprus, Switzerland and Italy - I remember being completely enchanted by the beauty of these countries went for holiday with my family.

What advice would you give your young self?

I would warn her against caving in to peer pressure. When I was in high school my friends convinced me to drop maths and science so we could all be in the same classes together. I often think that if I had continued with those subjects, I may have followed a completely different career path.

Are you a reader?

I am an avid reader of business journals on information technology research-emerging trends as well as spiritual books – the last one I read is called The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. I also enjoy reading motivational books that offer lessons I can apply to my life. I really enjoyed The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma. I also like to watch documentaries on hospitality and property, and architectural design

What advice would you give to others considering doing an  MBA at Henley?

The  MBA is not a monster! Give it your best, enjoy the ride and face it with an open mind.