A guiding star!

 I was born in Rwanda on 1 November (All Saints Day). One of 12 children, our household was characterised by love. My parents and elder siblings taught me the value of life: humility, respect, and understanding one another. It was a nurturing environment that shaped who I am.

My father has been the greatest source of inspiration in my life. The conversations and advice he shared with us shaped who I am today. He used to say in our language, “Uko muzigira niko muzamera,” which translates to “You will be as you are taught.” This wisdom emphasises that our behaviour and performance are a reflection of our upbringing. The values and lessons I received from him have been foundational in shaping my character and approach to life.

Growing up, I wanted to become a Secretaire de Direction (Executive Secretary or Personal Assistant). It was my dream to take on a role that involved organisation, communication, and assisting others in a professional setting by working in a big and well managed organisation. I am very fortunate that in my work at Henley, this is what I get to do. As an MBA programme manager, I get to support MBA students at the school. I love helping them with their different queries, whether it's about workshop details, assignments, using systems, or advising them on the challenges they face with their studies. It gives me sleepless nights when a student is in danger of failing the programme because I care deeply about their success.

My first impression of Henley Business School, when I joined almost ten years ago was that it felt like a small, close-knit community, almost like a family. With only a small number of students, everyone knew each other, and there was a sense of familiarity and connection. The place was very quiet, which created a peaceful atmosphere. Despite having only five staff members, it was a busy place where everyone had to multitask to ensure everything ran smoothly. It was during this time that I truly understood the meaning of time management, as we had to juggle various responsibilities efficiently. In the last ten years, the school has grown dramatically, and we are even more adept at juggling these days!

My motivation is deeply rooted in my personal life experiences. From my own journey, I've learned that helping others to the best of my ability can create significant positive changes in their lives. Seeing the success and improvement of the people I work with and for becomes my greatest drive. This profound understanding pushes me to offer the best support possible, making their success and progress my primary source of motivation.

What I love most is seeing my students succeed, pass all their modules, and graduate. On numerous occasions, students who were on the verge of quitting their studies came to me. I took the time to advise and encourage them, convincing them not to give up and to keep believing in themselves. I also directed them to the various support systems offered by Henley. In the end, I received heartfelt compliments from many students, expressing that they were able to reach their goals and achieve their MBAs because of listening to my advice.

The one skill that stands out in my workplace is cognitive empathy. This ability significantly enhances my effectiveness and fosters trust and collaboration with both my students and my work team. By understanding and addressing the perspectives and emotions of others, I’m able to lead with greater empathy, which positively impacts performance and workplace culture. This empathetic leadership not only contributes to a more cohesive and productive environment but also brings me personal satisfaction and happiness in my role.

I am grateful that Henley has given me the opportunity to study and gain knowledge that has further shaped my confidence and capability in my daily work. I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Programme and Project Management, and I plan to continue with a Master’s degree in the near future.  

Life isn’t always easy, but hardships are lessons in life that should not stop you from continuing your journey. The last book I read is Perseverance by Mwemayire Felicite, which explores how enduring hardships should not halt your progress. It has encouraged me to know that even when things seem tough, a breakthrough may be just around the corner.

I always tell others to embrace the journey with a positive outlook. Appreciate each experience, whether it’s a success or a challenge, as they all contribute to your growth. Keep an open mind and stay curious; every step forward brings new opportunities for learning and wisdom. If you want a career with impact, approach your work with unwavering dedication and love what you do. When you are passionate about your work it shows in the quality and the impact of what you produce. Don’t be afraid to take risks or make mistakes, as they are essential for personal development. And remember, every experience, no matter how difficult, is shaping you into a stronger and wiser person. Keep moving forward with confidence and joy, knowing that the future holds endless possibilities.