“Don’t procrastinate” Kahumbya Bashige CDir FIoD, Investor Relations Manager, Shelter Afrique

If you don’t challenge yourself, you will never realise what you can become. This has been my mindset throughout my career. I was born in Tanzania and raised in Kenya where I completed my undergraduate degree. I then took a masters in finance jointly with a UK university.

Over the next 18 years I worked for Citibank, Deloitte and the African Development Bank. In that time, I also met my husband and had two children. Today, I am the Investor Relations Manager at Shelter Afrique.

By nature, I am self-reflecting and wonder what I can do next to grow. When I saw an advertisement for a board position at CRDB Bank Burundi, I decided to apply. I was only forty at the time and some people thought I was too young, but my determination paid off and I got through the interview process and was appointed. It is demanding as I also chair the Audit Committee of the board, but as my children have got older, I have more time. I like to keep busy.

The chair of the board suggested IoD Chartered Director training and I was immediately interested as I thought it would add value to my position. I did my research, spoke to other directors and decided to sign up.

The journey to becoming a chartered director is made up of three components: the Certificate, Diploma and the Qualification. Drawing my strength from God, I approached it with passion and discipline, setting and sticking to achievable goals. I came to the UK to take the Accelerated Certificate programme and completed it within a year and then did the same for the Diploma.

The final qualification is tough, but my advice would be to not delay or procrastinate. You just have to keep going. I was awarded chartered director status after only three years and was offered an IoD Fellowship soon after. The qualification has made me a better director, equipping me with the right skills to contribute confidently, think differently and speak with authority in the boardroom. IoD membership also gives me access to a network of professionals from different industries and backgrounds whom I can turn to for professional advice.

Shortly after qualifying as a chartered director, I was invited to join the IoD Council. I am proud to say I am the first African female in this role. I hope my experiences and achievements will show other women that they can do whatever they put their mind to. It may seem daunting to apply for a new role or undertake a qualification, but the key is to just get started.  Set realistic goals you can stick to and don’t compare yourself to others. I hope my story will encourage others to take a leap of faith and start the next journey in their career; in your own way and with your own experience, you can do it!