Who is Chileshe?
Chileshe is tenacious, result oriented and a team player.
Where did you study?
I hold a degree in Banking & Finance from the University of Lusaka. This type of program focuses on learning how banks and other financial institutions run.
It also helps in preparing graduates for a wide variety of careers related to investments and money management.
Tell us about your role at Cellulant
Chileshe is a Sales & Account Manager in the sales team responsible for growing the business by managing groups to local banks and enterprise merchants, growing revenue from existing businesses and acquiring new ones.
In addition to this, she fosters relationships to ensure customers have access to new products and services as well as ensuring that the existing products and services are working well.
Furthermore, I work with the different teams to resolve issues that may arise.
What drives you?
Success is my number one driver, a success-driven mentality is an important mindset for building a career and growth.
The truth of the matter is that everyone knows that there is no point in setting a goal without accomplishing it.
All you’ll do is get frustrated and abandon it. Success is something you actively work towards. It all starts with your mentality and your outlook on life and work.
Secondly, I would say achieving a set target or goal energizes me to push harder and actualize greater results.
It is important to remember that the purpose of goal setting is to move us forward and spur positive change. Properly defined goals help trigger new behavior and help you focus on what is important.
What achievement are you most proud of?
What achievement are you most proud of?Having taken part in two Request For Proposals (RFPs) for two Banks in Zambia that are currently in my portfolio and being awarded the tenders was such a great achievement as it tripled my portfolio revenue right after going live with the projects.
This has given me the confidence and courage to take on tasks no matter how challenging they may seem.
What is something you wish you knew earlier in your life?
More often than not, when we are young, we are asked what we want to be when we grow up.
As I look back to earlier stages in my childhood, I wish I knew that being uncomfortable is okay.
That just because I studied something from a particular academic field, does not mean that I have to practice that for the rest of my life.
But rather use that as an anchor to aspire for greater opportunities that bring out the best in me and how I impact the people around me.
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What words of inspiration would you give to young women and girls who still feel that tech or certain professions are not for them?
Gender equality remains a major issue in the corporate world, and women remain significantly underrepresented in the corporate pipeline.
One potential strategy that I would give is to help girls adopt a growth mindset to help them believe that their abilities can be developed as opposed to being static and unchangeable.
The capability to achieve anything is in both men and women. What makes the difference is one’s mindset and willingness to work hard towards fulfilling their dreams.
I believe that parents and educators are in a great position to help dispel stereotypes that discourage girls from becoming techies.
And one of the best ways to do that, is to create environments that promote tech careers for them.
What do you love most about working at Cellulant?
Working at Cellulant has enhanced my appreciation of digital platforms that connect people and businesses alike.
I am always excited to be part of the team that does not just dream of creating opportunities that accelerate economic growth for all of Africa but actualizes those dreams by enabling seamless payments for businesses, banks and consumers across Africa. I also love the fact that my leadership team recognizes and rewards good effort, to me that is true leadership.
On a lighter note, what did you do for fun after office hours?
Fun Fact; I am a social butterfly contrary to the fact that most people think I am an introvert. I like to spend most of my evenings with my girls catching up on the day and on weekends I love to hang out with friends (taking drives, watching movies & Karaoke).
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