Notulu Mwanawina, an account executive at Cellulant, believes in the power of simplicity and is passionate about driving growth. Notulu connects most with the Cellulant value of “Keep it simple; keep it connected.” Adding that by keeping things simple and connected, Cellulant makes a meaningful impact in the digital payment sphere.
As a sales account executive,she recognises the significant work that Cellulant does, which involves creating solutions and systems that are straightforward, efficient, and easily understandable for end users and how she contributes to this through sales.
However, Notulu didn’t start her career in sales. She shares her journey, what inspires her and how she ended up as an account executive at Cellulant Zambia.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Mother to a beautiful 10-year-old daughter, a sibling and currently pursuing a career in the Fintech space. My career thus far has not only been a mouthful but an exciting one too!
I completed my Bacherlor of Arts degree at the University of Zambia. After that my career started in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector in 2009. I started serving as both Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager.Today I work as a sales account executive at Cellulant. My passion for driving growth in whatever capacity I serve has led me to have a very dynamic career. I have not had a conventional career path.
Challenges excite me to seek solutions, and I see them as opportunities opening up a world of possibilities. I don’t like constricted perspectives,as these just zap the energy required to think big.
What is one lesson your mother taught you and you’ve taught your daughter?
My mother taught me the law of cause and its effects. What you do always has a way of making it back to you. Do your best, and the rest will follow. I have passed down the same lesson to my daughter.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am very good at cooking and baking.
Where would you go and why if you could go anywhere?
It would definitely be another African country because there is so much to explore. So I’d say: Mozambique.The beaches are beautiful so it will be a pleasure to get to experience what nature has to offer.
Now tell us about your Cellulant story, how did you know about Cellulant
I was first introduced to Cellulant in 2018 when I attended an interview. At the time I had no idea of the work that Cellulant does. However, after learning about the company I got intrigued by the very essence of the company. Providing digital payment solutions to the banks is something that I at the time thought was being done by the banks themselves.
What drives you?
Basically sales drives me, being able to strive at making sure our customers and merchants experience the beauty of our company product and services at Cellulant. Which is to provide businesses with a single, seamless platform, enabling them to process all types of payments. This makes the work that i do easy as I get to collaborate with other departments to sell these solutions and services this inspires me to do more and better everyday.
What attracted you to Cellulant,, and what would you say has been the most exciting part of the job?
After a whole career in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, I thought I could take up a challenge in a totally different space.
Fintech which is still a budding industry in Africa- particularly in Zambia,because the country is rapidly growing its digital payments landscape with an increasing number of people turning to electronic transactions instead of traditional cash-based methods as such being part of a company that contributes to this is quite interesting and also a great learning opportunity and growth for my career path as an account executive.
One of the most exciting parts of being an account executive at Cellulant and yes I speak for most of us, is getting the big sale and for me signing with one of the biggest OMC-A global merchants has been the most exciting part of my job thus far
What’s the one problem you are solving for clients in your market?
I see myself as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to clients, understanding their financial payment pain points and needs and so that I offer tailored digital payments solutions to help them achieve their goals. Having the right payment partner for any business is a differentiator for a business’ growth. It determines whether you get more customers, the experience your customers get, whether a business can expand and how fast it can do that. Therefore the role involves a combination of sales, account management, and customer service, focusing on driving revenue growth, increasing market share, and ensuring client satisfaction.
I am solving for the growth of businesses in Zambia.
What has been the most significant challenge/learning opportunity about the job?
Selling products that merchants think they don’t need has been both a challenge and an opportunity for me. Even though Cellulant has been in Zambia for more than 10 years,the industry we serve in is still growing and most times businesses do not know what services they need and how our offering could work for them, which is where now as an account executive I always look forward to striving in changing the perspective altogether.
Who has been the most significant influence in your career & why?
My late Dad- He simply just empowered me to pursue my dreams.
What do you love most about working at Cellulant?
The leeway that’s accorded to individuals to perform tasks while making key performance indicators very clear allows me to put into practice my skills while seeking guidance from peers and supervisors freely.
Which Cellulant value do you resonate with more and why?
Keep it simple, Keep it connected. Because it’s even self-explanatory there is so much beauty in simplicity and getting the work done and with the kind of work I do I always strive to live by this value.
How do you want to be people to remember you?
I strived to work and made a positive difference at the very top. Trickling down to consumers with service that encompassed everyone across our ecosystem.
What do you do during your free time to relax?
I’m a foodie. I am a true lover of good food, and fine wine, and of course my love for food goes beyond the plate. It extends to the ambience and the company I am sharing it with. I also make sure to spend my free time with my family as well.
In your own words, what does Cellulant want to do in Africa?
A journey begins with one step-you might have an idea of what the next few steps will take you. But you may never know until you start. Having a vision sets companies and, indeed individuals apart, and as always. When you start, the opportunities ahead are endless and because of this, Cellulant keep soaring endlessly.
Parting quote!
“Success is the sum of small efforts repeating day in and day out”
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