The Everyday Leader podcast features inspiring individuals building and leading teams across Africa. Listen to episodes on your preferred podcast platform here.
About our Guest
This episode’s conversation is with Timothy Mburu from Nairobi, Kenya. Timothy is the Head of ICT at Madison Group Kenya. He previously has worked at NCBA Group, Commercial Bank of Africa, the Co-Operative Bank of Kenya, Cellulant, Bridge International Academies, and others, with over 20 years experience in IT, ranging from IT Operations, IT Service Delivery, ITIL Processes Implementation, Software Development, Quality Assurance, Systems Administration and Support.
Everyday Leadership in Action
Here are a few highlights from the conversation with Timothy:
Highlight the true business value of new technology to drive early adoption: Having worked at a number of large financial institutions, Timothy has seen firsthand the rapid changes within the fintech sector over the past two decades. Many of these financial institutions were not early adopters of new technologies, which has proved detrimental. For example, many banks in Kenya were initially very hesitant to integrate with MPESA, but are now eager to catch up and align. As an internal stakeholder, he has learned to better pitch new technology opportunities to management by more clearly highlighting the value they deliver and providing case studies, rather than just talking about the novelty of new types of technology.
Position your team strategically within your company’s business decision-making culture: Timothy has seen some companies approach IT simply as a cost-center, and don’t include in decision-making. Meanwhile others have relied on IT too heavily to develop innovative technologies on behalf of the company without providing sufficient direction or resources. He credits team cultures that have an open-door policy with their top leaders as enabling conversations that lead to a better balance. He also credits his own personal superpower as the ability to translate technical jargon to easily understandable concepts for business leaders.
Aim to be a “pull” leader rather than a “push” leader: Timothy has led teams across a range of different companies and sectors, but continues to strive for further improvement for himself. At present, he wants to focus on inspiring team members to deliver on goals, rather than pushing them to do so, as this is more sustainable. He has gathered helpful frameworks by studying management techniques through online courses and resources.
The Everyday Leader is a podcast featuring conversations with leaders from across Africa’s companies, organizations, and governments about their experience managing teams and projects throughout their careers.
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Timothy Mburu: Head of ICT, Madison Group Kenya