She is empowered - Catherine's story
"Mentorship has been a central part of my journey."
Back to storiesI started at Marginpar as an HR Manager supporting farm operations. Over time, my role grew into a senior HR position with responsibilities across farms. For me, this progression is not only about a job title. It shows what can happen when people are given the chance to learn, and when development is supported in a practical way.
Clear role expectations
My growth has been supported by leaders who take people development seriously. In our People and Culture team, we use clear role expectations and day-to-day support to help people build skills and confidence. Development does not happen by accident. It needs structure, feedback, and opportunities to take on responsibility.
Female Future Leadership Programme
A defining step for me was joining the Female Future Leadership Programme, delivered in Kenya through the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) in collaboration with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO). The programme helped me in practical ways. It strengthened how I prepare for senior conversations, how I organise my thinking, and how I build a case with evidence.
New insights
It also helped me understand what changes at more senior levels. Decisions are not only about today’s tasks. They are also about direction, accountability, and how choices affect people and the business over time.
At the core of my leadership approach is personal governance. For me, that means staying consistent and doing the right thing even when it is difficult. It is choosing integrity when it would be easier not to, and holding on to fairness when pressure is high.
The importance of good mentorship
Mentorship has been a central part of my journey. The mentorship I have received from Joanelose Mwangi, our People and Culture Cluster Captain, has helped me grow in practical ways. She has challenged me, supported me, and helped me strengthen how I lead, how I prioritise, and how I handle difficult situations.
That experience has also shaped how I support others. One of the most meaningful parts of my work now is mentoring younger women in our organisation. I try to help them prepare, build confidence, and make sure opportunities feel visible and realistic.
Keep learning
To deepen my ability to support people well, I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Counselling Psychology. People challenges rarely fit neatly inside job descriptions. This study is helping me strengthen emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to guide others with more clarity and structure.
I am still learning, and I do not see development as finished. But I have seen what changes when training is linked to real work, when mentorship is consistent, and when people are trusted with responsibility over time. That is how leadership capacity is built, step by step.”
