My name is Naike Moshi. I am a strong, energetic and a passionate leader. I am the country director of CVPeople Tanzania and award-winning founder and CEO of Women in Management Africa (WIMA), an NGO that aims to increase visibility for women leaders and celebrates their achievements. Born in 1983, I spent most of my school years in Dar es Salaam then relocated to the USA at the age of 18 to join my cousin, who was doing well and making a name for herself. I was inspired to join her and continue learning from her unsurmountable experience on a diverse range of issues. Initially, my parents hesitated; because I was too young. Relocating to the USA was a completely different world with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. How would I handle that, they wondered. We both were sacred re: that transition. It's a fast-paced environment for me. People were always working and trying to make ends meet. After discerning with my parents, I was given a green light to go.
Fast forward, I ended up attending Tennessee Wesleyan University and graduated with a degree in Human Resource Management and Business Management. Seven years later, with my education and some professional experience under my belt, I decided I had learned enough and it was time to go back home. When I came back, I knew that there were a lot of things that needed to change within my community. One of the gaps I saw was lack of opportunities, access to information and spaces where women can create networks. This gap continued the disparities between women and men’s access to opportunities. I founded Women in Management (WIMA) to help women get leadership opportunities and create a database with information based on women. I want to scale this initiative in different African countries so that women can be heard. As an influential African woman CEO, I wear many hats.
What challenges did you face in your career journey?
One of the biggest challenges is work/life balance. As a mother of two boys, it can be a challenge to balance work and family as well. I believe this is one of the biggest hindrances women face in their career ladder. COVID-19 has affected our business facet as is the case with most companies that were affected. Hence, it had dire consequences on our recruitment processes. But giving up is not an option.
What books or magazines are you currently reading or recommend?
I love the title of this magazine, The Weight She Carries. A lot of women are carrying a lot of weight, and sometimes it can be too much – from family responsibilities, community, and office responsibilities. But at the end of the day, we do manage.
What were your fears when starting up?
Fear of failure. I believe this hinders most people from starting something, but we have to normalize failure because it’s part of success. It is OK to fail, make mistakes, and we learn from there.
Fear of rejection. I was afraid of being rejected, probably because of lack of a strong network and exposure. We have to embrace our fears and make them part of our life process.
What do you consider to be your keys to success?
1. I believe being a risk-taker is a plus for me. Whenever I have an idea, I go for it.
2. I am very professional.
3. I have a positive mindset in everything I do.
4. I believe in personal development. One has to constantly work on their growth because the income follows one’s personal growth. We must become better versions of ourselves. I always take time to read, listen to different speakers and podcasters and learn every day.
5. I want to build a community, a network of women leaders and executives.
6. I believe in people and destiny helpers. You become successful through other people.
I believe in God.
What is some advice to community leaders?
1. Pursue your passion and follow your path.
2. Do not listen to all [the] negative talks.
3. Chase the vision, and money will follow you.
4. Perseverance is key. Success is a process; it does not happen overnight
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