Violette Wambua is a young and successful serial entrepreneur, with experience in the corporate, NGO and SME worlds; with a special capability in fundraising for events and causes. She is the Founder and CEO of Networking in Heels. She is also an entrepreneur, motivational speaker, a television and radio show host. She says she is fun and focused, driven and a bit controversial… there’s nothing great that can be achieved without having a bit of edge.
1. Describe your typical day?
Awake at about 4 am, not necessarily to jump out of bed… Quiet time, some reading, a workout when the mood strikes, emails, a bit of social media… Phone calls to family, clients, and friends, confirming the day’s plans… Work on existing projects while prospecting for new ones… A tender a day…Debt collecting (hate it), paying bills (hate it more) ha-ha…
2. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a lawyer or a judge.
3. If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
I would definitely go with my guts and use the path of least resistance. Success in life doesn’t have to be a matter of grinding till your fingers fall off your hand. Go with your natural talents and work from there.
4. What would you say are the top three skills needed to succeed at your job?
Patience, Persistence, Grit… Of course, a natural charm!!
5. As a professional how is it working in Nairobi? Is Nairobi open to what you do or what could be better?
Nairobi is exciting, dynamic and teeming with opportunities. It definitely is great for the business to thrive. Nairobi people love to network and meet new people, so Networking In Heels is definitely the place for lots of ladies to be at.
6. What motivates you?
The idea that there are people who will stay poor if I do not step up to the plate and grind… As an entrepreneur, one’s work is not just for oneself, it’s a whole ecosystem.
7. How do you define success?
Success to me is a clear conscience, a genuine smile, having my loved ones around me and generally looking forward to better days ahead…Definitely lots of money in the bank to spend on amazing experiences.
8. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My mother. She is the epitome of reinvention. She is on her 3rd career now.
9. What is your favourite aspect of your job?
Making money as I meet new exciting people.
10. What would you say are the key elements to being successful?
Integrity, pacing yourself and staying focused.
11. What advice would you give somebody just starting out in your line of work?
Once you figure out what works, stick with it. Stay on the path, distractions will hurt more than help.
12. What has been your most satisfying moment in terms of your career?
The positive reviews from random people are quite exciting. Being recognized for using my natural talents to help people succeed in their careers is quite the adrenaline rush.
13. What makes you happy?
Healthy relationships with my God, family and friends and bankers too.
14. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
I read a lot; I go for plays, picnics with some quirky friends, evenings at various clubhouses, movies, television series marathons, beauty and pampering sessions and definitely shopping!
15. Where do you see yourself in around 10 years?
I see myself married, with a few kids, a picket fence around the house and a dog… as a policy influencer in matters affecting youth and women from all walks of life as well as the environment. I also see myself having a very active lifestyle and positively affecting matters of the community.
If you would like to interact with Violette you can find her on Twitter at @NdukuWambua.
