It’s the first Monday of the year 2016 and time to get back to the hustle as the holidays are over. Today’s woman who makes Nairobi a more interesting city to be in is Zosi Kadzitu. Every Monday we celebrate one of the ladies who lives, works and plays in this city in our Pearls And Heels segment. Zosi Kadzitu is a young leader of a young team working in Digital Marketing – which is the promotion of brands on various online/digital platforms. She mainly runs the projects in terms of planning and allocating resources as well as strategy and creative campaign ideation. She also offers digital consulting services to those who would like a digital presence but don’t know how to go about it, as well as those looking to optimize their digital presence and activities. Zosi says she is a sister to 6 of the craziest people she knows and a mother to the most precious 6-month-old boy. She is a closet poet & bathroom singer, a small-time writer and an all-around lover of words and art.
1. Describe your typical day?
I wake up early relatively and prep for work. Prep my son for the nanny and leave as soon as she arrives. Sit in traffic playing some mobile games and reading some articles. Get to work, Work. (laughs). Head home – in traffic. Play with my son, get a little work done and sleep. Boring huh? Well, there’s a lot of Whatsapp chatting, Youtube and iTunes in between.
2. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a lawyer. Something about watching The Practice really made me want to be a lawyer…not sure I have the patience for it though.
3. If you had the chance to start your career over again, what would you do differently?
I would get some professional studies on what I am currently doing. I sort of happened into what I currently call work. It’s not too late, however – so I will actually get it done.
4. What would you say are the top three skills needed to succeed at your job?
Organization, flexibility and foresight.
5. As a professional how is it working in Nairobi? Is Nairobi open to what you do or what could be better?
Nairobi is always a pioneer in embracing innovation. It’s always the testing ground for lots of new tech and methods. There’s a vibrant and young market, which makes it very viable as well. The traffic, however… that’s always a bummer.
6. What motivates you?
I am constantly motivated by the knowledge that there are limits to defy and these limits are constantly expanding. That keeps me moving.
7. How do you define success?
Success is simple. Have you achieved set objectives and goals? Are you happy? Then you have succeeded. Now – set new ones!
8. Who has been your greatest inspiration?
I’d have to say the team of young guys that I work with. Never had a luminary or such like that I look up to. I am inspired by the young people who I work with because they have so much life! So many great and awesome wonderful and fresh ideas.
9. What is your favourite aspect of your job?
Project planning & mapping. It’s always good when a plan comes together so beautifully. Even better when a project runs so well and so flawlessly! I just love that! I also really love the ideation bit of a project – the creative aspect. It’s so awesome seeing the team throw ideas about – seeing the excitement – the sparkle …so great.
10. What would you say are the key elements to being successful?
Humility is essential, it’s grounding. Integrity and professional empathy for those that work with you. Discernment and goal setting can’t go ignored either.
11. What advice would you give somebody just starting out in your line of work?
Research is key! It cannot and shouldn’t be ignored. The tech world is ever evolving. New platforms are constantly being created – at the same time, our audiences are evolving with the tech innovations and consuming media differently each day – listen and watch consumption patterns and you should do well.
12. What has been your most satisfying moment in terms of your career?
The moment that I realized I do not have to be employed – rather I can work for myself and be flexible – oh joy!
13. What makes you happy?
Lots of things! Simple things – like chocolate, blue skies and the feeling of the sun on my face.
14. What are your hobbies? What do you do in your non-work time?
I love to read, I love to write and when the weather is good – a swim is great!
15. Where do you see yourself in around 10 years?
At home – running a couple or more businesses. Impacting the youth somehow – this part I am yet to figure out.
If you would like to interact with Zosi you can find her on Twitter at @xhosie.
