Big Interview: Lilian Nkhonjera: Country Manager for Colgate-Palmolive

Becoming Country Manager for Colgate-Palmolive in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe has been more than she can ever be thankful to God for. When she joined the company in 2006, she has risen through the ranks to hold such a potion at the institution. Looking back, nothing will hold Lillian Nkonjera back as her focus is to soar higher all along. EW had time to chat with her. Excerpts:

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Who is Lillian Nkonjera?

I was born Lillian Thindwa on January 22 1981 to Professor Clement Ng’ongola – a Law lecturer at the University of Botswana – and Violet, an entrepreneur who is also based in Botswana. After I got married to Warren Nkonjera in 2011, my name changed to Lillian Nkonjera. I come from Nyamula Village inTraditional Authority (T/A) Tengani in Nsanje. I am the first born in a family of three. I have a daughter, Kayla. I am currently working for Colgate-Palmolive as a country manager for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

How were you raised?

While nine years old, life became tough. In school, we lacked a number of materials for our studies since my parents had limited resources. I remember my father could deplete all means to source fees for me and my siblings. But life kept going until I finished my primary and secondary education. My parents stood focused considering the importance of working hard towards a child’s independence. They ventured into small-scale businesses just to make sure I got educated and become independent. After I graduated, I permanently moved to Malawi in December 2003. While here, I started looking for jobs, but I could not find one until I was hooked up as an intern.

Tell me about your education background and work experience.

I started my primary education at Mount View Primary School in Malawi up to Standard Four before enrolling with Northside Primary School in Botswana. I did my O’ levels at Gaborone Senior Secondary School before enrolling with the University of Botswana where I attained my Bachelor of Business Administration in Management in 2003. I then moved to Malawi. While here, I studied marketing and obtained a diploma in marketing with Chartered Institute of Marketing a year later. I have also participated in programmes such as Junior Achievement in Botswana and the Ronald H. Brown Institute Internship programme for Sub Saharan Africa which offers all entrepreneurial based programmes. In 2004, I was employed as an intern at Business Consult Africa. I worked as business information services executive before jumping to Malswitch where I worked as a marketing and sales officer. In 2006, I joined Colgate-Palmolive as customer development executive before being promoted to the position of country manager for Malawi. In 2012, I went to Zambia where I also worked as a country manager. In August last year, I was promoted to the post of a country manager for Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

How do you manage to handle different customer groups of different economic set-ups?

Well, it is not an easy go. Before everything, I make sure to talk to key employees of these countries through teleconferencing. I check on what has been achieved and mutually plan for the future. Sometimes, I even fly to these countries so that I appreciate the challenges on the ground and tailor relevant strategies to satisfy our customers in diverse areas.

Why did you opt to work for Colgate-Palmolive?

Initially, I did not harbour ambitions of joining the company until in 2006 when my cousin saw a vacancy advertisement and encouraged me to apply for the customer development executive position. Fortunately, I was a successful. I have managed to discharge my duties with diligence and have been rising during a nine-year journey. It has allowed me grow personally and professionally.

Recently, we launched a programme where we distribute free tooth pastes to pupils in primary school with an essence of promoting better oral health among our youths. The programme is running in all three countries.

Are you satisfied with this post?

No! I am not. God willing, I am intending to excel by overseeing operations of all Colgate-Palmolive subsidiaries in Africa.

How did you feel when you were promoted to this position?

Although I saw this coming, I was elated. I was full of ecstasy because God gave me a post of my dream. I had been praying to God that He should make it possible for me to sit on this seat.  I praised Him high as we partied with my family. I believe that with prayerfulness and determination, your dreams come true.

What are your challenges in your day to day operations?

Operating across three geographical regions is not easy. Sometimes you miss flights because of pressing issues within and you happen to miss other issues beyond. So, it is pertinent to have a life-work balance. Each day brings its own new challenge and I had to learn to plan and prioritise.

What do you describe as memorable moments in your life?

The birth of my daughter, Kayla in 2012 brought a lot of joy in my family. I remember when I called my husband about the news, he was overwhelmed with joy. The second time is when I was promoted to this post last year. We stepped an extra mile by organising a party because God granted me the post of my desire.

If any, what are your sad moments?

I am sure I have had them, but I am not someone who dwells on remembering negatives. I am somebody who, when something bad happens, I become tranquil and focused. I consider positives only and forgo negatives. I don’t really dwell on shortfalls and I will be hesitant to recall any.

What do you like doing in your free time?

I like spending time with my family as we watch movies and crack jokes. I also like reading some fictional books and cooking for my family.

And, your best dish?

I love eating sea food; Japanese/Thai food when I am far and beyond. Locally, my best dish is nsima and okra.

Any last comments?

I would like to advise fellow women to dream big and count blessings than curses. It’s important for one to have a vision for different aspects of their lives. Whether it is a vision at an individual level, family, career or marriage, being focused is key. After having the vision, one needs to take action and implement the vision. A Japanese proverb says: “Vision without action is a daydream”.  “While action without vision is a nightmare”. It is time to rise up and change our mindsets. Being a woman doesn’t mean inferiority in out output. We can do better than men as long as we are focused and determined. With prayerfulness, everything is possible with God.