No matter how high you go, keep learning - Mutesi

How would you describe yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?

I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother and business executive. I am passionate about Jesus Christ and impacting lives positively in every space that God has placed me.

What are you currently involved in?

I am the executive director at Willis Towers Watson Uganda, a subsidiary of the bigger Willis Towers Watson Group that has its headquarters in America and London. We are a business insurance consulting firm that helps clients both locally and globally turn their risks into parts of gross. As the head of the business in Uganda, I do not only run the business but I am in charge of the people who run the business. I am honoured to serve as a leader and lead a team that is doing inspirational work daily. We are involved in insurance, we know we are called for more, so this influences us to impact different aspects of our clients and this country.

I also sit on the boards of different organisations such as Child’s Eye Foundation that ensures that every child grows up in a loving family. I am passionate about the work and it keeps me busy. I am also involved in various initiatives. I am currently the vice chairperson of the Insurance Brokers Association of Uganda. My role is to ensure that we support our members to make sure that whatever regulatory framework is being put in place, we are at the forefront.

What pushed you to pursue a career in insurance?

My father is a veteran insurance practitioner, and growing up, he owned an insurance company. He exposed us to the work environment by hiring all of us, giving us a firsthand introduction to the world of insurance. At the time, I did not realise it would become my career, but I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity he provided. Thanks to his guidance, we were able to complete our education, and I have since built a career in the insurance industry.

To what do you attribute your success?

God, the higher and stronger power above myself, has sustained my life from the moment I was born and continues to be instrumental in everything I do. I attribute all my success to Him, as well as the values I hold dear, such as hard work, integrity, and excellence.

Social capital has also played a significant role in my success. There have been people who have spoken my name in key places, opening doors for me. Additionally, the advice and guidance I have received from others have been crucial in my journey. I cannot overstate the importance of social capital in achieving what I have today.

How do you balance your professional and personal life?

Family means everything to me, and I prioritise it above all else. I believe God has called me to the workplace, so when it’s time to give my work 100 percent, I do so wholeheartedly. However, I don’t believe true balance is always possible. I have learned to prioritize what truly matters. For example, when it’s time to attend my child’s class meeting, a client meeting will not take precedence. I know what is most important in any given moment and focus on that.

How do you break down your work as an executive director?

I spend time looking after people who look after the business so my teams’ welfare, growth and development is priority to me. I have learnt that by focusing on people, the business becomes successful.

How do you keep up with the ever evolving trends in the workspace?

Personal development is very important. I get involved in leadership training because I know that I am called to lead. Through the various trainings, I am able to keep up with the evolving trends.

I have been exposed to certain forums where I learn from others in the leadership spaces. Companies such as J&M Musaali have supported me in my leadership journey. Learning is a continuous journey, so I encourage business executives never to feel that they have learnt enough because there is something new to learn every day.

How do you deal with young employees, especially Gen-Zs, and their different attitudes to work?

Willis Towers Watson has a flexible working environment and we are allowed to work from anywhere at any time. This arrangement started during Covid-19 and we have not stopped, I do not ask people where they are because I know results speak louder than anything.

I am a very liberal leader and I believe that the environment we have created has enabled the Gen-Z to enjoy work. We have young mothers and I know that when their babies are sick they would prefer to work from home while attending to their babies. This has given them the responsibility that I can trust them to do the best they can do. Through the flexibility that I have, I have seen that the team has been extremely productive.

Anything you could have done better if you turned back the hand of time?

I would have spoken up more when I was younger. At a certain point in my life I did not think I was good enough, so this led me not to say much. I did not voice my opinions, I wish I spoke up more. It would have allowed me to influence and impact others more. I would have taken up more opportunities. However, I have no regrets and I am happy that I discovered that I have to speak out at a certain point.

What is that one thing you wish most leaders could embrace in this age?

Leaders should continue learning. No matter how high a leader goes and the achievements a leader has, it is important to remain humble. There is so much a leader can benefit from being humble.

What is your view on working from home?

I would encourage organisations to permit working from home. As a company we will not stop having the hybrid working style where we choose either to work from home or work from office. I have seen the highest levels of commitment and productivity ever since we started that arrangement. Working from home is a secret that many companies have to unlock.

Who is your role model and why?

Oprah Winfrey because irrespective of her circumstances, she rose up, redefined who she is, has gone ahead to succeed and impact other people. She is a reminder to us that irrespective of your environment, it is possible to step out of your environment and what is expected of you and redefine yourself.

What are your non-negotiables?

I am a woman of integrity and if something will put my integrity at risk, I will walk away. Growing up, my father taught me the importance of a name, so everything I did, I knew that I had a name to keep and protect. Integrity is a non-negotiable in everything I do. I am a stickler for excellence so, if my name is going to be on something, it has to be excellent.

Any advice for those interested in insurance as a career?

I encourage young people pursuing business courses to take interest in insurance. After finishing their degrees, they can take interest in the industry. There is the Insurance Training College that has insurance specific courses where they can get certification locally.