On March 8th we joined the world to celebrate International Women’s day. The theme this year, #BreakTheBias calls for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world in which differences are celebrated and valued.
To kick off our celebration, we caught up with Susan, a Business Sales Consultant here at Kim-Fay Professional. Susan discussed her career, women’s empowerment, and what International Women’s Day (IWD) means to her.
Susan has also provided advice for young women looking to venture into a career in sales and marketing.
Check out our interview below!
1. What does the International Women’s Day slogan #BreakTheBias mean to you?
The slogan #BreakTheBias means going above and beyond to make sure we are not held back by work stereotypes and biases as women.
For a long time, women were expected to make a choice between their careers and family. The societal expectation of the ideal woman is one who works towards nurturing a family over chasing her career goals.
I believe women should be bold enough to break such stereotypes by choosing to pursue what they love most. Whether it’s pursuing their careers or family, they should not let prejudice stand in the way of leading fulfilling and meaningful lives.
2. Have you faced any barriers in your career as a woman?
Yes. Closing sales as a woman has not always been a walk in the park. There have been plenty of hurdles to overcome, but I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from my colleagues and the entire Kim-Fay Professional team.
3. Why do you think diversity in the workplace is so important?
Women and men bring different qualities, perspectives, and experiences to work. Having a pool of different people to choose from allows you to pick the best and create a competitive workplace.
Diversity for me also goes beyond gender. Having people with different qualifications and backgrounds in a team is also an important thing to look out for.
4. You are a Professional Sales Consultant. Is this a role you expected to be in when you started working at Kim-Fay Professional? How did it change?
No. I’ve grown into the role.
I started off as a Promoter, and then became a Merchandiser, then Head of Merchandising, and finally a Business Sales Consultant. It has taken a lot of hard work, effort, and learning.
It’s also a space that has allowed me to grow personally and financially. I’ve come to appreciate the journey.
5. What is your typical day like and how are you helping Kenyan businesses improve their hygiene and sanitation?
A typical day at the office begins at 8:00. I like to start by going over my schedule to make sure I take note of any meetings or calls I’ll be having during the day. Then I usually answer client emails or messages. I like to answer my leads early in the morning so I can give them my clearest response and full attention while I’m still fresh.
After that I spend the remaining part of the day researching prospects, getting into cold calls, and messaging new leads.
I help my clients improve their hygiene by assisting them to select the product that best fit their needs and solves their hygiene and sanitation problems. I do this by;
- Educating clients about the product features
- Helping them sort through the different options, and making sure they choose a product that is cost-effective for them.
6. Who inspires you the most?
I draw inspiration from a lot of people, but the three who come to mind are my late mom, my kids, and my colleagues.
My mom was always determined and cheerful even in the face of adversity. She was bold and always faced her challenges with a smile. My colleagues bring a fire to the table that creates healthy competition in the team. Their energy is amazing. My kids make me wake up to give them the best.
7. Based on your experience, what advice would you give to a young woman considering pursuing a career in sales and marketing?
You can achieve every goal you set. Have an open mind, be ready to learn, and strive to be the best version of yourself.
8. Anything else you’d like to add?
Given an opportunity, women can do amazing things. They have the heart to add on to something and make a huge difference in the community. Let’s give them the opportunity and they’ll achieve great things.
At Kim-Fay Professional, we aspire to build a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world for us all. By creating a gender-equal environment we believe we can empower women to contribute and achieve their full potential.
For our hygiene and sanitation solutions, contact us at +254709892000 or via email: customercare@kimfay.com.
