Caroline Mutuku, Country General Manager of Glovo Kenya, recently ignited the minds of aspiring tech leaders at the University of Nairobi’s Tech Week Expo.
During a captivating panel discussion themed Women Shaping the Future of Technology, she shared invaluable insights and emphasized innovation, mentorship, and gender inclusivity as critical pillars in the tech industry.
Caroline began by underlining the importance of staying current with technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, to inspire the next generation of women in tech. “Being a role model means not only keeping up with changing trends but also sharing knowledge to empower others,” she explained.
Encouraging a culture of innovation, she urged the audience to embrace new ideas and technological solutions to drive progress and create value. She also highlighted the importance of networking and mentorship, particularly from women who have navigated similar career paths.
‘’Don’t just settle for good; strive for excellence. Let your work be your signature. As I always say, ‘Let excellence be your brand.’ Remember, you stand on the shoulders of giants. Embrace the opportunities, learn from your mentors, and make your mark on the world.” Caroline Mutuku – Country General Manager, Glovo Kenya.
Caroline highlighted Glovo’s profound social impact, including job creation and support for small businesses. Since her appointment in 2022, Glovo’s courier network has expanded from 700 to 1,300 couriers, creating economic opportunities for young people. She also pointed out that delivery platforms like Glovo played a critical role in supporting restaurant partners during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Touching on gender inclusivity, Caroline noted proudly that four of Glovo’s six African markets are led by women, including Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Kenya. Additionally, the company’s Global CTO is a Kenyan woman, and 30% of Glovo’s leadership positions are held by women. Glovo also offers an internal mentorship program to support and develop female leaders.
Caroline recommended Super Soul Conversations by Oprah as a source of inspiration for women and encouraged the audience to “let excellence be their brand.” She advised them to create a vision board, build a supportive network, and practice accountability, stressing the importance of balance and self-assurance as they progress in their careers.
Announcing a new graduate trainee program for sales executives, Caroline shared Glovo’s commitment to developing young talent in Kenya. This initiative aims to provide fresh graduates with opportunities to begin their careers in the tech industry.
Highlighting initiatives under Glovo Local (a program for small and medium-sized businesses in the retail and restaurant industries to enable them to digitise their products and services in order to boost their growth), she discussed the training provided for up-and-coming businesses in Kenya, including social media training and promoting sustainable packaging. These efforts aim to provide market access and support for local entrepreneurs.
Caroline Mutuku’s message was a powerful reminder of the importance of innovation, mentorship, and inclusivity in the tech industry. Her insights will undoubtedly inspire many to pursue their goals with confidence and determination.
Follow us on Telegram, Twitter, and Facebook, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates. Send tips to editorial@techtrendsmedia.co.ke
