This week’s Comms Spotlight is a throwback to some of the inspiring interviews we’ve had in Q3 2025 and is a pointer to the diverse industries Communications professionals have access to. When building a career, you often wonder what to focus on but this week’s interview recap highlights the stellar advice senior professionals have for young professionals. If you looking for a boost of encouragement and inspiration, you’ll definitely enjoy this.
Ashu Ma-Mbeng Success, Head of Corporate Communications, Olam Agri, Cameroon
What advice would you give to someone looking to build a long-term career in this field?
First and foremost, understand that communication is not just about writing press releases or managing social media about building trust, shaping narratives, and influencing perception. If you want to build a long-term career in this field, you must approach it with both strategic intent and emotional intelligence.
Start by mastering the fundamentals writing, storytelling, audience analysis, and media relations. But don’t stop there. The most successful communicators are those who understand the business. Learn how your organisation operates, what drives its growth, and how communications can support its goals. When you can speak the language of both the boardroom and the newsroom, you become indispensable.
Second, stay curious and adaptable. The communications landscape is constantly evolving new platforms, new technologies, new expectations. Invest in continuous learning. Take courses, attend webinars, read widely, and stay ahead of trends. Certifications like those from CIPR or IABC can also add credibility and sharpen your strategic thinking.
Third, build relationships. Communications is a people-centered profession. Your ability to influence, collaborate, and lead often depends on the strength of your internal and external networks. Find mentors, seek feedback, and surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
And finally, lead with authenticity and purpose. The best communicators are those who bring their full selves to work who communicate with empathy, integrity, and clarity. Don’t be afraid to bring your voice, your values, and your vision to the table. That’s where real impact begins.
A career in communications is not always linear, but it is deeply rewarding. If you’re passionate about connecting people, shaping stories, and driving change, then this field will not only welcome you, but it will also stretch you, grow you, and empower you to lead.
Oloo Victor, Senior Manager, Communications, Coca-Cola East and Central Africa
How do you ensure Communications initiatives are effective across countries and cultures?
Throughout my 15-year career, my driving purpose has been to shape powerful narratives that inspire action and deliver measurable impact across Africa. To ensure communication initiatives are effective across diverse countries and cultures, it’s crucial to first understand your audience and identify the specific problem you’re trying to solve for them and the business. From there, you can devise clear strategies to achieve your desired solution.
In a business context, always start with the overall business objective and clearly define the role your communication initiative will play in achieving it. Each country and culture is unique in how it receives and reacts to communications, so your strategy must include a tailored approach for each specific initiative.
Factors like language, communication platforms, and local dynamics are all critical considerations when choosing your communication approach. These steps are fundamental to ensuring your communications resonate effectively across diverse regions.
Judith Olang, Program Manager, Sharing Strategies
Tell us about a challenge you’ve faced on your career journey and how you overcame it.
One of the most enduring challenges in my career has been managing the tension between ambition and uncertainty (internal and external). I want to grow fast and make a meaningful impact. Still, I also question whether my path will truly deliver the satisfaction I’m hoping for, professionally, personally, and spiritually.
We’re in a time where careers are highly visible, highly competitive, and often judged by how quickly you’re rising or how big your next title is. And yet, that kind of momentum isn’t always linear or sustainable. After leaving my role at TradeMark Africa, I went through a quiet and confronting transition. I had to grapple with big questions: Are my skills still bankable? Is this path still worth it? Do I even like it anymore? Do I need to pivot or push through?
I didn’t rush to fill the gap. Instead, I used the time to reflect, consult, and learn. I took on consultancies that stretched my skill set and challenged me to apply my experience in new ways. I sought mentorship and continue to do so, not just for knowledge but for perspective. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve become more pragmatic about what I’m willing to tolerate or push through in pursuit of long-term impact.
Growth doesn’t always look like a promotion. Sometimes, it’s saying no to something that isn’t aligned. Sometimes, it’s quietly upskilling. And often, it’s doing the inner work to ensure someone else’s pace isn’t defining your sense of direction.
So, I wouldn’t say I’ve “overcome” the challenge; it’s an ongoing, evolving process. But I’m learning to be more comfortable with uncertainty, be even more intentional in every season, and trust the value of speed and stillness in their time.
Chiimbiru Gimode, Principal Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Communications Authority of Kenya
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you handle it?
The greatest test of my career has been reconciling the idealism of professionalism with the unpredictable realities of the workplace. In theory, everything is neat and structured; in practice, it’s a whirlwind of shifting priorities, diverse audiences, and organisational dynamics.
I’ve learned that adaptability is not just a skill, it’s a lifeline. By embracing continuous learning and tuning in to the unique rhythms of each situation, I’ve transformed challenges into opportunities for growth. Every obstacle has taught me to listen more deeply, think more creatively, and lead with empathy.
