These projects represent just a glimpse of my journey, showcasing a few that I am particularly proud of and where I’ve gained invaluable insights. Each one reflects my capability to manage diverse challenges while consistently meeting stakeholder expectations.
Initially introduced as Teraco Info Days, the idea emerged in response to the recurring inquiries surrounding NAPAfrica and Africa Cloud Exchange. As a small team responsible for driving connectivity value at Teraco, we found ourselves inundated with questions and meeting requests on these specific topics. Recognizing the need for a more efficient approach, I proposed the concept of hosting an in-person training session where multiple clients could engage with our team simultaneously.
With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we pivoted Tech Days into an online webinar format. This adaptation allowed knowledgeable individuals from the tech industry to share insights, experiences, and provide training on a range of relevant subjects remotely.
Since its inception in 2020, Tech Days has experienced remarkable growth, now attracting approximately 450 registrations per session across at least 10 sessions annually. This initiative has not only facilitated broader industry knowledge sharing but has also been integrated into our ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting within the business. This highlights our commitment to education, community engagement, and sustainable business practices.
Additionally, selected sessions have been recorded and are accessible through our platform for continued learning and reference: Tech Days Recordings
Upon entering the Tech industry, I observed a significant emphasis on Women in Tech initiatives. While these groups and events aim to promote female representation, I believe they fall short of their intended goal, which is to attract more women to join the industry.
My viewpoint stems from the realization that these groups predominantly consist of women who are already part of the industry. To truly expand female participation, we need to extend our reach to the younger generation and showcase the boundless opportunities and possibilities within the Tech field. Prior to my entry into the industry, I had little knowledge of the diverse range of career paths available.
Driven by my passion for inspiring others, I proposed the concept of 'Youth in Tech,' although at the time, I lacked a concrete plan of action and involvement.
Recognizing the potential of this idea, the Teraco team took the initiative and, in 2022, partnered with AWS to host the inaugural Youth in Tech event. I had the privilege of attending this event and sharing my personal career journey with university students on the cusp of embarking on their own professional paths.
The joy that overwhelmed me was indescribable as I witnessed their faces light up, realizing that anything is attainable through a willingness to learn and explore the possibilities within the Tech industry.
Following the successful launch and technical readiness of ACX, our focus shifted to automating the configuration process. Recognizing the critical need for a user-friendly interface, I took the lead in 2019 to design a mockup functionality for the portal, proposing features aimed at improving user experience. This prototype laid the groundwork for the Africa Cloud Exchange portal's development, which began in 2020 and was officially launched in February 2022. As the project manager, I collaborate closely with developers and gather client feedback to refine usability. In tandem, I engage with Network Engineers to explore technical possibilities and ensure our offerings align with market standards, driving continuous improvement in our product's capabilities.
See more on this project here.
In 2019, I became a member of the Peering Toolbox team with the specific goal of assuming project leadership responsibilities, offering assistance in content development, and contributing to the promotion of this initiative. The Peering Toolbox predominantly falls under the purview of EURO-IX, and my role has entailed close collaboration with the EURO-IX team. This collaborative effort has involved the creation of engaging social media content, enhancements to the website's user interface, the dissemination of valuable peering insights and knowledge, as well as the compilation of content for the website's resource repository.
In collaboration with the Organisational Development Manager, I co-founded 'Terasocial' in 2019 — an internal social committee dedicated to fostering a sense of community and engagement. This initiative centered on organizing social initiatives and also marked the inception of our internal newsletter.
Since its inception, 'Terasocial' has made significant strides in enhancing employee engagement and well-being. Although the committee itself has been dissolved, its legacy lives on as HR and Marketing have joined forces to continue prioritizing employee engagement initiatives. This collaboration ensures that the focus on fostering a supportive workplace culture and maintaining open communication through initiatives like the internal newsletter remains a cornerstone of our organizational values.
During the construction of the Client Lounge in 2018, I proactively proposed the installation of a vending machine. The Teraco JHB facility's somewhat remote location presents challenges in accessing food and snacks, often requiring a considerable commute. Given that engineers frequently dedicate extended periods, often after regular hours, within the facility, the feasibility of stepping out for refreshments becomes limited.
Recognizing the significant impact a simple amenity could have on enhancing the client experience, I prioritized addressing the need for accessible refreshments and snacks at the Teraco JHB facility. Engineers' ability to access food conveniently was crucial in supporting their productivity and comfort during long shifts. Identifying this client-centric need, I took proactive steps to source potential vending machine suppliers. Collaborating closely with Teraco management, we successfully established a partnership with a vendor, ensuring the seamless integration of this essential amenity. This small change had a substantial positive impact on our team's well-being and efficiency within the facility.
In 2018, I had the privilege of being a pivotal member of the team that spearheaded the endeavor to establish the first Client Lounge within the Teraco JB1 Facility. Recognizing the need for a comfortable area for engineers who often have long shifts in the data center and sometimes stay overnight, I advocated strongly for the Client Lounge. Ensuring the highest quality customer experience at our facility was paramount to me.
As a team member, I contributed to the procurement of skilled builders, the meticulous management of project schedules, facilitation of inter-team communication, and diligent adherence to health and safety protocols under the guidance of our team leader. These efforts were instrumental in achieving the successful completion of the construction project.
This experience provided me with invaluable insights into project management, execution, and adaptation as projects evolve. Learning firsthand the complexities involved in balancing timelines, resources, and team dynamics has equipped me with practical skills that I continue to apply and refine in subsequent endeavors. Understanding the importance of flexibility and proactive problem-solving has been particularly enlightening, ensuring that projects not only meet but exceed expectations.
Concurrently, we executed a comprehensive renovation of the staff canteens situated across the entire facility.
In 2017, at the age of only 20 years old and only being with the company for 1-year, I was entrusted by the CEO with the responsibility of organizing the year-end function, slated to be hosted in our recently completed facilities. Armed with a designated budget and granted creative autonomy, I embarked on conceptualizing the event. After careful consideration, I settled on a captivating Carnival Theme, complete with a variety of food stalls, games, photo booths, and musical entertainment.
Tasked with managing the event, I successfully executed it using only 70% of the allocated budget. The event was a resounding success, marking a commendable start to my experience in event management.