As Dhamana hits its one-year milestone, I couldn’t think of a better way to mark the occasion than by taking on Mount Kilimanjaro. Why, you ask? Because just like starting Dhamana, climbing Kili required months of preparation, both mental and physical, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Little did I know that both the mountain and this incredible journey with Dhamana had a few surprises in store for me—and plenty of lessons along the way.
Lessons learnt – A journey of victories
Each day at a higher altitude was a victory. The climb wasn’t just about reaching the top but about embracing every step along the way. At Dhamana, this lesson resonates deeply. As a growing company, we may not have “summited” yet, but every milestone—every deal closed, partnership forged, and team member onboarded—is a triumph worth celebrating.
Kilimanjaro reminded me that success is not a solo endeavor. The mountain guides, with their support, exemplified the value of people capital. Their skills came together to help climbers navigate challenges. Similarly, at Dhamana, we strive to bring together people from varied backgrounds, working as a cohesive team to achieve a shared vision. My success is our success, and our collective victories are what will drive Dhamana forward.
Dreams beyond the summit. While I didn’t carry the Dhamana flag to Kilimanjaro’s peak, it still made it to the summit—a reminder that realizing a vision doesn’t always rest on one person. Dhamana’s dream is far bigger than me. One day, it might be a team member or partner who leads us to heights we can only imagine today. And that’s okay. What matters is that we all remain committed to the climb, working together to deliver on our promise to transform East Africa’s financial landscape.
I had the opportunity to reflect on what success looks like—not just for me, but for the people who make Dhamana what it is. Success is more than achieving targets; it’s about nurturing an environment where individuals can pursue their dreams alongside the company’s goals.
Investing in what matters. One of the most impactful lessons came from a guide who shared, “The mountain is my livelihood. If we spoil the mountain, my livelihood is gone” when I asked why he was picking up trash as we hiked. His words reinforced the importance of investing wholeheartedly in what you do and protecting what you value. For Dhamana, this means being advocates of trust and integrity, ensuring that our guarantees and partnerships build a sustainable future for the communities we serve.
The climb also reinforced the need to balance personal priorities—health, family, and work. As leaders, we often pour ourselves into our businesses, but Kilimanjaro reminded me of the importance of taking time off to recharge and reflect. If I can take that step, so can anyone.
Pole Pole—Slowly, Slowly. The Swahili phrase “Pole pole” became my mantra on the mountain. It’s a reminder that great achievements require patience and persistence. At Dhamana, we understand that building something meaningful takes time. There will be hard days, but the key is to keep moving forward, one step at a time, with clarity and purpose.
The path ahead - Future of Dhamana
Kilimanjaro may be behind me, but its lessons will guide the way forward. As Dhamana continues its climb, I envision a future where we stand as a beacon of hope for businesses and communities across East Africa. Through our guarantees, we aim to unlock local capital, power transformative projects, and build a legacy that outlasts us all.
This journey, both on the mountain and at Dhamana, is ongoing. We will face challenges, but with perseverance, teamwork, and purpose, I’m confident we’ll reach our summit.
For now, we climb—pole pole to the top.
