INTERVIEW WITH BETIEL MEDHANIE

 


  1. What was the most valuable lesson you learned during the Spark Program? 

The Spark Program was an amazing journey of learning and one of the most valuable lessons was effective communication and communicating for results. This skill helped me to be an active listener, make negotiations a learning conversation, and build strong collaborative relationships to drive successful executions. 

The program also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptability to fast changes. I am now an avid reader of Harvard Business Review articles related to leadership and personal development.  

 

  1. How has Sucafina enabled you to grow both personally and professionally? 

 

I will be celebrating my 10th year with Sucafina this year and it’s been a continuous journey of growth personally and professionally.  


Professionally
: I have had many opportunities and benefitted from on-the-job learning, peers and development programs, and continue to do so. I am grateful!
 


Personally: I live our company purpose – creating opportunities to improve lives – and
Sucafina has created opportunities for me to grow and improve my life and family.
 

 

  1. What are you most proud of in your time at Sucafina? 


There are so many proud moments. To give just two: graduating from the Spark Program and contributing to the major milestone of the export of 1 million+ bags of coffee in a year from Uganda during the
Covid period.
 

 

  1. Who are the female figures that inspire you in your career? 


My life mentors are resilient women with many responsibilities (motherhood, say), senior executives, and leaders. I look up to them and aspire to reach their level. I would like to give a shout
out Raphaelle Hemmerlin at Sucafina for her inspiration, coaching, and empowerment. 
 

 

  1. What advice would you give to women who want to work in your field?   


The
logistics field is very fast-paced and demanding – my advice is to stay resilient, keep pushing, have an ‘it is possible’ mindset, and have fun while doing it. It’s also important to strive to continuously learn, remain curious, and embrace new challenges to help grow and advance in your career.