Celebrating Women's Month with Nashua

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Meet Cathy Viriri, Managing Director at Nashua Tshwane

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As we continue to highlight remarkable women within Nashua this Women’s Month, we are excited to introduce Cathy Viriri, the Managing Director at Nashua Tshwane. Cathy has embraced her role with dynamism, leading the franchise towards achieving its strategic objectives with a people-centric approach. Her leadership exemplifies the values that have earned Nashua the Top Employer status, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

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A Day in the Life of a Managing Director

Q: Can you tell us about your role at Nashua Tshwane and what a typical day looks like for you?

Cathy: My role as the Managing Director for Nashua Tshwane is to lead and oversee all business operations, people, and new ventures. My goal is to ensure that the company is consistently moving towards fulfilling its short-term and long-term objectives. I start my day by walking around the building and greeting all staff, which gives me a sense of the team’s general morale and an opportunity to engage in informal small talks on areas of improvement. Following that, I participate in scheduled meetings, both virtually and in person, with employees, customers, and suppliers. I also touch base with EXCO team members to align on daily outcomes. My day is rounded off with email correspondence, administrative work, and planning for the next day.

The Journey to Nashua

Q: What motivated you to join Nashua Tshwane, and what has your journey been like since you started?

Cathy: The progressive nature of Nashua, its recognition as a Top Employer in South Africa, and its value-based culture under the JSE-listed Reunert Group attracted me. My journey had an exploratory aspect, especially transitioning from a different industry, as I worked on understanding the intricacies of the ICT sector while grasping the nuances of the team and our key stakeholders.

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Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Q: How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life, especially if you have family commitments?

Cathy: I exercise three to four times a week, engaging in road running, hiking, or swimming, which helps me recharge. Luckily, my sons are young adults in college, and we do weekly meal prep, making our lunches and dinners convenient. We cherish our weekends by dining out, attending church, and resting on Sundays.

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Overcoming Challenges as a Woman in Business

Q: Have you faced any challenges as a woman in your role, and how have you overcome them?

Cathy: Yes, challenges related to gender stereotypes, mentorship scarcity, pay inequality, and the glass ceiling are prevalent. However, I’ve been fortunate to have female and male mentors who genuinely supported my career. At Nashua Tshwane, I truly appreciate the support from our CEO, allowing me to hold the highest-ranking position within the company.

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Proud Accomplishments at Nashua Tshwane

Q: What accomplishments are you most proud of during your time at Nashua Tshwane?

Cathy: A significant accomplishment was our team’s decision to secure new, larger premises in Tshwane. We moved within four weeks, demonstrating teamwork through daily stand-up meetings to ensure alignment on the project rollout.

Memorable Projects and Experiences

Q: Can you share a memorable experience or project you've worked on at Nashua Tshwane?

Cathy: The project of relocating to new premises was truly memorable. It showcased our teamwork and commitment to achieving results under pressure.

Advice for Aspiring Female Leaders in Tech

Q: What advice would you give to other women aspiring to take on leadership roles in the tech industry?

Cathy: At Nashua, leadership roles are available to everyone. Your actions, work ethic, capability, attitude, and willingness to learn will determine your success in climbing the corporate ladder. Seek out mentors and sponsors who will advocate for you in spaces where you may not be present.

Join Nashua's Thriving Community

At Nashua, we are dedicated to creating an environment that values talent and diversity. Cathy's journey exemplifies our commitment to empowering women in leadership roles. We invite you to discover the opportunities available at Nashua and become a part of our dynamic community.

Learn more about career opportunities at Nashua: https://www.nashua.co.za/careers/