Full Name:
Catherine Shipushu
Age:
45
Designation:
Brand Strategist
Country:
Namibia
Please introduce yourself:
My name is Catherine Shipushu. I see myself as a change catalyst and am deeply passionate about the advancement of women in society, which is why I established She’s Empowered, a business that is focused on empowering women to thrive through mentorship and training. I’m also a Brand Strategist with close to 20 years’ experience across television broadcasting, marketing and public relations. I’m motivated by the desire to leave a strong legacy through creating value and positively impacting the lives of others.
What attracted you to Public Relations (PR) and Branding?
After a 10-year career in television, getting into PR initially felt like a natural progression. But PR ignited a spark within me and I fell in love with the industry. However, I soon realized that I didn’t fully understand it, nor did I have the requisite skills to thrive in my job. So I made a decision to enroll at the Namibia University of Science and Technology where I graduated with an Honours in Journalism and Communication Technology, majoring in Public Relations. I’ve since broaden my scope to include brand management which has become my first love because I absolutely enjoy seeing brands blossom from a mere idea to household names.
What’s the worst misconception about what you do?
That it’s a glamorous job. In a way I can understand why that perception exists. But what most people don’t see are the long hours spent doing research, conceptualizing campaigns, putting strategies in place and many other activities that take place behind the scenes. The media features and events are but a culmination of the long hours and sleepless nights that it takes to build and position a brand.
How do you define success?
I prefer to view success from its by product or what it enables me to do. For instance, being able to take care of my family, uplift and positively impact others, and having the means to live a comfortable life on my own terms.
What obstacles did you face in your career and how did you overcome them?
For the first 12 years of my career, I had not access to support or mentorship and I made a lot of mistakes because of this. That’s why I started the She’s Empowered Mentorship Programme because I didn’t want any other young woman to experience the same difficulties that I did. Through the programme, we match mentees with experienced mentors to help them navigate the complexities of the work environment and life in general.
What are some of the activities that you carry out through your She's Empowered Mentorship programme?
The She’s Empowered Women’s Network was founded with the aim of empowering and uplifting women through mentorship, education and training. It is a space for women to exchange ideas, form deeper connections, and learn from others’ successes and failures. In addition to the one-on-one mentorship interactions, this year we introduced monthly lean in sessions for all mentees where we tackle key topics such financial management, mental health and personal branding. Our aim is to help our mentees to grow holistically in all areas of their lives. Mentorship helps develop great leaders. Through the programme, we’re essentially grooming the next generation of Namibia’s female leaders.
You are very passionate about mentorship. What are the benefits of having a mentor?
The benefit of a having a mentor is invaluable, primarily the guidance of a trusted adviser, someone who has walked the path you’re embarking on. By leveraging the personal experience of your mentors, you are better prepared to navigate the challenging corporate or business landscape. You are therefore likely to make fewer mistakes or avoid them altogether and accelerate your career advancement. A mentor also acts as a sounding board for your ideas, offers valuable insights and helps you develop your knowledge and skills. Having a mentor also allows you to expand your professional network. I know for sure I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of the mentors I’ve had over the years.
Do you ever experience imposter syndrome? How do you manage it so that it doesn’t stand in the way of you pursuing your dreams?
Yes, more often than I’d like. I have learned to manage imposter syndrome by teaching myself firstly, how to recognize it and then acknowledge it for what it is. In those moments, I also remind myself that I did not get here by accident, that I’ve worked hard, paid my dues, and I bring my unique value to the table.
In the world of #winning. How do you handle failure?
I know now that failure is the best teacher. I’ve learned to embrace it and always strive to learn the lessons it is meant to teach me.
Which female (role model) has impacted your life and what have you learned from her?
My Mother, who is the strongest woman has had the biggest impact in my life. I still learn so much from her and she continues to inspire me every day.
What’s your dream for the African woman?
For her to recognize and tap into the infinite power and potential that lies within her. I’d like to see us being bold in following our dreams and to have the freedom to truly own our spaces without being apologetic about our intelligence or success. I would also like to see African women collaborating more and establishing strong networks as platforms to learn and grow together. It is equally imperative to create a conducive and enabling environment for women to become active participants in the economy.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their careers?
Be clear about your goals and what it will require for you to achieve them. But also, be in tune with the changes in your environment and evolve as necessary so that you not only remain relevant but also able to deliver the required value.
Quick this and that:
3 books that changed your life
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Half of a yellow sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
The Leader without a title by Robin Sharma
Favourite way to unwind
Watching my favourite series, reading and listening to music
Best advice you’ve ever received
“In all things you do, always seek understanding because people don’t see the world you do.”
3 Apps you can’t function without
Calendar
Email (is that an App?)
"Have the audacity to believe that you belong in any space your dreams leads you to." - Catherine Shipushu
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