Hustle Tales
Brief Bio:
I’m a rare breed of a mukiga and a musoga creating a very humble but determined individual daring to conquer the world. Born in a humble setting where lack was the way of life, I was raised by my mother who did all she could to see us through life till she was no more.
I’m schooled in both Computer Engineering and Business Marketing in the UK with working stints cutting across Uganda, UK, and the USA. I spent my early years after high school starting small ventures in downtown Kampala which culminated in me and my would be then, wife and best friend starting the Just Shoes Initiative that successfully helped place over 3500 pairs of shoes on children’s feet in Kamuli post the Jigger outbreak.
Current Location?
Kampala
Current gig(s)?
COUNTRY MANAGER, BRIGHTER MONDAY UGANDA LIMITED.
Current computer(s)? Why this one?
HP. It’s functional, slim and sleek, oh snap, and it’s blue.
Current mobile device(s)? Why this one?
HTC Desire 815. It’s also blue and replaces my laptop when I’m on the go.
One word that best describes how you work:
FREEDOM!
How did you end up at your current gig?
Having been skilled in Business Marketing and having a background of building start-ups within the online space, taking on the mantle at Brighter Monday Uganda Ltd connected with my story. Putting that aside, it was the favour of God above all things and the wise admonishment and support from my wife
… Are there any career decisions/life choices/failures that were fundamental in making you the person you are now, doing what you are doing now?
My decision to give up working abroad and returning to Uganda turned out to be a wise move. But this was after the decision was made. Failures? Absolutely many many failures brought me to this place and I assure you there will be many more. My solace is; failure is a sign that someone is trying – the gist is in not giving up and learning each time.
Is your startup (or whatever applies here) able to fully support you or do you have side gigs to sustain you as it grows? Any stories of some of the struggles/sacrifices you’ve had to make to see this dream come to life?
Life’s changing needs means that what is currently sufficient to support me now won’t be so tomorrow. On anyone’s journey upwards, you’ll always go past those going downwards, those stuck and those climbing with you. Sacrifices have to be made regarding who you surround yourself with. I’ve had to prune some friendships, take on new ones while consolidating other existing ones. However, with such sacrifices, the key has been in not forgetting where you are coming from and always positioning yourself to give a hand as and when you can.
What apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
I’m not much of an app/software guy though I keep with the trends. I would say the one APP/software/tool I keep closest to me is my WIFE and children. They determine my dream, aspirations and are my solid rock every single day. I also do like my Entrepreneur App to stay informed and keep an eye out on Facebook and listen to music using Jango.
What’s your workspace like?
We embrace an industrial fun filled workspace that embraces creativity and focuses on achievement rather than time spent in office. We seek to create an environment that brings inspiration.
How big is the team of people you work with and what’s your formula for managing them?
We currently have a team of almost 20 staff. I’ve learnt a lot from my journey working with people, as well as from my family, that good management is very different from great management. Being able to work with people is very different from having people work for you. You need to be willing to listen, have an open channel for people to voice concerns or share ideas but above all, letting people fly high while giving those slow learners time and support to turn into eagles. I keep off micro management and rather focus on empowering each manager to execute on what is entrusted to them. Above all, keep a positive outlook.
What’s your best time-saving trick/life hack?
Prioritizing. Many of us spend time chasing the elusive Yeti. I rather focus on what is important at that time and delegate where need be.
What’s your favorite to-do list manager?
To be honestly honest with you, it’s my WIFE. Hahahahaha!
Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
Those are actually the only gadgets I keep closest to me. I could add to that, my Watch.
What everyday thing are you better at than most?
I’m a very humble lad, so much as there are things I would deem better than others, I choose not to make myself a fool
How do you recharge?
Sleep.
What do you listen to while you work?
I love the sound of my thoughts. I spend a lot of time thinking and scribbling what my mind is up to. The radio at office plays quite often but if I listened to something, it would be some good worship music.
What are you currently reading? What usually leads you to buy a book? Books you’ve read recently that have impacted on you deeply? What kind of impact did they have?
I lost my knack of reading books, but every day, I read articles from the entrepreneur magazine. Always looking for ways to become better at what I aim to be. My favourite book is the Bible. I’ve read it page to page several times which has really helped me steer my life to where it is.
Any mentors/role models that you are working with/have inspired you and what lessons have you managed to learn from them?
In my life, my two inspirations are my wife, Emer Mugisha and my twin boys, Elijah and Zachary. I wouldn’t be the man that I am if it wasn’t for my wife. The level of belief she has in me is unbelievable.
Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?
I would place myself smack bang in the middle, but a little bit closer to being an extrovert.
What’s your sleep routine like?
With two new baby boys, the word sleep routine does not really apply to me.
How do you strike a balance between work, family, friends and other social obligations?
My priority lies with my family first. The rest has to align itself behind this.
Who else would you love to see answer these same questions?
Charles Mugyenzi.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“TO LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, MIND AND SOUL” and above all that, “SHE’S ALWAYS RIGHT!”
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Do not ascribe to the notion that SKY IS THE LIMIT. Limitations are the extent to which you stretch you thinking. SKY IS ONLY THE BEGINNING.
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If you have any additional questions for Joshua, feel free to drop them in the comment section below. She will try and answer those she can. Click here to read other Hustle Tales
The Hustle Tales (adapted from LifeHackers, How I Work series) asks people that are doing epic things how they go through their daily routines to make sure whatever is needed to get the job accomplished is done. If you are interested in doing one these interviews or know someone you think should do one, inbox uswith the details and we’ll see if we can make it happen.
