Leadership skills can launch a career

Working towards her MBA elective in private equity, Andia Chakava is always looking for opportunities to develop her career. When one such chance came along, she used some highly effective leadership techniques to ensure she didn’t miss out.

What was the opportunity exactly?

I’m particularly interested in Africa’s frontier markets – how investment can benefit the continent as well as investors. After recently managing a large fund in East Africa, I wanted to build on this experience. I’ve been keen to speak to Zain Latif, a Cass alumnus who’s held key posts at Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs, and now runs TLG Capital, a niche financier specialising in sub-Saharan Africa. My big chance came when I met him at a Cass talk on EU and Africa relations.

How did you make the most of this?

I needed to get his attention quickly, so I mentioned the fund I’d run, and that I’d seen him speak on ‘private equity for social returns’. I also told him how impressed I was! We then talked about an event he was holding in Uganda, involving key players in private equity. I knew I needed to be there – and he invited me.

You make it sound easy!

Well, my past work put me in a good position. But it was also my determination to make things happen – and the ability to ‘connect’ with people quickly. When I got to Uganda, I used my contacts and love of networking to speak to some important investors. I think these are all leadership skills that will help me in my career – and after Uganda, I’m certain it will be in private equity.