Meet Karin Jesuis as She Fuels the Fire Of African Entrepreneurship

“I saw the write up of the first TEF Forum and was hooked. Mr Tony had started the ball rolling for Africa’s emancipation, I wanted to be part of it.”

Karin is an executive management professional with more than 25 years of experience in both private and public sector. She is the owner of HMK Consult Global, a company that specializes in complex projects in Healthcare, Executive Management Services, Strategy Development, Investment Monitoring for Investment Funds and Trusts, Aviation Training, Project Management, Project Management Training and IT Security. Her team has worked throughout the world with great success.

She is also Senior Director of Projects and Physical Planning, her newest appointment as the Chief Steward of Sustainability Council will see her as part of the team that will spearhead the drive to make AUN an influencer in sustainability in Nigeria, Africa and the world.

Karin’s published articles on management practices are widely read, with her being the most read author of her organization for the last 2 years. Additionally, she was the project manager for the pilot project for New Health Insurance Act in South Africa for the Western Cape. She was the founder trustee of both the South African Women’s Entrepreneurs Network and the WHEAT Trust. On the political field she drafted the Sandton Declaration and the legal framework for the Unification of Africa. Internationally she assisted in developing a healthcare system for the Ukraine government. On the agriculture front she was part of the team that drafted the Natural Farming Bill for South Africa. She was also a key member in the development of a disruptive medical aid, credit management system and asset manager’s overview program.

With such a rich portfolio, she has received numerous awards in the course of her professional life. These awards include: the Global Leadership Excellence Award 2014 and 2015; Cambridge Institute – one of the most influential people in the world 2005; she was also shortlisted for the Forbes list 2008; Special recognition award from President Nelson Mandela for her contribution to entrepreneurship and financial upliftment in Africa 2003; Manto Tsbala-Msimang award for recognition of her contribution to healthcare in South Africa; Top 4% of Nigerian executives Award 2015; outstanding staff award at AUN for both University and Department 2014/2017.

She is passionate about Africa and its economic development and has been a Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) mentor for the past three years. She spoke to the TEF team about her work on the Entrepreneurship Programme so far.

 

Q: Why did you decide to become a TEF Mentor?

A: I saw the write up of the first TEF Forum and was hooked. Mr Tony had started the ball rolling for Africa’s emancipation, I wanted to be part of it. I have worked with President Nelson Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki to create opportunities for women and youth. I was founder member of both the SAWEN and WHEAT initiatives. TEF is an expansion of my passion for the African entrepreneurship ecosystem. I want my Africa to be proud and independent strong and fierce.

Q: What’s the most encouraging experience you have had while working with our entrepreneurs?

A: Their passion, determination and focus to become successful even against some dire odds.

 

Q: What are the challenges you have faced so far mentoring the TEF Entrepreneurs?

A: Time is a major constraint. It is difficult to manage the time of both a budding business person and one’s own work commitments.

 

Q: How has your experience as a mentor in TEF Programme benefited or affected the way you run your own business?

A: It is a very good programme, it encompasses most questions that should be asked. It helped in fine tuning some factors of my own business.

 

Q: Beyond the TEF Module that you use for your mentoring duties, what other life lessons do you constantly share with your mentees?

A: I have many training programmes, articles and “short cuts” which I share.

 

Q: Any advice for budding entrepreneurs who will read this piece?

A: Do your homework, make sure you make returns from your investments. Also, think before you act, ask people for advice, observe the industry that you are involved in, go and see what your competitors are doing and be adaptable.

 

To reach Karen Jesuis or HMK Consult Global, send an email to:  karin@hmkconsultglobal.com