Maureen Ochang: Leading with purpose, making an impact

Maureen Ochang: Leading with purpose, making an impact (Photo: M. Ochang)

Maureen Ochang, the President of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Kenya Chapter, embodies a leadership philosophy deeply rooted in mentorship, strategic thinking and a commitment to empowering others.

With more than 14 years of experience in the financial sector, Ochang offers invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of project management.

“Mentorship is central to my leadership approach, especially when supporting women beginning their careers in project management. I offer a safe, empowering space where they can grow,” Ochang says.

“I encourage them to seek help when needed, as it shows self-awareness and builds strong professional relationships. I remind them that setbacks are temporary, ‘a bad day, not a bad life,’” she says.

Ochang emphasises the importance of continuous learning, urging women to remain curious and committed to lifelong learning to stay competitive.

“Prioritise your emotional, physical and mental well-being through exercise, sleep, hobbies and healthy boundaries for resilience. Above all, be kind to yourself: don’t internalise others’ failures, learn from mistakes and celebrate small victories,” Ochang says.

Reflecting on her experience leading agile transformation at Old Mutual Kenya, a complex project involving significant strategic shifts, Ochang highlights the critical leadership lessons she learned.

“Leading the agile transformation as Head of the Enterprise Project Management Office, I learned the power of active and visible leadership, being present not just during execution but also during the strategic conceptualisation and benefit realisation phases,” she says.

She says transparent communication and active listening proved crucial in building alignment and trust across stakeholders. Ochang also learned the value of focusing on progress over perfection, emphasising the importance of regular retrospectives and simple gestures like thank-you notes to keep teams motivated.

To cultivate a culture of continuous learning, Ochang strategically integrates it into her mentorship and coaching.

“Fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development is something I intentionally embed in my mentorship and coaching approach,” she explains.

She guides her mentees and coachees in crafting detailed career development plans aligned with their personal goals and organisational values; these become their own life project plans.

“Real growth happens when you raise your hand, dive into new challenges, and commit to figuring things out along the way. You don’t need to have all the answers, just the willingness to learn,” Ochang says.

Furthermore, she encourages mentees to teach and share knowledge with others, recognising it as a powerful way to deepen understanding and build leadership skills.

Ochang also champions membership in professional organisations like PMI, citing the access to resources, communities and certifications as accelerators for learning and career advancement.

Drawing upon her extensive experience in the financial sector, Ochang offers salient advice to young professionals, particularly women in corporate environments.

“Be confident, advocate for yourself and seize growth opportunities, even those outside your comfort zone; don’t wait to be asked or underestimate your value,” she advises.

Ochang also stresses the importance of supporting other women, advocating for a merit-based approach to uplift other women, where you can; paying it forward helps bridge the gender gap but is always based on merit.

She also emphasises the need for a strong support system, mentors, peers, family, or a personal ‘board of directors’ to provide grounding, balance and help manage the unique challenges women encounter in corporate settings.

As a female leader in a traditionally male-dominated field, Ochang has encountered unique challenges that have shaped her journey. Balancing career and personal life, particularly as a mother and an African woman, plus societal expectations, was a significant hurdle.

“Establish healthy boundaries, allow space for rest and focus. At first, I was overcompensating, but I learned the importance of seeking help and building a strong network of allies.” Ochang emphasises. 

She goes on to say that battling impostor syndrome, especially when managing diverse projects, taught her that growth comes from taking risks even when afraid. One of her mantras now is: be scared, but show up anyway.

Despite her successes, Ochang acknowledges that balance is still a journey. She focuses on impact and prioritises tasks with short and long-term significance.

“When life happens and I don’t get everything done, I extend grace to myself, listen to my body and take time to recharge,” she says.

Yet, Ochang attributes her greatest motivation to her upbringing and values.

“What keeps me going are gifts from my past, parents and grandparents who lived in service to others. My Christian faith and values also drive me to show compassion,” Ochang says.

As rapid technological and organisational change sweeps through industries, Ochang foresees an evolving role for project management, emphasising the need for women to maintain their competitive edge.

Looking ahead, Ochang envisions an evolving role for project management in the face of rapid technological and organisational change and advises women to stay ahead of the game.

“As women project managers, staying competitive and relevant in a rapidly evolving world means continuously updating our skills, knowledge and competencies. Embrace an agile and growth mindset and staying updated on digital tools will enhance your skills,” Ochang advises.