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Q&A with Mary Thadeus, newly appointed Country Manager, CSI Energy Tanzania

Mary Thadeus has recently been appointed as the Country Manager for CSI Energy Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in her inspiring journey with the company. In this interview, Mary shares her thoughts on leadership, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her vision for the future. Get to know more about the person behind the role and the values driving her success.

"Above all, I believe in trusting the process and knowing that things will fall into place when the time is right. Having faith has been a source of strength for me."

Q&A with Mary Thadeus, newly appointed Country Manager, CSI Energy Tanzania


Reflecting on your journey with CSI Energy Group, what has been the most rewarding experience or achievement that stands out for you?

Looking back, one of the moments I’m most proud of is earning the trust of our stakeholders, like suppliers and government agencies, during tough financial times. We had to be upfront about our challenges, and it meant a lot that they understood and stood by us.

I’ve also learned the value of staying calm and keeping a positive outlook, no matter the challenges, it’s amazing how much a calm and optimistic attitude can help in finding solutions. Another big realization for me has been understanding that everyone is different, and once you accept people as they are, working together becomes so much easier and more productive.

Securing a $1.7 million contract for new projects was another highlight, it felt like a huge win for the team. And, of course, completing the high-voltage and electrical installation at Buckreef Goldmine Company was a proud moment, seeing all the hard work come together so successfully.

What key challenges have you faced while transitioning through various roles, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenges I’ve faced as I’ve grown in my career have been about understanding the full picture of what goes into a project. It’s not just about managing funds, there’s so much pressure tied to other aspects of the work, like meeting expectations, keeping stakeholders informed, and handling unexpected hurdles. I’ve also learned how critical time is in delivering a project. Delays can lead to overspending, while staying on schedule can save both time and resources. Sometimes, it’s the internal processes that make all the difference, streamlining how things are done within the team can have a huge impact on the success of a project.

To overcome these challenges, I’ve made it a point to get involved in what other departments are doing. It’s not enough to stay in your own lane, I’ve found that understanding the bigger picture is key. I’ve taken the time to fully participate in learning about the overall work being done, whether it’s commercial, operational, or project-related, instead of focusing only on admin tasks. This has helped me see where the gaps are and come up with practical solutions to address them. It’s a collaborative effort, and being hands-on has made a big difference in navigating these challenges.

As the new Country Manager, what is your vision for CSI Energy Group in Tanzania, and how do you plan to lead the team toward achieving it?

My vision as Country Manager is to create a company where everyone feels involved and valued. Setting clear goals is important, but it’s equally important to involve every department and position in shaping those goals. When people understand how their role contributes to the bigger picture, it not only motivates them but also drives the company forward. I want to build a culture where everyone’s opinions are heard and addressed with facts, creating an environment of trust and collaboration.

Another priority for me is ensuring sustainable employment, where our team can feel secure about their future with the company. Addressing liquidity challenges is a big part of this, and I aim to resolve those issues within five years. Timely provision of dividends to shareholders is also a key goal, as it reflects our financial health and accountability. To achieve all of this, securing more contracts will be critical, it’s the foundation that allows us to grow, sustain, and succeed together.

How has your background in accounting and finance contributed to your leadership style and strategic decision-making?

My background in accounting and finance has been a big part of how I approach decision-making. For me, every decision starts with proper planning and careful analysis because numbers never lie, they give you a clear and honest picture of the situation. By combining this perspective with input from the team on the ground, we’re able to look at the full picture. This collaboration, where we bring together data and real-world insights, has made it much easier to make informed and effective decisions that benefit everyone involved.

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to climb the leadership ladder in their careers?

My advice to anyone aspiring to grow in their career is simple but powerful, patience pays. Greatness isn’t something that just appears, it’s something you earn through hard work and persistence. Remember, every time you stumble, you’re not starting over, you’re starting again, but this time with more experience. Taking ownership of your actions is crucial because it puts you in control of your future.

Believe in yourself, even when no one else does, because your confidence will carry you through challenges. Learn to validate yourself from within, instead of waiting for external validation, it’s one of the most important lessons I’ve learned. Above all, I believe in trusting the process and knowing that things will fall into place when the time is right. Having faith has been a source of strength for me.