Pius Olanya – Value Champion from Restless Development

Looking back, what’s something special about your team that made your experience unforgettable?

What makes my team special is the support we give one another and our willingness  to find solutions to challenges within the department. Everyone is always ready to step  in and help, especially when time is limited. 

One moment that stands out was during the 2025 audits, when we had very limited  time to provide the required support. Through teamwork, commitment, and  collaboration, we successfully completed the process and achieved a clean audit  report. That experience reminded me of the strength of working together and is one of  the reasons my team has made my experience unforgettable.

Can you recall a moment during your time at Restless Development when your actions or decisions made a meaningful impact?

One moment that stands out for me was when Uganda hosted the Global Leadership  Group Conference (GLG), and Uganda Day Celebrations in 2024 concurrently. These  were high-pressure activities that required a lot of coordination, from logistical  preparations and airport pickups to guest allocations, hotel procurement, and  transportation arrangements. 

There were many unexpected challenges, including flight changes, delayed layovers,  and last-minute adjustments to travel, meals and accommodation plans. I had to  remain constantly engaged and communicate with different stakeholders, including  drivers, guests, Hub Directors, hotel management, chauffeurs, and other colleagues  to ensure that everyone was informed and that issues were resolved quickly. 

For me, this experience demonstrated that leading with heart means taking ownership,  remaining calm under pressure, and being willing to go the extra mile to support others.  I was deeply committed to making sure that every guest felt welcomed and that the  conference ran smoothly. Seeing everything come together successfully, despite the  challenges, was a very meaningful moment for me and reinforced the importance of  passion, teamwork, and servant leadership.

Which of the Restless values has stayed with you the most, and how do you find yourself living it even now?

The Restless value that has stayed with me the most is Heart. To me, Heart represents  passion, purpose, and the drive to give my best, even when the work becomes  challenging. 

I have found that when I approach my work with passion, it re-ignites my energy and  motivates me to go the extra mile to deliver, solve problems, and accomplish tasks. It  reminds me that work is not only about completing responsibilities, but also about  caring about the outcome and the people we serve. 

Even now, I continue to carry this value with me by bringing passion and commitment  to my work, supporting my colleagues, and taking ownership of challenges until we  find solutions.

What’s one challenge you’ve taken on to grow personally or professionally?

One of the biggest challenges I have taken on to grow professionally has been  managing financial reporting across 5 Hubs, including Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe,  Tanzania and Sierra Leone under the AU-EU Youth Voices Lab. This has involved  working with different currencies, reviewing and consolidating financial reports from  different Hubs. Furthermore, it also involves supporting and reviewing sub-grantees  across Africa in terms of financial reporting, and coordinating audit requirements  across the program. 

The complexity of managing different reporting requirements, currencies, timelines,  and stakeholders has pushed me to become more analytical, organized, and proactive.  It has also strengthened my ability to identify gaps, provide solutions, and coordinate  effectively with colleagues across different locations. 

I take pride in this experience because what initially felt like a significant challenge has  become one of the areas where I have grown the most professionally. It has given me  greater confidence in handling complex, multi-country financial operations and  strengthened my commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

You played a big role in fostering collaboration. What’s a moment where you saw  teamwork truly make a difference?

One moment where I have seen teamwork truly make a difference is during our month end processes. Activities such as posting cashbooks, passing journals, completing  bank reconciliations, and preparing for internal, external, and donor-specific audits  often come with tight deadlines and require input from different team members. 

What has always stood out to me is how the team comes together during these periods.  We support one another, share information, follow up on outstanding issues, and step  in where help is needed to ensure that everything is completed accurately and on time.

These experiences have shown me that strong teamwork is not just about dividing  tasks; it is about taking collective responsibility for the outcome. When everyone  contributes and supports one another, even demanding deadlines become achievable.

What’s a project or hobby you’re passionate about that brings you joy?

I am passionate about outdoor sports and keeping active. I enjoy spending time  outdoors, playing sports, and staying physically fit. It gives me an opportunity to step  away from the demands of work, recharge, and reconnect with myself. 

I find that being active also helps me maintain the energy and focus I need in my  professional life. It brings me joy, but more importantly, it reminds me of the importance  of balance, resilience, and taking care of myself while pursuing my goals

What’s your favourite way to unwind after a hectic day?

My favorite way to unwind after a hectic day is playing basketball. It helps me clear my  mind, stay active, and release the pressure that comes with a busy workday. 

I enjoy the energy and teamwork that come with the game. It gives me a chance to  disconnect from work, have fun, and recharge so that I can come back with a fresh  mind and renewed energy.

Can you share a memorable interaction or activity at Restless Development that brightened your mood during a tough week?

One activity that has always brightened my mood, especially during a challenging or  demanding period, is our Staff Quarterly Workshops. These workshops bring together  colleagues from the different field teams, creating an opportunity to step away from our  usual routines and connect with one another. 

I particularly enjoy the moments when we share experiences, work strategies,  challenges, and practical solutions. Learning from the field teams and seeing how  colleagues approach different situations often gives me a fresh perspective and  renewed energy. 

Beyond the work discussions, the workshops create a strong sense of connection and  teamwork. They remind me that, even when the work is demanding, we are part of a 

team working towards a common purpose. That sense of togetherness has always  been a source of positivity for me.

Who or what inspires you the most when it comes to building positive relationships, both at work and in your personal life?

What inspires me most when it comes to building positive relationships is the people I  interact with every day. I have learned that every person brings a different perspective,  experience, and strength, and there is always something to learn from others. 

At work, I am inspired by colleagues who are willing to listen, support others, share  knowledge, and step in when someone needs help. In my personal life, I value people  who show kindness, respect, humility, and genuine care for others. 

These experiences have taught me that positive relationships are built through simple  things listening, being respectful, communicating openly, appreciating others, and  being willing to support them. I try to carry these principles into both my professional  and personal relationships.

Looking back, what was a quirky habit you had at the office that your coworkers found funny or unforgettable?

One quirky habit my colleagues may remember about me is how particular I can be  about keeping things organized, especially when it comes to financial documents and  reports. I like things to be properly arranged, clearly labelled, and easy to trace. 

Sometimes my colleagues would probably say, “Pius is asking for that document  again!” because I tend to follow up repeatedly until everything is properly supported  and accounted for. It may have been funny at times, but it comes from my belief that  good organization and proper documentation make everyone’s work easier. 

Looking back, I think this is one of those habits that has become part of my working  style and hopefully, one my colleagues will remember fondly!

If you were on an Island, what are 3 items you would take?

  • A satellite phone – to stay connected and have a way to call for help.
  • A fishing kit – to help me find food and survive. 
  • A basketball – because even on an island, I would still need something to keep me active and entertained!

What’s a surprising skill or talent you have that most people wouldn’t know about?

A surprising talent I have is connecting with people and bringing different personalities  together. I may be a finance professional by role, but I genuinely enjoy engaging with  people, understanding different perspectives, and creating a positive atmosphere. 

I also enjoy sports, especially basketball, and I think the teamwork, communication,  and adaptability required on the court have helped me in my professional life as well. 

Most people probably know me for finance and logistics, but I would say my ability to  build relationships, communicate with different people, and bring positive energy to a  team is one of my hidden strengths.

*Can you share your Favourite Quote?

 “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” — Robert H. Schuller 

This quote resonates with me because challenges are part of both professional and personal  growth. It reminds me to remain resilient, stay positive, and keep moving forward even when  situations become difficult.