Restless Development Value Champions

How would you introduce yourself?

I’m all about juggling the unexpected, whether it’s last-minute logistics or urgent event needs. I like to keep things practical, balancing financial details with understanding my team’s needs—especially during budget reviews when tensions can run high. I’m really passionate about empowering young leaders and creating positive change. When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me strumming my guitar or scribbling down some poetry.

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve discovered about your team while working to improve administrative processes?

One of the most unexpected things I’ve discovered while working to improve administrative processes is how often unplanned needs arise, whether it’s logistic procurement or sudden event requirements. To address this, we created SOPs to streamline the system and make processes more efficient. One of the key strategies was conducting one-to-one calls with the program team to identify specific pain points and work on tailored solutions. These direct conversations helped us proactively address issues, rather than just reacting when something unplanned came up.

Can you recall a moment when your “head and heart” approach directly impacted a team decision or led to a specific outcome?

As a Finance officer, I combine a ‘head and heart’ approach by ensuring precise audit completion and budget analysis, while also empathizing with my team’s needs. I provide clear, supportive guidance during quarterly re-forecasts, helping them not only understand the financial impact of budget decisions but also navigate the pressures of fulfilling program requirements.

Can you give a specific example of how you’ve seen our organizational values play out in your daily work?

I see our values at work when everyone puts in effort to secure local funding and maintain financial stability.

What’s one thing you’d like to challenge yourself to do next year to better embody our values?

Next year, I’d like to challenge myself to take a more proactive role in fostering financial transparency. By initiating open discussions with program teams, I can help everyone better understand the financial side of projects. 

How do you keep the team motivated during financially stressful times? Do you have any go-to strategies?

To keep the team motivated during financially stressful times, I focus on open communication, ensuring everyone is aware of the challenges and feels comfortable sharing their concerns. We also offer flexible work-from-home options to reduce stress and help with work-life balance. To keep morale high, we have Friday fun activities that allow everyone to unwind and bond outside of work tasks. In addition, we prioritize well-being by checking in regularly during our Monday meetings, ensuring everyone feels supported and aligned with our goals. These strategies help maintain a positive and engaged team atmosphere.

Outside of work, what’s a project or hobby you’re passionate about that brings you joy?

Playing guitar brings me joy because it allows me to express myself creatively and escape into my own world of music

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

After a hectic day, my favourite way to unwind is by playing guitar or spending time with kids. Playing guitar helps me relax and express my creativity, while being with kids brings joy and laughter, reminding me to appreciate the little things.

Can you share a memorable interaction with a colleague that brightened your mood during a tough week?

I feel lucky to have a team that connects during tough times, whether it’s due to work pressure or personal challenges. There have been multiple occasions when I struggled, but my colleagues helped me take breaks to recharge and maintain my enthusiasm. They remind me that these challenges are just temporary, and together we will overcome them.

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

The people who inspire me the most in building positive relationships are my colleagues and family. My colleagues show me the importance of support and understanding during tough times, reminding me that teamwork and connection can make challenging situations more manageable. In my personal life, my family, friends inspire me to nurture relationships with love and care. Their unwavering support and kindness motivate me to foster positive connections and approach interactions with empathy and gratitude. 

What’s a quirky habit you have at the office that either makes your coworkers laugh or shake their heads?

I don’t think I have any quirky habits, but I do love to talk to people. I prefer not to sit at my desk for too long and enjoy engaging with my colleagues instead. It helps create a friendly atmosphere and build connections, making the workday much more enjoyable

If you were stranded on a desert island with only three items from your desk, what would they be and why?

I would choose a notebook, a pen, and my snack box. I love to write, and having a notebook and pen would give me space to express my thoughts, while my snack box would help me maintain my energy

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

I love to write about emotions, and sometimes I express my feelings through poetry.

Can you share your Favorite Quote?

Life is not what we want, life is what we have

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve discovered about your team while working to improve administrative processes? 

The most unexpected thing I have gathered about my team is how willing they are to push their limits in ensuring we meet our targets, we reach far and wide into the interiors, working on weekends and always ready to bring in new ideas. Also, my team is always ready to take on new challenges where they see opportunities, take on additional responsibilities, and carry them to the fullest.

Can you recall a moment when your “head and heart” approach directly impacted a team decision or led to a specific outcome?

I was never part of the resource mobilisation team nor am I one. But recently while the Sierra Leone Hub has been going through tough times regarding funding, I approached the Hub Director with an initiative to have all managers involved in the fundraising process. This initiative has resulted in winning more grants now such as; the UNFPA, Irish Aid and the Stone foundation which we all worked on together. My relationship with partners and stakeholders in Freetown and the districts we are working have helped us sail through several challenges with ease. Eg to secure SLA for the JOA Project, to improve our relationship with the Ministry of Youth and our relationship with the district councils in Koinadugu and Bombali

Can you give a specific example of how you’ve seen our organisational values play out in your daily work?

Professionalism, partnership, passion for what we do are all values that we have shown on a daily basis in our work. I have on a daily basis represented Restless Development well to the public and to stakeholders. We have built trust and confidence in the people we work with which has yielded positive results in the field.

What’s one thing you’d like to challenge yourself to do next year to better embody our values?

To ensure that my team and I become more professional and be accountable to the people we serve.To ensure we build a better and stronger team where we are able to implement high impactful activities thereby raising the profile of our organization the more.

How do you keep the team motivated during financially stressful times? Do you have any go-to strategies?

Building my team, helping them succeed professional is my mantra of leadership. Understanding my team members and helping them grow both personally and professionally is another aspect that has helped keep my team together. Having time to recreate and socialize together is one way I have also kept my team going.

Outside of work, what’s a project or hobby you’re passionate about that brings you joy?

Of recent times I have taking to physical exercise which I find most fulfilling for me at the moment.

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

Hit the gym to burn some calories

Can you share a memorable interaction with a colleague that brightened your mood during a tough week?

I believe in positive spirit and so whatever I do i bring my all into it with optimism that success awaits at the end of it all. In my project implementation, there have been times when my team have faced challenges yet with a positive approach to the challenges we have succeeded. Recently in procuring the back to school packages for our adolescent girls, we saw that the funds available was small hence the only option we had was to reduce the number of girls to be supported. I brought the team together and we thought through the process and saw that if we reduce the number there will be dissatisfaction among those we will drop so together we reached a consensus that all the girls will benefit, we were able to get the materials from a supplier for a cheaper rate which made it possible for us to reach the total number we initially intended.

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

I am a catholic christian, my inspiration comes from the Lord Jesus Christ who teaches is to be kind and be truthful inall we do. I believe in humanity and everything I do i put the human person first. I am always pleased when my initiatives touch and changes the lives of others.

What’s a quirky habit you have at the office that either makes your coworkers laugh or shake their heads?

When tensions rise I bring in fun to make others relax. Where they see tension I find solutions and make things easier for all so my approach to such situations always makes my colleagues look for me when I’m not around. I am full of humour.

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

A bottle of water, my phone with internet access and bread.

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

I can sing!

Can you share your Favourite Quote?

“The value of a tree is not known until the shade is cut down”

What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve discovered about your team while working to improve administrative processes? 

Incredible adaptability and commitment even when changes feel overwhelming, they quickly find ways to adjust and make the process smoother for everyone. Their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Can you recall a moment when your “head and heart” approach directly impacted a team decision or led to a specific outcome?

There was a time when we had to make a tough decision about workload distribution. Using both my head and heart, I made sure we balanced efficiency with fairness. By listening to the team’s concerns and ensuring transparency, we reached a solution that improved both morale and productivity.

Can you give a specific example of how you’ve seen our organisational values play out in your daily work?

I see our organisational values in action every day, but one standout moment was when a colleague went above and beyond to support a struggling teammate. Their willingness to step in, offer guidance and ensure success embodied our values of teamwork and commitment.

What’s one thing you’d like to challenge yourself to do next year to better embody our values?

To be more proactive in mentorship, helping others grow and navigate challenges with confidence.

How do you keep the team motivated during financially stressful times? Do you have any go-to strategies?

During financially stressful times, I keep the team motivated by maintaining open communication and focusing on small wins. Celebrating progress, however minor, helps boost morale.

Outside of work, what’s a project or hobby you’re passionate about that brings you joy?

Outside of work, I’m passionate about learning different physical activities and skills, such as farming and mechanical work. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. These activities provide a creative outlet and help me recharge.

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

Listening to good music, ie Gospel

Can you share a memorable interaction with a colleague that brightened your mood during a tough week?

Being recognised by my colleagues as their Value Champion in 2024 in Tanzania was truly uplifting. That thoughtful gesture lifted my spirits and reinforced the supportive environment we’ve built together.

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

I find inspiration in everyday interactions, whether at work or beyond. Seeing people demonstrate resilience, kindness, and teamwork motivates me professionally, while my experiences outside of work make me appreciate every moment spent with others. This, in turn, fuels my inspiration

What’s a quirky habit you have at the office that either makes your coworkers laugh or shake their heads?

I have a habit of exploring new skills in the office, which has enabled me to assist my colleagues with minor repairs, such as diagnosing electronics, electronic devices, restoring torn bills, notes and rusty coins. This thrills most of my  fellow coworkers

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

A survival guide and kit, solar-powered radio and a good book

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

Most people don’t know that I’m surprisingly good at cooking, and playing volleyball

Can you share your Favourite Quote?

I actually have two,

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill