Enhancing the corporate affairs space at NBL
Determined to make her mark
When taking up her role as corporate affairs manager at Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) in May 2023, Surihe Gaomas-Guchu had just one goal set for herself: To make a positive impact by upholding the reputation of the company and emphasise the fact that it is a truly Namibian entity vested in the local economy.With a master’s degree in international journalism from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom and a national diploma in journalism from Peninsula Technikon in Cape Town, South Africa, Gaomas-Guchu has a passion for the corporate relations industry and the determination to make her mark at NBL.
“It is an industry very dear and near to my heart, thus ensuring that I live out my passion in the corporate affairs space,” she said.
She describes the brewing and manufacturing industry as quite dynamic and multi-faceted. In fact, she stated that the fast-moving consumer goods sector can be competitive as well. For NBL, as a local business that's been in existence for over 100 years, it's imperative that the company remains sustainable and operational in the long-term in order to continue contributing towards the social-economic development of Namibia.
She describes the industry as enlightening and engaging in the way she interacts with various stakeholders both locally, regionally and internationally.
The corporate affairs manager said she is confident that she will make an impact within the industry because she has the experience, love and heart to do so. In her previous jobs, she was a chief corporate affairs professional at the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund for four years and the public relations and communications manager at Standard Bank Namibia for five and a half years. She also worked as an external communications practitioner at Telecom Namibia for three years.
Gaomas-Guchu mentioned that, by profession, she is a journalist and worked for various media houses such as Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) and New Era newspaper.
With a collaborative leadership style, she aims to empower people to become the best version of themselves. “It goes without saying that team members must feel empowered and be given the right tools and opportunities to grow in their career. In doing so, whatever task and responsibility they take part in will flourish in achieving the company's strategy at the end of the day,” Gaomas-Guchu said.
In any line of work, one is faced with challenges and for Gaomas-Guchu, it was changing and managing public perceptions and sentiment. However, it's your attitude that determines success, she said.
She believes that the trick is to keep working on it and never give up.
Once all the work is done and dusted for the day, she takes on the public speaking sphere and motivational talk panels.
When asked how she would encourage the youth, she had this to say: “Follow your passion and pursue it with determination. Never give up and take failure as learning opportunities to grow and excel".