Leading a technology team is a multifaceted journey, particularly when your background isn’t rooted in computer science or technology. As the Managing Director of Guild Digital Foundation, this experience has been both eye-opening and deeply fulfilling. Here, I share some of the insights and lessons I’ve gathered so far.
When I first stepped into this role, I had minimal experience with the intricacies of technology. The world of software development, system upgrades, and digital dashboards was entirely new to me. The sheer complexity of the work my team handles left me in awe, with my mind constantly buzzing with questions and ideas. This steep learning curve has been both challenging and invigorating, pushing me to embrace curiosity and the unknown.
Recognizing my need for growth, I enrolled in a leadership course at the Kampala Leadership Hub in May of this year. Among the modules offered, “Managing Outside Your Expertise” proved invaluable. It provided me with practical strategies to manage a highly skilled and technical team, even without deep technical expertise of my own. I learned the importance of continuous learning, not being afraid to ask questions, and providing input even if it’s not purely technical. Leading a team of seasoned professionals doesn’t mean I need to have all the answers, but I need to foster an environment where their expertise can thrive.
One of the key lessons was to focus on measuring outcomes rather than micromanaging processes. This has allowed me to provide leadership without getting bogged down by the technical details. Encouraging open dialogue, asking thoughtful questions, and trusting my team’s expertise has created a culture of collaboration and innovation. The leadership course also emphasized how important it is to maintain a learner’s mindset and to keep pushing boundaries in unfamiliar areas.
In the last quarter, we celebrated a major milestone by successfully upgrading our Refugee Community Health Management Information System (rCHMIS) to a more advanced version. The feedback from our clients—refugees who rely on the system—has been overwhelmingly positive. They’ve embraced the new design, functionality, and user experience improvements we implemented. Sharing our experience with the broader tech community, such as during the CHT community call hosted by Medic, was a proud moment for our entire team. It not only validated our hard work but also allowed us to contribute to the wider community of tech solutions for social good.
Our engagement with partners during this time has been another area of growth. We’ve held numerous discussions about how to further enhance our dashboards and systems, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of our clients. Based on this feedback, we’ve upgraded our dashboards to include more intuitive features and superior functionality. It has been incredible to see how these improvements have directly impacted our clients’ ability to use the system effectively.
Looking forward, we are committed to continuing this process of innovation and improvement. Our goal is to ensure our solutions remain agile and responsive to the needs of those we serve. The team at Guild Digital Foundation has been exceptional in driving these advancements, and I’m grateful for their dedication, expertise, and passion.
Leading this team, despite the challenges, has been a rewarding experience. It has reaffirmed the importance of leadership rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and willingness to learn. The journey is far from over, and I look forward to what the future holds for our team and the solutions we build together.
