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ABOUT YAZA
Yaza Kara is an accomplished technology and innovation strategist with expertise in digital transformation across sectors like telecommunications and financial services. She's achieved substantial revenue growth through digital enablement, notably influencing over $50 million in revenues with 120% YOY growth. A board member in the fintech and blockchain spaces, she uses her position to foster digital adoption. Passionate about the green economy, family, and empowering women in tech, she brings a unique blend of leadership and vision.
EMPATHY AND CONSISTENCY ARE THE MOST UNDERESTIMATED YET VITAL SKILLS FOR FUTURE LEADERS.
Yaza Kara
YAZA IN A NUTSHELL
Head - Digital Transformation
Stanbic Bank Zambia
area of expertise
Finance / Banking / Investment / Accounting Zambia 🇿🇲
companies Yaza has worked for
YAZA AS A LEADER
Over the years I have learnt to measure and define success in bits and pieces. In small steps or dissected goals that once achieved can define nuggets of success. Throughout my life I have surpassed milestones e.g. educational, career, personal and each of these as I have achieved them, I have measured success. When I see how far I have come, I do consider myself successful as I have achieved so much more than I imagined. I thrive to keep learning so I easily pivot should the need arise.
Leadership is not about having a big title.
Great Leaders listen to you.
The future of leadership is kindness and transparency.
When I think of a leader, I think of being inspired.
BE KIND, NEVER STOP LEARNING, ALWAYS BE AUTHENTIC, AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT 'YOUR ATTITUDE DETERMINES YOUR ALTITUDE.
Yaza Kara
YAZA ON OVERCOMING GENDER BIAS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE
Yaza’s journey in technology has been marked by overcoming significant gender biases. Growing up in Zambia, where traditional gender roles were prevalent, Yaza excelled in subjects dominated by boys, such as science and mathematics. This early determination led her to study computer science and enter the male-dominated tech field. Initially overshadowed by her male colleagues, Yaza struggled with confidence and often found her contributions overlooked. Over time, she built her confidence, learned to speak up, and ensured her contributions were valuable. Her story is a testament to resilience and the importance of perseverance in breaking through gender barriers.
YAZA ON TRANSFORMING ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
Yaza co-founded the Women in Technology Network in Zambia to bridge the gender gap in schools and workplaces. She is also part of a culture team at Stanbic Bank Zambia, instrumental in changing leadership practices to promote freedom of expression and psychological safety. Yaza believes that empathy, teamwork, collaboration, and coaching are not one-off traits but need consistent practice. Her efforts focus on creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels heard and valued, demonstrating that sustained cultural change requires persistent effort and commitment.
BEING A WOMAN IN THE TECHNOLOGY FIELD HAS BEEN AN ASSORTMENT OF CHALLENGES, SO I HAVE LEARNED TO NEVER GIVE UP, TO ALWAYS BE RESILIENT, AND TO BELIEVE IN MY CAPABILITIES. I APPLY THESE SAME IDEOLOGIES IN MY WORK TODAY—I WORK HARD AND CONSISTENTLY TO ACHIEVE MY GOALS AND BELIEVE IN MYSELF TO EXECUTE AND DELIVER.
Yaza on becoming a better leader
INTERVIEW
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