People in the spotlight, particularly leaders, are frequently perceived solely as entities defined by their professional roles. However, many of them have lives that are just as rich and inspiring as other celebrities often seen as role models.

As International Women’s Day approaches—celebrated every year to honour the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world, and raise awareness about gender equality and women’s rights—in an exclusive tête-à-tête with The New Times, Jeanne Francoise Mubiligi, a seasoned businesswoman, shared her insights on balancing work and family life; unveiling the personal side of a woman who wears many hats.

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From her roles as the chairperson of the Private Sector Federation and CEO of EMP Limited, a local construction company, boasting four decades of industry expertise; to being a wife and mother to her five-year-old daughter, she gave a glimpse into her daily routine, dreams, and valuable life lessons.

Mubiligi who is a prominent figure in Rwanda’s business community also juggles various board positions. Talking about the essence of balancing her professional commitments with her personal life, she stated, "It’s a matter of being organised and taking care of each part of life.”

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A day in the life of a businesswoman, mother, and wife

Mubiligi’s day begins at 6 am, as she carves out time for herself before waking her daughter up and preparing her for school. For her, the morning rituals—from breakfast together to dropping her daughter off at school—are cherished moments that set the tone for a productive day.

Despite the demanding nature of her career, Mubiligi usually ensures she is home by 7:30 pm to spend quality time with her daughter before bedtime.

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"Her dad picks her up from school, and they spend the evening together. When I get home, we all spend some time together before she goes to sleep. We share stories of the day or play a game together. I read her a story and then tuck her into bed,” she described, saying that the rest of the evening is shared with her husband; catching up and being in each other’s presence.

Weekends, however, hold an even more special place in Mubiligi’s heart, as she prioritises family bonding activities and values moments of relaxation and rejuvenation.

"When it’s family time, I try to do my best to not interfere with work, and dedicate the little time I have to the family and make sure that I can enjoy it at maximum.”

Her favourite day is Saturday, when she goes to the hair salon and shops with her daughter. While Sundays are generally reserved for extended family and friends; when she attends weddings and other social functions.

Reflecting on her earlier years, Mubiligi acknowledged a time when work consumed much of her existence. "Before my marriage, I was a workaholic...any day was a work day,” she admitted.

However, her perspective on life and work transformed with time, leading her to embrace a more balanced approach to living. "I think it’s best to work harder when you are still young, but I don’t think it was necessarily healthy,” she reflected, underscoring the importance of self-care and introspection in the pursuit of long-term fulfilment.

Young people shouldn’t make any mistakes though, she stressed, "When you are still young, make sure you study as much as you can, make sure you do sport to balance that; to stay mentally awake, fit and active. Because later, as you grow, you have other responsibilities, adding on.”

Keeping a legacy

Raised in a business-oriented family, Mubiligi imbibed the ethos of entrepreneurship from her parents, who established the construction business, in 1984, in which she now actively participates.

She says that her journey in the business world has been marked by different challenges and successes, making her advocate for perseverance, learning from failures, and seeking solutions to existing challenges in the community as key to remaining relevant.

She recounted, "I’m passionate about construction, in the sense that it’s very satisfying to build something from scratch and see it through to the end. But it’s not short of challenges.”

"For someone who has started a business that didn’t go through, and they are discouraged today, you have to keep pushing, you have to keep trying. Or even step back to reassess what didn’t go well. Or perhaps go for something different. But don’t stop!”

As a woman in a predominantly male-dominated sector, Mubiligi underscored the importance of self-trust and resilience in overcoming gender barriers. She encourages women to pursue their ambitions with confidence, saying, "When you are in front of a situation, don’t think, because I’m a woman, I can’t do it. You can do it. You just need the skills, and to trust your ability to use them.”

Still dreaming

Mubiligi’s aspirations extend beyond her immediate roles. She envisions a thriving private sector capable of international expansion. Also, her dedication to continuous learning and skill enhancement is evident in her quest for further academic pursuits.

"My dream is to see the private sector in Rwanda booming and reaching the next level. Another one is to do another Master’s degree. It’s always good to refresh our skills and our knowledge.”

Mubiligi’s advice to young individuals embarking on their career paths centres on exploration, passion discovery, and continuous learning.

"Before joining the family business, I worked for another company. It was an investment company that had different investments in different sectors. It gave me an idea of how other sectors work, and it gave me a possibility to choose. So, for those looking for purpose, I would say try different things first,” she noted.

She went on to encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace diverse experiences, cultivate a vision for the future, and strive for excellence.

Lessons of Love and Life

In her free time, she finds serenity, indulging in the gentle art of reading, meditation, and playful drawings with her daughter.

"My favourite book? Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It resonates with me on a profound level. It weaves a narrative of self-assurance and the transformative power of confidence,” she reflected.

Mubiligi also said that she draws inspiration from the different women achievers, finding solace and motivation in their unique stories.

In matters of the heart, Jeanne’s reflections on choosing a life partner echo a deep sense of mutual support, shared dreams, and trust.

"When I met my husband, I sensed a profound connection—a resonance that whispered, ‘this is the one’, which is exactly what I always prayed about,” she continued.

"If I were to advise my daughter, I’d tell her to make sure the person she’s about to choose is someone who gives her the feeling of being a good person. I’d remind her to seek a partner who nurtures her growth, fuels her dreams, and uplifts her spirit,” she mused.

In terms of a fulfilling career, she advised, "Pursue your passions ardently, stay adaptable amidst life’s twists, and make sure you have a vision in what you do. I would tell her to always dream because when you don’t, life is no longer interesting.”