International women’s day: Manager, Sales and Marketing at Africa world Airlines

In line with the international women’s day today, Sunday March 8, Mamaj Aviation blog is celebrating some leading women holding her own in the Aviation industry in Nigeria and Africa, whose story will inspire women out there…These are women who are the power behind the scenes, pushing boundaries and leaving a mark!

The International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.  The campaign theme for 2020, is #EachforEqual.

Meet the Manager, Sales and Marketing at Africa world Airlines.

Please introduce yourself, your name, where you from are, and Current position in your organisation.

My name is Victoria Abena Takyi from Eastern Region of Ghana, currently the Manager, Sales and Marketing of Ghana’s fastest growing regional airline, Africa World Airlines (AWA). Member of Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG),  member, Executive Women Network – Ghana, Founder Blog Women-Aviators.

What inspired you to venture into the Aviation industry?

I think it’s stringent and highly regularised nature. I always say Aviation is the most the most restricted industry in terms of regulations I have come across. Also I wanted to dig deeper as to what happens behind what we see especially at the airport.

Give us a brief career history. What schools did you attend?

I had most of my early childhood education in Presbyterian Schools up to College/SHS. I have a Degree in Management with Computing majored in Marketing with Regent University College of Science and Technology – Ghana, MBA in International Business management, MBA in Supple Chain with IIBM Institute Of Business Management – India, IATA certificate in Dynamic Pricing and Revenue Management and Airlines Leading Practices and Cost Reduction Strategies – IATA.

I have over a decade working experience in customer care and relations, Tele-sales, Direct Sales, Key account management, Marketing and Media Relations with 10yrs in Telecommunications industry thus MTN GHANA and 7 years in Airlines industry with Africa World Airlines (AWA). I joined AWA as a marketing officer and have grown to be Manager, Sales and Marketing West Africa and Offline market.

Your role, no doubt, is very strategic and quite demanding. What strategy have you adopted to help you cope with the demands?

I must admit its being very challenging but my desire to explore and excel in life keeps me going. I observe and learn from the best within my reach especially our industry professionals. My family has been very supportive and understanding especially with the frequent travels and extended working hours but I make conscious effort to fix “Time with Mummy” especially for my 11 months old who stay awake till I return, no matter the time and make me  back her till she sleeps.. Hahahahaha 😀😀😀😀 Motherhood, huh!!. Above all God grace has been enough for me.

What is your lowest moment in your Career history?

Hmmmm, in the early stage of my days in AWA, pitching sales to agents and corporate that were so loyal to competition, but we kept pushing till now AWA is home-based brand in air travel in Ghana and West Africa.

Can you recall a decisive moment you had to take an unpopular decision that turned out well?

Well, when you have taken career decisions that will affect other aspects of your life, but with the Grace of God it’s turns out good and worth the sacrifice.

 What is your most memorable moment?

Wow!, a Couple of them. But the recent one is when my AWA inducted into the “Hall Of Fame” for winning Domestic Airline of the year 3 consecutive times by CIMG and as the marketing head that mean a lot to me. Also as a honoree of 50, Most Influential CMOs in Ghana.

How have you been able to balance your work life and family?

OMG!!! That’s a special strength and Grace God gave to Women, I believe. I have a very supportive husband who really assists with planning. I also sacrifice about 90% of social life to spend time with the family.

What challenges have you encountered on the job on your journey to the top, especially as female?

I have not had personal encounter yet, but I see and hear others face such challenge. I have been fortunate to have worked in companies that believe in equal opportunities and competence of women.

So far, you have indeed proved that women can do it and take charge successfully. What advice do you have for the aspiring young women out there who may want to tow your line?

I will just rehash the theme for this year International Women’s Days #EachforEqual. Know that we’re born to blossom and to achieve the greatness we’re born for, do not allow your gender to inhibit your exploit, and come out with your GREATNESS.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I’d like to pursue a more technical aspect of the aviation industry in Safety Audit, but ultimately in Law.