Former East African Breweries Limited (EABL) Commercial Director Joel Kamau has taken a turn in his career path, following his transition to the Oil and Gas Company.
Before the new office, Kamau worked in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, where he built a reputation at EABL.
In an exclusive interview, Kamau stated that the decision to dive into a completely different field was occasioned by the experience he has had over the years.
He described his time at EABL as “enriching”, adding that he mastered processes, built strong networks in the alcohol industry and Diageo, and navigated team dynamics and politics with confidence.
“However, I felt the time had come to step out of my comfort zone and embrace fresh challenges. The Oil and Gas industry presented an exciting learning curve, new networks and opportunities for growth,” he added.
“Having sold solids at Unilever, liquids at Coca-Cola and EABL, gas was the logical next step, completing my journey through all states of matter!”
Recognising the weight of the transition, Kamau revealed that he sought guidance from trusted mentors and coaches, gaining insights that have proved invaluable in shaping his approach to the new journey.
“Conversations with Andrew Musingo, my former boss at CCBA, and John Musunga, my coach at Diageo, provided invaluable insights. They shared their experiences, which made their advice relatable and impactful,” he said.
“One key recommendation was The First 90 Days, a book that became my transition bible. It reinforced the importance of patience, thoughtful decision-making, and trusting the process.”
Talking of his experience in the Oil and Gas industry, Kamau recalled one of the most striking moments, where he stood by the ocean, watching a vessel offload gas.
“It felt like a scene straight out of a movie. Then there’s the periodic table, an old friend from school, making a comeback in my daily life. Propane, butane, and ethyl mercaptan are now part of my vocabulary. It is funny how science class has unexpectedly become relevant again,” he said.
Kamau credited Proto Energy for its unwavering support, noting that it helped him evolve from leading functional leaders to leading leaders.
He said he was also introduced to Gokhan, a coach with experience leading Europe’s second-largest LPG business.
“Learning from such a seasoned expert has been both humbling and empowering; it’s reminded me of the importance of staying curious and adopting a student mindset,” he added.
To better understand the emotional and professional toll of a career shift, Kamau broke down his journey into stages.
“Stage 1 was about endings,” he explained, “letting go of past practices and embracing new opportunities, similar to an eagle shedding its feathers to prepare for growth.”
The second phase, “Neutrality,” involved embracing uncertainty.
“It’s about resilience, feedback, and adapting to diverse needs; empathy for the team and strategic vision for stakeholders,” he explained.
Finally, he has entered “Beginnings,” where he’s now focused on refining his leadership style for this new industry.
For Kamau, the transition has been a “tapestry of excitement” laced with moments of reflection and occasional doubt.
Yet, with the support of mentors and a solid belief in his own potential, he remains confident about the future.
“I’m learning to trust the process,
to embrace the leap, and to chart a bold course forward in my career,” Kamau
said.
