#19
SUSAN CHEGE
LEAD PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS PTS AFRICA
In the dynamic realm of People & Culture, few practitioners embody the role of change-maker as deeply and deliberately as Susan Chege. With nearly two decades of industry and consulting experience spanning Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Aviation, Financial Services, Logistics, Construction, Hospitality, and beyond, Susan has become synonymous with transformation rooted in empathy, strategy, and courageous execution.
Her story begins across borders-Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania-where exposure to multicultural communities at an early age sparked a lifelong fascination with humanity’s shared complexities. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt for elementary school, Lincoln International of Uganda for middle school and completed her high school studies at the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania. This exposure gave Susan a head start in understanding and appreciating the intricacies of building and navigating diverse societies, which has contributed heavily to her career.
It’s no surprise, then, that Susan’s academic path focused on humanities; International Baccalaureate Diploma (Psychology, Economics, English) and a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business Administration, which laid her ascent in human capital management
Susan commenced her career as an intern in a Human Resources department, rising through the ranks to Directorship, through dedication to people centered strategic solutions, strong interpersonal relations and careful articulation of a vision. But titles don’t capture her impact. Susan’s signature is found in the courage to rebuild broken cultures, the foresight to introduce wellness initiatives before they were fashionable, and the tenacity to craft turnaround strategies that elevated not just performance metrics, but also personal lives. Whether designing people functions from scratch or risking personal safety to implement ethical reforms in challenging environments, she has consistently put people first-helping others find their best selves not only by being keen to make every encounter with every individual impactful and memorable, but also by seeking out new and/or different ways of getting things done.
She fondly remembers her experience developing a people function from scratch, sensitizing leadership, the board, and employees on the People & Culture agenda, and establishing structures, policies and practices that supported the same. It’s the seemingly little things that ignite the fire that drives Susan towards impacting lives; “When I joined, staff were timid, holding on to feedback and great ideas; by the time I left, there was confidence to walk into leadership offices and offer solutions not report problems. When I first drove in, the parking lot only had 5 cars, by the time I was leaving, there was a parking problem. Staff had become a real part of the organization. They’d learned how to take charge of their careers, their finances and their lives and experiencing a life abundant, of possibilities”
Her work at Jambojet is emblematic: embedding emotional intelligence into the organizational DNA, fostering performance and synergy that endured through a global pandemic, and aligning workplace culture with brand identity-a masterstroke in sustainable change. Her work at Jambojet remains a hallmark: embedding EQ into organizational DNA and cultivating a brand-aligned culture that withstood the pressures of a global pandemic.
Susan is proud that on any given day, former colleagues, across different levels feel free to call her for coaching-like conversations, or just to catch up, demonstrating trust built and value derived from the relationships over the years.
Robin Sharma offers that “Learning is your superpower”. Certified in Emotional Intelligence assessment, Prosci® Change Management, and Executive Coaching, having undertaken the Sunny Bindra Fast Forward and Strathmore Leadership programs, and currently completing her MBA and Diploma Certification in Adolescent and Youth Coaching (CAYC), Susan doesn’t merely collect accolades-she applies them. Her current research on Emotional Intelligence in Multigenerational Workforces underscores her enduring belief that real change begins with understanding.
Her personal philosophy, #lifeabundant, shapes every endeavor: In every boardroom, coaching session, community initiative, and personal goal setting, Susan carries her philosophy of #lifeabundant-not just as a brand, but as a blueprint. an invitation to align purpose, potential, and impact to create a life that’s rich in meaning, connection, and growth.
“Most people talk about their great ideas, but few execute on them,” (Sharma). Susan took the bold decision to leave her role as an Associate Director with one of the big four auditing and financial firms to deeper pursue her passion and purpose in helping people find their purpose and realize their inherent potential to pursue it, engaging her experience, knowledge, and skills. An impassioned advocate for continuous improvement and personal development she dedicates her time to Coaching, Training, Facilitation and Speaking engagements on a myriad of people centered focusses for individuals and organizations independently, but also as the Lead for Partnerships and Programs at PTS Africa, a consultancy firm dedicated to unlocking the potential of Africa’s most valuable asset; its people. In this space, Susan is a part of igniting a movement-one coaching session, workshop, and conversation at a time; catering to Leaders, Entrepreneurs, HR professionals, and emerging leaders, especially women, uniquely.
She is driven by the belief that each one of us has a unique purpose and is equipped with the required potential to unlock the same, so as to enjoy life abundantly. She’s currently shaping a unique tangent to make a significant impact in younger generations, citing, “This is the catalyst for our future. By investing in shaping this generation to lead with emotional intelligence, clarity, and courage and helping them connect intentional living with purpose-driven action, we propel towards addressing the real issues in our societies, ceasing the opportunities, and enjoying a life abundant collectively”
Outside of her professional life, she is an engaged Rotarian, currently serving on the Board of the Rotary Club of Nairobi – Langata, which creates opportunities for members for impactful service, personal development, and community. She enjoys the outdoors, is a seasonal “wogger” (ask her what this is…), and thrives in investing quality time with the young, whose energy and spirit keep her inspired.
Susan brings warmth, authenticity, and a lively sense of humour to her interactions, believing in the power of laughter to connect and uplift people.
