PERSONALITY PROFILE

Build trust and keep it

Peter Mwanja, 49, managing director of Uganda Safari Chapter (a DMC) and Lasta Events (MICE), Uganda, is a travel enthusiast with three passions: incentive travel, people and writing.

Peter is a Site Africa board member and is head of the Site Africa Young Leaders. He also sits on the Uganda Association of Conference and Incentive Industry (UACII) board.

Mr Mwanja, said: “I have a passion for people. I am curious, an avid reader and a life-long student. My life and work are guided by my personal values: trust, love, warmth, respect, and integrity. It is my fundamental belief that all people are naturally creative, resourceful and whole; it is from this perspective that I coach, train, consult and facilitate,” he said.

Where do you see the incentives industry in Africa at present and where do you see it heading in the future?

Today, the incentive industry is still untouched in my part of the world. There are a small number of major incentive companies dominating the field, the majority of whom are DMC outfits and not full incentive houses. We must emphasise training and specialisation in incentives as we head into the future. That is on the supplier side.

On the buyer’s side, hundreds of companies’ reward staff and customers with a wide variety of incentive products. The focus is on much more than just the sales programmes due to the number of studies that show the power of incentives to drive employee engagement and customer loyalty. The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility has also emerged as a significant element for many programmes. Competition and the economy have added significantly towards the quality of incentive programmes awarded.

With Covid-19, there has been astounding growth in all things virtual. Today, we have virtual money, virtual employees, and virtual meetings. As we see it today, virtual meetings could replace up to 70 per cent of internal travel (to and from an organisation’s own facilities) and 10 per cent of external travel (trips to visit customers). This could lead to an aggregate reduction of 21 per cent in corporate travel spending. Accommodating virtual products and solutions into incentive plans will be an important part of programmes moving forward. The industry remains cautiously optimistic and primed for rebound.

What role do you see the African young leaders playing in the incentives industry?

Young leaders are the future of the incentive industry. I have had the chance to work with the SITE Africa Young Leaders. I am so impressed by the energy and potential. They totally understand the next generation trends, are technologically smart and are quick learners.

SITE Africa is empowering and giving the right opportunities to young leaders so that they will be effective drivers of change. The board encourages participation from the young leaders in decisions affecting them and offering platforms to enhance their skills through networking and education. From this there will come employment opportunities, knowledge transfer and development of strategies for the future, as well as cross-pollination of lessons learnt between the African countries.

Where were you born and raised?

I was born and raised in Uganda. After school, I graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing. Due to my love for accounting, I took on ACCA and on completion, practiced in the hospitality industry, until my passion for travel took over. I dumped my accounting career to venture into tourism. I did my masters in hospitality management and later an MBA in leadership and sustainability. On the incentive side, I am a CIS and looking forward to my CITP.

Where did you begin your career?

While on college vacation, I enrolled as a trainee at a government hotel – The Nile Hotel and International Conference Center (now Kampala Serena), and fortunately I was on the room service desk. I was asked to deliver 12 one 1 litre mineral water bottles to the suite where two top officials of East Africa were about to hold a meeting. The president of Kenya – His Excellency Daniel Arap Moi (RIP) was on a state visit to his counterpart, President Museveni.

Here I was, with a tray in my hand, and standing at the executive lift when it opened, and there befor me were two presidents that I had never dreamt that I would meet face-to-face. Anxiety and shock hit in. But with courtesy, I was invited to take a ride with my heroes, the two presidents. Not knowing what to do, the lift doors began to close. I made a dash for the door while holding the tray of bottles, but unfortunately lost my balance and the water bottles fell and there was water everywhere. I just saw wet suits and shoes. All I remember is a M7 security member say: “Young man, the lift was too fast. You must soldier on and become the best. Go get us some more water”.

President Moi added, “I like your courage. Soldier on.” When I got to the service floor, there was dead silence. I should have been fired but a phone call had come through with the instruction, “Please give the young man another tray of water and let him be the one to serve us.” I got a second chance, which I executed very well and so, my tourism journey started.

How long have you been in the sector?

Over fifteen years. In 2005, I joined a group of companies now called Wild Places, it included a safari outfit, a game lodge and a city boutique hotel. I grew with them as group finance manager while studying my masters in hospitality until 2013, when I moved to Tourvest as group financial manager (accommodation and activities division), a South African group that was entering Uganda.

While working as a group financial manager I felt like I was on a treadmill all the time. I knew something had to change. I had always loved travel and hospitality. Creating hot travel plans gave me pleasure. It was creative and allowed me to express ideas and yet keep my friends and those around me happy.

Now I own two travel companies. I get to be with my family for as long as I want and get to travel at least ten times a year. Oh well, that was before the pandemic. I have a workday which allows time for me, time for my kids and time for rewarding work. I even have time to offer voluntary service on boards including associations, charities and businesses. It is what I wanted to be and only wish I had moved earlier.

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in this sector?

Growth in demand for sustainable tourism products and activities. Tourism is now playing a key role in driving the transition to a low-carbon and resourceefficient economy.

Are you married?

Yes, I am married to Gorreti and have four beautiful daughters. Most days I find that sweet spot — a wonderful work/life balance.

Do you have any hobbies?

Besides my career, I love a dip in the pool and fancy a fun family day out. I now, also consider myself an unofficial inspirational speaker… and an adrenaline junkie! I am a Rotarian too.

What is your favourite sport and sportsman?

My favourite sport is golf, it brings great business minds together on a non-physical arena. My favourite sportsman is Tiger Woods.

What is your secret to success?

Trust is key and goes both ways. Trusting myself to get things done the way that I planned them, regardless of what others say. But also, in tourism, people who supply you with business lines must trust you for continuity. They must trust you with their lives, clients and offers. The minute that anyone in this industry loses trust in you personally or your brand, especially those that supply you with business, success will elude you. I take full responsibility of my own life. I have learnt to accept that I will be in a certain position because of my own choices. Once one accepts this, it is very difficult to have a repeat of the same failures. Along the way, I have learnt{ fall nine times, and get up ten.

What is the most memorable place you have ever been to, and why?

Egypt. I went to the pyramids, took a fiveday cruise on the Nile and saw the Luxor temple. Egypt is truly about the history of ancient civilization. The memories of Egypt will forever be embalmed in my heart.

How do you relax?

I often practice mindful meditation. The goal of mindful meditation is to focus my attention on things that are happening right now, in the present moment. This relaxes me immensely. But otherwise, country music does it for me on a long road trip.

What is your favourite city?

Barcelona. It’s not too fast-paced, and I love the culture of the Catalonians. Besides, it is a beautiful city with a beach.

What is your favourite book, film and TV programme?

Book: Don’t sweat the small stuff. And it’s all small stuff by Richard Carlson. This book teaches us the simple ways to keep the little things from taking over your life. Read it and your approach to life changes forever.

Favourite film: The Godfather (1972)

TV programme: Nat Geo Wild (National Geographic TV shows).

What is your favourite food?

Rolex. This is a popular food item in Uganda, which combines an egg omelette and veggies rolled up together, in a Chapatti (a bread similar to Indian naan).

Who is your favourite movie star?

Denzel Washington.

Who is your role model?

Industry stalwart, Rick Taylor is my role model. Many in this industry refer to him as the father of the MICE industry. He is smart, wise, patient and always happy to teach and hold a hand. Rick and his wife, Colette, introduced me to the sector. They encouraged and mentored me. Starting my company, Lasta Events was their inspiration. Rick still continues to check in with me and follow up on my progress — he is my hero!

What advice do you have for anyone starting out in this industry and hoping to follow in your footsteps?

To those aspiring to follow in my footsteps:

1. Build trust and keep it. This industry is very delicate and built on trust.

2. Relationships, networks and memberships matter. Be a part of the relevant institutions.

3. This industry is very dynamic. Things change as there is constant innovation. Continuously keep abreast of developments and trends. Study and read all new material that matters in the industry.