Marketers told to ‘master their sphere of influence’ to advance

The theme was ‘The Leadership Leap: Positioning Yourself for the Boardroom’, which examined strategies for advancing from senior marketing positions into top executive and board roles that shape business leadership. 

Gloria Evelyn Byamugisha, Group Chief HR Officer at Dangote Cement Plc in Lagos, was the keynote speaker and took the attendees on a journey through the evolving demands of leadership, offering wealth of experience and wisdom gleaned from her extensive career. 

“The leader today must be able to rethink, reinvent and adapt to a world that is constantly shifting,” she said. “A great leader is one who not only connects with the team but also understands the complexities of the global landscape.” 

Byamugisha emphasised the importance of preparing oneself for the boardroom, urging attendees to reflect on their leadership journey and positioning.  

“To succeed in the boardroom, you need depth. It is not just about knowing a little bit of everything, but mastering your sphere of influence,” she explained. “Whether it’s marketing, operations or strategy, understanding your ‘kingdom’ is crucial.” 

The session also delved into the challenges of leadership in today’s volatile business environment, and Byamugisha shared a personal anecdote about navigating complex business decisions during a crisis.  

“In one of the most trying times, my team and I had to manage business continuity amidst a global shutdown. The decisions we made had far-reaching implications, not only for the business but for the lives of thousands of people,” she said. 

Byamugisha also highlighted the role of personal preparation in advancing one’s career. “Professional preparation goes beyond technical competence. It includes how you present yourself, communicate and build relationships,” she stressed. “Trust is the cornerstone of any leadership role, and it must be cultivated through consistency and professionalism.” 

Panel Session shares additional insights 

In addition to the keynote address, a seasoned panel rich with insight and experience featured Goretti Masadde (CEO of Uganda Institute of Banking and Financial Services), and Hasan Saleh (Managing Director of Multichoice Uganda). The moderator was Remmie Kisakye, CEO of Majestic Brands. 

Masadde’s story echoed with resilience. From managing multi-million-dollar projects to standing firm in spaces that once doubted her, she underscored a key truth: “You don’t stumble into leadership, you build towards it, step by step, with clarity, courage and character.” 

Saleh, on the other hand, took a different route in his leadership journey – one marked by bold, unpopular decisions.  

“I’ve had to take downward moves to move forward,” he shared. “Everyone thought I was crazy, but I knew what I was building. I wanted to lead big businesses, and, for that, I needed breadth – crisis management, people leadership and cross-border experience. I took the hard road.” 

He highlighted the importance of stretching beyond comfort zones, pointing to his selection for an Africa Mobility Programme in 2002. “It wasn’t glamorous. I was earning less than my peers. But I saw the long game – and it paid off.” 

In closing, Saleh added a powerful charge: “The future belongs to those who are bold enough to reimagine their role. We need more African experts at the table; not waiting for validation, but offering value.” 

According to Kisakye, personal presentation is also key in striking the right impression. “Your appearance matters. Remember to be yourself and keep a close circle of friends,” she stressed. “Build your personal brand the same way you build your other brands.” 

The 2025 UMS CMO Breakfast wasn’t just a morning of ideas; it was a moment of transformation. A reset. A declaration that Uganda’s marketing leaders are not just brand stewards – they are boardroom contenders. 

The Uganda Marketers Society is a member of the African Marketing Confederation (AMC).