Wrapping up our series of interviews with our venture leads this International Women’s Month, we speak to Cherotich Rutto, venture lead of Tawi, our digital marketplace, offering secured e-commerce transactions, financing and value-added services from farm to fork. Tawi’s mission is to create a more connected, trusted and transparent agriculture and food ecosystem while positively impacting farmers. In this interview, Chero talks about the importance of being authentic, overcoming your fears, and staying true to yourself to stand out from the competition and ultimately, make it as a successful entrepreneur.
What are three qualities you need to have to be a successful entrepreneur?
C: Authenticity – Being authentic allows you to build genuine relationships with your employees by inspiring trust and fostering a positive work environment. With an inspired team, you can conquer any challenge that you experience throughout the entrepreneur journey.
Have a curious mind – As an entrepreneur, you can never remain static. Every day should be an opportunity to learn something new.
Never be afraid to ask – The world belongs to the ASKERS!
Cherotich with the Tawi team
What has helped you overcome any gender bias along your venture journey?
C: By retaining my integrity and staying true to myself. From an early age, I learnt how to strengthen my internal belief system and be confident. As women, if we want others to believe in us, we need to start with ourselves. So be yourself and stay true to you.
Cherotich and the SC Ventures team with Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, and Kariuki Ngari, CEO, Standard Chartered Kenya
What is one piece of advice you would tell your younger self when you started your venture journey? Any advice for other budding female entrepreneurs?
C: Be fearless! Do not be afraid to fail. The only thing that will separate you from the pack, is how fast you embrace the failure, quickly learn from it, and try again.
• • •
Connect with Cherotich Rutto to learn more about Tawi.
Interested in joining SC Ventures as a venture-builder? Reach out to us.
Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
