Delivering excellence through execution

Jeanette Diergaardt

In November 2015 Charmaine Matheus stepped into what she now considers her home: Vivo Energy. Having established itself as a Shell-branded fuels and lubricants retail and commercial customer in Africa, Vivo Energy became the place of growth for Matheus for the past 10 years. “November 2015, feels like yesterday, however it’s been an exciting and insightful journey for me thus far,” says Matheus.

Still on her way to completing her MBA in marketing through the University of Liverpool, Matheus started out with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the Namibia University of Science and Technology. Besides her marketing qualifications she holds a certification in data mining and analytics, expanding her knowledge as a marketer to best accomplish her goals at work. Her inspiration to continue growing in the field is a comment made by the First Lady of Namibia, Monica Geingos, that roughly goes as follows, “not building a base that someone can take away from you,” and “there’s a certain level of leadership maturity that only comes with time and experience”. The latter is advice that Matheus would like to impart on anyone wanting to grow in the marketing industry.

Starting out in the marketing industry did not mean having it all figured out. Earning only enough to cover the necessities initially did not deter Matheus from finishing what she started and pushing forward. “This allowed me to stay focused and to push myself more because I knew what my long-term goal was,” Matheus recalls. A valuable lesson she learned during her days starting out as a young professional was to live within her means.

Enjoying her journey at Vivo Energy involves a fast-paced environment and for Matheus it means working with a vibrant team to ensure the Shell-branded fuels and lubricants get distributed in the best way possible in and around Namibia. However, looking out for the team members of Vivo Energy means driving a proactive safety culture. “Compliance with life-saving rules is non-negotiable,” says Matheus.

During the fire outbreaks in Twaloloka, Walvis Bay, Matheus volunteered her time to assist all victims of the fire to the best of her ability. Her support included supplying the families with basic necessities such as clothes and personal care products. “I’ve witnessed first-hand how families can be impacted in a positive way when people decide to stand together and help in any manner they can.” Matheus also feels strongly about “fixating on solutions”, which serves as a step closer to winning.

With a strong foundation one can achieve anything and shape the future you want. Drawing inspiration from her mother, who is a dynamic woman leading as an MD at one of the biggest packing manufacturing companies in Namibia with branches in South Africa, Matheus has learned valuable lessons of integrity and respect from her mother. She looks to the beauty of children that teaches us to be free spirited. Matheus further would like to look back one day knowing that she inspired and helped the less fortunate in our society.