Carlota David-Howoses

I was always passionate about chemistry and biology and I had an interest in biomedical technology while growing up. However, in my last year of high school, I started developing an interest in chemical engineering. In the same year, a good friend told me that Anglo American was looking to award bursaries to selected students for tertiary engineering qualifications. I went for the interviews and through the selection process, and was awarded a bursary to study Metallurgical Engineering. At the same time, I was exposed to Anglo American’s career fair, where I quickly learnt that, as a metallurgist, I would basically perform the same job functions as a chemical engineer on a mine. I subsequently studied Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Pretoria in South Africa.

I am currently the Acting Ore Processing Manager at Navachab Gold Mine. The mine is located near Karibib in the Erongo region of Namibia. I report to the Managing Director and ensure quality gold production. I am responsible for oversight of the Plant’s Operations and Engineering Department (metallurgical, chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineers) and the laboratory team.

Sometimes people tend to undermine me because I am a woman. However, views and opinions change when they see my work on the ground and/or when I deliver on an assignment.

I have been fortunate and am very thankful to the mining industry for awarding me the opportunity to equally raise my views and opinions, both inside and outside the boardroom, advance my career, and make a difference where I can.

Yes, I have come across a few of these encounters, but they are not specific and/or limited to my workplace. Here are a few examples:
-I tend to get signs of age discrimination when lining up for senior positions in the mining industry and elsewhere.
-A recruitment agent once changed gears after I mentioned that I was in my early stages of pregnancy. I remember the lady immediately making notes and reiterating the fact that the preferred candidate would be required to take office close to my delivery date and that this would pose a challenge for the position.

I am of the opinion that, generally, the above are just some examples and this is very short-sighted: women should be given equal opportunities to take up positions based on their skills, experience, and track record in a similar way to their male counterparts.

Yes, as a bursary student of Anglo American at the time, we were exposed to mentors and mentorship programs. At the same time, I do look up to experts in my field and other areas of interest. I make time to keep in touch with these individuals.

In most cases, operation sites are very remote and most times one has to commute long distances to get to work on a daily basis. This is particularly very challenging for women of childbearing age and especially early in their careers. This immediately places them in a compromised position compared to their male counterparts.

I am of the opinion that many operations have made good strides with regard to ensuring adequate ablution and or/PPE facilities for women. Maternity benefits are still questionable and require improvement at many mines.

I don’t feel the need to adapt to fit in. It is important to stand your ground, believe in your abilities, and be consistent.

I enjoy trying to simplify complex issues or matters. Finding a clear strategy or solution amidst a series of problems gives me great pleasure.

I would like to excel to the very top of my career. This calls for a role as a General Manager, Chief Executive Officer, Managing Director, or equivalent. I am also very passionate about strategy and would like to develop myself further in this regard. I hope to be a strategy consultant one day.

I have a few that I wish I had known/and or paid more attention to:
-It is okay to be outnumbered around a boardroom table and still be right. It is also okay to be wrong.
-Keep and maintain your network, whether it is technical or general sites, forums, previous lecturers, or mentors. It helps to keep you abreast of the latest technological developments and aid your problem-solving abilities.

Yes, I do sit on a board; namely, the Council of the Namibian Qualifications Authority. This organisation maintains a register of all relevant and legal qualifications in Namibia and aims to enhance the reputation of Namibian education and training systems.

There is no doubt that diversity in the workplace stands a greater chance of yielding better results. I am pro quotas, as long as it is done correctly and for the right reasons. Quotas, in my mind, are the only way to start the process and enforce organisations to abide by and ensure representation of women on boards. However, women should be selected on merit and not necessarily just to make up the numbers.

Yes, definitely. These types of groups provide platforms, especially for the more privileged women to have a voice for and represent the majority.

I would not advise anyone to refrain from any career. I believe that every career or profession has its role in the market place. What I absolutely admire, are people who actually enjoy what they do and are passionate about their profession. I support and encourage technical schools and colleges with a high degree of practical training. This, I believe, is a true merger of passion and skills, where people have the opportunity to mostly work with their hands and, in most cases, do what they enjoy or are good at and in turn, deliver services and products to the market place.

At the same time, I encourage young learners who are passionate about studying an engineering-related course and are not sure what field to embark upon, to look up Industrial Engineering. In short, industrial engineers create systems that eliminate resources that do not generate value and, in doing so, improve quality and productivity of an organisation. The career choices for industrial engineers are broad and vast.

Managing work–life balance, especially if there are young children involved as in my case, is not at all easy. For me, it’s a constant iterative process. There is no right or wrong formula. You have to find what works for you and stick to it, revise, and change gears if necessary. I try to plan as far as possible. I plan my work for the day and week. I plan the meals at home and do meal preparation for a few days to allow myself time to spend with my family as opposed to cooking every night. Use your time wisely, as far as possible. I recently closed my Facebook account: it was a simple waste of time for me—period! Identifying things that steal time out of your day is critical to maintaining a good balance and improves your time management. You also have to acknowledge that you need help and can’t do it all alone, hence a strong support system always makes things easier.

I enjoy exercising, especially outdoor running, and have a passion for interior design. I also love to spend time with my family and trying new recipes.