In celebration of Bruno Leandre Tuyisenge’s 10th work anniversary, I had the privilege of sitting down with him for an interview. As one of the two longest-serving staff members, Bruno shared insights into his remarkable journey with Jibu. He expressed immense pride in being part of an organization that is making a positive impact on communities by providing clean drinking water solutions. Throughout the interview, Bruno highlighted the growth he has witnessed in both the company and himself during the past decade. He spoke passionately about the values and mission that have kept him dedicated to Jibu’s vision. Bruno’s commitment to creating a better future through sustainable initiatives and community empowerment was evident as he reflected on his experiences and contributions to the company’s success. His journey at Jibu Rwanda serves as an inspiration for others, and his unwavering dedication continues to make a lasting difference.
How did your journey with Jibu begin, and what initially attracted you to the company?
My Journey at Jibu started when my former boss called me for an urgent meeting and he told me that he had some partners who are willing to work with him and the business will be packaged drinking water. His first question to me was “Do you think we can do this?” and as someone who loves challenges my answer was “Yes”. What attracted me the most to Jibu was the Vision and Mission. As someone whose entire family is in the middle class when I heard that Jibu wanted to solve the problem of unsafe drinking water and also give a healthier and affordable alternative to boiling drinking water, I was hooked. Lastly the franchise model meant that I was part of the solution to unemployment in Rwanda as well as helping others become entrepreneurs. I had most of my family members being graduates but struggling with unemployment and this was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Over your 10 years with Jibu, how have your roles and responsibilities evolved, and how has this contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Now as Country Lead for Jibu Rwanda (from August 2023) and having travelled to about 10 countries in the past 10 years and interacted with visionaries like Randy and Galen Welsch as well as our dynamic investors who are also mentors, I think my personal growth is evident. I started as a Sales and Operations Officer (2013-2014) then Lead Technician (2015-2018), Operations and Expansion Manager (2019-2021) and then Head of Franchise Development and Operations (2022-2023 January to June)
What are some of the most memorable projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in during your time at Jibu, and how did they impact the company and the community it serves?
- I have been in charge of the build outs of 59 Franchises in Rwanda, 11 in DRC (Goma City) as the first Layout and Build Out guidance for Kenya, Zimbabwe, Arusha and Ghana.
- I was part of the team that initiated the Jibu Club Project and I have done the layout and assembling guidance of the of Jibu Club cages.
- I was part of the team that started the ZAP Project and I have done the modification guidance of the Jibu Tuk Tuks that we use for delivery.
- Was part of the team that brought Jibu Bottle Exchange Program where Jibu shares the replacement cost with Franchisees and we give our end customers free bottle replacements.
- Initiated the introduction of a new Jibu 10L Bottle in the first half of 2023
As a team we have done a lot in the past decade and its hard to remember all. I am always touched when I walk in the streets and the community reminds me of the wonderful impact that Jibu has made for them.
Jibu has likely faced various challenges during your tenure. Can you highlight some of these challenges and how the company overcame them?
- Wrong Partner in the initial growth stages. In the past couple of years we have come up with a clearer Franchise selection process and our success is evident.
- Government Regulators did not understand the way Jibu works. This has been the same in all operating countries but has improved through better marketing communications as well as stakeholder engagements by our CEO.
How has Jibu’s culture evolved over the years, and what core values have remained consistent throughout your time with the company?
- The Jibu culture and values have remained the same and this has positively impacted everyone in the Jibu network in one way or another, past and present.
As the longest serving staff member, what key lessons have you learned from your experiences at Jibu, and how have they influenced your approach to work and leadership?
- My biggest takeaway lesson from Jibu is that every challenge we faced was an Opportunity for me to grow and be better.
Can you share any heartwarming stories that showcase Jibu’s dedication to social and environmental impact and how it positively affects the communities it serves?
To be honest every day or month I stumble on many passionate stories that showcase Jibu’s dedication to its social and environmental impact. Our business model has been able to make clean drinking water accessible and affordable to communities that previously struggled to access it. This not only improves health outcomes but also creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs, especially women. When you run own Jibu franchises you are your own boss and as a woman who finds it harder to get employment Jibu is the best business. Witnessing these women flourish and positively influence their communities is truly heartening and reinforces our commitment to making a lasting impact on both the environment and the lives of those we serve.
Throughout your tenure, how has Jibu supported your professional development and work-life balance?
Jibu Supported me with many professional courses that I have done and graduated from. Traveling to other countries to support and learn about new markets and participating in high level meetings has been a once in a lifetime opportunity.
What motivates you to continue working with Jibu after all these years, and what makes the company a unique and rewarding place to be a part of?
What motivates me to continue? Jibu’s purpose and social impact, our strong corporate culture, personal development opportunities, a strong belief in the company’s values, as well as a CEO and co-founder who is very motivating.
What makes Jibu unique and a rewarding place to be? Again. the social impact, empowerment of local communities, innovation and creativity, the long-term vision and collaborative environment .
Looking ahead, what do you envision for Jibu’s future, and how do you see yourself contributing to its continued success?
I see Jibu listing as an IPO and spreading to to other continents faster than expected. As the new Jibu Rwanda Country Lead, my contibution is an extention of how i have always worked in all my precious roles. I understand that through leadership I am more instrumental in driving our founders vision for Jibu through growth, impact, and ownership.
