Capacity Magazine, a London based media publication focused on the latest in telecommunications has recognised our very own Shally Jannif.

The Digicel Group – Regional Chief Executive Officer – Pacific  Group was featured in the magazine’s February/March edition in its 20 Women to Watch segment.

This is the fifth annual Women  to Watch Power List celebrates 20 noteworthy women from across wholesale telecoms and tech sector.

Capacity said this year’s list received the highest number of submissions since it launched in 2018.

The segment it said was: “Creating an index that shines a light on women across the space who have achieved massive results or reached major milestones in their respective fields, while breaking down barriers in the process.”

Ms Jannif is recognised alongside names like Google’s Africa Infrastructure lead, Sylvie LaPerriere, and Nokia’s President fixed networks business group, Sandy Motley.

The magazine said: “In 2019, Jannif became the first Fijian to hold the position of regional CEO at Digicel and is the only female CEO at the group.

“Under her leadership, Digicel Pacific was sold to Telstra, valued at US$1.8 billion (about FJ$3.78 billion).

“During the Tonga subsea cable outage, Jannif helped to co-ordinate Digicel’s repair and reconnection network.”

In a response, Ms Jannif said, it was a privilege and an honour to be recognised among the power watch list of the top 20 women leaders in the telco world.

She acknowledged Digicel chairman, Denis O’Brien, and the senior management team for having faith in her.

“Being the first Fijian person to be appointed to this position is a great  opportunity and I am very grateful for the faith my leadership team continues to place in my team and me,” she said.

“I would also like to thank my family – my mum, siblings and my pillar of strength, my only son.”

“Being part of a dynamic team that never gives up under any given circumstance.”

“Be it a Tsunami, earthquake, cyclones, floods or COVID, I am proud to be part of an amazing team that is so resilient.”

“My team is my biggest asset.”

“My style of leadership is inclusive, encouraging participation, sharing not only information but your ideas, feelings, etc and most importantly being empowered to lead their own verticals/areas.”

Here is an excerpt of an interview with Ms Jannif.

How Do You Manage Work/Life Balance In This Fast-Paced Demanding World?
I like this question. My answer is a question back to you – isn’t work part of life? I don’t chase work/life balance.

Reason – I love my job, I love my family and I love my life.

I find time in my day to do all.

I don’t have this maths in my head on the exact number of hours needed where one can quantify I have now achieved work/life balance.

We need to decide what is important and prioritize.

Sometimes things won’t work out as planned and that is ok.

As long as you love what you do there is always going to be no room for regrets.

Where Do You See Yourself In Five Years Time?
Personally, I see myself nurturing and bringing up my son from being my baby (he is 10 at the moment) to a young man who respects women.

Professionally, I aim to continue working in senior leadership roles, empowering more women and young girls that they can be CEOs as well.

I see myself working in more philanthropic ventures as well.

Your mindset is very important.

With a positive mindset, you find solutions for the most demanding situations.

Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj