Jessica Nanyunja: On her vision for pot water

Jessica Nanyunja’s Liteside

Any three things that we don’t know about you?

I m a visionary; my greatest joy is to have an idea and bring it to life. I am a big dreamer and very hardworking. I also believe that I am a kind person. Being a Christian has tamed me so much.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Peace of mind and living my blue print. I am one person who believes that we are here for a short time and the earlier we do what we ought to do in life, the better.

What is your greatest fear?

Poverty; I have experienced a life of plenty, scarcity and plenty again so I don’t wish to fall back to poverty.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I am very emotional, so I easily let go of anything that compromises my peace of mind. This is at times not good because some conditions in life require persistence and resilience.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Dishonesty; you would rather tell me the bitter truth and I find a way of dealing with it that an open lie to save a situation for a short time.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire my mother; she is very confident because even when she became a widow at a very young age of 27, she made a decision to focus on raising us with the best. She is also a very loving and open minded person. For my career prospects, I admire Aliko Dangote for being an industrialist who pushes for Africa to shine. He has demonstrated that it is possible in Africa.

What is your greatest extravagance?

For the love of reading, I spend a lot on books.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

Creating a brand in the market and being appreciated. It is something that I never dreamt of.

What is your current state of mind?

I am happy

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Often times, we overrate failure on the side of government and yet we also have a role to play within our means. Uganda gives a naturing environment that creates the opportunity to try out ideas and thrive.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Having authority and capacity to do whatever you want in your own terms.

On what occasion do you lie?

I like it straight.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

Weight is taking a toll on me but I know what to do.

Which living person do you most despise?

I despise people who are arrogant and proud because at the end of the day, what you have accumulated doesn’t concern people but what good they can learn from you.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Knowledge and belief in who she is; it’s from within to the outside. A woman should also be able to balance many roles without losing the focus.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Loving and ready to sacrifice at a bigger cost.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My mother, husband and siblings; I however find a hard rock between my mother and husband.

When and where were you happiest?

When I graduated with a PhD in 2015, it was a dream come true. When I met my husband for the first time in 2008; I have never felt loved and assured of love like whenever I meet him. In December 2016, I was happy seeing Harmony Nutri Foods factory stand after a period of construction.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would love to improve my negotiation skills.

Where would you most like to live?

I love Nigeria because most of its people think big and try to execute the ideas.

What is your most treasured possession?

I value my brand and would wish that even after I am gone, somebody takes on the mantle.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Being judged wrongly and paying dearly for it is the worst injustice any human being can be made to face.

What is your favorite occupation?

Innovation and creativity is my passion.

What do you most value in your friends?

There must be something that connects us.

Who are your favorite writers?

Brian Tracy teaches me a lot about setting goals, being myself and achieving excellence. I also love to read Stephen Covey; he reminds me that whatever happens is my concern and that nobody can take away anything from me if I don’t permit it. From him, I have learnt that I can achieve anything I want.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

James Mulwana (RIP) built a fountain of wealth from just a vision to something great. He started the idea from the visionary part. He proves the power of vision and following it through.

What is your greatest regret?

I don’t dwell on regrets.

How would you like to die?

After clocking 80 years, I can sleep away.

What is your motto?

You don’t have to be great to start but to be great, you must start.

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