Don't Wait Until You Feel Ready to Start | Ignatious Kirunga's Story

Now, for those unfamiliar, a dealing room is like a control centre—a marketplace where banks and financial institutions buy and sell financial instruments like currencies, bonds, and stocks. Imagine it like a local market: each desk is a stall selling different items—apples, beans, cabbages. The traders are the vendors, each specializing in their own products, and the clients are the customers buying and selling. The action? That’s the trade.

That night, I was managing values in the millions of dollars and trillions of Uganda shillings. And I remember asking myself: “How did I, Ignatious, end up here?”

But this isn’t just a story about financial markets or leadership. It’s a story about risk, resilience, and reimagining what’s possible when you dare to step into the unknown—with discipline and consistency.

My journey began in the Risk Department at Stanbic Bank, fresh out of university. I was young, eager, and—if I’m honest—a little naïve. My days were filled with spreadsheets, risk registers, crisis management plans, and security protocols—like the gatekeepers of the bank, ensuring incidents were mitigated.

On the surface, it was structured and stable. But after two years, and with the guidance of great mentors—especially the then CEO, Mr Patrick Mweheire —I felt a shift. I had learned the mechanics of risk, but I longed for the energy of numbers, the dynamism of markets, and the adrenaline of decisions that mattered in real time. That’s when I discovered my love for numbers.

At 26, I transitioned into Global Markets as a Dealer—someone who helps clients get competitive exchange rates and make investments, while enabling the bank to generate revenue. I dove deep, taking new courses and committing to late-night study sessions to strengthen my understanding of financial markets.

Eventually, I moved into Money Markets, focusing on products that help people invest and earn interest—treasury bonds and bills, unit trusts, credit-linked notes, Eurobonds, structured products, and more. The early days were tough grappling with new concepts, mastering systems, and enduring sleepless nights.

But those assets—especially bonds—opened my eyes. I realized this information wasn’t readily available to most people. That sparked my passion to teach others how to grow their money. For example, bonds pay interest twice a year, and with the power of compounding, one can double their investment over time. I’ve always believed in educating people beyond my job—helping them understand how to earn interest and build wealth.

My breakthrough came when I stopped chasing perfection and started listening. Listening to leaders, colleagues, markets—and most importantly, clients and mentors. That shift changed everything.

Together with my team, we grew year-on-year revenue in Money Markets, reaching turnovers in the trillions of Uganda shillings and millions of dollars across various asset classes.

But the real transformation wasn’t in the numbers—it was in me. I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for others to thrive. I still advise people on investments, driven by my passion for numbers and impact.

Eventually, I looked beyond the bank and many people thought I was crazy. I had built a strong foundation in the dealing room, but I was ready for a new challenge. I joined American Tower Corporation as Senior Manager, Commercial. Today, I serve as Senior Manager, Business Development Africa—leading strategies that connect millions across the continent through telecom infrastructure.

So, what does all this mean?

We live in a world obsessed with speed, results, and instant wins. But growth isn’t linear. It’s messy. It’s vulnerable. And often, it requires us to build bridges where no path exists.

The lesson I carry—and the one I want to leave with you—is this:

Don’t wait until you feel ready. Step forward while the ground is still shaking. Because in those uncertain steps, you discover your true capacity.

I’ll be honest—I’m still figuring things out. But I believe we are the ones who create change. Our inner reality shapes our outer world. That’s the secret.

So, make the step. Be consistent. Be disciplined. And trust that with excellence and God’s guidance, you’ll reach your goals.

Do your best. Be excellent with everything placed in front of you."