Welcome to our second Tek Ten employee spotlight! Meet Yvankester Amaife, our Site Manager in Rwanda. We’re chatting with “Kes,” as he is sometimes known, to learn about what inspires him daily and how his interests and aspirations led him to a role at Tek.

Meet Yvankester Amaife

We’re excited to spotlight Yvankester Amaife, Tek Ten’s inspirational Site Manager based in Rwanda. Yvankester brings a spirit of service, care, and accountability to overseeing operations and building community. Having relocated from Nigeria to help launch Tek’s site in Rwanda, Yvankester has already made his mark by quickly ramping up and leading high performance.

1. How would you describe your job to a child?

I liken myself to Batman’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth, who’s also his most loyal friend and confidant. Alfred is the one in the background who always makes sure that everything works smoothly.

2. What led you to your current role?

There was a change in my previous operational role that challenged me to look for my next career opportunity. I was able to successfully apply for the role in Rwanda. Here, I was able to successfully operationally onboard the Rwanda team and led our first Line of Business to attain and maintain exceedingly improved performance, even amidst the rapid growth of our site.

3. Who or what inspires you most?

I’m passionate about people and processes; I am extremely disturbed when I don’t see things functioning as they should.

I’m motivated by lending my voice and putting actions in place to make things more achievable and work easily.

4. What is your favorite thing about working at Tek?

I have always been fascinated by the healthy working environment and my meaningful relationships with my colleagues.

5. What is your proudest achievement at Tek so far?

My proudest achievements have been relocating from Nigeria to Rwanda and building an operation from scratch into a high-performing one, and receiving the YNV Group Leadership Accountability Award for 2023 for demonstrating accountability by being proactive, setting high standards, and delivering exceptional results.

6. What one piece of advice would you give someone just starting at Tek?

Remember the reason why you joined Tek and hold onto that thought to ensure you’re not distracted from that course.

7. What would you tell your younger self about the journey ahead? (A lesson, a warning, or some advice?)

You are only as good as your current performance. Hence, keep striving to be the best version of yourself, and don’t allow yourself to be influenced by societal pressures or unhealthy competition.

You have what it takes to achieve your goals and desires. Whenever you feel down, talk yourself up whilst looking at the mirror.

8. What three words/ phrases would your closest friend use to describe you – and how do those things show up at work?

• A go-getter

• A politician

• A caring leader

All these attributes play a huge role at work as I’m faced with scenarios that require me to be empathetic while proffering resolutions as a leader and, at the same time to be political. One thing is certain, though: the results will always come about positively.

9. What’s the last thing that made you smile or laugh at work?

I must say I’m grateful to have a leader like Gary, who always cracks me up and makes me smile whilst we get the job done. Once, we’d set up a Pool Tournament on site, and I watched closely how emotions are heightened and how employees are rooting for their favorites during each game. Then I got a message from Gary saying, “Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective ones to connect and engage with people. Thank you for this week.” This made me smile.

10. What did you want to be when you grew up, and is there any element of that profession in your role at Tek?

I have always wanted to contribute to mankind and improve my local community. I strongly believe that Tek has enabled me to continually fulfill those desires through its involvement with Giving Back projects and the nature of the work and support we carry out daily.

Uplifting Communities, Transforming Minds

Yvankester’s commitment to community and uncommon dedication shine through in everything he does. Yvankester sees each obstacle as a chance to innovate solutions and transform mindsets. His passion for developing people and lifting his region motivates him to bring out the best in everyone around him. Kes inspires all of us to stay focused on why we do what we do – and fulfill our highest purpose. We’re proud to have selfless leaders like Yvankester, who ca