Catherine Mandungu, Founder of Think RevOps
Catherine Mandungu speaks to The Industry Leaders about her work and what she's learned on her entrepreneurial journey.
What's Your Story?
I'm the founder of Think RevOps, a company that began as the pandemic was brewing.
I realized the revenue operations market was booming, especially within the tech industry, and therefore wanted to explore what is largely an untapped market within the UK and Europe.
As an entrepreneurial figure, I am unique. I was born in Congo, DRC, and then largely raised in the Netherlands by a single mum of four girls. Coming from a working-class background, privilege did not influence me, but rather my personal ambition and desire for a better life. My mum is my biggest drive and motivation. Once I decided to move to the UK to study, there was no stopping me, and I have since worked at large companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Adobe before starting my own company.
Strong female figures have influenced me, and I hope to do the same, by inspiring women to take the leap and invest in themselves. My aim is to give women more opportunities, and I am doing this by coaching women who want to be great RevOps leaders or who want to get into that space.
You can travel back in time to Day 1 of your business or career - what advice would you give to younger-you, knowing what you know now?
Being the eldest of four, I always put myself under pressure to achieve. I was the first of our family to go to University and get a 'proper job'. If I could go back to my 21-year-old self, I would tell her not to worry so much. If you work hard and stay consistent good things will come at the right time.
What one book or podcast changed your life?
I read Think and Grow Rich in my early 20s, and it made a huge impact on me - it changed my perspective. I know that if you truly believe in something you can achieve it.
Editor's note: Read about the journeys of other influential women in business we've interviewed, like Nancy Duarte, Imogen Cowell, and Kara Goldin.
