Post by Bolt

Hi, I’m Caroline. I am a lawyer and an accountant by training, but if I’m honest, I only pursued law because I watched one too many legal dramas. I’m a lawyer by heart, but I’ve always been driven by an appetite for a pace that courtroom dramas couldn't quite match. Today, I’m the Regional Director for Rides Operations at Bolt, overseeing our business across Africa and Southeast Asia. I often think of my role as leading the thread that ties the tech, the drivers, and the riders together. It’s making sure drivers earn well and riders get a safe, reliable trip, ensuring our tech actually "lives" on the ground in cities from Nairobi to Bangkok. This month marks my three-year anniversary at Bolt. It has stretched me in ways I didn't anticipate, and looking back, these are the lessons I carry with me: 👉 Leadership is like weight training. 🏋️‍♀️ The routine stays the same, but the weight keeps increasing. As the stakes go up, your "form," which is how you listen 360 to your teams and customers, matters more than ever. It’s easy to lose that as you get more senior, but you’re leading people, not just outcomes. 👉 Unlearn being "grateful and quiet." Coming from an African context, women are often taught to stay in the background and be grateful for a seat at the table. I’ve had to actively unlearn that. Lean into your edge and have the uncomfortable conversations about your growth. The truth is, it still feels a little awkward every time I do it, but that is how I know I’m growing. 👉 Don’t fear the "sideways" move. I was already senior when I joined the tech world. I’ll be honest: I worried a sideways step meant I was falling behind. It didn't. Sometimes the right moves aren’t upward: they are the ones that give you the room to scale that a title never could. 👉 Think "work-life flexibility," not "balance." Things don't neatly switch off in my world, so it’s about managing energy rather than a clock. That means knowing when to work from home because I’m simply not at my best. It also means protecting my non-negotiables: weightlifting, spinning, travelling to reset, and good food. (I’m serious about that last one: a bad meal can genuinely ruin my mood!) 👉 Don’t self-select out. In operations, the barriers for women are real, from safety concerns to ingrained stereotypes. It’s easy to look at a tough arena and think, "Not for me." But when women step in, they lead exceptionally well. Don't walk away before you’ve even started. I grew up in a household of five where there was no room for waste and discipline was everything. That shaped my "figure it out" mindset. Today, I’ve realised that titles come and go, but the way you show up and what you build with people is what actually sticks. The journey continues, and the weights are only getting heavier. I’m ready for it. 🌍 *** If you’re driven by curiosity, we’re hiring: careers.bolt.eu #lifeatbolt #womenintech #leadership