Most leaders manage. Some strategize. But Violet Kalomba is fully alive in her leadership—not just making decisions but breathing life into every process, every team, every vision.
When she stepped into her organization, there were no clear processes, no structured procedures—just raw potential waiting to be shaped. Where others might have seen chaos, she saw an opportunity to build, to transform, to empower. And she did. Today, the systems she put in place don’t just function: they think, they adapt, they sustain themselves—a reflection of her deep consciousness that true leadership is not about control but continuity.
Violet does not believe in sitting behind a desk, detached from reality. She moves. She listens. She builds. Whether it’s at industry events, on-site visits, or high-stakes meetings, she is present—not just physically, but fully engaged, ensuring that every decision is grounded in experience, insight, and foresight.
Her expertise is not confined to a single function. She understands a bit of something on key areas—HR, supply chain, automation, emerging technologies, and strategic partnerships. If there’s a breakthrough on the horizon, she’s already thinking about how to integrate it, who to collaborate with, and how to future-proof the organization. Because for Violet, nothing is ordinary. Every project, every system, and every solution she touches is part of something bigger—something built to last.
Leadership and Business Growth
Violet’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and transformative impact. With a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, she entered an industry traditionally dominated by men, determined to carve her own path. Her five years of rigorous training in Engineering coupled by a Masters in Business Administration not only hardened her resolve but also equipped her with the skills to navigate complex projects and drive strategic growth.
Her career began in design and project management, where she quickly distinguished herself. Companies often secured major contracts but lacked the expertise to execute them effectively—a gap Violet seamlessly filled. With her strategic mindset and ability to orchestrate projects from inception to completion, she consistently delivered results, earning the trust of both clients and industry leaders.
In the early stages of her career, Violet wore multiple hats—HR, procurement, logistics, and team management—gaining a comprehensive understanding of how to build and scale organizations. Her expertise eventually led her into the telecommunications sector, where she managed major projects for Safaricom, Kenya’s leading telecom provider. Tasked with building a department from scratch, she grew it from a one-person team to a workforce of over 150 employees by the time she exited in December 2020. Many of the talents she mentored during this period have since established themselves across the industry—a testament to her leadership and influence.
Building Tetranet into a Market Leader
Recognized for her ability to drive business expansion, Violet joined Tetranet in 2021, a women-owned tech firm, to help establish its presence in the telecommunications sector. Initially joining as a Business Development Lead, she leveraged her strong industry reputation and extensive network to secure contracts with top-tier clients in Kenya.
Under her leadership, Tetranet experienced exponential growth—expanding from twelve employees to 134 within three years and increasing its revenue by 10x. Her strategic foresight and deep industry relationships played a pivotal role in positioning the company as a key player in the tech and telecom industry.
Recognizing her impact, Violet was promoted to General Manager in May 2022, and by March 7, 2024, she was appointed CEO. Her ability to attract clients, foster strategic partnerships, and scale operations has not only propelled Tetranet’s success but has also reinforced the power of visionary leadership in driving sustainable business growth.
Empowerment, Openness, and Respect
For Violet, leadership is not about authority—it’s about empowerment, respect, and fostering a culture of growth. Having accumulated decades of experience across various business functions, she understands that true leadership is about valuing people at every level of an organization. Through her mentorship, industry expertise, and relentless drive, Violet Kalomba continues to redefine leadership—proving that with the right mindset, talent, and strategy, any company can achieve extraordinary success.
At the core of her leadership philosophy is respect for all—whether it’s an executive or a cleaner, every role is essential to the success of an organization. She firmly believes that happy, motivated employees create satisfied customers, making employee well-being a top priority. This philosophy has shaped a workplace culture where people feel valued, motivated, and committed, leading to low turnover and high performance.
An Open-Door Leader
Violet is not a distant, inaccessible CEO—she leads with an open-door policy, ensuring that anyone, regardless of rank, can approach her freely. She fosters a culture where employees can express their ideas, share concerns, and seek guidance without hesitation. Whether it’s mentorship, collaboration, or problem-solving, she believes that open communication builds stronger teams and better organizations.
Her client relationships mirror this approach. Even as a CEO, she maintains close ties with former colleagues, clients, and industry peers, making work allocation and partnerships seamless. Clients trust her leadership, not just because of her position but because of the genuine relationships she builds.
Two-Way Communication: Listening and Leading
Violet’s leadership style is a balance of top-down and bottom-up communication. Instead of simply dictating directives, she invites ideas and feedback, ensuring that employees at all levels have a voice. She values the input of her team, encouraging innovation and collaborative problem-solving.
This inclusive approach extends to performance evaluations. Rather than relying solely on supervisors’ assessments, she implements self-evaluations, moderation panels, and anonymous employee feedback through Monkey Surveys. This ensures fairness, eliminates bias, and fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
A Leader Who Builds, Not Commands
Violet’s leadership has transformed Tetranet from a small team into a thriving, multi-million-dollar enterprise. But for her, success is not just about numbers—it’s about building an environment where people thrive, ideas flourish, and businesses grow sustainably. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: when leaders invest in people, create open channels of communication, and foster a culture of trust, success follows naturally.
Leader Who Builds People, Not Just Businesses
Success is not just measured in revenue or expansion—it is seen in the loyalty of people, the strength of a team, and the culture of an organization. Since she took the helm at Tetranet, they have experienced high employee retention, realizing the value of a workplace that truly invests in its people. For Violet, employees are not just workers—they are the heartbeat of the organization.
Leadership Style Rooted in Humanity
Violet leads with a rare balance of structure and empathy. She understands that performance is not just about skills—it is about well-being. She takes the time to check in on her employees beyond work, understanding their challenges, offering support when needed, and fostering an environment where people feel safe, heard, and valued. This people-first approach extends to her open-door policy. Anyone, at any level, can approach her—whether to discuss a project, share an idea, or seek personal guidance. It is this accessibility that has built a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration, where employees feel empowered to contribute and grow.
Vision for Sustainable Growth
When Violet joined Tetranet, there were no defined processes, no structured procedures, and no organizational clarity. She changed that. She built a framework where every employee knows their role, understands their responsibilities, and has a clear path for growth.
Her belief in mentorship and leadership development ensures that knowledge is not just held at the top but shared at every level. If Violet were to step away today, the company would continue to run seamlessly—a true testament to her philosophy that leadership is not about holding power but distributing it wisely.
Trust and Respect
Violet does not lead through coercion—she leads through trust. When she sets a direction, her team follows not because they must, but because they believe in her vision. Her direct report work in complete alignment, knowing that their leader values their input and empowers them to make decisions.
Respect, for Violet, is non-negotiable. Every employee, regardless of position, deserves dignity. In her organization, a technician’s voice is just as important as a manager’s. Disrespect, at any level, is not tolerated—because success is only possible when everyone moves forward together.
Known for Delivering Excellence
For Violet, leadership is not just about overseeing operations—it is about building trust, ensuring efficiency, and consistently delivering results. She values reliability, one that clients trust without hesitation. When Violet commits to a project, it gets done—on time, with precision, and to the highest standard.
Her leadership at Tetranet has given the company a strong competitive edge, built on key pillars:
- A Highly Trained, Cohesive Team
A leader is only as strong as the team behind them, and Violet ensures that her team is not only well-trained but also deeply aligned with the company’s culture and values. She understands that even the best strategies can fail if the execution team is weak. At Tetranet, every employee operates as a unit, receiving clear guidance and leadership, ensuring that projects run smoothly from start to finish. Tetranet also have an office Library which was Violet’s initiative to encourage employees reading culture and personal growth.
- Unmatched Health & Safety Compliance
Health and safety are not just checkboxes for Tetranet—they are a core part of its identity. The company recently won three industry awards for its outstanding commitment to health and safety compliance, ranking among the top performers out of many partners.
Working in high-risk environments requires meticulous safety protocols, continuous training, and strong leadership presence. Violet leads by example, actively visiting project sites, attending industry events, and reinforcing a culture of safety and accountability. Tetranet’s compliance with Vodafone Group’s strict Health and Safety standards has strengthened its position as a preferred partner for high-stakes projects.
- Financial Strength & Stability
Telecommunication industry is capital intensive and cash flow challenges can lead to delayed project delivery. Tetranet has managed it’s financial stability by ensuring that resources are available to deliver projects on time, as well as meet other financial obligations.
- Delivering in the Toughest Conditions
Tetranet does not shy away from challenging projects in remote and high-risk areas—including locations with security concerns and logistical difficulties. The company has established mechanisms and innovative logistical solutions to ensure that even the most difficult sites are served.
- A Global Mindset & Strategic Partnerships
Violet is constantly seeking new technologies, industry trends, and strategic partnerships. She actively travels to global exhibitions, forums, and networking events, securing collaborations with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), software developers, and industry leaders.
Instead of building everything in-house, Tetranet focuses on partnering with the best in the industry—providing turnkey solutions that cover everything from surveying and planning to design, inventory, implementation, maintenance, and security.
- A Reputation That Opens Doors
Violet’s personal brand and leadership reputation have played a crucial role in Tetranet’s growth. Clients don’t just trust the company—they trust her ability to deliver. Her relationships and industry credibility have helped Tetranet scale rapidly, securing high-value contracts and long-term partnerships.
A Leader Who Delivers, Always
Under Violet Kalomba’s leadership, Tetranet has transformed into an industry powerhouse—trusted for its efficiency, expertise, and ability to execute even the most complex projects. Whether it is navigating financial constraints, ensuring safety compliance, or managing largescale deployments, one thing remains constant: When Violet Kalomba takes on a project, it gets done.
Future of ICT & Managed Services
In an industry where technology evolves daily, Violet Kalomba ensures that Tetranet stays ahead of the curve. With AI, automation, and emerging technologies reshaping the ICT and managed services sector, she recognizes that speed, adaptability, and foresight are crucial to maintaining a competitive edge.
Ambitious Growth: Expanding Across Africa
Tetranet’s 10-year expansion plan is set to transform the company into a leading ICT and infrastructure giant across “In 10 years, Tetranet will not just be another player in the market—it will be the name everyone in Africa talks about.” – Violet Kalomba
Creating Opportunities, Building Legacies
For Violet Kalomba, success is not just about building a company—it’s about creating opportunities, empowering future generations, and leaving a lasting impact. Whether it’s through training the next generation of ICT professionals, supporting communities through social initiatives, or mentoring young entrepreneurs, her leadership extends far beyond business.
A Legacy of Growth & Empowerment
Violet Kalomba is more than a CEO—she is a builder of people, industries, and communities. From transforming Tetranet into a market leader to training the next generation of professionals and creating sustainable solutions for underserved communities, her leadership is shaping the future.
Her vision is clear: Growth should not just be about business—it should uplift people, create opportunities, and leave an impact that lasts for generations.
A Vision for Industry Leadership
Violet’s vision for Tetranet is clear: to become a dominant force in Africa’s ICT sector. Through strategic partnerships, innovation, and a relentless drive for excellence, the company is on track to become a towering industry leader, setting the standard for telecom infrastructure and managed services across the continent.
“In 10 years, Tetranet will not just be another player in the market—it will be the name everyone in Africa talks about.” – Violet Kalomba
Creating Opportunities, Building Legacies
For Violet Kalomba, success is not just about building a company—it’s about creating opportunities, empowering future generations, and leaving a lasting impact. Whether it’s through training the next generation of ICT professionals, supporting communities through social initiatives, or mentoring young entrepreneurs, her leadership extends far beyond business.
A Legacy of Growth & Empowerment
Violet Kalomba is more than a CEO—she is a builder of people, industries, and communities. From transforming Tetranet into a market leader to training the next generation of professionals and creating sustainable solutions for underserved communities, her leadership is shaping the future. Her vision is clear: Growth should not just be about business—it should uplift people, create opportunities, and leave an impact that lasts for generations.
