Felister Sabuni’s Rise as CRDB’s Audit Head

Felister Sabuni: Driving Audit Excellence at CRDB with Vision and Determination
Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Dar es Salaam – The path to success is rarely smooth, particularly for women navigating professional landscapes traditionally dominated by men. Yet, for Felister Sabuni, the Head of Audit at CRDB Bank, challenges are not barriers—they are opportunities for growth.

Sabuni leads with purpose, overseeing audit operations across CRDB’s head office, branches, and subsidiaries. Her role is pivotal to ensuring robust risk management, regulatory compliance, strong governance, and strategic audit process enhancement.

Reflecting on her professional journey, Sabuni emphasizes that success demands resilience, sacrifice, and unshakable determination. “Hard work, determination, and passion in whatever you do—you don’t do your job because someone is watching. You do it even when nobody is,” she says.

From Customer Service to Leadership

Sabuni began her career in customer service before transitioning into internal auditing—a field she entered with little prior knowledge. But with a mindset rooted in continuous learning and mentorship, she climbed the ranks. “Altitude is everything,” she says. “That’s what moved me from a customer service officer to the Head of Internal Audit.”

Her transformation is marked by a fierce commitment to self-motivation and personal growth. She recalls how, despite being unfamiliar with auditing, she embraced the opportunity and committed to mastering the field.

Navigating Gendered Challenges

Sabuni is candid about the unique challenges women face in the workplace. She acknowledges that some hurdles stem from societal expectations and workplace environments, but she advocates for a mindset shift—turning adversity into an advantage.

“Challenges in a woman’s space can be double-edged. But if you focus on the obstacle rather than how to leverage it, it can slow you down. Turning it into a stepping stone is how you move forward,” she explains.

The Power of Mentorship

Key to Sabuni’s ascent has been the support of mentors and coaches who provided honest, constructive feedback. “I’ve had people who volunteered to be my coaches, observing my presentations and offering feedback—pointing out what went well and where I could improve.”

She currently relies on two to three mentors with whom she regularly discusses complex decisions or seeks guidance, highlighting the value of continuous professional development.

A Collaborative Leadership Approach

Sabuni champions engaged leadership, believing in working alongside her team rather than delegating from a distance. “I like to see things move, and I’m not the kind of leader who sits and waits. I want to be part of the team, ensuring we deliver on our objectives.”

She notes that leading by example is vital: “People follow what we do more than what we say. Engagement allows for better guidance and better outcomes.”

A Message to Aspiring Women

To young women aspiring to leadership roles, Sabuni’s advice is clear: start now. “It’s never too late. Whatever point you're at, begin with what you have and commit to growing in that area. Bring passion into your work—it’s possible.”

She emphasizes the importance of focus, determination, and a reliable support system. “The journey isn't easy; sacrifices are required. But with focus and a supportive network—family, friends, or colleagues—you can achieve your goals.”

Fostering Growth in Others

As a leader, Sabuni prioritizes team development through honest, constructive feedback. “Capacity building requires transparency. Feedback must be genuine, so people understand their shortcomings and can improve.”

Felister Sabuni’s journey is a powerful testament to ambition, resilience, and the impact of purposeful leadership. In a world where women are continually breaking barriers, her story serves as both a beacon and a blueprint for what’s possible when talent meets tenacity.