Stepping Into the Unknown: My Journey Into a New Business Sector


The past month has felt like a roller coaster ride—full of ups, downs, sharp turns, and surprising revelations. But through it all, I’ve come to embrace the journey with an open heart. It has been a season of stretching myself, trying out new things, and most importantly, stepping out of my comfort zone into a business sector I never imagined I’d be part of.

When I took the leap into this new field—fuel and energy logistics—it was uncharted territory for me. I come from a background in social enterprise, community empowerment, and agribusiness with SunSow Agro, so transitioning into this highly technical and regulated space was a massive shift.

This new venture demanded more than curiosity—it required humility, unlearning old habits, intense research, and the patience to listen and learn from everyone around me. I’ve come to appreciate the intricate systems, regulations, and partnerships that make this industry function. From legal compliance and safety protocols to pricing mechanisms and product quality controls, every aspect is layered and dynamic.

But perhaps the most transformative part of this journey has been learning from people I might have previously overlooked. I’ve gained valuable insights not only from top managers and technical experts but also from the "smallest" players in the sector—cleaners, security personnel, drivers—people who live the system daily and often understand the unspoken rules of the trade. Their experiences have helped me appreciate the operational pulse of this field beyond what any manual or report could teach.

This new field has reshaped how I approach work entirely. Time management is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. I’ve had to sharpen my reporting skills, refine my engagement with customers and stakeholders, and learn the intricacies of logistics and transportation—especially around delivering products like Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

There’s one puzzle that still bothers me deeply. Each time a truck is loaded with, say, 10,000 liters of PMS at the depot, by the time it arrives at the station, we receive about 9,900 liters. That 100-liter variance consistently appears, despite the tankers being sealed and locked from point A to point B. Industry experts say this is due to the fuel being loaded at 20°C and delivered at different temperatures, which causes volume fluctuation due to thermal expansion or contraction. But I still find myself asking: Where exactly does that fuel go? Does it evaporate in sealed tanks? Is there a chemical reaction during transportation that changes the volume? Or is it simply the science of liquids responding to environmental conditions?

While I don’t have all the answers yet, I’m committed to continuing this journey of discovery. Each day is an opportunity to deepen my understanding—not just of the technicalities of this new sector—but of how to grow as a leader, entrepreneur, and learner.

At the same time, I continue to juggle responsibilities at SunSow Agro, my social enterprise focused on empowering rural communities through agribusiness. Balancing both worlds is not easy, but it’s fulfilling. One is about fueling machines; the other is about fueling lives. And perhaps that’s where the beauty lies—in the ability to move between seemingly different sectors with one core goal: to make an impact.

To those who find themselves in unfamiliar territory, know this—growth lives in the unknown. The discomfort, confusion, and even self-doubt are part of the process. Keep going. Stay curious. Ask the hard questions. And never underestimate what you can learn from the most unexpected people and places.

 

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