2025, October 27
Stepping Beyond Comfort. A Candid Conversation with Zephania Ohola, BU Head Healthcare Technologies at Harley’s Limited
For Zephania Ohola, leadership is more than managing people or hitting numbers. It’s about fostering growth, transformation and the courage to step into the unknown.
When asked to describe himself in three words, Zephania, a Biotechnology graduate from the University of Nairobi doesn’t hesitate: pragmatic, agile and resilient. These words perfectly encapsulate the energy he brings into his role and his career journey so far.
A Transformative Experience at Harley’s
Having worked with notable leading companies before joining Harley’s, Zephania describes his current experience as nothing short of transformative.
“Harley’s exposes you to all the key aspects of managing a business,” he explains. “It’s not just about driving revenue. You learn how every business function interconnects to deliver customer satisfaction, employee engagement and financial growth. That kind of holistic exposure that transforms your focus towards profitability.”
For Zephania, the most fulfilling part of his role is strategic leadership.
“You must constantly be fully aware of the dynamics of your business, know your strengths and direction. Every single day, this is what drives me; ensuring our plans align with the company’s long-term vision.”
Stepping Out of his Comfort Zone
Throughout his career, Zephania has carried one key piece of advice: growth begins where comfort ends.
“I’ve learned that you have to be audacious,” he says with a smile. “Take on roles that scare you. Challenge yourself. Failure is part of growth and every time I’ve taken a leap into something bigger, that’s when I’ve grown the most.”
Interestingly, in two of his previous management roles he initially interviewed for a lower position. But interviewers saw leadership potential and encouraged him to take on more. “They believed I could handle it, even when I wasn’t sure I could,” he recalls. “That taught me to trust myself more.”
Finding Balance and Intentional Living
When it comes to work-life balance, Zephania’s take is both realistic and intentional.
“Work-life balance is important, but it doesn’t happen by accident,” he says. “You have to plan for it, just like you plan your career goals. Be intentional about spending time with family, friends and yourself. Otherwise, work will take over everything.”
Lessons from the Journey
Looking back, Zephania admits that if he could start over, he’d believe in himself much earlier.
“In the first few years of my career, I played it safe. But once I learned to trust my abilities and take risks, things changed. I grew faster and achieved more.”
He also reflects on how his strict upbringing shaped his professional discipline.
“I grew up in a very structured and competitive environment. My father was a disciplinarian. Even in school and at work, I’ve always had strict mentors. Now, I see how that has helped me handle pressure and keep my teams accountable.”
For Zephania, every experience from childhood to his leadership journey has been part of a bigger lesson. Resilience, adaptability and courage are what define true growth.
“At Harley’s, I’ve learned that transformation is continuous. It’s about staying curious, being strategic and never getting too comfortable.”
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