Interview: Fredrick’s Journey

Fredrick Mumali joined Int4 in 2024, after a unique journey that began with learning about SAP through Int4’s shared knowledge and a mentorship connection with Edyta Kaźmierczak-Pawlak and Michał Michalski. He brings a persistent drive and a passion for learning to the team. In the meantime, Fredrick did his Phd at Poznan University of Technology.

Donatella Nezereab: Frederick, tell us your story. Let’s see how people from Kenya can land in the same foreign country and at the same company. 

Fredrick Mumali: So where do I start? Because my story is huge.

Donatella Nezereab: Yeah, just start from whichever point you want. Just tell us how you came to Poland? Did you like it? Whether you enjoyed it or not, how did you start studying in Poland? How did it go? How did you feel far away from your family? How did you land at Int4? Tell us your story.

Fredrick Mumali: So, I met my wife in Kenya; that was in 2016. She was an exchange student at my university. I was doing my undergrad in Kenya, yeah, then I came over for my master’s to Poland and for her of course!  Somewhere while doing my master’s, we had exchange students, and in my group, we had a German student, with whom I was working on a case study as part of an assignment in one of the units related to information management systems and business process. She proposed, the student from Germany, working on SAP as a case study, and that’s where I more or less got my interest in the SAP world. Interestingly, I ended up teaching the same units years later as a part-time assistant at the university. 

When it comes to work, I was working several jobs in Poznań. It was so hard in the beginning as a foreigner; the only job you could get was maybe in a call center because you speak English. I had a bunch of horrible experiences. I remember my first job was selling conferences. I was constantly wondering what I could do, something I’d be passionate about, where I would wake up even in the middle of the night to jump into work if needed. This whole idea of ERP felt like “that’s it.” 

Donatella Nezereab: So you found your career path?

Fredrick Mumali: Yes. From that point, I just started learning and doing all the stuff. During that time, I was mostly using the SAP community, and a lot of information was coming from Int4. Most of the Int4 guys were posting SAP related articles and SAP Press books, and that’s how I came to know about the company. It was so intriguing; it was very interesting for me. I learned a lot from all those articles, and it felt extraordinary because they were sharing knowledge selflessly. I just wondered, “Okay, I have to see these guys,” because it’s rare when people share knowledge to that level. So, I came over.

Edyta Kazmierczak: Yeah, I was kind of surprised to see you there in my first days of work at Int4. So, I assume it must have been hard to hear when I told you we weren’t hiring junior people. What did you feel, actually?

Fredrick Mumali: I don’t remember exactly how I felt, but I just felt connected to the company and the guys. I came over and met Michał Michalski. Maybe it was just meant to be; we became friends and kept in touch over the years. You and I kept talking about how to move forward with my studies as well. It was unique, as normally after an interview, if you don’t qualify, that’s the end of it. But you and I brainstormed what to do next, how to break into this space. You even recommended that I go to a shared service kind of company because they would be looking for junior people, which I remember discussing. Eventually, I was even given a voucher for one of your Int4 Suite Solution courses.

Donatella Nezereab: I am in awe, I must admit. WHY did you still choose to keep participating in these activities and learning more, even after the job rejection?

Fredrick Mumali: I think we sort of became friends, and I just felt drawn back to Int4 guys. I was always in touch with Michał Michalski and Korneliusz Kordus. Whenever I had questions, I asked and got the answer; I just felt drawn to the Int4 company. Later, a  project I was involved in at the previous client ended in the format and team it had been running due to some strategic business decisions. I was sad, but then, change is the only constant in life, right? It felt like time to move on, so I knew I had to talk to Edyta.

Edyta Kazmierczak: And you did 🙂 I am so glad you did. Once you joined, did we meet the expectations you had?

Fredrick Mumali: Generally, I don’t like to have expectations in life. I approach things with an open heart to discover what’s out there. At Int4, it just felt like I’d been working here for ages; with Michał Jakubowicz, we clicked instantly. An open mind allows you to be open to learning and improving every day.

Edyta Kazmierczak: I am curious about your perspective here; what is it about the environment and the people that makes you feel you thrive?

Fredrick Mumali: It’s the people. I feel 100% supported. I’m not a Superman, so when I approach anyone, everyone is always open to helping. I never find myself struggling; I always have that support from Michał Jakubowicz e.g. Int4 guys are just open to helping and give hints on where to find materials and resources. For me, if you are open to learning and developing yourself, and you have an environment where you’re given the freedom to do that, then this is perfect. At Int4, I feel I have that environment to thrive, do my best, and learn whatever I want. There’s no limit.

Edyta Kazmierczak: Last but not least. (laughter) Have you ever thought about what values landed you a job at Int4?

Fredrick Mumali: I think my persistent drive and passion for learning were key. I was always learning, even after the initial rejection, and sought out information from the SAP community, much of which came from Int4’s shared knowledge. Not giving up even though rejection definitely played a part.

Edyta Kazmierczak: Persistence definitely was the key and we are lucky to have you.