tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39704295320349019052024-03-26T11:08:27.847+03:00Calibrated BlossomAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-29521313728722007672018-01-24T09:59:00.000+03:002018-01-24T09:59:19.316+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman-Mbula Musau<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Today I turn
my attention to a woman who has taken the less travelled road of
entrepreneurship. She is an independent consultant and founder of Utake Coffee
Consulting. She has personified what is popularly known as the 10,000 -hour
rule. This principle suggests that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice are
needed to make you <b>world class</b> in
your skill; and world class she certainly is! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB">‘I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once... I fear the
man who has practiced one kick <b>10,000
TIMES</b>’ Bruce Lee<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">She is a
certified Q Arabica and Robusta Coffee Grader, the highest coffee qualification
she attained in 2009 and 2011 respectively. She is one of the 40 certified Q
Arabica instructors in the world, who conduct the esteemed Q Grader course,
becoming the first African to attain such a qualification. Her company, Utake Coffee
Consulting, is a company that specialises in coffee quality training,
marketing, research consultancy and development management.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Meet the
phenomenal Mbula Musau.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What do you
consider as your greatest achievement to date?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">: Setting
up and working in my own business, the first Specialty Coffee Association, SCA
Premier Teaching Campus and Coffee Lab in Africa that has an in-house
international certified instructor, and established throughpure passion and an
effective business model.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What has your
career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading
up to your current role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB">M:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> My career
path was divinely inspired, I believe. I came across specialty coffee in my
gap-year as I was waiting to join university and developed interest from the
novelty of specialty fine coffee being offered in Kenya. I stayed the path, despite
having many options and internship offers from the business world, as we often
did having taken an undergraduate B-Com degree at the University of Nairobi.
After establishing the wholesale coffee division at Java House Africa and doing
Coffee Sales and Marketing for the company in and around Kenya, I came across
the regional coffee association(Eastern African Fine Coffees Association,
EAFCA), which I convinced my bosses that we join as a company. This led us to
participate in several international trainings and national and regional coffee
events as members, including cupping competitions such as the Kenya National Taste
of Harvest competition.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I was selected to be a judge at this annual
competition and while at it, the regional association spotted a skill in coffee
quality assessment and marketing and offered me an opportunity for a regional
position at the African Fine Coffees Association. I applied for the position, went
through the rigorous interview process and thankfully, I went through. I headed
the Quality and Marketing department, running national and regional coffee
trainings and competitions for the 10 African member countries. I also
represented the winners in international marketing events such as the Specialty
Coffee Association of America, Europe and Japan every year. While there I took the
Q Grader International qualification in coffee, and went ahead to train to be
an instructor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Five years ago I left the association and started up Utake
Coffee Consulting, while taking my Masters Degree in Development Management at
the Open University, UK. At the same time I worked as a Coffee Corps Volunteer
and consultant at the Coffee Quality Institute, CQI. I was combining this with
working with the International Trade Centre, ITC, an arm of the UN and WTO. My
role here has been setting up International Women in Coffee Chapters in Africa
as a vehicle to recognize and empower women in the coffee sectors in Africa. I
was also finalizing my Q Instructor qualification and succeeded in 2013. I have
since been teaching the Q Course to passionate coffee sector professionals all
over the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">This year I set up Utake Coffee Lab, an
internationally certified Specialty Coffee Association, SCA Premier Teaching
Campus, and registered it in Kenya, to serve the region and the world. I have
plans to expand into the region, funds and logistics allowing. My Masters
degree also helped with incorporating emerging real issues like gender equity,
climate change mitigation and adaptation in the coffee sector and food security.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Why did I decide to set up Utake Coffee, you may ask? When
I took the Q grader professional coffee training, these were funded programs. When
the funding ran out, many stakeholders in the sector had no easy way to
progress or even maintain their qualifications. The business idea I had was one
that I knew would address this problem by ensuring that high quality coffee
education is available right here at the coffee origin and accessible to all. Kenyan
coffee, and African coffee for that matter is unique, and we should blow this
trumpet, LOUDLY.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What advice would
you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work, family life
and social life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> Have a plan
to incorporate all three, and then give all of them your best shot. Balance is
a moving target, but it will eventually take care of itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is your
greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">: Make a plan;
break it down in years, months, days and hours. Follow your heart, and use your
mind. If it gives you emotional and financial rewards, it is worth the pursuit.In
other words know thyself and find what you love. If willpower fails you have a
system (the plan) to guide you until you pick right back up.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is the
greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> Procrastination
is the enemy of progress. The effort used in beating yourself up on
unaccomplished tasks is the same it takes to actually do the task. So the
sooner it gets done the faster you will grow, and surely<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>
blossom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-85499758795744261652018-01-18T15:18:00.001+03:002018-01-18T15:19:45.375+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman- LeAnne Peris <div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
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<span lang="EN-GB">Happy new year! Would you believe it’s 2018 and we are
already midway through January! This year feels like one of those where you blink
and it’s June and you blink again and you are counting down to 2019 (haha!) I
hope you've had a fantastic start to the year, and I wish you nothing but a
brilliant year ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I hope you enjoyed the Top 40 under 40 women series
from last year. I will be completing this series by interviewing a few more
women this January. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">After this, I have a really exciting interview series
I want to begin.. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">(Drum roll..….)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">The 2017 Top
40 under 40 men! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The list of the 2017 Top 40 under 40 men came out in
late December 2017, and the list is nothing short of exceptional. I am very
excited about this and I look forward to rolling out interview after interview
with Kenya’s men to watch </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Kicking off my first interview for 2018 is a fabulous lady
who has worn several hats in her lifetime. She was once a tea girl with
absolutely no money and no connections. Today her life is reading from a
different script. She is under 30, as business savvy as they come and an all
round go getter! Every year she hosts
Kenya’s most chic of picnic parties called Diner en Blanc that attracts people
from all over the country and has been a phenomenon in other locations
globally.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Introducing LeAnne Peris, owner of Diner en Blanc
Nairobi.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">L: What do you
consider as your greatest achievement to date?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">Interestingly,
I do not feel like an accomplished individual. I have moments in my life where
I look at things I am doing in comparison to my peers and I think, “Wow! That’s
a lot!”. However even in those moments, I am unable to look at them as
achievements per se. Possibly because my vision is so great that I feel I have
barely touched the surface of what I need to do to get there. There are moments
which I can say were great and that I was proud of and these were: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">1. Taking KShs1,000 on two occasions and turning it
into a 7 figure income in less than a year at age 24. </span>2. Building an award
winning entertainment brand Diner en Blanc Nairobi in 2 years from nothing! 3.
Being nominated for the African Youth of the Year Female award in 2016. 4.
Being listed one of the winners in the Business Daily Top 40 under 40 women
2017 awards. 5. Consulting for some of Kenya’s biggest brands and companies 6.
Running a successful concierge high end wedding planning service. I do not
think these are achievements, I like to call them blessings..I am blessed<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>!</div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">L: What has your
career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading
up to your current role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> My
journey has not only been long, it has been arduous. I decided not to be choosy
as most people my age are. As a result I have done it all. I started working
right after high school. My first job was as a secretary/admin at a photocopy
and documentation centre. I was fired after 3 months. I then worked as a sales
girl in a movie shop for 1.5 years as I waited to join university. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Whilst in
campus I worked as an untrained high school teacher in a school in my home area
in Kiambu. I have also worked as a tea girl/receptionist during one of the
lowest moments of my life. Prior to which I was head of business development
for a multinational company based in Washington DC. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Eventually, I decided to
start a business. I started with HR consultancy, and management consultancy,
before venturing into events and weddings. Currently I have invested in about 4
start-ups and I am trying to cement my place as a billionaire serial
entrepreneur over the next half decade. The sky is not the limit! I think I can
actually do it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">L: What advice would
you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work, family life
and social life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">I would
say this is something I am yet to figure out; I am definitely a work in
progress. I find myself getting carried away by work. I definitely do not have
much of a social life. But then again, I am an introvert, so this is by
default. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">My advice is to try and figure out what is really important at the end
of the day. For example, my policy is to not take or make personal calls in the
middle of my working day unless it is from my husband. I also try to go out for
lunch with one friend each month, but if that is not possible I try to keep in
touch through WhatsApp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I believe no single template works for everyone. One
has to make a deliberate effort to build and maintain relationships with the
people who are closest to you, and one must hold in the same regard, their
work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">L: What is your
greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">The two
most important things in your life are time and your self-worth. These are the
two things that one has utter and complete control over. If you manage your
time properly and efficiently and avoid wasting it, you will find that you have
full productive days and it will be very easy for you to achieve your goals. If
you respect your time, it will respect you. Avoid wasting time on activities
that do not add value to your life. Be productive all the time, and this will
be the difference between success and failure. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The second thing is to know your
self-worth; defining honestly what you are capable of and being confident in
your strengths. When you know your self-worth then you never wait for people to
validate you and your dreams. You go for them, with every bit of energy that
you have. Be confident. No one can execute your dreams better than you can.
Always believe that, and the world will fall at your feet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">L: What is the
greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB"><b><i>Be your
damn self!</i></b> Stop looking and listening to what other people think you should be.
Set your own standards based on actual role models and not your peers. Most
people like to pretend they have a bird’s eye view of what you should be doing
in your life, but they are projecting their own insecurities to you. So set
your own goals and standards and then live up to them to the best of your
ability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">‘You’ve got a new story to write, and it looks nothing like your past’
Anonymous<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-65247034725381356252017-12-15T10:15:00.001+03:002017-12-15T10:40:22.057+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman-Nelly Tuikong<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-char-indent-count: 0; text-indent: 0cm;">
<span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Today I shift the focus of this Top 40 Under 40
series to an entrepreneur. She was inspired to start her makeup line in 2009,
while she was working as a critical care nurse in the US. She quit her job and
moved back home to Kenya to drive her new cosmetics brand. And so, </span><b style="text-indent: 0cm;">Pauline Cosmetics</b><span style="text-indent: 0cm;">, the brand, was born.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0cm;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0cm;">Introducing to you Nelly Tuikong, 33-year old Founder and CEO of Pauline Cosmetics.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>C: What do you consider as your greatest achievement to date?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><span lang="EN-GB">N:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> I am incredibly proud of having developed and built
Pauline Cosmetics brand into a household name in Kenya! It hasn’t just been
about having an idea and talking about it, or simply starting, because there
are many people who have started something. It’s been about weathering the
storms while still holding on to the dream. Now my brand stands tall amongst
international brands, competing neck to neck. I am very proud of that! My next
goal is to build Pauline Cosmetics into a household name in Africa. I am not
sure how I will do it yet, but I know I will die trying!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What has
your career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading
up to your current role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">N:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> I have a life story that I think can make a great
movie (Haha). I started out with zero prospects after high school. I quickly,
but painfully realized that my parents could not afford to take me to university.
All the while, I used to have this feeling that I was destined for more. Then,
I received a miracle and a blessing that changed my life! I got a sponsorship
to study in USA! I knew my life, would never be the same again! I got accepted
into one of the Top Nursing schools in America at that time. I was one of the
100 applicants selected out of a whooping 3000 applicants. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">While I was there, I was president of the University
Student Council (student government) and became an Ambassador of the University.
I was once selected to be on a board discussing the construction of a new
student centre, and among the board members was the Dean of the University! So here
I was, this simple village girl! I figured I had been handed a clean slate and
I was going to live it fully, and I did just that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">It wasn’t all smooth, but I tried not to
complain a lot! After graduation, it was quite hard to get a job as the US was
going through a bad recession. People who had graduated ahead of me were still
looking for jobs. I put out so many applications and ended up getting a job in
Critical Care! I wasn’t prepared for that! After a while I decided to leave it
all behind and move to Kenya to pursue this dream that had been eating at me
since my last year in university… and now I run one of the most sought after
makeup brands in Kenya!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What advice
would you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work,
family life and social life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">N: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">I don’t believe there is such a thing as work-life
balance! There is work-life integration! I am the kind of person who will go
for Sunday brunch with my husband and then after we eat we both burst out our
computers and get caught up with work! Work and social life are all
interconnected! I think it’s mostly what you have to do when you are running a
business. There is the notion that when you run a business you have more
flexible time! It’s a lie! When you run a business you can never fully
disconnect! But you find a way to integrate your work into your life. I am not
perfect at it, there are things I am definitely terrible at, but I am working
on being better. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is
your greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black;">N: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">Your ambition has to match your action! You cannot say you want to be </span><span lang="EN-GB">successful and you spend the entire weekend getting
“turnt” or getting “lit”! We are an insta generation, but some things remain
the same; focus, dedication and patience are the only way! If you work for 4
hours a day, you will get a ‘’4hr a day’’ type of result. If you work 12hrs a
day you will get a 12hr a day result. It is law! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Secondly, employ patience! If you bust your ass
for 1yr and don’t see results, <b>DO NOT
GIVE UP</b>! That’s the other thing with our generation, we are chasing after
other people’s highlights on social media! We want to be successful in 1, 2 or
3yrs! I am not even halfway there to where I am going! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is the
greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">N:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> I have learnt that we cannot do it alone. We need
people to give us a hand, to push us, to encourage us, to talk to, to partner
with! More than ever, this year has taught me the power of partnerships,
collaborations and co-creating! I am the most introverted person I know, but I
fully understand that I cannot live in my cocoon! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-GB"></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">‘‘Success is within someone’s own well- being. It’s having a passion.’’
Adam Vanunu<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">As always, see you next week Tuesday. </span><span style="font-family: "wingdings"; font-size: 10.5pt; text-indent: 0cm;">J</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-87425732411955113002017-12-12T10:12:00.000+03:002017-12-12T10:12:31.506+03:00Calibrated Blossom- Top 40 under 40 women series- Iddah Asin<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">She </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">holds a Bachelor of Law Degree from Makerere University, a Post
Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law, a Master’s in </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Public Policy and Management<span style="background: white;"> from Strathmore University and </span>Certification in the
International Module on Global Leadership from New York University’s Robert F.
Wagner Graduate School of Public Service<span style="background: white;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Her career has largely been carved out in Kenya’s male
dominated aviation industry, but this is perfectly attuned to her personality
of being a ‘’go-getter’’. When she was 30, she was selected to represent Kenya
Airways at a high-level meeting. But when she walked into the meeting, her
counterparts dismissed her as inexperienced. “The host asked if I was
accompanied by a senior colleague. It was more amusing than offensive,” she
says. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">In her free time she enjoys mentoring a
group of young ladies on career growth. She’s also a fitness enthusiast and
enjoys yoga and gym workouts.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Introducing
Iddah Asin, Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Johnson and Johnson. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What has your career path been like as you
have navigated through your chosen field leading up to your current
role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">I:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"> It’s been a really interesting journey. When I was growing up, I
remember leafing through the business pictorial pages of the Nation and picturing
myself being featured there.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">My journey started out as the Legal officer
in a local regional airline, Jetlink Express Limited. In my tenure I was
instrumental in setting up and running the Legal department. My entry into the
aviation industry was very unconventional and totally out of my comfort zone. Remarkably,
I literally learnt everything about aviation regulations on the job, under the
mentorship of the late Mr. Peter Simani, who was an expert and authority in
Aviation Law.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">I then moved to Kenya Airways, in charge of Government and Industry
Affairs where, amongst other achievements, I successfully supported KQ’s
expansion to its latest routes by helping them secure the necessary rights and
permits. I also engaged with industry stakeholders, legislators and policy
makers on favourable tax regimes for the aviation industry. I was also part of the team that successfully
lobbied for the removal of VAT on aircraft spare parts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">I moved to Johnson &Johnson early this year
and was instrumental in the successful launch of its offices and Global Public
Health East African operations in March 2017, building on an 85-year presence
in Africa.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">My responsibility at Johnson & Johnson entails
developing, driving and executing the Government Affairs & Policy strategy
for our </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">three business sectors (Consumer,
Pharmaceuticals and Medical devices) as well as our Global Public Health,
Corporate Citizenship Trust and Global Community Impact groups</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 150%;">.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">C: What is the biggest
challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">: Being in a position of influence, in a
corporate world, at a young age and as a woman comes with the challenge of
one’s opinions being dismissed as inexperienced or irrelevant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I remember an interesting experience in KQ whereby I
represented the airline in a very high level meeting and the host asked if I
was accompanied by a senior colleague.
It was more amusing than it was offensive. Against the backdrop of my
erudite wealth of experience and knowledge, I said pointedly that I was capable
and competent enough to handle the meeting on my own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">C: What inspires you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">The one word that summarizes me is “Go- getter”.
I’m hardworking, self-disciplined and also a stickler for order and time .When
something needs to be done, it has to be done, and on time! Reading
inspirational books is my favorite pastime, and earlier on in my life I read
two books by Norman Vincent Peale that I can attest to having shaped my career
and personal growth – “The Power of Positive Thinking” and “You Can If You
Think You Can”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I’m also determined to show the African child that it
is possible. No matter your background, skin color or where you come from, if
you keep dreaming big and working hard then your dreams can come true. I also
desire that women continue to aspire and achieve and for daughters to be
cherished as much as men. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">C: What do you consider to
be the turning point in your career?</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">I: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">I believe each decision I’ve made with regards to my career path has
been a turning point because each door opened created another opportunity.
However, I will single out taking on the combined Regulatory and Government
Affairs role at the Pride of Africa, Kenya Airways at 29 as a major highlight.
This was a highly critical department in the airline.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;">I became the link
between the airline and the Government and this highly demanding role greatly
exposed me to the workings of both the private and public sector. I was
stepping into the big shoes of my predecessors, including the immediate one,
Mrs. Phyllis Wakiaga, CEO of Kenya Association of Manufacturers and the
pressure to deliver was immense. Consequently, the Government Affairs role and
exposure opened doors to my current role at Johnson & Johnson as its
Director of Government Affairs and Policy for East Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is your greatest piece of advice to the
young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">I: </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Managing to remain relevant at the helm of an industry
mostly dominated by males has taken a lot of blood, sweat and tears from me. I
have constantly been fueled by an unassailable determination to overcome
challenges that appeared insurmountable. Moving from aviation to health comes
with having to now focus on matters of health and the numerous legislation surrounding this sector, which is an equally-complex legislative environment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Young
people should not be scared to get out of their comfort zones. This world is
ours to conquer - do not be afraid to take risks!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius,
power and magic in it.” — Goethe.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;">Please join me on Friday where I shift the focus to
an entrepreneur. She was inspired to start her makeup line in 2009, while she
was working as a critical care nurse in the US. She quit her job and moved back
home to Kenya to drive her new cosmetics brand. And so, Pauline Cosmetics, the
brand, was born. See you on Friday </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings; line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 150%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-26551327536101192642017-12-08T09:29:00.000+03:002017-12-08T09:29:58.591+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman - Caroline Mtai<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">As
promised, this week I deliver a second interview with a trailblazer in Kenya.
The year is about to wrap up and we need that last needed nudge to get us
through to the finish line and realize those ambitious dreams we set for
ourselves, right? So going forward this December, I will share not one, but TWO
interviews a week; every <u><b>Tuesday</b></u> and every <b><u>Friday</u></b>! </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I am pretty
excited about it so let's get right into it, shall we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">My next
interviewee is very passionate about children’s matters and advocates for the
improvement of services offered to children in the Juvenile Justice System. In
2016, she implemented the first plea bargaining at the Milimani Children’s
Courts as an alternative to trial in some cases. Her efforts earned her a
nomination to the International Visitor Leadership Programme in America</span><span style="font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span lang="EN-GB"> a platform which allows upcoming leaders to interact
with American counterparts in their field of expertise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">In her
free time, she runs a book club campaign called #OperationJazaShelf . Her and I spoke
about this and her passion about the project completely shines through! She hopes to get
the community interested in what happens in borstal institutions and remand
homes.</span> The institutions are meant to rehabilitate children who
have been on the wrong side of the law but she says she was heartbroken to
discover that the school had a library with no single book in it!!! And
that is how the project came to be. (I absolutely love her passion about this!)</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Meet
Caroline Mtai, Senior Prosecution Counsel at the Office of the Director of
Public Prosecutions (DPP).</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGdh6mTmxGk/Wik4Bj8DfzI/AAAAAAAABKU/sey68nH15AUVGzuvMHOM3zTJBZFuKqkUACLcBGAs/s1600/Pic%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="952" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGdh6mTmxGk/Wik4Bj8DfzI/AAAAAAAABKU/sey68nH15AUVGzuvMHOM3zTJBZFuKqkUACLcBGAs/s640/Pic%2B1.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What do you consider as your greatest
achievement to date?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CM:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> Aside from being a
proud mother of one wonderful and intelligent teenage daughter, my greatest
achievement was discovering my purpose in life. I always enjoyed my career as a
lawyer but my life changed when I joined the Children, Victim’s and Witness
Support Division of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in
2014. It is then that I discovered exactly what I wanted to spend the rest of
my life doing and my work began having a positive impact. Making it to the Top
40 list is a humbling recognition of my efforts and my biggest motivation yet
to keep pushing on. I still have a long way to go but I am encouraged by the
positive feedback which means I am on the right track!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What has your career path been like as you
have navigated through your chosen field leading up to your current
role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CM:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> I signed the Roll of
Advocates in 2009 but did not immediately practice law as I opted to take time
off to support my best friend and life partner who had been diagnosed with
kidney failure and was planning a kidney transplant. After a failed kidney
transplant late in 2010 I travelled back home from India where the transplant
took place, and took up an opportunity at the Office of the Attorney General
and Department of Justice where I started work early 2011. There I worked as a
Litigation Counsel in the very busy Civil Litigation Department and was later
moved to the Land and Environment Division.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">In 2014, I
made the move to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and was
deployed to the Children’s Victims and Witness Support Division as a Senior Prosecutions
Counsel where I serve as a Prosecutor at the Children’s Court. I am an active
member of the Milimani Children’s Court Users Committee, always eager to find
innovative ways to improve the services we offer to children in the Justice
System. I took an active role in the implementation of plea bargaining in the
Children’s Court to help shorten the period spent by children in the justice
system. It is also a means of incorporating restorative justice and promoting
reconciliation to encourage more peaceful problem solving mechanisms even as
the perpetrator takes responsibility for their crime.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E78q5W6T4BQ/Wik4CUVqpQI/AAAAAAAABKY/vw551WBwGtEcnHLKP8QbaK1ZkDgAaObMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Pic%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="960" height="316" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E78q5W6T4BQ/Wik4CUVqpQI/AAAAAAAABKY/vw551WBwGtEcnHLKP8QbaK1ZkDgAaObMgCEwYBhgL/s400/Pic%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Carol and her husband</b></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /> </span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What advice would you offer to young people
on figuring out the balance between work, family life and social life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CM</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">: My advice is the same for both young men and
women. I have learnt over time that family and friends are our biggest back- up
and support system. It is always possible to have enough time for your work and
still have a social life or time for family. Time management and planning is
key.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1Cf9u7e8mY/Wik4BQ8_nsI/AAAAAAAABKc/zP1Ght2FsQ4eJD1B2eCuZkJFPCmgy2x1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Pic%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="394" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1Cf9u7e8mY/Wik4BQ8_nsI/AAAAAAAABKc/zP1Ght2FsQ4eJD1B2eCuZkJFPCmgy2x1ACEwYBhgL/s400/Pic%2B3.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Carol and her beautiful daughter</i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is your greatest piece of advice to the
young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CM:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> <b>Go for it!!</b> Do not be
afraid of criticism. Test your ideas and keep improving on them. Learn from
those before you but do not be afraid to challenge them and improve on the
standards set. Most importantly, find something you love doing and do it with
all your heart, speak from your heart and pursue your passion with all you’ve
got.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is the greatest lesson/ nugget that you
have picked up in life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CM:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> It is never too early
or too late to pursue your dreams; just be consistent, persistent, patient and
resilient. The challenge will not get easier, criticism will be overwhelming
but never lose sight of your ultimate goal. Surround yourself with people who
exude positive energy, people who support, encourage and nudge you to be more
than what you hoped to be. I also strongly believe in the power of prayer and
have navigated through my worst of days in prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-23_Bpn3Tk/Wik4Borhl0I/AAAAAAAABKc/1l1nBxvm88Qh_K5hldb63SJFXnnUf3SGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Pic%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="595" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-23_Bpn3Tk/Wik4Borhl0I/AAAAAAAABKc/1l1nBxvm88Qh_K5hldb63SJFXnnUf3SGQCEwYBhgL/s400/Pic%2B2.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">‘’When you
intersect a lot of curiosity, passion and drive, you can come up with something
truly incredible. Maybe some people define that as genius.’’ Austin Russell<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">See you bright and early on Tuesday for another riveting
story… from a lady who honestly personifies boldness and passion. She is an Advocate of
the High Court of Kenya and holds a Bachelor of Law degree from Makerere
University, a Post Graduate Diploma in Law, a Master’s in Public Policy and
Management and Certification in the International Module on Global Leadership
from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I know, Wow!!! See you then :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-63615331305415604912017-12-04T19:45:00.001+03:002017-12-06T11:15:16.622+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman - Margaret Achieng' Oyugi<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: transparent;">Kenya only
has a </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">handful of qualified actuaries country-wide and my next interviewee
is among the few women actuaries in Kenya. She is a recipient of the
prestigious Young Insurance Achievers Award, a recognition for her outstanding
contribution to the insurance sector through mentoring young talent. At 33, she
is currently the Head of Actuarial at Resolution Insurance. She rose to this plum
post last year having set up the department from scratch three years earlier.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Meet the exceptional
woman, Margaret Achieng’ Oyugi; Talented, brilliant and definitely conquering
the world… one number at a time</span>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOEqa5al3OA/WiUbP7HjFwI/AAAAAAAABJc/-LK4uOJguMwRV4nS_KbLVlYSfQcz4VrNwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Margaret%2BOyugi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aOEqa5al3OA/WiUbP7HjFwI/AAAAAAAABJc/-LK4uOJguMwRV4nS_KbLVlYSfQcz4VrNwCEwYBhgL/s640/Margaret%2BOyugi.jpg" width="507" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What do you
consider as your greatest achievement to date?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">My greatest
achievement to date (without taking away from the other achievements received)
would be the Young Insurance Achievers Award which I received in July 2017 at
the annual Insurance Awards. The top 40 under 40 recognition comes very
close…very close</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB">. Why the
Young Insurance Achievers Award is very close to my heart is because it is the
first award I received from the insurance industry recognizing my passion to
shed light on areas where insurance companies have been struggling to find
solutions. The award recognized my continuous effort in proposing futuristic
solutions not only to the Kenyan insurance sector but to all insurance
companies world-wide.Also this was the first time the award category was
introduced and it came with a lot of excitement from very brilliant minds in
the insurance industry making it extremely competitive. I felt extremely
humbled and very privileged to be the first recipient of this award and this
has since compelled me to think about upholding this award by doing more…not
just for the insurance industry but for the financial sector at large.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What has your
career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading
up to your current role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> I have over 8years work experience in the Kenyan
insurance industry. I have worked in Actuarial departments of several insurance
companies as well as worked closely on several valuation and audit projects
with leading actuarial consultancy firms including PWC, Alexander Forbes,
Actuarial services (Actserv), Deloitte and EY. I am currently the Head of
Actuarial at Resolution Insurance Group where I lead a team of 6 Actuarial
technicians across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Previously I worked with Jubilee
Insurance Company, Octagon Africa Ltd and Blossom Insurance brokerage Company. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">As you can
see my journey started way further from my choice of career – Actuarial. Back
when I graduated there were very few companies with actuarial departments. It
was impossible to even get unpaid internship to get training on the job. I
ended up in a small insurance brokerage company doing everything including
cooking tea, washing dishes, following up on claims…but don’t get me wrong it
was so much fun working there. What I dint know at the time was that all these
skills were to going to be very essential (including cooking tea </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB"> ) Haha!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">This is partly
where I got my passion for mentoring young actuarial graduates through training
and internship because I wished someone had done this for me back then. As head
of actuarial, I have never employed someone through poaching, I believe in
training and creating new talent. I get very happy seeing my employees moving
to better and bigger positions in other companies and growing their professions
even further.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Throughout
my career journey I have been at the forefront of futuristic solutions; Giving
numerous talks and presentations at international conferences held locally in
Kenya, in South Africa, Washington DC, West Africa (Togo) and Uganda on various
insurance topics. I have also been called upon severally to speak in insurance
industry forums addressing health matters in East Africa. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Academically,
I hold a BSc in Actuarial Science degree from Makerere University and I am a
member of both the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, UK and The Actuarial Society
of Kenya. I am also a CFA level 2 candidate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What advice would
you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work, family life
and social life?</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> Well…I am
not sure if there is a time I have felt confident that I have totally figured
out how to balance books, work, family and social life </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB"> (Notice I
added books as number one lol) I think the whole essence of life is about
prioritizing. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">There have been periods where my focus was purely on books
and other areas suffered…this was a very long period considering I am an
actuary and the series of exams suck up so many years of your life (it’s not
even funny) But in the last 2 years my focus has been on family and with that I
put a conscious stop to education; which led to me getting married in July of
this year to someone I met way back in campus over 10years ago! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">My advice would be that young people need to ensure
they are in control of their journey. The
truth is, everything that stands a chance to increase value to your life will
unbalance the time you have currently allocated for family, work and social
life in ways that will cause you to re-evaluate your priorities. The trick then
is to know your timelines, when to do what and keep re-evaluating these
decisions from time to time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is your
greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> There may
be people who have more talent and are more brilliant than you (and that’s
perfectly ok) but there is no excuse for anyone to work harder than you. I know
I am an actuary and so most times people think I am who I am because I am
bright…well, no, I wasn’t considered bright till literally the other day in
high school. In my entire primary education I was below average, infact in
lower primary I was ranging as one of the last student in my class. I just made
a decision to work harder than I was doing before. My secret weapon has always
been to put in more effort.. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">My other piece of advice to young people is to focus
more on possibilities and not on limitations. They have to recognize that their
life will be defined by opportunities (even the ones they miss) and so if they
always focus on why they can’t do something they will miss a lot of
possibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is the
greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">M:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> I am a
very big believer in the fact that life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s
courage which makes me able to dream big with all my goals in life. However
my greatest lesson especially for this year is that if things seem under
control then I am not moving fast enough. This has definitely cost me a lot of
migraines and sleepless nights as well, Haha!</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">And since I just got married this year, my greatest
lesson in marriage (so far) is that every next level of life will demand a
different you. What makes you successful in one area of your life may not necessarily
be the requirements for success in the next level of your life. I have also
since embarked on a journey to learn the wisdom of compromise lol..its always
better to bend than to break and this is easier said than done I can assure you. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">But throughout all this, consistency is a big deal for
me. Remaining a pacesetter is something I am committed to but consistency is
harder for days when no one is clapping for you or cheering you on!This means my
faith in God is continuously renewed with every big challenge I face and I have
had to learn how to cheer myself up in those days that no else sees the sweat
and tears; I have learnt how to take
care of both my physical and mental health. At the end of the day I don’t
believe success is about piling up the money. I believe to be successful I will
have to be rich in faith, health, ideas, as well as happiness, and have successful
relationships with family and friends…a little money wouldn’t hurt too. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“</span></b><b><span lang="EN-GB">Be clear
on who you are and what you’re serving with your life. Then, get ready for the
world to relentlessly test you on how much you really mean it.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">”</span></b><b> <span lang="EN-GB">Shari Ballard, President of
Multichannel Retail, Best Buy<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">This week,
I will be posting a second interview on <b><u>Friday</u></b>.
The year is drawing to an end, and I am here to give you that last needed kick
to close your year phenomenally and supersede your targets. So join me on Friday where I will introduce you to another trailblazer in Kenya. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-53656669442516950802017-11-28T20:42:00.001+03:002017-11-29T09:42:40.452+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman-Caroline Somba<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: transparent;">How many 29 year-olds do you know who head up the
finance function of a multi-national organization, manage to find time to run
an amazing blog and a mentorship program to inspire young people to
pursue their careers and passions concurrently? Not too many I believe!</span></div>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I am delighted to introduce you to a fantastic lady
who fits this bill, her name is Caroline Somba.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span>
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<span lang="EN-GB">At just 28,
Caroline was appointed as the head of the East African region’s finance
division at National Oilwell Varco, a global oilfields equipment manufacturing
company present in over 65 countries. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-GB">When she is not being a kick-ass professional,
Caroline feeds her love for travel and the outdoors. She started a blog called
‘My Global Attitude’ where she talks about her travels around the world and
gives advice to young people on how to plan trips without breaking the bank. At
10 months old, her blog was nominated for the prestigious 2017 Annual Bake
Awards. Twice a year, she donates sanitary pads to girls through partnerships
with Children’s Homes within Kayole and Ruai areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CB: What do you consider as your greatest achievement
to date?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>C: </b>Starting a Finance department at National Oilwell
Varco Kenya from scratch and running it to become the best managed unit in
Africa is my greatest achievement. This was my first ‘start up’ to work with.
Setting up the Kenyan unit and the rest of East Africa from scratch and seeing
the portfolio we have built in the last 3 years brings us (the team) great
satisfaction! I also take it as an achievement when I see my team succeed;
especially the fresh graduates who I’ve trained and have now become experienced
team members. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I am also fortunate to have started a Travel Blog and
Mentorship programme. I run a blog called </span><span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.myglobalattitude.com/"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">www.myglobalattitude.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-GB"> where I write about my passion (Travelling) and give
pointed advice on how to plan trips without spending too much. My blog was
nominated for the Best Travel Blog 2017 in the Annual BAKE Awards at 10 months
old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Using the
blogging platform, I mentor young people on pursuing their careers and hobbies
concurrently with utmost success in both. I’m currently running a programme at
Multi-Media University where I give mentorship talks dubbed Career+Hobby with
an aim to inspire young people to pursue their careers and passions
concurrently.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CB: What has your career path been like as you have
navigated through your chosen field leading up to your current role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>C:</b> I began my career at Galana Oil Kenya as an Intern,
and worked as an Assistant accountant
until 2014. I later joined National Oilwell Varco as a ledger controller where
I was hired to start up the company’s Finance department in Kenya, and expand
to East Africa. Two years later, I received a promotion to Finance Controller, which is my current role.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Climbing the corporate ladder as a young African woman
in an international company requires a lot of hard work. I have learned to
speak candidly and pay attention to my leadership style. It’s only through this
approach that I have been able to beat the outdated perception that some positions
can only be occupied by men.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CB: What advice would you offer to young people on
figuring out the balance between work, family life and social life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>C:</b> Striking a balance between work, school and life
has always been a challenge which I have learnt to manage over time. I’ve
overcome this by only doing things which I think add value to my projects. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Climbing the corporate ladder is not an easy path and
I am genuinely grateful to God for what I have achieved in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I also believe that young people can pursue their
careers and passions concurrently. It is possible to be a great professional
and still pursue your interests and hobbies, and thrive at it all! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CB: What is your greatest piece of advice to the young
upwardly mobile individual?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>C: </b>Start building your career as early as possible.
Talk to people in the industry you would like to work in, and never sell
yourself short when given the opportunity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CB: What drives
you?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>C: </b>Ambition.
When I read about people, especially women who have achieved a lot and
continue to push for more, I get inspired. I have a role model who is Ory Okolloh
Mwangi. She is one woman who does it all and succeeds while at it; from
blogging, to career especially at Google Africa, to digital activism to family…
she does it all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">CB: Where do
you see yourself in the next 5 years?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b>C:</b> The Oil and Gas industry is still very young in
Kenya therefore there are fantastic opportunities to rise further career wise.
I am looking at rise to the CEO/Country Manager position in the next 5 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I would also like to expand the Career+Hobby project
to other Universities and reach out to as many young people as possible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I believe nothing is impossible!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-GB">‘’Be prepared to spot growth opportunities when they
present themselves- because they are the key learning opportunities. You’ll
know because they make you uncomfortable, and your initial impulse may be that
you are not ready. But remember: Growth and comfort never co-exist’’ Ginni
Rometty, Chairlady, President and CEO, IBM<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">See you same time<b><u>
next week</u></b>.. I will introduce you to one of the few women actuaries in
Kenya. In case you didn’t know, Kenya
only has a <b>handful </b>of qualified actuaries country-wide! She is also a recipient
of the prestigious Young Insurance Achievers Award, a recognition for her outstanding
contribution to the insurance sector. Talented, brilliant and definitely conquering the world… one number at a
time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-12714373047871257902017-11-20T17:59:00.000+03:002017-11-20T17:59:16.933+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman - Carol Ng’ang’a <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf58hxtdq4U/WhLrswZUWdI/AAAAAAAABHc/SieRtvi4vM4Eat6ylO3xZnXzynTp_byWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/carol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf58hxtdq4U/WhLrswZUWdI/AAAAAAAABHc/SieRtvi4vM4Eat6ylO3xZnXzynTp_byWQCEwYBhgL/s640/carol.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Courage, strength and resilience are some of the words that instantly
come to mind when I think about Carol Ng’ang’a. Carol was diagnosed with
cervical cancer in 2013. At the time it was discovered, it had spread into her
uterus and she made the decision to undergo a laparoscopy hysterectomy, an
operation which led to her uterus been removed. She says that it was a personal
decision that she admittedly knew would end her child-bearing. Throughout this
incredibly difficult experience she realized how much the support and
encouragement from her family kept her strong. This led her to found the <b>Hold Every Lady in Distress Foundation
(HELD Sister) </b>as a way to offer support and care to cancer patients. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">HELD Sister spearheads the fight against cancer by amplifying the need
for prevention and supporting cancer patients in order to ease their journey.
The foundation offers voluntary community service through which 170 people
diagnosed with precancerous cells have been saved from cancer and in aggregate;
the organisation has assisted 270 patients in accessing medical attention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Her humble, honest and tireless efforts have seen her receive the Women
Inspiring Change in Africa Award from Eco Bank in 2014, the Timeless Woman of
Wonder (Health Category) Award in February 2016 and the Red Chilly Spiced
Social Change Maker Award in 2016. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Meet the phenomenal woman who suffered a devastating diagnosis but has
handled it with grace, resilience and strength. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What do
you consider as your greatest achievement to date?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">CN: What I would consider as my greatest achievement
is being able to impact lives directly from my painful personal experiences. Through
God’s grace, being a source of hope to so many people whose hope is diming is
my greatest achievement.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What
has your career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field
leading up to your current role/position?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">CN: My Career (hmm), I need to think about this one! To
be honest, I do not really know how to answer this question. Throughout my
education, the word ‘career’ was a heavier term than it is today. I worked
towards achieving a lot – I have always been a high achiever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">When I landed my first job as a field officer for a
USAID youth funded program at Mercy Corps, I had huge ambitions of growing up
the ladder. However little did I know that with God, it’s possible to skip the
stairs from an entry level position at an NGO to founding and running one. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">My career
goal posts shifted the day I chose to help women via an NGO that I blindly
founded. I say blindly because I knew what I wanted to do but I didn’t
necessarily know how I would achieve this. When I started HELD Sister
Foundation, I had no idea how I would run it but I knew what I wanted to do through
it, and that was to help men and women with cancer. My career goals shifted and
what I thought was previously viewed as ‘’achievement’’ was redefined when I
quit employment to help people who could not pay me back. Four years on and I
have learnt so many lessons. I have failed, I have touched lives, I haven’t had
any financial gain but I am the most fulfilled woman on earth and I would still
pick this line of work over and over again given the chance! </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></i></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What
advice would you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between
work, family life and social life?</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">CN: Do you. When you do you, you are in touch with the
real YOU. You know what you are made of and therefore, you allow yourself to
live a full life. You will be hard on yourself if need be and you will
celebrate your smallest milestones hence building confidence in your mission, a
mission that everyone around you will have no choice but to believe in. I
always tell my mentees that the best gift you can give yourself is being YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Finally I would say; stop rushing. Stop being in a
hurry to nowhere. Take deep breaths, life is not an emergency and you have no
control over your life. If you were in control, you would do away with what
seem like misfortunes not knowing that they are meant to define YOU. For
instance if I was to choose, I would not have chosen to be diagnosed with
cancer..but little did I know that if that had happened, I wouldn’t be saying
these words today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is
your greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">CN: Believe in you. Invest in You. Appreciate people,
things and circumstances that push you to the next level. They are served in
good and bad measure; people could be your cheering squad or your naysayers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-406gPYJ1i3U/WhLsFpAz32I/AAAAAAAABHY/UxVrYUG2_GI4JgV4frApBVwnErQM6CLrgCLcBGAs/s1600/Carol%2Bpic%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="960" height="317" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-406gPYJ1i3U/WhLsFpAz32I/AAAAAAAABHY/UxVrYUG2_GI4JgV4frApBVwnErQM6CLrgCLcBGAs/s400/Carol%2Bpic%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is
the greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">CN: Be resourceful and of good character; the rest
will fall into place. Resources will always find your resourcefulness and
should therefore not be a reason why you are not doing what you have always
wanted to do. Most people who have ever done great things had NOTHING or VERY LITTLE
when they begun. For a very long time, I viewed this the other way around. If
you have resources and are not resourceful, you will only make very few steps
before you fail miserably. However if you are resourceful and you find
resources, you will build an empire. Talent, resources, knowledge and education
may move you up the ladder, but character sustains you up there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-GB">"The truth is I have from the very beginning
listened to my instincts. All of my best decisions in life have come because I
was attuned to what really felt like the next right move for me."<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-GB">Oprah Winfrey</span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">How many 29 year-olds do you know who head up the
finance function of a multinational organisation overseeing a pool of
countries, manage to find time to run an award- winning blog and run a
mentorship program to inspire young people to pursue career and passions
concurrently? Not too many I believe! See you <b><u>next Tuesday</u></b> where I will be introducing you to another
phenomenal lady who fits this bill!</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Book Antiqua","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-21005038133621266182017-11-13T22:34:00.000+03:002017-11-13T22:38:02.204+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman-Dr. Borna Nyaoke- Anoke <div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">She has a superb
career in the field of medicine and has built a fantastic name for herself. She
oversees an initiative that promises to solve one of humanities biggest challenges</span><span style="font-family: 宋体; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 宋体; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">—</span><span lang="EN-GB">HIV/Aids. Imagine for a second a world without
HIV or Ebola? Now imagine a woman who works tirelessly day and night to achieve
this! This is exactly what my second interviewee for the Top 40 under 40 women
series does for a living..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Introducing the phenomenal woman, Dr Borna Nyaoke-Anoke!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Borna received the honourable title of Top 40 woman
for a host of reasons… her passion in the pursuit of vaccines for tropical
diseases such as Ebola ranks TOP among these reasons. She is the Clinical
Trials Manager at Kenya Aids Vaccine Initiative (KAVI) Institute of Clinical
Research at the University of Nairobi. She is a Harvard Medical School scholar
and Master’s degree graduate in Public Health from the University of Liverpool</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 9pt;">. </span><span lang="EN-GB">At 30, her achievements are more than impressive to say the least. She
lives and breathes medicine and gets a kick out of successful development of
vaccines! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I hope you draw a ton of inspiration from her story.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What do you
consider as your greatest achievement to date?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">B: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">Founding
together with two other doctors Health and Wellness Solutions Limited. It is a
personal and corporate health solutions company that focuses on preventative
care. We conduct home based care, health talks, medical camps and provide
mentorship programmes to students.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What has your
career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading
up to your current role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">B: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">After
graduating from Medical School I did my internship at Kenyatta National
Hospital then went on to work as a Medical Officer at the Nairobi Hospital. I
felt a need to expand my career beyond the clinical work I was doing and
decided to venture into clinical research specifically clinical trials. Treating
patients was great but I felt I could impact more lives by venturing into
clinical research. I proceeded to do the Global Clinical Scholars Research
Training (GCSRT) Program with Harvard Medical School that provided me with
invaluable knowledge and skills in this particular line of work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I currently work as a Clinical Trials Manager at
KAVI-Institute of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi where I am mostly
involved in clinical vaccine development. We have worked on HIV vaccine
clinical trials and I am now managing an Ebola Phase II vaccine clinical trial
sponsored by Janssen Vaccines and Prevention B.V. This was after successfully
completing the Phase I Ebola clinical trial. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What advice would
you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work, family life
and social life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">B: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">Work-life
balance is a misnomer that I believe is used to make individuals especially
professional women feel more inadequate than what they are already
experiencing. Most corporate 9-5 jobs do not end when you clock out and if you
include meetings and travelling then this is a big chunk of your life. This
becomes more difficult when you have to add your role as a spouse and a parent;
for women this is a bit more negatively skewed. (I rarely hear men at
conferences being asked who they left their kids with! Haha! ). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">There is also your role as a daughter, sister and
friend. Thus my belief is, do not strive for an unattainable goal, instead look
for work that makes you happy and fulfills you, look for a spouse that you truly
love and is supportive of your career and goals and is willing to walk through
‘life’ with you. Give all your other roles in this life your best but always
remember that your best may never be enough to everyone, and that is okay!</span></div>
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greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">B: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">Work hard,
but more importantly work smart! Use your 20-30s to burn the midnight oil and
put in the hours you need to. Amass as much knowledge and <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>skill
that you can acquire during your youth and let it work for you when you are
older in your career! Another important thing to remember is that despite the
obstacles you may face, believing in what you want is the surest way to achieving
it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is the
greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">B: The world is your oyster...you just need to figure
out how to deal with the sand!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-GB">‘’One can be beautiful,
strong, confident, a great wife and mother while still being a kick-ass
professional all in a day. We need to remind girls that all they need is within
them and hard work doesn’t kill’ Dr Borna Nyaoke- Anoke.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Gentlemen, this statement
applies as much to men as it does to women! </span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-GB">‘Always take on new
challenges- even if you are not sure you are completely ready’ Sheryl Sandberg, COO, Facebook</span></i></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">See you same time <b><u>next week Tuesday</u></b>.. I will be introducing you to a woman who suffered a
devastating diagnosis but courageously rose above it and went on to receive the Women Inspiring Change in Africa Award, the Timeless Woman of
Wonder (Health Category) Award and the Red Chilly Spiced Social Change Maker
award. See you then! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-72913000426714755062017-11-07T22:02:00.001+03:002017-11-07T22:04:24.709+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Woman- Umra Omar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: transparent; text-align: center;">Umra Omar kicks of the 2017 Top 40 under 40 women
series, and deservedly so. When I approached her to be a part of this, she was
more than willing to do it and she struck me as a very humble woman. She is
bold and utterly phenomenal.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Umra Omar is the Founder of Safari Doctors, an
organisation she started in 2014 to provide accessibility and mobility of
health services to remote villages in Lamu, Kenya. Umra was last month
nominated as the most influential person of African descent by the United
Nations, under the humanitarian category, in recognition of her organization
Safari Doctors. In 2016, she was listed among CNN Heroes and earlier this year
nominated for the African Leaders for Change Awards in South Africa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">She has certainly set the tone for this interview series...
Buckle up and enjoy! </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What
do you consider as your greatest achievement to date?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">U:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> Of course
number one is the cliché but severely underrated - the earned title of Mama.
This means the joy of building a roof over my children’s lives and a little
schooling to go with that- being constantly on my toes to nurture healthy
babies full of grit and joy. That aside, my greatest achievement to date is
being able to sit down at the end of every day, stare into the endless sky and
feel like I am making a difference in my world and get to fully engage with
friends and family. It is both rewarding and scary to put together a
committed team for whom work is more than a job, it is a purpose. All in all,
it is more than an achievement - it is a major blessing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What has
your career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field
leading up to your current role/position?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">U:</span></b><span lang="EN-GB"> My
so-called career path has been super windy. I felt like I had to study the
sciences to qualify as smart and have a job as a doctor yet I preferred
swimming classes and hoped to be an 100m Breast Stroke Olympian. I had a hard
time studying for my exams because I wanted to learn salsa dancing instead. Haha!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">And not to mention, my best performing class in
University was visual arts. What I was yet to discover deep down is that I am a
creative at heart with a spirit that feeds on everything to do with serving
humanity. This is something that a lot of the ‘prescribed/chosen fields’ do not
offer at an early age. You can study medicine and become a doctor. Or go
the legal route and become a lawyer - so on and so forth. A chosen field
- begs the question of ‘chosen by whom?’ This is because you can only
choose from a set of options set by someone/thing else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience
with a Masters in Social Justice and worked at the American Psychological
Association. A couple of years later I moved from the United States to Kenya to
work with the Open Society Initiative for Eastern Africa. These were both very promising jobs supporting
societies to thrive. However, the biggest missing element in my previous jobs
has been community connection. This is what led me to quit and a year later, I
stumbled upon a conversation about a medical initiative in Lamu that had come
to a halt. And that is how I founded Safari Doctors. I never studied medicine, but
I now have the pleasure of sharing the pursuit of health with those that have
limited access. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What advice would
you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work, family life
and social life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">U</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">: It is
very easy to feel like you do not have the time for certain aspects of your
life. The problem is that you are not making the time. I am yet to master this
process (if there is anything like mastering time management). Haha! I have been fortunate to be living in a place
and with a group of people with whom work, family and social life intersect
rather well here in Lamu. I am sure once you add 2 hours of traffic in the
equation then balancing that becomes a different beast all together. One
of the best culprits in figuring out this mix is technology, aka the smart
phone! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">(Cant we all relate?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I am working on a personal policy that if I am in the
middle of something and the phone rings - if it would be inappropriate for the person
calling to be right in front on me at that given time - then I should not
be picking up right then. I should text if I can or call them back later. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is your
greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">U</span></b><span lang="EN-GB">: Animal
biology is a class that is not on any school curriculum in Kenya where wildlife
tourism contributes to more than 14% of our Gross Domestic Product. Moral of
the story is my greatest piece of advice - don’t rely on choosing a field -<b><i>
create one</i></b>. A lot of what we learn is not necessarily what we love, nor is it
in some cases what our circumstances need. <b><i>Dare to dream and fly out of the
box!</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">C: What is the
greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">U: </span></b><span lang="EN-GB">Wow. Heavy
question. In the 34 years of my life, the greatest lesson that I have learned
is not to burn any bridge - keep creating them. You never know when or
how your actions will either help you cash in or go bankrupt in the
currency of life. However big or small. You will be very surprised how this
trickles out to those around you even generations to come. A lot of what we are
able to do with Safari Doctors today is thanks to my father’s role in Lamu
before I was even born. Some of the villages that we visit are extra welcoming
because of his connections with them decades ago. I have travelled to a meeting
in New York only to sit in the same room as a visitor that I shared a boat ride
with at Lamu Airport. I have learned that all connections count, from the
fisherman to the senior executive, the young to the elderly, regardless of
season or reason.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">‘’No matter where you go, don’t lose who you are.’’ Leanne Caret,
President and CEO of Defence, Space& Security, Boeing<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">See you next week <b><u>Tuesday morning</u></b> where I will share with you
another phenomenal story. A story of a woman who is working to solve one of
humanities BIGGEST challenges and who believes that</span><span style="font-family: 宋体;">“</span><span lang="EN-GB">One can be beautiful, strong, confident, a
great wife and mother while still being a kick-ass professional all in a day!’</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Catch you then! </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-50608387180157374772017-11-06T12:43:00.002+03:002017-11-06T12:43:52.603+03:002017 Top 40 under 40 Women Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nG627g2xU4/WgAoRkiWNXI/AAAAAAAABDA/07hliIVr1YwOsD6MD3S6EOqH0iACtuGiQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cover%2BTop%2B40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="919" data-original-width="831" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0nG627g2xU4/WgAoRkiWNXI/AAAAAAAABDA/07hliIVr1YwOsD6MD3S6EOqH0iACtuGiQCLcBGAs/s640/Cover%2BTop%2B40.jpg" width="571" /></a></div>
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When the 2017 list of Top 40 Under 40 Women was unveiled
this year, I was so excited to see the women featuring in this year’s list. I
drew SO much inspiration from the stories of these women in Kenya and I honestly
hoped to channel this inspiration into my blog- to share stories that would
uplift, inspire and encourage. This year’s list did not disappoint in as far as
inspiration goes!</div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I then got an exciting but rather ambitious idea to
run an amazing series featuring the stories of this year’s nominees. I look at this as a labour of love, passion and determination to share only the best and most uplifting content. This series seeks to inspire just one person; to have at least one point of influence! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b><i>Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our
deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure- Marianne Williamson </i></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Before we get started, and for the benefit of those
who may not be familiar with what the Top 40 under 40 list is, let me give some
background. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">What is the Top 40
under 40 Women Award?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">The Top 40 under 40 Women Award is an annual award
which recognizes the top 40 women across the country doing great things,
smashing the quintessential glass ceiling and going against all odds to emerge
top in their chosen fields. The list of women is generated by Kenya’s top
business newspaper, <a href="http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/" target="_blank">Business Daily</a>. Business Daily has been running this for the
past nine years (imagine that!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">What is the process
of identifying the Top 40 women?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">As you would imagine the process is intense! Business Daily invites applications from the general public to nominate
exceptional women. A carefully constituted panel of judges then assesses all
applications to identify outstanding women across Kenya. After the selection, Business
Daily ascertains each candidate’s age, data on the size of the enterprise they
have founded, companies they work for, scope and complexity of what they do and
competitive landscape of their respective industries.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">Who are this year’s Top
40 under 40 women?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Here is the list of this year’s Top 40 women to watch:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Naomi Rono-
World Bank Advisor, Africa Group, 34<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Ciku Mugambi-
Investment analyst at International Finance Corporation (Venture Capital), 29<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Caroline
Wambugu- Head of Financial Decision Support, VP, Barclays Bank of Kenya, 37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Dr. Borna
Nyaoke-Anoke- Clinical Trials Manager, Kenya Aids Vaccine Initiative (KAVI) Institute
of Clinical Research, University of Nairobi, 30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21SJbTU5o5Y/WgAp80ceriI/AAAAAAAABDc/vFR4t9-7rUkxc10z7UH3s_1zqUcZteDkQCLcBGAs/s1600/Borna%2BNyaoke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1174" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-21SJbTU5o5Y/WgAp80ceriI/AAAAAAAABDc/vFR4t9-7rUkxc10z7UH3s_1zqUcZteDkQCLcBGAs/s320/Borna%2BNyaoke.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dr. Borna Nyaoke-Anoke</i></td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Wariara
Wairera Waireri- Co-Founder and Director, E-lab Africa, 30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">LeAnne
Peris- Owner, Diner en Blanc Nairobi, 27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Umra Omar-
Founder, Safari Doctors, 34</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tB2fppnRQBQ/WgArsx3S4dI/AAAAAAAABEE/4ZnagGjWF1UWdC_v4R4FlR3VAskSGcSTgCLcBGAs/s1600/Umra%2BOmar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tB2fppnRQBQ/WgArsx3S4dI/AAAAAAAABEE/4ZnagGjWF1UWdC_v4R4FlR3VAskSGcSTgCLcBGAs/s320/Umra%2BOmar.png" width="178" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Umra Omar</i></td></tr>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Nina Galot
Thacker- Commercial Director, London Distillers Kenya, 38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Emily
Orwaru- Aeronautical Planning Engineer, Kenya Airways, 29<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Dr.
Shitsama Nyamweya- Neurosurgeon, Kenyatta National Hospital, 32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Sheila
Mwarangu- Partner, Gathara& Partners Consulting Civil and Structures
Engineers, 38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">12.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Carol Ng'ang'a-
Founder, Held Sister, 32</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeB0mBRgL_M/WgAqSXT0d8I/AAAAAAAABDg/KZG_ixi7SJcbLCcteCADi4T2_3wpPwePwCLcBGAs/s1600/carol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TeB0mBRgL_M/WgAqSXT0d8I/AAAAAAAABDg/KZG_ixi7SJcbLCcteCADi4T2_3wpPwePwCLcBGAs/s320/carol.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Carol Ng'ang'a</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">13.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Irene
Tulel- Project Manager, UNDP, 36<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">14.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Valentine
Nekesa- Founder, V-Designs, 20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">15.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Joyce
Wanderi- Maina- Chief Operating Officer, Population Services Kenya, 38<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">16.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Nelly
Tuikong- Founder and CEO, Pauline Cosmetics, 32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">17.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Sitah
Lang'o- Regional Manager, Swift East Africa, 34<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">18.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Fridah
Muchina- Regional Head of Human Resources, Nestle Equatorial Africa Region, 39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">19.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Lisa
Mugure- Ex-civil engineer, China Communication and Construction Company (CCCC),
25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">20.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Gladys
Cherono- International Athlete, Winner of Berlin Marathon, 34<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">21.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Salome
Gathoni- IT Programme Leader, General Electric Digital, 39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">22.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Marion
Atieno Moon- Founder and Managing Director, Wanda Organic Limited, 33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">23.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Mbula
Musau- Independent Consultant and Founder, Utake Coffee, 37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">24.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Angela
Githuthu- Ngaamba- Safaricom Youth Segment Lead, 37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">25.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Mary Mueni
Ngui- Group Head of Risk and Compliance, Resolution Insurance, 33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">26.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Simaloi
Dajom- Deputy Programmes Director, Royal Media Services, 35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">27.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Iddah Asin-
Director Government Affairs and Policy, Johnson & Johnson, 34<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">28.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Dr Stellah
Wairimu Bosire- Otieno- CEO, Kenya Medical Association, 31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">29.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Felisters
Gitau-Mutugu- Head of Sales Operations, Farmers Choice, 31<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">30.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Caroline
Mtai- Senior Prosecution Counsel, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions
(DPP), 37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">31.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Rachael
Gitonga-</span><span lang="EN-GB"> </span><span lang="EN-GB">CFO, East Africa Reinsurance, 36<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">32.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Angela
Ndambuki- CEO, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), 37<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">33.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Caroline
Makenzi- Consultant, Climate Focus, 30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">34.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Natalie
Robi Tingo- Founder, Msichana Empowerment Kuria, 27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">35.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Patricia
Seroney- Partner, Deloitte, 39<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">36.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Margaret
Achieng' Oyugi- Head of Actuarial, Resolution Insurance, 33<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MBKONZtM00/WgArSyRXimI/AAAAAAAABD8/vBwOMtf2jBUZVlsQmjlQAV1tvv4APxPBgCLcBGAs/s1600/Margaret%2BOyugi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9MBKONZtM00/WgArSyRXimI/AAAAAAAABD8/vBwOMtf2jBUZVlsQmjlQAV1tvv4APxPBgCLcBGAs/s320/Margaret%2BOyugi.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: small; text-align: start; text-indent: -24px;"><i>Margaret Achieng' Oyugi</i></span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">37.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Silvia
Tonui Sambili- Founder, Marigat Gold, 32</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">38.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Martha
Mbugua- Partner, Hamilton Harrison& Mathews, 32<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">39.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Dr Anne
Musuva- Deputy Chief of Party, Population Services Kenya, 35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">40.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">Caroline
Somba- Financial Controller, National Oilwell Varco, 29<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GcrP0Q-vg8A/WgAq3APKEYI/AAAAAAAABD0/2yN7AOIYzmorJEK3y20CRKwwicZ8H9mSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Caroline%2BSomba%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GcrP0Q-vg8A/WgAq3APKEYI/AAAAAAAABD0/2yN7AOIYzmorJEK3y20CRKwwicZ8H9mSQCLcBGAs/s320/Caroline%2BSomba%2Bpic.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: small; text-align: start; text-indent: -24px;"><i>Caroline Somba</i></span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB">Here are some fun
facts from this year’s list<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB">A little analysis on the different ages of these women showed this </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><b><u>Women aged between</u></b>: <b><u>Percentage of women on the list</u></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">20-25
years 5%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">26-30
years 20%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">31-35
years 43%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">36-40
years 33%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">(I
hope that you can identify with an age bracket here! Meaning YOU can do it, age isn’t a factor! </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB">)</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-GB">The
youngest winner is 20 years old and the eldest is 39.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-GB">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-GB">Approximately 25% of the
women are founders and CEOs of their respective enterprises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I hope this series sparks
a fire in you, and more than that, I hope it inspires deliberate and conscious action towards becoming the greatest
version of yourself and achieving your fullest potential.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Let’s kick off this series..shall we?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-75274021042984865352017-09-08T14:22:00.000+03:002017-09-08T14:22:11.343+03:00Have you ever felt your inner self set on fire? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2S_VP9RE8ms/WbJroczp3oI/AAAAAAAABB0/zW8AiLGxzKkvltJUMUYgygAPzhcMFPuewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2S_VP9RE8ms/WbJroczp3oI/AAAAAAAABB0/zW8AiLGxzKkvltJUMUYgygAPzhcMFPuewCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4711.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Have
you ever felt your inner self set on fire? Or just felt that spark in you waiting to
be set ablaze?</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Had you asked me, say nine months ago, where I wanted my life to be today, I would have said exactly where it is now. Back then I did
not know how that was going to be possible, but I knew the life I was living wasn’t ‘it’
for me. I knew and felt that I wanted more, to be more, to experience more, to do
more..</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">As fate would have it, I have found myself squarely
here. In a space where I can define a lot in my life, where I feel like I have
the power to gain back a level of control I lost. But at the same time,
ironically, a place of letting go of the said control. It’s almost paradoxical
right? I needed to let go of some level of structure through which I had lived
my life previously. I feel that I got overly caught up in planning; setting goals,
strategizing… making one year, five year, ten year goals, that I embraced too
much rigidity and almost forgot to live, to take risks, to just be.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I have always been a person of timelines, of written
down goals, of immense structure. Whilst this is an amazing thing, there’s a
fine fine line where said rigidity robs you of life, of your sparkle..</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">But now, I am taking time to smell the roses, living a
bit more fluidly. (Okay I won’t lie, goal setting and timelines will always be
a part of me..case in point, I just wrote up an Excel sheet of some goals I
have for the rest of the year </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt;">J</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">). But, but, the difference is I
am now doing it different, enjoying the process a whole lot more, putting
myself under less pressure and just living. Breathing. Embracing. Loving.
Being. And this side of life feels a whole lot better!</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I am now getting back into blogging in a much
different mind space then how I initially began. This is me, back at <b>my</b> centre,
finding that zen. Being on fire, being alive. Challenging myself. Through the
blog, I want to be able to broaden my perspective. I want to get out there,
interact, engage, laugh while at it, grow.. That’s the stuff I crave for,
that’s what makes my pulse beat faster.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Through the blog, I would like to be able to interact
with and hopefully feature other like-minded people, of different ages, backgrounds, viewpoints,
upbringing, culture.. My dream has always been to take part in programs around
the world such as leadership programs, events, conferences and global events
with people seeking to make an impact in any way, shape or form. I am slowly discovering some fantastic programs such as the University of Oxford- Said
Business School’s Archbishop Tutu Fellowship Program (<a href="https://alinstitute.org/our-programmes/archbishop-tutu-fellowship-programme" target="_blank">I've linked it here</a>) and the Women Transforming Leadership Program (<a href="https://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/programmes/execed/wtl/welcome" target="_blank">I've linked it here</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Truthfully, these programs target mid-career individuals and it can
seem out of reach for you or me to get a chance to ‘take a seat at the table’. However question is; how will change come about, if we young people do not boldly demonstrate why we
have the ability to be a part of such amazing forums.. and like sponges; absorb, absorb and
absorb! And equally so; contribute, challenge and contribute some more!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I hope to grow, to mature. To enjoy
the process, express, be genuine, real, consistent and authentic. To
confidently know and say that a year from now, I will be intrinsically the
same person, but with more maturity, more body, more fire, more life, more depth, and certainly with bigger dreams. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">And I wish the same for <b>you.
</b></span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt;">J</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NTFtjekgkU/WbJr8zXF6-I/AAAAAAAABB8/g75aofAc-cEwh_wcm4f9un14NqCCvGi0QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NTFtjekgkU/WbJr8zXF6-I/AAAAAAAABB8/g75aofAc-cEwh_wcm4f9un14NqCCvGi0QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_4723.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "Calibri Light", sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Love and light</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-53366104056563110902017-09-04T13:07:00.004+03:002017-09-04T16:31:32.961+03:00Fiercely journeying through our 20s<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Hello there!😊<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I recently read a great quote from a friend’s Twitter
account which said ‘<i><b>I am enough. I have enough</b></i>’. I have had a lot of time to do
a lot of thinking these past few weeks, and I have also reconnected with many
friends, and ignited some genuinely great friendships along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Throughout all this, I have had some good banter and
candid conversations. Most of them begin with a catch up on how life is going
and then meander into this beautiful journey we call our 20s. Lots of us
20-somethings are going through important milestones.. I’m talking life
changing events such as marriage, scholarships and the pursuit of second degrees,
new jobs and career changes, new relationships, new businesses, starting families, pursuing new passions.. the list is endless! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I honestly feel my heart really warm up when I see all
of this. It signifies growth, maturity, progress.. which are all incredibly positive!
But not all the change comes easy or comes pretty, other people are also going
through painful processes such as miscarriages and difficult pregnancies,
difficult marriages, retrenchment and job loss, struggling businesses, difficult
family trials, death of loved ones, sickness, depression, self doubt.. And these are very trying, traumatic and daunting periods.. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">No one can fully understand a situation (whether good
or not so good), except the individual who finds himself in it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am writing this post to:- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">-really laud those who are flourishing in this season
of life, to fully cheer them on, root for them 110%!! To that person who just managed
to break a bad habit/ addiction, the person that just moved out of home, the
person who just bagged a scholarship and entry into their dream school (shoutout
to those starting grad school this September, yay!), to that person who just
started a blog (shoutout to the fitness blog <a href="http://tizi.strikingly.com/" target="_blank">Tizi</a>), that person who just landed
their dream job, the person who just bought their first home, the one who
started a new business.. and to anyone who has achieved <b>their own personal
version of success</b>..Congratulations through and through!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">-to encourage those going through a stage called being
in the ‘waiting room of life’. Where things are neither here nor there. Where
you are frustrated at your job or just lost that job, lost that business deal,
lost a loved one, missed that promotion,
started that venture that just isn’t picking up, lost money in that
investment.. or you who is just going through an incredibly difficult time.. may
you always be reminded that this is just a season, and it too, shall pass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Lastly we need to take time to pray and be there for each
other, intentionally and truly. Journeying our 20s and into our 30s is a bittersweet
roller coaster, but, an overall <b>amazing, wholesome and beautiful</b> experience. I’ll leave you with
another beautiful quote:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;">‘Surround yourself with people who add value to your life,
who challenge you to be greater than you were yesterday, who sprinkle magic
into your existence, just like you do to theirs. Life isn’t to be done alone.
Find your tribe- and journey freely and loyally together’ Alex Elle</span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: "calibri light" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;">PS: As you may/ may not have noticed, this is my old blog and my actual blog (calibratedblossom.com) is still under construction. Literally! But I will redirect all my traffic to the main site when it is fully up and running 😊Thank you to EVERYONE who encouraged me to get back to writing.. a heartfelt and sincere thank you! Love and light.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-84074177416875776062015-07-28T16:06:00.000+03:002015-07-28T16:23:40.952+03:00BIG THINGS BREWING…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--c5_C9-udbw/Vbd92SGEOvI/AAAAAAAAAzI/gvrcZ5UAIk8/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--c5_C9-udbw/Vbd92SGEOvI/AAAAAAAAAzI/gvrcZ5UAIk8/s320/Capture.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Hello there! I hope you are having a fantastic end to your July.
This year time keeps whizzing by and before you can catch a break a new month
is ready to begin. As we “recover” from Obama’s visit to Kenya (hands up if you
still don’t know what POTUS means, haha! Probably the most googled word last
week!)and the positive effects from the GES Summit, I thought I would let you
in on something remarkable that is brewing.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I have been blogging
since February 2014 and for a long time I have envisioned transitioning to a
full website. Transitioning into a new site would serve as an open canvas with
a depth of possibility. Well, this dream is finally materialising. In
celebration of this amazing feat, it is fitting to organise a launch to unveil
the new site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Proceed to mark your
calendars for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>Saturday 29<sup>th</sup><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>August 2015</i></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>when we will be hosting our inaugural
event dubbed<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>“The fruition of
a dream”.</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>It will be an
afternoon like no other; of unveiling the Calibrated Blossom website alongside
fireside chats with stellar Kenyan personalities and culminating in a
celebration of our local Kenyan music. It is an excellent opportunity for the
young and upwardly mobile Kenyan to meet and rub shoulders with some of Kenya's
most remarkable personalities.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It is also a celebration of Kenya’s entrepreneurial culture giving
a platform to fantastic businesses to showcase what their businesses have to
offer.</span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">This launch will also
give us an opportunity to share the remarkable and ambitious plan to make
Calibrated Blossom a brand that you and I can identify with. A brand that
people between the ages of 23-35 all over the world can identify with. I
envision it as a place that people can find inspiration, be challenged, find
useful advice applicable to various facets of their lives. A place where
potential connections can be made, a refreshing haven, where ideas can be
exchanged and birthed; a melting pot of opportunity, inspiration and
possibility. I want this to be a brand that has never been seen in Kenya,
Africa and the world over!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I recently run a
quick survey on my social media sites on the following question<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>“If you could spend 30minutes in a
one-on-one conversation with a Kenyan personality of your choice, who would
that be and why?”<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>It was
intriguing to see the depth of responses I received and the reasons behind the
choice of individual. What was amazing was that the responses cut across
individuals in diverse fields; from enterprise, to corporate leaders, media
personalities, political figures, bloggers, and ambassadors… the list is indeed
endless. It’s great that people hold such remarkable men and women in high
regard. Given the opportunity, they </span><span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">would be willing to
spend some time in a tête-à-tête and perhaps sneak in a selfie! (You know?!)
This event hopes to do just that and give you that opportunity.</span></div>
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<u1:p></u1:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Indeed it is an
opportunity to celebrate the fruition of dreams.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I will be posting
more event details as the date approaches, with the anticipated personalities
who will be in attendance, a list of six entrepreneurs who will be showcasing
their businesses and unveiling the local musical talent. Look out for the event
details SOON! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Note: In order for guests to derive ABSOLUTE value, this will ideally
be a small gathering therefore <b>limited</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>tickets will be on sale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Calibri Light', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">2015 is indeed OUR
year! Do you have a dream? Does it seem crazy? Are you going for it? If so,
keep at it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-51570481744413983622015-07-08T10:05:00.000+03:002015-07-08T10:05:09.398+03:00Book Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Es4-mmb3lJo/VZzKIrGhvRI/AAAAAAAAAyk/2WZIzb8XfxE/s1600/book%2Bswap.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Es4-mmb3lJo/VZzKIrGhvRI/AAAAAAAAAyk/2WZIzb8XfxE/s640/book%2Bswap.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you ever been to a book swap? If you're like me, then you
probably haven't! Haha<o:p></o:p></div>
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I
would like to introduce you to the idea of a book swap. So what exactly is book
swap? A book swap involves the swapping of books between people. It's a
practice among book groups, friends and colleagues giving one an opportunity to
exchange books, find out about new books and make awesome connections.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This
Sunday 12th July, Mwanaume ni Effort presents the MNE Book Swap. Mwanaume ni
Effort (MNE) is a lifestyle brand dedicated to uplifting and refining young
Africans through fashion, events, education and charity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Location:
Leilani House, Lenana Road. (Leilani's is located at the
end of Dennis Pritt Road)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Time: From 2pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Charges: <span style="text-align: center;">Kshs 500 at the gate</span></div>
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Come
with any books you would like to share, swap or giveaway. There will be lots of
food, drink, amazing conversation, and an open mic session where readers will
share their favourite excerpts from their favorite books. Please bring a book
or two to swap. The more, the merrier!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Imagine
an afternoon of book swapping in the backdrop of music, lovely Sangria& wine and
amazing company; where you can have a decent engaging conversation, meet
like-minded people and have a fabulous time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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See
you there. Until then, happy reading!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what book he reads- Ralph Waldo Emerson</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-63201988094164500972015-07-06T12:23:00.002+03:002015-07-06T12:23:31.351+03:00Woman of steel- Rehmat Sumra<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGM8G5xk3ds/VZpGQHVc_pI/AAAAAAAAAyE/_6mNqNaKzik/s1600/5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JGM8G5xk3ds/VZpGQHVc_pI/AAAAAAAAAyE/_6mNqNaKzik/s400/5.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the
male-dominated scrap metal industry, Rehmat Sumra has managed to make a name
for herself. At the tender age of 19 she became MD of Roma Scrap Metal Dealers
Limited and has since steered it to great heights. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I grew up in
Mombasa and my family later moved to Kisumu.</b> My life spurned the normal life of a
teenager. During school holidays I kept busy helping my mother to run and balance
the accounts in our family-run business.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I completed
school in 2004 and enrolled for a Diploma in International Commerce at the
University of Toronto in Canada.</b> I was studying in Canada when my mother
suffered a stroke. I quickly returned to Kenya to run the family business. I previously
never saw myself in the family business. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iInHHXp053Q/VZpGLAvJ5zI/AAAAAAAAAxo/qqXnt5jXD3Q/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iInHHXp053Q/VZpGLAvJ5zI/AAAAAAAAAxo/qqXnt5jXD3Q/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Looking back I
believe my family background impacted on my career goals.</b> Watching my
parents run the family business drew me into the scrap metal industry. The
company supplies scrap metal to lead manufacturers and steel mills. I began as
an administrative assistant and was later made CEO at the age of
nineteen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I do not have a
typical day.</b> My
day involves a balance of home and work. My day begins at 5am with prayer. I
get my daughter ready for school and leave for work. My work involves
correspondence with clients, seeking new business opportunities and supervising
and overseeing the company’s operations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Working in the
scrap metal industry has taught me to deftly manoeuvre this informal sector. </b>Having
confidence has been handy in this male-dominated industry. Learning to deal
with industry stakeholders has enabled the company to broaden its operations to
Kisumu and Mombasa.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I actively
engaged in strengthening the Kenya Iron and Scrap Metal Association. </b>I cautioned on
the dangers and implications of vandalism. This helped to reduce the rift
between dealers in the business and management of national firms. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In my early
days running the company, I was faced with a myriad of challenges such as
business deals gone wrong.</b> I would take it personally, like it was my failure. But I learnt
that it can happen to anybody. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Through the
years I have learnt that</b> it is important to separate business and personal life. Never let
your business affect your personal life. Never take matters to heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I am married
and have a daughter who is three years old.</b> Motherhood is a beautiful thing. It is
possible to achieve the intricate balance of business and motherhood. I
remember when I was a new mum I made a nursery for my daughter at work; I somehow
developed this need to be constantly around my daughter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I believe my
responsibility towards society</b> is to be an excellent wife, mother and
business executive. Women can excel both at work and at home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAeCw4t6kE0/VZpGLP0Bo-I/AAAAAAAAAxk/YqNYNi_JB-U/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GAeCw4t6kE0/VZpGLP0Bo-I/AAAAAAAAAxk/YqNYNi_JB-U/s320/2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>My husband and
I love travelling.</b> Since we got married we have travelled to all continents except
Australia. My dream destinations in the future would be Mexico, Cuba and
Switzerland. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>My husband and
I partnered together</b> to start Aayat Enterprises Limited in 2014. It is a building and
construction company that aims to empower the youth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I returned to
school to complete my studies.</b> I graduated from Catholic University with a
degree in political science with a bias in economics. Despite the fact that my
education was cut short when my mother fell ill, I have deeply believed in the
power of education. I wished to set an example to my siblings. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I am always
disheartened by</b> the suffering of disadvantaged children. I have adopted fifteen
children with special needs, mainly suffering from cerebral malaria, cancer and
brain tumours. We cannot continue thriving in business as a country while
ignoring the plight of the less fortunate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Success to me
is being happy</b>;
and I can say that I am happy. As long as you know what you are doing then
actively pursue it. You need to have that drive inside you because at the end
of the day, if you do not want it you are not going to get it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJTYuC7xXhU/VZpIMgEln7I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/qUOqpeCoWls/s1600/7.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJTYuC7xXhU/VZpIMgEln7I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/qUOqpeCoWls/s400/7.PNG" width="187" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>2014 Top 40 under 40 Award</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>This article is featured in True Love East Africa Magazine July 2015 issue.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="text-align: left;">All rights reserved</i><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-10285946967833028372015-07-01T12:08:00.001+03:002015-07-01T12:08:49.226+03:00Half year reflections<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">We are already six months into the year. Would you believe
that? It’s amazing how fast time is moving.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">My half year has been riddled with ups and downs. The
greatest difficulty has been dealing with disappointments and change. It is
especially painful and difficult when it feels like life is dealing you one
difficult situation after another. On
the flip side however, is that superb things have happened along the way and I
am deeply appreciative of them. What do you do when things go unplanned? When
things go wrong? When situations cast
some self-doubt and you question yourself? When you have to question whether you’re
good enough for something; even when factors around you seem to suggest that
you aren’t as good. Here are a few reflections that have helped me in dealing
with disappointments and regaining my perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBdUS8BsyXM/VZOsZdST5eI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4l-CDW8hhyY/s1600/PhotoGrid_1435672485822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBdUS8BsyXM/VZOsZdST5eI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4l-CDW8hhyY/s400/PhotoGrid_1435672485822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Allow yourself to feel the
emotions. You could be dealing with difficult intricacies at work, or treading
along the thin ice of a failing or failed relationship, or battling disappointments
from loved ones, a single mother coming to terms with an absentee spouse
or better half or dealing with the repercussions of that important
presentation or pitch that went horribly wrong. The list is indeed
endless, and I have found that a situation or setback is highly personal.
You cannot begin to compare your situation, or to diminish a situation you
find yourself in. You are highly unique and what happens to you is purely
personal. I am slowly learning that it is important to let yourself
experience the emotions that come with each situation. Allow yourself to
feel what you are feeling, without an agenda of rushing it or speeding up
the process of moving on. Just. Let. It. Be.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Don’t take it personally. When you take
something personally, it unnecessarily narrows your point of view and
prevents the acquiring of wisdom, which is an ability to see life from a
deeper, broader, more meaningful perspective.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Take a big
picture perspective.</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">The ability to self-reflect is the essence
of good mental health. Take some time to explore what is happening for you
around this event – what it means to you and what it has taught you about
life.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Don’t let it shake you.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">This one is difficult. It’s easy to really question
yourself when things go wrong. It’s not uncommon to find yourself doubting
yourself, your character, your potential and your ability. I have learnt,
and I’m continually learning, that disappointment doesn’t necessarily
reflect on our weaknesses and inadequacies. It serves as a light to better
understand ourselves, understand our capabilities, our emotional
intelligence& soundness, and embrace acceptance. The way forward and
solutions may not necessarily be clear, but believe me they are there. All
it needs is time, some soul-searching and reflection and most importantly
seeking out advice from those around you. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify;"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Embrace change.</span><span style="line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">Change is amazing. The more you embrace it, the more you
open up to amazing possibilities. You unlock a side of you, and some great
opportunities that you previously did not know existed. Admittedly it is a
painful and slow process, but the growth that comes out of it is undoubtedly
far more rewarding. </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #111111; line-height: 107%;">You learn so much from things that happen to you,
disappointments do not define you. What defines you is your ability to handle
the situation, embrace the situation and keep your head above the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">I hope this helps you in dealing with
the rigours that life has dealt you. It’s been a tough first half of the year
on different fronts in my life. Life is complicated, difficult and a roller
coaster in itself. But life is indeed beautiful, do not let that beauty pass
you by. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;">Love and light.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLUInkki9MM/VZOscHLNYdI/AAAAAAAAAxM/FCwmD0LIGRo/s1600/PhotoGrid_1435672549586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLUInkki9MM/VZOscHLNYdI/AAAAAAAAAxM/FCwmD0LIGRo/s400/PhotoGrid_1435672549586.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-28676860401583514242015-06-04T12:03:00.000+03:002015-06-04T12:03:59.768+03:00The CEO with a larger than life dream<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Meet the man behind </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">Kenya’s first and only castle; the beautiful Tafaria Castle.</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> He has built one of Kenya’s most beautiful structures- an
elegant structure designed on fairy tales of medieval Europe. The marvelous
castle is a result of seven years of construction. Before he made the
transition from the corporate world to build this dream castle, he was the man at
the helm of Steadman Group (now Ipsos Synovate), who steered it to an African multinational. The man, George Waititu. Let his tale unfold.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-58q2Se1T1TQ/VXAE6s2u3II/AAAAAAAAAvo/GmYpWgTNw70/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-58q2Se1T1TQ/VXAE6s2u3II/AAAAAAAAAvo/GmYpWgTNw70/s320/8.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Growing up in Laikipia plains near
the Aberdares </span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">was remote, harsh,
lonely and God forsaken (in many ways). M</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">y mother was a pioneer immigrant there.</span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Make no mistake though, it was still fun and
well-moulded me – I can bet I would have been a totally different person if I
didn’t grow up there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">The inspiration behind Tafaria
Castle </span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">stemmed out of a childhood
dream and the need to express my love for architecture and art. Most
importantly, the castle is very symbolic of transforming my village. Having
gone back to conquer the brutality that it unleashed on me when I was growing
up, a Castle had to be built to signify that – just like in medieval times when
they conquered a territory. The fact that we built a castle was also borne out
of the expression by my English teacher each time one was caught day dreaming
‘don’t build castles in the air!’, so I had to build one on the ground for my
village.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2P-r8mKwg0/VXAE5YgTHWI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/PIcqH1d9E70/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2P-r8mKwg0/VXAE5YgTHWI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/PIcqH1d9E70/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a><b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">The challenges I faced were in
plenty</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> – I look back
and there is no way I shall undertake such a project again! (chuckles) The challenges
ranged for the very location itself – far flung making materials haulage expensive,
local labour was not used to the kind of work ethics the project demanded, I
was fulltime working and supervision was a major challenge, the heavy rains and
bad roads, lack of water and lack of power made the early years of the project
very expensive. Overall, there were many challenges but they did not seem as
such as Tafaria is a pure work of passion…. I am happy to note that we accomplished
all the set out transformational goals: to bring water, electricity, roads,
employment, skills, market for local produce, to enhance land value and to create
social prestige in the village.</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0lprIgTpfU/VXAMep5xANI/AAAAAAAAAv8/XiUc6UchWCw/s1600/IMG_20150604_111436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O0lprIgTpfU/VXAMep5xANI/AAAAAAAAAv8/XiUc6UchWCw/s400/IMG_20150604_111436.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The front and rear entrances to the Castle</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYjnifJIo1k/VXAMftJ7amI/AAAAAAAAAwM/wc1gapHvjX0/s1600/IMG_20150604_111853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MYjnifJIo1k/VXAMftJ7amI/AAAAAAAAAwM/wc1gapHvjX0/s320/IMG_20150604_111853.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">One of the beautiful pieces of art at the Castle</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8R9r2No5do/VXAMeQW3mzI/AAAAAAAAAwE/SHvjeJwwgn4/s1600/IMG_20150604_111800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8R9r2No5do/VXAMeQW3mzI/AAAAAAAAAwE/SHvjeJwwgn4/s320/IMG_20150604_111800.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Tafaria was always a dream I had. I
made the transition from my career to focus on the castle </span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">because of the overwhelming need to
go back home and transform the village that I grew up in, the village that made
me the person that I am today. I also have this thing in me - that this craving
to live in urban areas needs to be reversed by making rural areas more
attractive places to live in. Beyond the localized transformation that I
pursued, I'm very deliberate about rural transformation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">The lessons I have learnt are
un-ending.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> The most important
one is being ‘never delegate your dream’; you must personally be involved and
pursue it with brutal consistency. Anything short of that will be filled with
regret of either unrealized goals or poor execution – I had to leave corporate life
to pursue my dream brutally. The results are always deeply fulfilling.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Where I am today is a result of being
passionate about what I believe in.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> I never take up anything in life that I am not in love
with. I had a similar passion for the Steadman group which I built to an Africa
multinational. If you have ever been in love, I'm sure you will understand what
I mean – no one else or anything else matters in the world and you go to strenuous
lengths to satisfy this. <i>(Isn’t that amazing,
can I get an amen? Haha!)</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">I am very average</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> and have always been even
academically – I still get bored very quickly – I'm also very edgy and terribly
impatient – when I die, burry me quick else you might have some questions to
answer. Haha!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Success to me is the attainment
of a set personal vision</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> – a goal true to one’s heart. I think it is always very
disempowering to others when one tells his story because using the benefit of
hindsight, everything sounds and looks well thought out and executed – it’s
therefore very hard to explain this in a way that sounds normal. I would sum up
my journey as one full of the ordinary ups and downs pursued with brutal
consistence – hence few regrets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Mentors are important but one needs
to be careful not to be entrapped by social conformity.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> <b>I have been personally inspired by different phenomenon and people</b>.
For instance am very inspired by the consistency of the sun (never fails to
rise or set) and hawkers (for their aggression, belief in what they sell and
passion to push it through). We are who we are because all our paths are unique
and however hard you try to take mine, you will never end up with the same
results. One needs someone to occasionally bounce off ideas. Trouble with young
people when they get mentors is that they over-subject themselves to the said
mentors, sometimes compromising their own creativity and personal liberties
(which I highly cherish). You must stand for something first at a personal
level then look for someone to guide you through it.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">My advice to young people on saving
and investing would be to make your dreams first and set your goals then define
the steps towards their accomplishment. Put a financial tag to each and then set out
to get the necessary finances.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> I am not a believer of saving money in the bank. The true
meaning of money is what one spends it on.<b>
</b>The whole essence of working hard is to accomplish a pre-defined goal. I
would hate a situation where I make some money then go look for something to
do with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Invest in that genuine dream that
is personal to you.</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"> An early start is always advisable. Breakdown the various
stages of your investment to the tiniest of elements (I say shilling worth) and
that way you don’t have to wait to save big money to start. Tafaria started by
simply planting trees. Each seedling then was 1bob and labour for a day was
100bob. So even the biggest of investments has a shilling worth element. If you have an opportunity, I say why not!</span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">Endless pursuit of wealth for its
own sake is not fulfilling</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">. I find it deeply satisfying when you do things with and for
the community. Tafaria is a social enterprise by motivation. Reaching out to
the community does not stop one from earning while at it just like one can do
with a hobby. Also, however hard one works, there is always the element of fate
and many things in a community conspire to influence our direction. So,
community being so cardinal to/in our lives, it’s worth attention.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">The earlier one is able to ‘figure’
himself out, the easier navigation through life becomes thereafter</span></b><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;">. Remember, even the society engages
with you at your own terms. You set the terms and immediately the society sees
you through those lenses and engages with you as such. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-37816212130517566272015-06-02T12:17:00.001+03:002015-06-02T12:21:57.624+03:00The CEO Edition- Margaret Ireri, Managing Director at TransAfricaMedia East Africa<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Passionate, candid and
full of life are just a few words to describe Margaret Ireri. Meet the remarkable market researcher who made the bold
transition into the world of sports. She is open and responsive to
participating in anything that contributes to creating a positive impact; which
is why she was more than willing to meet me on an early Saturday morning at the
bustling Café Alexandre in Yaya Centre. Sit back and enjoy the interview with
this remarkable woman.</span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh_HLroH2tg/VW1r2SVsKII/AAAAAAAAAtk/nYD8rBt_VIY/s1600/5E9V4164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh_HLroH2tg/VW1r2SVsKII/AAAAAAAAAtk/nYD8rBt_VIY/s640/5E9V4164.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<i></i><br />
<br />
<br />
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<b>Being the Managing Director of TransAfricaMedia East Africa Limited </b>has
been a refreshing and fascinating experience. Sports is among the greatest
things that drive Kenyans. In fact, 60% of Kenyans are football enthusiasts and
about 30% are athletics fans. Sports is universal. Plugging into this new world
of sports has been exciting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>My role involves setting up the Kenyan unit and recruiting new clients.
</b>TransAfricaMedia specialises in promotion of sports events, teams and
acquisition of broadcast rights. I take
a sport, create a unique concept and package it into an event. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I grew up in Buruburu. </b>My dad always told me that he wouldn’t get
me a school; only my grades would. I went to an estate school, then moved on to
Moi Girls. I later joined Kenyatta University where I studied a Bachelor of
Education, Teaching French as a Foreign Language. When I graduated teachers were not been
employed so I veered into research, and as they say, the rest is history.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Making the transition from market research into the world of sports has
been refreshing. </b>I started my career at Ipsos Synovate and my career in
market research has spanned about thirteen years. In life few people have an opportunity to
make a career change. I am fortunate enough to have had this opportunity.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-To2OssuOLZk/VW1rsBfxPYI/AAAAAAAAAtc/fGm_RSo29ao/s1600/5E9V4233%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-To2OssuOLZk/VW1rsBfxPYI/AAAAAAAAAtc/fGm_RSo29ao/s400/5E9V4233%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I have a typical work day but not a typical week.</b> My day begins at
about 8.30am. I do a lot of client meetings, proposal pitching and
negotiations. My weekends are spent doing sports events such as roadshows
within and outside Nairobi.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>My recent appointment as the Chairperson of the Marketing Society of
Kenya is a great honour. </b>MSK is the umbrella body for marketers in Kenya.
Our vision is to be the force behind business in Kenya and beyond. I am
thrilled to take up this role.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>In my free time I like to exercise.</b> Recently I have been doing a
few outdoor treks. I really believe being in the outdoors helps you appreciate,
think, engage and notice so much more. I am not married but I dedicate a lot of
time to my friends and family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration at the
University of Edinburgh.</b> This is building from my MBA which I completed in
2011 from the Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8CkpcjQbmA/VW1xNHZJVuI/AAAAAAAAAuE/UTMGsK3P7OE/s1600/PhotoGrid_1433235603305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I am currently writing a book. </b>It is themed around business and
management lessons. I share life and practical experiences, and fuse this with
lessons learnt along the way.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Mentor to Leader is a mentorship initiative which I founded. </b>It
takes another leader to raise the next-generation leader. This initiative seeks
to develop the next generation of leaders for Africa through mentorship and leadership
forums. It was inspired by my own experience, where through the years I found
myself in positions of responsibility but a shortage of mentors. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8CkpcjQbmA/VW1xNHZJVuI/AAAAAAAAAuE/UTMGsK3P7OE/s1600/PhotoGrid_1433235603305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>I have had to re-brand myself from my market research persona and
demonstrate capacity in my new role. </b>A famous quote by Steve Jobs reads
“The difference between a leader and a follower lies in innovation”. I am
constantly innovating and looking to be different. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When I look back through my life, I would definitely say it is
important to surround yourself with the right team.</b> Through strategic
partnerships with people around you, you can accomplish a whole lot more.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>When all is said and done, I would want what I have done to outlive
me.</b> When you have a dream, there’s a reason for it. Don’t listen to the
external voices. Your dream defines your purpose. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVmZsoe3PX4/VW1zaga8RLI/AAAAAAAAAuc/ts6mFAqE1-k/s1600/IMG_20150602_115811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVmZsoe3PX4/VW1zaga8RLI/AAAAAAAAAuc/ts6mFAqE1-k/s400/IMG_20150602_115811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>This article is featured in True
Love East Africa Magazine June 2015 issue.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>All rights reserved<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-3689782409628549652015-04-21T09:00:00.000+03:002015-04-21T09:00:34.643+03:00The CEO Edition- Joshua Oigara, Group CEO of KCB Bank<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyOWCX1PAJI/VTVH_KN286I/AAAAAAAAArA/EswxfACsLwI/s1600/joshua%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyOWCX1PAJI/VTVH_KN286I/AAAAAAAAArA/EswxfACsLwI/s1600/joshua%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">His twitter bio
reads “Choiseul Laureate and named Africa’s top 100 youngest and most
influential economic leaders in 2014 by Institut Choiseul”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The man; Mr.
Joshua Oigara. He serves as Group CEO of KCB Bank Limited, a position he has
held since January 2013. He served as CFO and member of the Board of Directors of
KCB from January 2012 to January 2013. Mr Oigara has many feathers in his cap,
from serving as the current Chairman of the Kenya Bankers Association, Chairman
of the Williamson Foundation, Executive Director and Group Financial Director
for Lafarge East Africa at Bamburi Cement Limited, to Business Performance
Manager at Hima Cement Limited, Group Business Performance Manager at Bidco
Africa and to his initial years at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Impressive
credentials, right? KCB is the largest bank in Kenya by asset base. Steering
such a powerhouse demands a level of prowess, skill and uncommon savvy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBA8cWvfyA8/VTVIFyW0c_I/AAAAAAAAAro/1LSUvt2DEpE/s1600/oigara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBA8cWvfyA8/VTVIFyW0c_I/AAAAAAAAAro/1LSUvt2DEpE/s1600/oigara.jpg" height="200" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My interview
with him wasn’t like any I’ve done before. This was evident right from my efforts
to schedule an interview with him, which began in January this year. Someone
asked me how I managed to connect with him and schedule an interview. Would you
believe me if I told you it was as simple as using Twitter? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Sometimes I
think us young people don’t effectively utilise Social media as best as we
should. Social media is great to post selfies on Instagram, talk about your
weekend on Facebook, shares memes and interact with friends. However I have
come to realise that we can take it a step further and connect with diverse people
and expand our circles. Leaders, entrepreneurs, and business executives have
now gone digital. It really is as simple as that! So I sent Joshua a tweet. The
interesting thing about twitter is that it limits you to 140 characters, so I
had to sum up my message in 140 characters. (Chuckles). And here we are!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xt_-5H3BTE8/VTVMe0qQiZI/AAAAAAAAAr0/Plmw0QlY3B4/s1600/PhotoGrid_1428688124530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xt_-5H3BTE8/VTVMe0qQiZI/AAAAAAAAAr0/Plmw0QlY3B4/s1600/PhotoGrid_1428688124530.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I felt more nervous
than ever walking into his meticulous office on the material day. Our mothers always
tell us to put on our best dresses, hold our heads high and flash the million
dollar smile. That I did! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I knew that
this would be an interview unique in its own way. He inquired about me, wished
to know what I did and what inspired the interview; it was engaging, refreshing
and a challenging conversation. In fact I told him that the aim of this
interview was to discover the man himself, devoid of the title and information
in the public domain. A quick google search will yield phenomenal results of
this man, his childhood, his accolades, and his rise to KCB CEO. So this
interview will steer clear from that, and unearth who he is, his values and what
makes him the man he is. I hope something in here inspires you, or triggers a
spark in you to become the person you are destined to be. Enjoy:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3IYkhi1g4w/VTVIBSjgXWI/AAAAAAAAArY/y-IWxcPIxiQ/s1600/joshua%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3IYkhi1g4w/VTVIBSjgXWI/AAAAAAAAArY/y-IWxcPIxiQ/s1600/joshua%2B5.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have one of the best teams. </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I am surrounded by some of the best minds; a brilliant team. I
believe our culture has taught us to have the tyranny of “you versus me”. It is
always a competition to outwit those around you. It is a push and shove aimed
at outsmarting, outperforming and outshining those around us. But my
fundamental question would be, why can we not replace this “you versus me” mindset
with “you AND me”? Why can’t it be about teamwork, about working together and
about growing each other? I believe this is a paradigm shift we need to have as
a society. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have always believed there is no shortcut
to prosperity</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">. It is sheer hard work. Earlier on
in my career I undertook a program for Management Development at Duke
University. While I was there I met one of the youngest CEOs. He rubbed shoulders
with men twice his age, and still exhibited traits of a seasoned captain of
industry. This greatly challenged me. Scaling to great professional heights is
not a preserve of those with numerous years in their feathers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Effort delivers outstanding results. </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You must make a conscious decision to follow the path you want.
Growing up, my ambition was always “to be a CEO of a blue chip company by the
time I was 40, although at that time I wasn’t exactly sure what a blue chip
company was”. I have always believed background doesn’t define who you are; it
is a platform to catapult you to unimaginable heights that you wish to achieve.
My parents, William and Diana Oigara, were school teachers and rural farmers. My father believed the only inheritance we
would get was a good education. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Over the years I have come to learn that you
must be willing to do what you think you cannot do. </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You have to envision yourself achieving those dreams which your
mind tells you that you cannot achieve. This will require you to have unmeasured
ambition, ambition that drives you to put in the necessary hours; commonly
known as the 10,000 hour rule. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"></i></div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9bi3vRM81c/VTXmbT_4zQI/AAAAAAAAAso/kJEEVB20m3c/s1600/PhotoGrid_1429555257570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9bi3vRM81c/VTXmbT_4zQI/AAAAAAAAAso/kJEEVB20m3c/s1600/PhotoGrid_1429555257570.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In order to achieve greatness, we must begin
to benchmark ourselves on a global level. </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Think
global. It is important to benchmark yourself alongside those in your industry,
but we have to go a step further and think regional, think global. This expands
your potential greatly. Depending on the role you are doing, benchmark yourself
against your regional and global counterparts. This puts a lot into focus,
changes your perspective greatly and sharpens your drive and resilience. Let’s
not think Kenya-wide. Let us challenge ourselves and think global!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Having heard such great insights, Joshua gave
me the opportunity to ask him anything. I chimed in and asked that all-elusive
question which we young people battle with <b>“How
do you discover your passion?” </b>His
advice was simple and yet so powerful;<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">In life, never do many things. Run a race to
build on your strengths. </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Look for your passion, seek out your comfort
and what you are good at, and be the best in it. Life is a God-driven purpose.
We have to discover our God-given purpose in life, and fully focus on achieving
that.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Joshua is a man
passionate about young people. In his role as CEO, and outside of this role, he
is a firm believer in the potential of the youth. He re-affirms that we <b>need to be in the 2% bracket of people who
categorically and without fear of ridicule or shame, go after our dreams</b>.
It doesn’t matter how long it takes and the opinion of others (which he reckons
you will have to face along the way). What matters is having the drive and will
to realise the dreams you have. Look around for the opportunities open to you,
and go for them! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<i style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px;"></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;">Joshua went on
further to </span><span style="line-height: 17.1200008392334px; text-align: justify;">emphasize</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;"> that</span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;"> when we are young
we can be more aggressive with our time.</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-align: justify;"> At a young age, we have the most
defining moment to build a more sustainable future. It’s important to surround
ourselves with a good support system; choose your friends wisely as they are a
definition of who you are.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6PExYLAqVg/VTVMghCcTlI/AAAAAAAAAr8/QcY-YWT-kfw/s1600/PhotoGrid_1428688099733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 17.1200008392334px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s6PExYLAqVg/VTVMghCcTlI/AAAAAAAAAr8/QcY-YWT-kfw/s1600/PhotoGrid_1428688099733.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">His greatest
advice to young people would be<b> </b>that<b> we need more young people biased to doing
more and talking less.</b> The future belongs to Doers. Everyone has an idea,
but there are few who decide to do something about it today and not tomorrow.
Indeed we have a unique opportunity in this generation to build and realise
more inclusive growth and shared prosperity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DG0Pk03jIMg/VTXmRVbqgDI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/ulxlVevTlpE/s1600/PhotoGrid_1429555238675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DG0Pk03jIMg/VTXmRVbqgDI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/ulxlVevTlpE/s1600/PhotoGrid_1429555238675.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>Chasing perfection</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>Photo credits: <a href="http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/" target="_blank">Business Daily Africa</a>, <a href="http://www.kba.co.ke/" target="_blank">Kenya Bankers Association</a>, <a href="http://www.the-star.co.ke/" target="_blank">The Star</a>, <a href="http://www.samsung.com/africa_en/home" target="_blank">Samsung Galaxy S4</a></i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-78546280531222598312015-03-01T19:56:00.000+03:002015-03-01T20:24:38.740+03:00Chanda chema<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4hDOqxtqdI/VPNCVEI2yaI/AAAAAAAAApw/QzNUzxuvgKM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4hDOqxtqdI/VPNCVEI2yaI/AAAAAAAAApw/QzNUzxuvgKM/s1600/1.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Hey there!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy new month loves!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">February was one of those up and down months..but I am pretty
excited for the new month.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #666666;">This post is specifically for the ladies! Sorry gents :) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #666666;">I want to kickstart your month with a bang, a
FABULOUS bang at that.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbjb1tvKsbA/VPNCVIcAG3I/AAAAAAAAAps/slp8EcPiiFI/s1600/download%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbjb1tvKsbA/VPNCVIcAG3I/AAAAAAAAAps/slp8EcPiiFI/s1600/download%2B(2).jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“…Quite often young ladies see each other as competition
instead of sisters. Rarely, do you ever find ladies coming together to invest
in a common business venture. Our counterparts however do this so often, and
that continues to give them power. Young ladies need to have thirst for power,
strength, financial security, respect and independence on the society.”Young,
wild & free” we are</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">.Why are girls in competition?Let us root for each
other!"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vbjb1tvKsbA/VPNCVIcAG3I/AAAAAAAAAps/slp8EcPiiFI/s1600/download%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope those words have a profound effect on you. Take a
moment and read them again. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And then proceed to mark your calendars on Saturday March 14<sup>th</sup>
2015. I would like to invite you to an
event titled “Chanda Chema”.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pull out
that gorgeous sun hat, slip into that beautiful sundress& come and enjoy cocktails
and cheeky chit chat on various aspects of
life. From relationships, friendships, sex, careers, travel , savings ,investments, fashion & family…you name it! There will also be a chance to enjoy a taste of our local fashion with amazing things on sale.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naKC9WM4rmY/VPNCWNxJknI/AAAAAAAAAp0/DE2R77kO9pA/s1600/download%2B(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naKC9WM4rmY/VPNCWNxJknI/AAAAAAAAAp0/DE2R77kO9pA/s1600/download%2B(3).jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white; color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Details of the event are:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 7.9pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 7.9pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Event
Name:”Chanda Chema”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 7.9pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Event
Venue: Pawa 254 Roof Top on State House Road<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin: 7.9pt 0in;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Event
Date:Saturday March 14th 2015<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Event
time:1:30-4:30pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Event
Price:Ksh.800<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;">Ticket
purchase: Ticketsasa or call 0706 444 443 </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And guess what?! I’ll
be speaking at the event and I would love to see YOU there! It’s my first event to attend as a speaker so I am SUPER EXCITED! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hurry
and get a ticket before the slots run out. Trust me, you really don't want to miss this!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pP8e1TrCOQ/VPNCWTbkUTI/AAAAAAAAAp8/xzoLGJhElqc/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2pP8e1TrCOQ/VPNCWTbkUTI/AAAAAAAAAp8/xzoLGJhElqc/s1600/download.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt;">Chasing
perfection</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-Lydia-<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-24342950987141136122015-02-12T13:56:00.005+03:002015-02-12T13:56:56.492+03:0020-something lessons in my 23years.. Take 1!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So tomorrow is my BIRTHDAY and I
am super excited! *scream!*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lRlo1CkTbQ/VNx6eLmZU-I/AAAAAAAAAog/-6vuBxCx8sc/s1600/bday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lRlo1CkTbQ/VNx6eLmZU-I/AAAAAAAAAog/-6vuBxCx8sc/s1600/bday1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am currently in Somalia (yes,
yes I am quite fine and safe, hehe!). I am here for a work engagement and I was
suppose</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">d to take a flight back this morning but unfortunately the flights were
fully booked. It looks like I will be spending my birthday in this lovely
place. Check out this photo of me in a buibui, you can call me Miss Amina. LOL! Funny
enough the locals actually believe I’m Somali, they don’t think I’m Kenyan.
HAHA! Anyway I digress!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfD92Ray8XE/VNyDoq-Q2RI/AAAAAAAAAo4/78vo4VDTa5k/s1600/PhotoGrid_1423733310981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfD92Ray8XE/VNyDoq-Q2RI/AAAAAAAAAo4/78vo4VDTa5k/s1600/PhotoGrid_1423733310981.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I thought this post would be
ideal on the Eve of my birthday. I think I am the type of person that makes a
huge deal out of events like birthdays, weddings, graduations etc etc… that’s
just me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This series of posts will probably be some of my more “revealing” posts, but I think its fitting. Its
also great for you to get to know a little about me. So here goes, 23 lessons
and experiences:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>1. Its okay to fail</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have failed in many things...Moreso I have failed
in things I thought I was good at, struggled in things that would previously
have come naturally.. but that’s part of the painful process of growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>2. Disappointments in life are
fine.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have disappointed my loved ones
one too many times. There are certainly things I thought I wish I could
take back, words said, actions done…but I have learnt that’s its okay.
Perfectly okay. What matters is the sincerity in making amends, and having a
laugh about it later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>3. Health is SO important.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can not stress this enough. My
work mentor once told me that “we all juggle so many balls..family, work, life,
friendships..and it goes on. Sometimes its tough but there’s really one ball
you CAN NOT afford to drop, and that’s your health” Think about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well I must admit in my hussle
and bussle I have let that ball slip sometimes. Worst part is when your body
says “YO, I need a break” its either you listen or it’s downhill. So yes, take
care of your health.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>4. Friendships.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7atzuCErDM/VNx6eV4gjII/AAAAAAAAAok/lkQ0qwaUUn0/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V7atzuCErDM/VNx6eV4gjII/AAAAAAAAAok/lkQ0qwaUUn0/s1600/download.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a TOUGH one. Really, it
is. Reason is I have gained so many friends this year, remained close with my
life-long ones and sadly lost touch with some friends. I believe its a
metamorphosis; where I needed space to really step back and think, what kind of
friend do I want to be? And consequently, what kind of friends do I want to have?My
sister constantly tells me” It is not in the number, but in the quality”. Its
not in the happy times but in the difficult; not in the mutual areas of
interest you share, but in letting each other metamorphosise, grow, come into
your own and still understand and remain true friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So yes, its being a year of
discovery.. a year of understanding and being understood…and its still a work
in progress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>5.Love is a beautiful thing.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*tralalala* Love is amazing,
really it is. I am not talking about that kind of puppy love, but the love that lies
in understanding your partner, sometimes fighting and really going at it with
them, growing, discovering and loving. I thank God daily for my amazing
boyfriend. Every day with him really is a gift, I couldn’t have found a more
imperfectly perfect man in him; a soul mate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>6. Confidence.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Its okay to go up to a perfect
stranger who you have been meaning to talk to, introduce yourself and prove to
them why they should spare just five minutes of their time. No really, its fine.
Reason I say this is because that’s exactly what I do with my blog. It requires
me to approach my prospective amazing interviewees, briefly tell them about the
blog and ask if they would like to be a part of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, its not entirely as easy.
Sometimes its difficult to even track them down.. Sometimes I don’t get
responses, or they may take a long time, but I can tell you for the most
part it WORKS! I cant stress this enough. Infact the fabulous Magdalene Mulandi,
Top 40 woman, told me “You are 5 people away from the person you want to meet,
even if it’s the President” All you need to do is get out there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWjq6l3kqsM/VNyD1VJgixI/AAAAAAAAApQ/FDBhb_TFUNc/s1600/PhotoGrid_1423735103446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWjq6l3kqsM/VNyD1VJgixI/AAAAAAAAApQ/FDBhb_TFUNc/s1600/PhotoGrid_1423735103446.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>7.Family means the world to me.</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I am from a small family. Its
been great growing up in a nice tight-knit family. In fact that is what I want
for my children (yeah, I absolutely CAN NOT wait to be a mum..). Also, my
extended family is very close. I have amazing grandparents, aunties, uncles and
cousins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Growing up I have always treasured Christmas time. My last Christmas this past December was really amazing. We
spent time in Murang’a (shagz). We literally had an itinerary for the whole time.
We arrived on 24<sup>th</sup> December, sang songs and just had fun that
night and at midnight cut our Christmas cake and sung carols. The next day was the HIGHLIGHT
you guys! We went to church, had a bountiful Christmas lunch together, had a
photo session (why not?) and played games..I mean ALL sorts of games..from
musical chairs, tug-of-war, sack race, skipping, pass the DUTCHY..you name it.
And EVERYBODY was involved, no age restrictions at all. That will be etched in
my memory FOREVER.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ...</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">..thank you for reading..
see YOU in part two! :)</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-91922853172698441882015-02-05T23:05:00.002+03:002015-02-09T09:34:51.752+03:00Meet Jamie Pujara, Top 40 under 40 man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISIkIUkY1-w/VNPLVhjrCLI/AAAAAAAAAn4/rvhPx0MixYQ/s1600/jamie%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISIkIUkY1-w/VNPLVhjrCLI/AAAAAAAAAn4/rvhPx0MixYQ/s1600/jamie%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="194" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We kick off our Top 40 men series, and who better to start
us off than Jamie Pujara! He is the CEO and Founder of Kenya’s number one
property portal <a href="http://www.buyrentkenya.com/">www.buyrentkenya.com</a>,co-founder
of Four Bistro and Director and MD of Tin Tin Restaurant. He is easy going and
so friendly. Would you believe that I reached out to him on Twitter, told him
about the Top 40 men series and he was immediately up for it. How cool is he? Sit back, and let’s
delve into his awesome life!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C: How does it feel like being in this year’s list of
Top 40 men under 40?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s a great privilege to be nominated this year. However, having
said that so many of the achievements that I accomplished in 2014 were due to
having great teams around me and while I appreciate the personal accolade it’s
a great reflection of the people who have helped me reach the goals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:How has life been growing up? Walk us through your
life from childhood. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was born in Nairobi and studied here until my A-levels. I then
went to the University of Warwick and graduated in 2002. I then spent time
working in the UK, Japan and New York before returning to Nairobi in 2008 to
help my father run the family business which is Tin Tin Restaurant. My father
had just been diagnosed with cancer at the time and unfortunately passed away
in 2011. In 2012 I launched buyrentkenya and in 2013 I helped open Four Café
Bistro.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93Db3TX9WGE/VNPL1naBmCI/AAAAAAAAAoE/zhBeIFPTJMk/s1600/download%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-93Db3TX9WGE/VNPL1naBmCI/AAAAAAAAAoE/zhBeIFPTJMk/s1600/download%2B(1).jpg" height="320" width="273" /></span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:You are an exceptional man blazing a trail in many
frontiers. What has your journey been like, from the onset up to today? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Definitely a lot experiences. Living and working in Japan was a
great personal lesson, I learned a lot about discipline, patience and appreciating
a new culture. Before buyrentkenya I tried various other projects that weren’t
so successful, but failing is ok so long as you learn the lessons for why you
failed and learn not to make those mistakes again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:You studied at the University of Warwick -Warwick
Business School. Did that influence and shape your entrepreneurial ambitions? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To be honest, I think at 18 it was too early to know what I wanted
to do. I think Warwick provided me with a
great environment to take on new challenges I was heavily involved in
the event organization as well as student union politics and I feel those
experiences definitely helped shape my character and goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:You are the CEO and Founder of Kenya’s number one
property portal <a href="http://www.buyrentkenya.com/">www.buyrentkenya.com</a>.
What inspired you to launch this portal? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In 2011 my co-founder Nicolas and I were discussing what property
was available and we realized getting information was incredibly difficult. The
vision to create a site whereby people would be able to search easily and
transparently for a property is what drove us to develop buyrentkenya. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:You have broken ground in the hospitality industry and
achieved great heights. What was the inspiration and drive behind venturing
into this sector? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:Tin Tin was actually started by my grandparents before I
was born. I grew up in the restaurant business but I think most of the credit
for Tin Tin goes to my family who have worked there before me. With Four, it
was an idea between 3 friends and myself where we felt a café in Gigiri would
be a great opportunity and a fun business to run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ISIkIUkY1-w/VNPLVhjrCLI/AAAAAAAAAn4/rvhPx0MixYQ/s1600/jamie%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C: Did you ever seek formal employment, or was your
dream always to run your own company? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have worked in formal employment before which was a great
learning experience. Sometimes I wish I had worked longer in formal employment
so as to have absorbed more information but at the same time from a young age
the dream has always been to run my own company. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from a
mistake you have made in the past? </b>J: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I think before I’ve been very cautious about failure. I was
afraid of failing and in doing so I would avoid taking risks and making
changes. I now realize failing is part of progress. It drives you to examine
what went wrong, to learn from past mistakes and to push yourself to succeed.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff7rD_bW9Uo/VNPLVixLeKI/AAAAAAAAAns/cFUQpGAvmnU/s1600/jamie%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; float: right; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ff7rD_bW9Uo/VNPLVixLeKI/AAAAAAAAAns/cFUQpGAvmnU/s1600/jamie%2B1.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:What drives you to achieve all you have? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is this quote I love </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like
most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people
can’t.” I think that sums up the drive to keep going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C: What has been one of your most memorable experiences?
</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most memorable- probably the numerous awards won by buyrentkenya
especially the Internet Marketing Portal of the year at the East African
Property Awards. And the day One Africa Media said they wanted to invest into
the company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:If you could travel to any corner of this world, where
would you go? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m a big fan of South East Asia. It remains my favourite place to
travel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:What legacy would you want to leave? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ultimately with buyrentkenya I think if it becomes the default
medium that people use to search for property, it would be a fantastic achievement. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:What do you like to do for fun or to unwind? How do
you like to spend your weekends? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have a young son now and another on the way and for me
Family is very important so any opportunity I get I try and spend as much
time with them</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C: What is your view on the importance of mentors for
young people in all aspects of their lives: professionally, socially, and
holistically? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Having a mentor is incredibly important for personal development.
But it’s more important to find the right mentor. Someone who inspires,
motivates and challenges you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkPw9xp8px0/VNPLV7R6CgI/AAAAAAAAAnw/twdIpz6rAg0/s1600/jamie%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jkPw9xp8px0/VNPLV7R6CgI/AAAAAAAAAnw/twdIpz6rAg0/s1600/jamie%2B3.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:What is your definition of success?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Hmm tough one. I’m not sure here. It
keeps changing for me, I keep moving the goal posts further and further
forwards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:If you had a chance to share a meal with any person in
the world, who would that be? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jack Ma the Founder of alibaba.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:What is your advice to young people on investing in
the property market? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Property remains your safest investment. If you can afford it find a
way to buy property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:What would be your greatest piece of advice to any
budding entrepreneur? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Believe in your product and yourself. Keep learning from your
mistakes and keep trying to improve.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>C:The purpose of Calibrated Blossom, the blog, is to
inspire young people to seek and chase inner perfection, encourage a shift in
mindset and spur people towards their goals. What is your take on this? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s a fantastic concept, I wholly agree that a focus on inner
perfection will lead to outward perfection and being at peace with oneself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;"><b>C:What is your message for young people out there? For
all the young people struggling to figure themselves out and for those who have
embarked on their voyage towards achieving their dreams?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">J:</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">For those struggling to figure themselves out, I’d say listen to
your inner self. Don’t be pushed to do something because people tell you it’s
good. Do something that you believe you will enjoy and be motivated in. For those who are on the journey towards
their dreams I’d say keep going. The satisfaction is both in achieving the goal
but also in experiencing the journey.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-51952426330165694342015-01-28T19:25:00.002+03:002015-01-29T18:15:24.952+03:00ISIS NYONG'O-MADISON | SHE LEADS AFRICA<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 110%; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
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Isis Nyong'o - Madison</div>
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I wasn’t too sure what to expect when I met Isis. I’ve always
heard of Isis, the corporate force who has accomplished what most can only
dream of and has therefore earned a lot of recognition for it. Isis,
however, is great and really easy to talk to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Isis is married and has a 1 year old daughter, who she’s rushing
home to at the time of our interview, it is really very sweet the way she
lights up when she talks about her young family. She describes herself as a
passionate entrepreneur, and I believe her. She went to High School both in the
United States of America and in Kenya before going to Stanford University to
study, wait for it, Biology! At this point, my interest is peaked as I try to
understand how she converted a degree in Biology into a vibrant career in sales
and marketing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-0pGDltzWM/VMkKfPIF76I/AAAAAAAAAm8/HNMJNIIyxs0/s1600/6tag-1432128372-905194143359481805_1432128372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5-0pGDltzWM/VMkKfPIF76I/AAAAAAAAAm8/HNMJNIIyxs0/s1600/6tag-1432128372-905194143359481805_1432128372.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Responding to questions at #SLAxIntel event</td></tr>
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In her own words, the American market is extremely different from
the Kenyan market in that they recognize that what you learn in university is
not what you actually practice in reality. She therefore was able to get a job
based on the fact that she was smart, hardworking, able to critically analyze
any situation, make decisions and most importantly she was ready to learn. She
worked in the USA for about two and a half years before relocating back to
Kenya and joining a then upcoming job site, MyJobsEye.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After about a year and a half, she left MyJobsEye to go study her
graduate degree from Harvard. Here she made a lot of networks and gained
invaluable knowledge from the people she interacted with. “Networking is what
you do daily. It’s a lot of practice and confidence. Push yourself and go out
there,” says Isis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At Harvard, she heard that MTV was planning to go into Africa and
this peaked her interest. Isis admits that she “hustled” for this job. She sent
countless emails which went unresponded before she finally gave the man a call.
The lesson here, of course, is if you want something, go for it and be
persistent. Although MTV was a bit hesitant to give her the role, mostly
because she had no experience in sales, she got the job. She led MTV Network’s
commercial entry into Africa as a founding member of the team.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a couple of years, Isis got an offer from Google who were
also planning their strategic entry into Africa. One of the perks of this job
was that she’d be able to relocate back to Kenya as Google planned to have
offices in Nairobi. At Google, she specialized in mobile and local content
partnerships. She then became the Vice President and Managing Director of the
African operations of inMobi, the world’s largest independent mobile
advertising network.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At this point I’m curious to know why she decided to get involved
in the She Leads Africa (SLA) event. Isis sums it up in one word, she is simply
impressed. The founders of SLA, Afua and Yasmine, have taken charge of their
lives and decided to tackle a pertinent issue on the African continent and they
are making things happen. “You HAVE GOT TO BE proactive to be successful in
anything you want to do,” says Isis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">L-R: Afua, Isis, Agatha, Terryanne, Yasmine</td></tr>
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Isis is now a co-principal at Ashpalt & Ink, a firm which
provides strategic advisory services to corporations, investors, start-ups,
governments and nonprofit organizations operating in Africa. The firm was
formed out of the recognition that Africa’s rapidly changing landscape
necessitates new approaches, insights and partnerships.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having the experience that she has, I ask her what the pros and
cons of venturing out into business are. She says that one of the greatest
advantages is getting to decide what is most valuable to her and having the
freedom to set her own agenda. On the flip side, there are less
resources and less developed teams in business and also, every second spent on
other activities, regardless of their personal value, are counted as a
loss to the business!<o:p></o:p></div>
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To the people considering business she offers some nuggets of
wisdom. Firstly, think and decide whether entrepreneurship is truly for you.
What is your motivation for doing business, passion or pure profit? If you are
not passionate about what it is you want to do, chances of success are slim. If
you are in employment thinking of making the big move, she advices calculated
risks. That is, the awareness that you simply do not have resources to prevent
all catastrophes and still allow for innovation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Her final piece of advice, and quite honestly, my personal
favorite, THERE IS NEVER A RIGHT TIME. “If you don’t pursue your business idea
now, 2 – 3 years from now, you will regret it!” – Isis Nyong’o Madison during
the fireside session with Terryanne Chebet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQeF3Z72_tM/VMkKfurZwiI/AAAAAAAAAnA/IwKM8L7BVO8/s1600/6tag-1432128372-904926808832784337_1432128372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VQeF3Z72_tM/VMkKfurZwiI/AAAAAAAAAnA/IwKM8L7BVO8/s1600/6tag-1432128372-904926808832784337_1432128372.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Fireside Chat with Terryanne Chebet<br />
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I was curious to know what she does for fun, you know, after a
long day of being absolutely awesome. She loves engaging in sporting activities
which keep her fit, and there are results to show, trust me. She loves to
travel, hang out with her family and this year she made a commitment to try
something new EVERY WEEK. I thought that was quite ambitious and she admits that
initially, she felt like it was ambitious too. Her husband convinced her and
Isis is loving it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I learnt so much from Isis. She is humble, passionate and a
go-getter and she really is beautiful, both inside and out!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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-Gakii Biriri<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zW5HKDznbNk/VMkKixW9TwI/AAAAAAAAAnU/Nw7yCXtFAmQ/s1600/WP_20150124_15_08_40_Pro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zW5HKDznbNk/VMkKixW9TwI/AAAAAAAAAnU/Nw7yCXtFAmQ/s1600/WP_20150124_15_08_40_Pro.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isis and Gakii during the interview</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3970429532034901905.post-13312902861882519042015-01-20T19:41:00.002+03:002015-01-28T09:38:39.671+03:00Who wants to be a millionaire?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">We
are so proud to announce a partnership between <b>Calibrated Blossom and She leads Africa. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOkCB2Ff07I/VL6BSpnkvhI/AAAAAAAAAk8/p91GASdYXyg/s1600/facebook%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOkCB2Ff07I/VL6BSpnkvhI/AAAAAAAAAk8/p91GASdYXyg/s1600/facebook%2B1.png" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><a href="http://www.sheleadsafrica.org/#!aboutus/cjg9" target="_blank">She Leads Africa</a> is a social enterprise in Africa investing in young female entrepreneurs
across the continent. At the core of their vision is to invest in high growth female entrepreneurs who have the greatest potential to create large enterprises. After all, it is such women who have the innate power to become global leaders and effect change on a tremendous scale. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">They
are heading to <b>Nairobi on Saturday January
24<sup>th</sup> to host a training session for young women who want to turn
their technology ideas into sustainable businesses. </b>They are co-hosting the event with Intel
Africa and have put together an exciting panel of speakers and workshops for
the participants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">The
purpose of this event is to: <b>Support
young women interested in technology take their ideas and turn them into
sustainable businesses.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Date: </span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Saturday, January 24, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Time:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"> 10am – 6pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Venue:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"> Nairobi Garage, Piedmont Plaza, Ngong
Road, Nairobi, Kenya<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Participation:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"> 50 – 60 estimated attendees<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Sponsors:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"> Intel, Forbes Woman Africa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">The Exciting agenda includes:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">-<i>
Big Ideas</i>: Interactive problem solving session on how technology can and has
been<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">used
to solve community problems<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">-
<i>Working Session:</i> Building your minimum viable product and getting it ready for
the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">public<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">-
<i>Lean Startup:</i> Developing your go-to market strategy and listening to your
customers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">-
<i>Reaching your first 1,000 users: </i>Panel discussion with local entrepreneurs on
how<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">they
jumpstarted their businesses and get their first set of users<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">-
<i>Fireside Chat:</i> An intimate discussion with a leading female entrepreneur and investor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">on
how women can reach business success<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Amazing Speakers include:<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><b>Keynote
Speaker: Isis Nyong’o</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMNBMhZ0OGo/VL6BS8iKsgI/AAAAAAAAAlA/JcrxvyWfkVE/s1600/isis%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMNBMhZ0OGo/VL6BS8iKsgI/AAAAAAAAAlA/JcrxvyWfkVE/s1600/isis%2B1.jpg" height="308" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Isis Nyong’o is
the Vice President and Managing Director of the African operations ofInMobi,
the world’s largest independent mobile advertising network. She has
degrees from Stanford and Harvard and has previously worked in senior
management positions at MyJobsEye (Kenya’s leading Job site), MTV, and most
recently, Google. In January, she was selected as a Young Global Leader by the
World Economic Forum.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Moderator: Terryanne
Chebet<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob1IZaChDgE/VL6BT2-7ptI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WVMzxnHZa8Q/s1600/terryanne%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ob1IZaChDgE/VL6BT2-7ptI/AAAAAAAAAlY/WVMzxnHZa8Q/s1600/terryanne%2B3.jpg" height="162" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Terryanne
Chebet is one of Kenya’s top Business news anchors who reports on news and
business stories from across the African Continent, interviewing Heads of
State, Global Business leaders, Policy makers & CEO's. She currently hosts
Kenya’s top Business Show, the Business Centre on Citizen TV.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Additionally,
Terryanne is the CEO of Scarlet Digital, a 360 Advertising and communications
firm that opened in 2011. Scarlet Digital prides itself as a house that
understands digital conversations and helps propel brands in that space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Panelist: Angelah Madara<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmEC7o6LABo/VL6CZS8xq8I/AAAAAAAAAlo/17w_qNnkmmM/s1600/angelah%2Bmadara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Garamond, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Angelah Madara
is Director of Digital Financial Services at KnightStirling Consulting. Angelah
was part of the team that provided inaugural support for the successful
implementation of MPESA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmEC7o6LABo/VL6CZS8xq8I/AAAAAAAAAlo/17w_qNnkmmM/s1600/angelah%2Bmadara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AmEC7o6LABo/VL6CZS8xq8I/AAAAAAAAAlo/17w_qNnkmmM/s1600/angelah%2Bmadara.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Panelist: </span></b><b style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: justify;">Judith
Owigar</b></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TO9U9j2m8Rs/VL6Cuwhl3XI/AAAAAAAAAlw/AvxolJPr1rk/s1600/judith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TO9U9j2m8Rs/VL6Cuwhl3XI/AAAAAAAAAlw/AvxolJPr1rk/s1600/judith.jpg" height="200" width="183" /></a></div>
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<b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"></span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Judith Owigar
is the owner of the tech startup Juakali, and President and founder of
AkiraChix – an organisation centred around building, supporting, and inspiring
African women in technology. She is also a social enterprise fellow at the
Anita Borg Institute. She is a coder, a blogger and a tech enthusiast.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Panelist: Calvince Okello<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Calvince is the
Founder and CEO of M-Shamba, an interactive mobile platform that provides vital
information to farmers and other stakeholders along the agricultural value
chain.. Calvince holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural, Biomechanical, and
Processing Engineering from Jomo Kenyatta University.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03k32uUxMMw/VL6DOF18nsI/AAAAAAAAAl4/KMv15myq-6U/s1600/calvince.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03k32uUxMMw/VL6DOF18nsI/AAAAAAAAAl4/KMv15myq-6U/s1600/calvince.jpg" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Panelist: Collins Omwenga</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UExZIBPS2gk/VMiDsAPe_oI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Fh6Ij7A27KY/s1600/collins%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UExZIBPS2gk/VMiDsAPe_oI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Fh6Ij7A27KY/s1600/collins%2B(1).jpg" height="200" width="193" /></a></div>
<b><o:p></o:p></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Collins Omwenga
is the Co-Founder and CIO of Quintelcon Limited. He also serves as the IPHUB
Manager at Microsoft as well as the Projects and Events Coordinator for the
JKUAT Tech Expo. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">Calling
on all you tech women out there, this one is for YOU! Lets make 2015 OUR year.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">Don't forget to check out our <b>Facebook page (Calibrated Blossom)</b> and twitter handle (<b>@Calibrated_B</b>) for more info!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18000700080177212625noreply@blogger.com1