2017 Top 40 under 40 Woman-Nelly Tuikong

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, Pauline Cosmetics, the brand, was born.

Introducing to you Nelly Tuikong, 33-year old Founder and CEO of Pauline Cosmetics.

C: What do you consider as your greatest achievement to date?

N: 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!

C: What has your career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading up to your current role/position?

N: 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.

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!

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!

C: What advice would you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work, family life and social life?

N: 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.

C: What is your greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?

N: Your ambition has to match your action! You cannot say you want to be 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!

Secondly, employ patience! If you bust your ass for 1yr and don’t see results, DO NOT GIVE UP! 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! 

C: What is the greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?

N: 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! 

‘‘Success is within someone’s own well- being. It’s having a passion.’’ Adam Vanunu

As always, see you next week Tuesday. J

Calibrated Blossom- Top 40 under 40 women series- Iddah Asin

She 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 Public Policy and Management from Strathmore University and Certification in the International Module on Global Leadership from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.  

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. 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.

Introducing Iddah Asin, Director of Government Affairs and Policy at Johnson and Johnson.

C: What has your career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading up to your current role/position?

I: 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. 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.

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.

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. My responsibility at Johnson & Johnson entails developing, driving and executing the Government Affairs & Policy strategy for our three business sectors (Consumer, Pharmaceuticals and Medical devices) as well as our Global Public Health, Corporate Citizenship Trust and Global Community Impact groups. 

C: What is the biggest challenge you have faced and how did you overcome it?

I: 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.

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.

C: What inspires you?

I: 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”.

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.

C: What do you consider to be the turning point in your career?

I: 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. 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.

C: What is your greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?

I: 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. 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!

“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” — Goethe.

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 J

2017 Top 40 under 40 Woman - Caroline Mtai

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 Tuesday and every Friday! J

I am pretty excited about it so let's get right into it, shall we?

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— a platform which allows upcoming leaders to interact with American counterparts in their field of expertise.

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.  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!)

Meet Caroline Mtai, Senior Prosecution Counsel at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

C: What do you consider as your greatest achievement to date?

CM: 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!

C: What has your career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading up to your current role/position?

CM: 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.

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.

Carol and her husband

 

C: What advice would you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work, family life and social life?

CM: 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.

Carol and her beautiful daughter

C: What is your greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?

CM: Go for it!! 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.

C: What is the greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?

CM: 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.

‘’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

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.  

I know, Wow!!! See you then :)

2017 Top 40 under 40 Woman - Margaret Achieng' Oyugi

Kenya only has a 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.

Meet the exceptional woman, Margaret Achieng’ Oyugi; Talented, brilliant and definitely conquering the world… one number at a time.

C: What do you consider as your greatest achievement to date?

M: 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 closeJ. 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.

C: What has your career path been like as you have navigated through your chosen field leading up to your current role/position?

M: 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.

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 J ) Haha!

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.

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. 

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.

C: What advice would you offer to young people on figuring out the balance between work, family life and social life?

M: 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 J (Notice I added books as number one lol) I think the whole essence of life is about prioritizing. 

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!

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.

C: What is your greatest piece of advice to the young upwardly mobile individual?

M: 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..

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.

C: What is the greatest lesson/ nugget that you have picked up in life?

M: 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!

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. J

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. J

“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.” Shari Ballard, President of Multichannel Retail, Best Buy

This week, I will be posting a second interview on Friday. 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.