SEEK AND SPARK

|Chak a chaka — Luo for “just start.” | I watched an interview the other day of a really famous person who shared how difficult it was for her to build her new business in quiet because of how much scrutiny she gets, whether she steps out or not. Her life has been so thoroughly dehumanized and monetized that even her silent moments become topics for endless debate and banter on national television. And the clickbait headlines on social media? Unprecedented! It made me reflect on how hard it already is to start a business and build it from scratch. Now imagine adding the extra pressure of fame on top of that. Even the thought of failure becomes unbearable, you can’t even risk it privately! Yet, building quietly is often essential, especially if it’s your first time or you’re wrestling with doubt and fear. Those quiet moments give you space to reflect, regroup, and plan your next move. Personally, I have been quietly building something, too. In fact, it’s been so quiet that my ...

  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about leadership: what it is, what it should be, and why, so often, we settle for so little. From personal experiences in the workplace to national frustrations with Kenya’s political class, the recurring theme is that we have made leadership about power and not purpose and we are now paying the price. It appears there is a serious leadership crisis not just in the top echelons of our country, but also in our workplaces, families, places of worship, and communities. Every conversation I’ve had recently with friends and acquaintances has led me to believe that most people are caught in the reality of dealing with leaders whose manners and character are questionable! But this isn’t about bashing leaders or pointing an accusing finger but about raising our consciousness to this issue. I’d like us to reflect and to ask ourselves deeper questions about the kind of leadership we have come to accept and the kind that we truly deserve. Years ago, I h...

Two months ago, I turned 40! Looking back, I always imagined turning this milestone age would be epic —full of glamor and celebration —but that was not to be. Instead, this birthday was quiet, full of reflection, and overflowing with silent gratitude . And honestly? I wouldn’t have had it any other way. If I really think about it, 39 was my milestone year —the year I consciously prepared for my forties. I envisioned the kind of person I wanted to be in this new decade and started making the necessary shifts to show up fully and intentionally . I wanted to arrive on the 4th floor quietly, peacefully, and on my own terms . So, I adjusted, I let go, I realigned. Now, 40 is about taking stock of the past, appreciating the present, and curating a future that generations after me will be proud of . And as I have been reflecting on this journey, here are 40 lessons that stand out—some learned the hard way, others whispered gently through experience, and a few still unfolding. Buckle up! F...

  I absolutely love New Years! It's always twice as special for me because the celebrations don’t stop—my birthday is the very next day! I’m always excited to turn a new year with fresh goals and a renewed sense of purpose. For me, the beginning of a new year is like opening the first page of a fresh notebook—full of promise, potential, and endless possibilities. It’s a time to reflect, recalibrate, and chart the course for the months ahead. But what excites me the most is figuring out what my “word of the year” would be. I like to summarize my year in just one word and then craft my goals around that word. This is something my friends and I have been doing for many years and it has been a transformative process in shaping my intentions and actions for years! Last year, my word was "Pivot." At the time, I had no idea just how much that word would influence my journey. Without realizing it, I started leaning into the idea of change—pivoting in my career, my personal gr...