Of second chances and gratitude
Ohangla(Luo music), is said to be therapeutic, it makes you want to buy an iPhone and drive a Mercedes to the nearest shop and point things around with your car keys *laughs* I digress. I actually didn’t consider this kind of music relaxing until today, in a bus, in which I’m writing this piece.
The year has been long, scary as hell, deprived of hugs and hearty laughter. Jobs were lost, doors were shut and untimely goodbyes were said, either temporarily or for good. My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones during the pandemic, may you be duly comforted.
I am among those who lost their jobs. I turned 24 jobless and broke,and it was a devastating time. When the pandemic hit and we all had to stay indoors, I lost the last shred of hope I had left. There was cessation of movement in our capital, Nairobi and that meant I couldn’t look for job opportunities in the city, the only place that held possible chances of employment.
Luckily, one evening, a former classmate shared a poster for a fellowship opportunity at Impact Africa Network. I was tired, but the poster caught my attention. Cast on a navy blue background, the following words came out so boldly. It read, “Are you awesome? We’re hiring!” At the bottom was the Nairobi skyline and enough space between the two for a “Hell yeah!” answer from a young and eager African girl. Shout out to Brandon Ruoro, the graphics designer at Impact Africa Network, I kept the poster.
I went through with the application and thereafter, a series of virtual interviews in my brother’s room( the rest of the rooms didn’t have enough light and I couldn’t risk showing up like an anonymous CNN source on my first day). Using Zoom was another headache, the mute button constantly looked attractive, but I made it through.
The onboarding process was smooth but imposter syndrome quickly creeped in. I was in a space filled with young talented Africans who were super smart, driven, and focused. For them, the song was always ‘changing the African Narrative’. And I couldn’t help but wonder ,“Was there something wrong with the current narrative?”. It then hit me, for so long, I was contented with the status quo, believed that better life and education could only be found abroad that I forgot that we could have all that here, at home. It was all about changing one’s mindset. Can Africa be great? Hell yeah! Can we build life changing startups? Well ask anyone at Impact Africa Network.
The imposter syndrome began to fade away when I realized I was not in this alone. Impact Africa Network was a whole movement that looked out for its people. High collaboration, high performance and high integrity were the holy grail that kept the movement strong, gave it wings to fly. I knew that I wanted to be part of this team, I needed to be onboard as this plane took off. So as I conclude, I would like to thank all those who have and continue to hold my hand in this journey.
At IAN, I have found a home, a family that has got my back.
I thank my fellow cohort 4 colleagues for being my biggest fans, for sharing in hearty moments with me, lifting me up when on my knees(I even got a nickname from these guys *laughs*) The bond in this team is unbreakable.
The Communications & PR team is exactly what it sounds like. A team of well groomed English speaking women who have sharpened my commutation skills and taught me the importance of feedback.
The video team at IAN has 3 gentlemen who are not only good at storytelling but also have the biggest hearts I have ever seen! These are my boys!
The Jenga school team has pushed me to be knowledgeable in matters concerning data science and AI. With a background in communication and journalism, who would have thought?
The Chini ya Maji podcast team has taught me that CEOs and founders are just humans who sit in big corner offices and are more than glad to share their startup stories. They totally don’t bite. I also know now that storytelling is key in changing the African narrative because our story is a super power.
The fundraising team has taught me the importance of networking, patience and resilience. Knowing the work they do, I made it my mission to check up on them on a daily basis.
The Learning and Development(L&D) department has pushed me to constantly learn; at IAN, learning never stops. We read, we listen to podcasts and host brilliant business leaders and change makers for fireside chats among other things. If ever we were to lack anything, it would definitely not be knowledge. Oh! And my HR manager is definitely way cooler than yours!
I’m grateful to all team members of other IAN products that will soon be spinned into startups. I have learned a thing or two from all of you as well as enjoyed your company greatly.
I mostly would like to thank my awesome CEO, Mark Karake for giving me a second chance and for igniting this fire in me. For constantly challenging me to do better,and applauding me when I do well. His passion for this mission is unmatched. He showed up when no one else did, and for that reason alone, I will keep grinding. I will keep upskilling.
I have only been at IAN for 5 months but I’m not the same person I was when I joined this wonderful team. Am I there yet? Not even close. Am I scared? Well, sometimes. However, I will not stop, I have my eyes fixed on the prize and a powerful team by my side.
I will lift my teammates when they need me to. Watch this pace young Africa, we must change our narrative and I will be the one to tell this wonderful story to the world.
PS: Writing this piece from a balcony overlooking the Indian ocean would have been way better than this bumpy bus ride, but hey, I got it penned down regardless, right? I’m off to surprise my granny! Happy Holidays!
