Ronelle Steenekamp: Be aware that everywhere can be a learning space
[bctt tweet=”Ronelle Steenekamp: I am just a woman who doesn’t over think & pursue what is in my heart” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Ronelle Steenekamp works in consulting and training but what keeps her motivated is not passion but her sons. As am a mother to two interesting and independent boys, Ronelle keeps motivated, inspired and challenged in many ways. The start-up RSA Consulting breaks boundaries in the workplace through transformation. They design learning programs for employees, advise organizations on learning and development projects and help companies to carry out more effective learning interventions. RSA Consulting also aims to support businesses in designing, delivering and evaluating learning. While building her start-up, Ronelle doesn’t joke with finding time for herself and being in her own space. Self-care is on the top of her list of priorities. With the boys, studies and a business Ronelle Steenekamp still manages to make time for friends and family. What learning techniques have you found are the best to maximise learning? The best learning techniques starts with the acknowledgement that you can learn from anyone, any time. We need to be aware that everywhere can be a learning space full of information, knowledge and lessons learnt. One does not only learn from experts. What are the mindsets that you believe need to be changed in organisations? Why? We need to change the mindset having your own business is incredibly hard and that it is for people more intelligent, more creative, more experienced etc. Yes, having your own business has it’s challenges, but so does working 9-5. If you have a challenge, you also have the solution. If we are going to believe it is so difficult and impossible —it is going to be just that. You might as well just enjoy the journey, bumps and all. [bctt tweet=”One does not only learn from experts – Ronelle Steenekamp” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] You mentioned your sons motivate you. You’re also a divorced single mother, how have you managed to over the challenges of this? I remember making the decision to leave my great job that was comfortable and secure. Then I quickly started to doubt and told myself —Are you crazy?, you are a single mother, two boys, a bond and vehicle to pay. This was a good reason to rather stay in my job and not take the big risk into being an entrepreneur. My kids was a enough reason to stay in a secure job rather than take a risk, right? Wrong! They were the reason why I had to JUMP and pursue my dreams. The challenges I experienced are no different to anyone who takes a big leap of faith. However, I overcome them by knowing that if I have the challenge, I have the solution. Do you have a motto that keeps you through? My personal favourite motto is; Pray then slay. Before pursuing interests, goals and objectives, I pray. Thereafter I boldly pursue with positive energy and confidence; that’s the slaying part. [bctt tweet=”The motto that keeps Ronelle Steenekamp going is, pray then slay!” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Let’s talk about RSA Consulting, what plans have you got brewing for this business? I have plans to expand and have a greater presence nationally and also on the rest of the African continent. Collaborations are key drivers to achieving this! What can we expect from you and RSA Consulting in the next three years? In the next 3 years we want build a stronger foundation. It is important that we spend more time securing the base in order for the building blocks to stand when storms come. This can be done by focusing and maximising the strengths of the organisation. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Rajah Saparapa: Sawaree aims to bring people what they need
[bctt tweet=”Rajah Saparapa: Togo needed a platform where people can get packages from anywhere” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Rajah Saparapa is both a student and the CEO/founder of Sawaree. From Togo, Rajah lives in the US where she saw an opportunity in launching a business that could easily make people in Togo access goods and products from abroad. Rajah has always wanted to be a leader, especially in Africa. She is able to balance her studies and business as Sawaree is an online store, enabling her to work remotely. She was able to launch and run Sawaree using her own money that she saved up enough to invest. Now Rajah’s looking for new investment and opportunities to grow her brand. Take us through the first 6 months after launching Sawaree. The first 6 months were intense. I am going to be honest with you, it is still intense. After Sawaree was launched, we had no sale for a month and half. A friend volunteered some hours to help me with the online advertisement; we tried to maximize our social media ads on Facebook, Instagram and so on. Since it is a new venture in Togo, many people were skeptical about using our website; unless someone they know had given it a good review and could vouch that it is safe and reliable. It is all about trusting Sawaree and trusting us. I literally harassed my family members to talk about Sawaree and to order from Sawaree. I wanted them to share their experience not only with us but also their communities. [bctt tweet=”Sawaree is a new venture in Togo, many people were skeptical about using it – Rajah Saparapa” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Our first customer was a family member, then his friend ordered. It was exciting. However, Sawaree is still struggling to get its name out there, and to earn the trust of the Togolese diaspora. We listen to comments that people leave and try to bring them what they want and need. At first, Sawaree did not have a currency exchanger on the website. The prices were posted in US Dollars and some clients from Europe complained that it makes them feel like they were not our target audience so we installed a currency exchanger to facilitate prices our clients. We have also learned that our clients like sales and so we use sales to attract new clients. Feedback is very important to me, it is how I know that what we are doing right and what we can improve. As a CEO, it is very important to be open to criticism and make room for improvement. When I started Sawaree I knew it was not going to be easy. I have learned how to work twice as hard and to manage my frustration by tackling issues head on. Why was it important to have a platform that allows the Togolese diaspora to deliver groceries to their family in Togo? I always heard stories in the Togolese communities here in the USA or in Europe about an individual sending money back home. This was money to be used to buy groceries, but the money ended up being used in another way. This is a problem not only among the Togolese diaspora but others too. When my best friend from Cameroon told me about a platform like Sawaree that was available in her country, I thought to myself that Togo needed something like that. Something to make it easier on its diaspora, something convenient where people will not need to get out of their home and drive to a store to send money. A platform where family members back home in Togo will be receive packages without having to make any effort. Most of the platforms that are available in other countries do not guarantee delivery. The customers have to usually come and pick up their packages in the store but with Sawaree, we do delivery. How do you manage to keep your promise of delivery within 24 hours from anywhere in the world? The idea of having something delivered to your home is a new concept in Togo. After doing my research, I found that there isn’t any other store that does delivery in Togo. That is what makes Sawaree different, we literally come to you. As stated on the website, all orders that are made before 6PM are delivered the next day, within 24 hours. We have a partnership with our providers that we send orders to as soon as we get them; our provides have it ready for us for pick up and we deliver. The delivery process involves a lot of phone calling. In Togo, knowing or having a physical address number and street name is a hassle so Sawaree does it the old fashion way. We call the recipient of the package and ask him to identify to us where he or she lives. It has been a challenge but after we have a client order to the same home twice, it is much easier for the delivery man to know where he is going. I am proud myself in knowing that Sawaree has never missed its delivery window. [bctt tweet=”Rajah Saparapa: Sawaree promises global delivery within 24 hours and it has never missed” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Is there a story behind the name “Sawaree”? I was figuring out name for the company with my mother and my sister and it took days. Any name I came up with was already taken, then I thought, why name it in French or English? I decided to name it in Tchokossi which is a dialect in the North of Togo, where I come from. I speak Tchokossi and it is part of me, so I thought it was good to go back to the root. Then Sawaree came to me, it means “patience”. I knew that the journey for building and establishing Sawaree was not going to be an easy road. I wanted to remind myself that any time I read up Sawaree,
Lauren Jacobs: Forget perfection, embrace what you have to give
[bctt tweet=”Published author, ordained minister and gender equality activist Lauren Jacobs inspires us” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Lauren Jacobs identifies herself as a woman, a sister, daughter, wife, leader and child of God. These markets combine in her passion which lies in empowering women to see their lives as full of possibilities and as a landscape for dreams. Lauren is an activist committed to speaking about issues such as domestic violence in faith communities. She is also a story teller, researcher, author, journalist and an ordained minister in full time ministry with her husband. How do you define storyteller? When I close my eyes, and picture a storyteller, I am immediately transformed out in to the African landscape. A circle of men and women gather around the blazing fire and the storyteller completes the circle, up on her feet. She tells the stories of generations passed, the ones entrusted to her to hand down. She tells the stories that encourage, that teach, that rhyme and that are complex in its riddles and songs. In many different cultures and tribes, the storyteller is essential to the survival of the community. Many different cultural and religious groups rely on oral storytelling to stay unified and connected to the past. For me personally, I love telling stories that are factual, historical fiction, poems that reflect truth or true life stories that teach us about ourselves and those around me. To be a storyteller for me, means that I am telling the stories that can change mindsets and set us free, and keep us connected to the hidden stories of the past that carry deep meaning for our present wanderings. [bctt tweet=”To be a storyteller means telling the stories that can change mindsets – Lauren Jacobs ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What do you think makes a good storyteller? I think different people would answer this question differently, depending on what they are looking for in a story. For me, I love stories that teach me something. I gravitate towards storytellers that make me feel something, with their language, their wording and even their silences. The kind of storyteller that draws me in and I am lost, coming out of the story as though I had encountered a little slice of heaven on this side of earth. That’s a good storyteller! What led you to embark on this path of standing up for justice again gender violence in faith communities? I saw abuse in my family growing up and I saw it around me as a child. In the lives of friends, at school and in the lives of family members. Gender-based violence with its injustice must have sat deeply inside of me. When I was just 14 years old, I told my mom that one day I wanted to build a safe house for abused women and children. As I grew older I met survivors of abuse and when I enrolled at university, I started a B.A degree in English and Psychology. I went on to do my master’s degree in counselling and I specialized in Gender–based violence in South Africa. For me, I feel that our faith communities should be places of refuge and safety, but in essence they are often the opposite. Religious leaders do not know how to overcome abuse or how to empower victims. I have it in my heart to help them, to empower them to be vessels of healing and hope, instead of vessels of secondary trauma and victimization. I believe this is part of my God design, the way He made me, to pursue justice and stand up against violence. [bctt tweet=”I never saw myself as a minister, I wanted to be a psychologist & researcher – Lauren Jacobs” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Can you tell us about your journey to become an ordained minister? I never saw myself as a minister. When I met my husband, he was studying to be a pastor and was already knee deep in the work of pastoring at a community church. He always knew that was his calling, I just wanted to be a psychologist and a researcher, helping the community and aiding healing. The year before we were married however, we started up a ministry together, I wrote and did community work and he preached. I was happy to be in the background of the ministry, until God called me forward, which was a shock! Then, I knew I had to be ordained and take a more active role as a speaker and teacher, in the ministry. I was ordained in 2013 and am so thankful I was. Our ministry has a big outreach heart and we have been blessed to travel and minister. I have also been blessed to have more opportunities to help communities through my role as a religious leader. How can women discover their unique identities? Firstly, I always say go back to the innocence of your childhood dreams. What did you desire to do as a child? What was your innocent dream, before the world came and told you that money or position was important? Was it painting, dancing, writing, acting, directing others, helping, shelving books? Sometimes, a big part of your identity and your “sweet spot” can be found when you rediscover what you longed for as a child. What do you enjoy and what makes you unhappy, and weary? Some people love working in an environment buzzing with people, others love being solitary, that’s part of your unique design. Invest in a hobby, something that you can lose yourself in, take a course and discover a different part of yourself. Pray, there is no better way to discover who you were created to be, than by going back to the Creator. We each have an individual stamp on us, that only the Manufacturer can understand. To be fully alive, means we need redemption within, it’s the simplest way to discover the true you. [bctt tweet=”Your sweet spot can be found when you rediscover what you longed for as a
You lead Africa: Becoming a global leader from your community
[bctt tweet=”Use these 8 steps to start leading Africa from your community” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Being a global leader is not all about working in the United Nations or travelling the world over to proffer global solutions to all the world’s problems (although that also counts). Real global leaders are those that recognize the impact of their actions on their communities; that is why many #MotherlandMoguls and #BossLadies are beginning to lead Africa from their doorsteps. Whether it’s business, philanthropy, social activism, entertainment, technological innovation etc, you can begin to make global impact by taking active roles and actions in your community (aka your society, aka your neighbourhood, aka your district, aka your area, aka – you get the gist) because that’s where real change happens. So without further ado, here are a number of ways you could start leading Africa from where you are; 1. Practice core leadership values Whether its through integrity or service, practice core values in your career and in relation to your community. These values support your personal leadership skills and help you in deciding what you what to be known for as a leader. 2. Be a global citizen Be involved in your community in practical ways, this could be through volunteering amongst others. Asides from boosting your resume, you’ll be creating real global impact from your community. Volunteering doesn’t always have to be abroad (although that is fun when you have Oprah money and all), you first have to think about how you can help your own community thrive. 3. Networking Someone smart has said this before. Your network has an impact in your leadership success. Effective networking gives you access to information, valuable resources, referrals, knowledge, mentoring and a vast number of skills that would be helpful in advancing your community. Whether it’s professional or personal, networking provides you the opportunity to meet diverse people. There is always something you can learn from other #MotherlandMoguls around the world to sharpen your leadership edge. 4. Seize the day Find out about programmes, summer camps, and platforms that help you build your global leadership self. A number of them might include leadership camps, bridge programmes or professional boot camps. There are a host of activities that would help you along the path of taking effective actions and decisions in your community. 5. Be an entrepreneur If you are not solving a problem in your community, then you are the problem. It’s either Beyoncé or someone else. Every community has challenges and you should be doing something to bring about a solution to a challenge in your community. Think about what you can start doing to solve a problem you see in the society, that’s the power of your #BlackGirlMagic. [bctt tweet=”If you are not solving a problem in your community, then you are the problem” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] 6. Develop yourself With the vast array of online classes/courses the internet provides, self-development is just a click away. Develop your brand, research, read, read, and read (not just Harlequin), finesse your leadership ability. Know that girls can be pretty and smart. 7. Have a global mindset Enhance your communication and interpersonal skills. Global leadership requires an understanding of various diverse views and perspectives. This can be gained from travelling abroad or reading widely. Stay abreast of international happenings around the world. This makes you very knowledgeable about other communities. It could also provide necessary information and policy which would help you in achieving your own set goals for your community. 8. Join She Leads Africa Besides being extraordinario, SLA would help you get to the next level of your career and finesse your global leadership mindset. From inspiring articles to amazing events to the Accelerator programme, SLA is becoming the number one destination for smart young and ambitious global women and you could become a part of our community. Start acting today and be at the forefront of rising global leaders, who says girls can’t have it all?
Royal Adventures of Princess Halima: It just takes time for others to see your vision
[bctt tweet=”The Royal Adventures of Princess Halima book series was created to teach African children more about their history & culture” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] While digital content has made it easier for people across the globe to access previously underrepresented stories, there is still a significant gap when it comes to online and offline content focused on authentic African stories. After the birth of a new generation of their family tree, Anna, Lucy, Jainaba and YaAdam came together to ensure that more African children knew about their rich history and culture. Why did you believe that Princess Halima needed to be created and how did you find yourself being the one to make it happen? We are half Gambian and Tanzanian and wanted to bring Africa to the forefront and educate our readers that Africa is a continent full of rich history, and not the misconceived idea that Africa is a single country. We want our readers to find an escape into Africa’s vast richness and history while following Princess Halima in all her adventures. And most importantly, we want to empower young minds with knowledge that will pique their interest to one-day jump on a plane and make the journey to Tanzania, Ghana, or Nigeria or any other country in Africa! The Royal Adventures of Princess Halima project was inspired by the birth of the first baby (grandchild) in the family, Halima Bah. Halima is of Guinean, Gambian, Tanzanian descent. With such a rich combination of African culture and history, we thought the best way to educate Halima about her many homelands was to start the series of books through which she will get to not only discover her heritage, but also learn about the African continent as a whole. Why don’t you believe that books such as Princess Halima have been created before in the market? You will find that most stories about Africa are told through animal characters. It boils down to controlling our own narratives and images of ourselves in the world. Storytelling is one of the most important traditions humans possess to influence, shape beliefs and behaviors. We could not exist without the values, the wisdom and the courage shared from past generations through the art of storytelling. As such, this campaign is an effort to control the stories and images of our beautiful continent. What makes Princess Halima different from all of the other educational content out there on the market? Princess Halima is a brave, curious and courageous African girl that is intrigued by the wonders of the world but specifically her continent of Africa. As a Princess, she luckily gets to travel across the continent visiting cousins, friends and family. During each visit she takes time to explore all that these beautiful countries have to offer from the culture, fashion, languages, parks and historic sites etc. These adventures and experiences shape her worldly view, and those of her readers. For your business to get to the next level, would you prefer funding or a high value mentor? Which one would you choose and why? We would prefer both but to be completely honest, at this point we would select funding over a mentor. We have built a machine over the past two to three years that is working for us. Every member of our team handles different aspects to ensure we are reaching our goals and meeting deadlines. [bctt tweet=”.@PrincessOfAffia – “The most valuable lesson we have learned is patience.” ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What is the most important thing you’ve learned on your journey that you want to share with young African women entrepreneurs? The most valuable lesson we have learned is patience. We have also gained an understanding that although we are passionate about this project and believe in its power, it will still take time for others to jump on board. In addition, we have learned that while we have received significant support from our African communities it wasn’t that overwhelming support we anticipated. However, it doesn’t mean that the interest and love isn’t there, it just takes time for others so see your vision and feel your passion for something you so strongly believe in. What story can you not wait to tell next? We are excited to tell the story of our homeland, The Gambia also known as the Smiling Coast. The smallest country in mainland Africa is going through some transitional changes right with the results of a recent election which has birthed the movement #GambiaHasDecided. This movement speaks to the ultimate pride, honor and fight Gambians have. Princess Halima’s story will capture its beauty and strength. Fast Five Favorite story or nursery rhyme as a child Favorite story Shaka Zulu, was scared of it but loved it at the same time. What did you want to be when you grew up Work in the international development(United Nations) field like our mother. Any travel tips for when you’re on the go with young ones Get them a good book like ours, you can’t go wrong with The Royal Adventures of Princess Halima What author are you most inspired by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie from Nigeria Ebook or hard copy Hard copy! I love the smell of books and closing the book upon completion gives me a sense of accomplishment. Sponsored content
Abigail Arunga: Freelance writing is sustainable, everyone needs writers
[bctt tweet=”Abigail Arunga quit her job for more sleep and less money as a freelance writer” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Abigail Arunga used to be the Digital Editor for Zuqka.com before she subscribed to the ideal of happiness at work and quit her job for more sleep and less money. Before that and other subsequent mutinies, she worked as a contributor for several local Kenyan magazines such as Home and Living East Africa, DRUM and Saturday Magazine (Nation). Now, Abigail is a 28-year-old (yeah, she can’t believe it either) writer, blogger, scriptwriter and committed lover of sleep. She is the author of Akello and a side of raunch, both (only slightly) sensual poetry collections, is trying to avoid questions about when the next volume is coming. Abigail was also a scriptwriter for the award-winning soap opera “Lies that Bind” and continues to write for TV with shows such as “How to Find A Husband” and “Majaribu”. She began her writing career as an intern for Storymoja Publishers and is a 2011 honours graduate of USIU (don’t forget that. She thinks it is very important, mostly because she was surprised). Oh, and duh, she’s a feminist –who isn’t? Here, Abigail shares her expert advice on surviving the struggle of being a freelance writer. Did you always set out to be a freelance writer? That was not the plan! Employment was kind of the plan. Until I got employed and realized I was not only a terrible employee, but I also hated having to be employed. Not because of the sweet salary, but because I hated having to answer to something outside of myself —no matter how nice that something was to me. Small decisions, by the way, like not being able to stay home on my period, or having to ask to not come to work? It felt like a cage. What’s a typical day like for you? Wake up at about 10 or 11 am, noon or 1 pm if I have been working past 3 am. I will get up, work on my social media for about an hour or two, then get up and have breakfast (brunch!), watch something, read something, probably leave the house —if not, I will start working. If I leave and come back, probably late, from whatever —an event I am covering, a film I am reviewing, whatever it is— then I will start working when I get home. If I have eaten out, I’ll start immediately —if not, I’ll cook. Then TV, then sleep. The only thing that is constant though, in that list, is what time I wake up, hehe. [bctt tweet=”To be a successful freelance writer you have to be willing to do the work required” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What will you say to people who say one can’t make money as a freelance writer? I haven’t lived at home for five years, so that’s a lie. You just have to be willing to do the large amount of work required to sustain yourself and have a hard-line stance on when people pay you —because self-motivation and chasing cheques are probably the hardest parts. Can you talk about rates? How did you go about setting rates for your work? Rates depend, for me, on who is buying. Every time. I have my constant contracts that I have been working for about four years —those don’t change much. Friends shouldn’t get different rates, I know, but they do. Everyone else? My minimum is about 5 bob a word. Or I charge per piece of work —for example, per script, as opposed to the number of words. For my television scripts, I ask for about KES15000 per script. Which I am told is below industry rate…hmmm…new year, new rates? The reason why sometimes rates are so fluid with me is, honestly, sometimes, you are broke as hell and have to take what you get. Then you get on a little bit, and you’re like no, I deserve more! Which is all fine and dandy, until you hit a patch and you go back to cheap. Especially at the beginning of a freelance career. It can be very hard to not only know your worth but stick to your guns. I would say start with what you want and stick to what you want, without having to go back –and with a backup plan. Savings, or Mshwari, hehe. If your work is good, they will pay. If they don’t, you will get better, or pivot. You will do what you have to do. [bctt tweet=”Abigail Arunga: At the beginning of a freelance career, it can be very hard to know your worth” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Would you say freelance writing is a sustainable career choice? Of course. Especially if you are thinking out of the box. You do realize that everything needs writers? All businesses need stuff written. They need newsletters. Copy for brochures. Memos. Who writes this stuff? Articles. Magazines. Menus…everything. So sometimes they have in-house writers. Many don’t. Figure out what you want to write and write. Write hard. It is sustainable because everyone needs writers. What should anyone looking to become a freelance writer know before embarking on this path? Ask for half of the money before you do any work for anyone. People are not nice in this town —in this world. Don’t feel bad if the jobs take a while to get there —they’ll get there. Just keep going. You want to be a writer? Then write. Ready to share expert advice on your industry based on your experience? Tell us about it here.
Leadership 101: Lessons learnt from my first leadership roles
[bctt tweet=”This was leadership in a world where your juniors are old enough to be uncles or aunties” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] In 2012, a few weeks shy of my 22nd birthday and armed with my freshly bestowed degree, I was given a leadership role. Leadership was nothing new to me because I had enjoyed a couple of governance roles in school; but this was starkly different. This was the real world. This was leadership in a world where your juniors are old enough to be uncles or aunties. Though the task was formidable, I accepted the challenge. Four years later I am still in a leadership role and I am actually at ease with it. I still have my fair share of challenges, but I must admit that I have come a long way from my early days. So without further adieu I present my top 5 tips for acing your leadership role. Be authentic For me, I think this is the most important aspect of your leadership journey. You need to understand that it is not a copy and paste type of role. It requires actual effort and analysis of the make up of your team. You need to exert yourself to find out what leadership style works best for you. In the early years of my leadership journey, I struggled with my leadership style. I realized all too often that sometimes decisions I made were not reflecting what I truly wanted and my team could sense that. Once your team senses that you are uncertain of yourself they begin to become unsure of themselves and their work! Always ask yourself if a decision made really reflects the values of the company; but also importantly reflects your values and what you wish to achieve. Once you hone your leadership style, your skills will transcend to every interaction you have with your team. Your co-workers become more trusting of your decisions because you trust and they can definitely perceive that [bctt tweet=”Being authentic is very important aspect for your leadership; figure out what style works” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Create an open environment Get it from me folks, this works. An open environment is a system that allows for open communication between leaders and their juniors. An open system facilitates better work relationships and ultimately leads to greater accomplishment of desired results. So how can you put it into practice? Well these days, when something goes disastrously wrong I bite my tongue, hard. Instead I ask; “What went wrong”. By doing so I am able to identify the root cause of the problem but I am also allowing my colleague to express themselves and identify for themselves things they could have done better. Additionally, also allow for your team mates to fully own the processes they initiate. Don’t you just hate it when your boss polices every single one of your tasks? Allow your team to discover what works for them and what doesn’t. In addition to that, have regular ‘check in’ meetings. Ask the team what challenges they are facing during the meeting. Praise employees who have done exceptionally well and also show gratitude to the entire team. Have intention If you wish to achieve a goal for your team, make it a core part of your day-to-day work. Leading with intention entails taking steps towards achieving a set goal or target for you and your team. One way I try to lead with intention is jotting down my plan of action; it worked great for me. Every day I try to identify a step that will help me achieve my set goal. And every day, I encourage my co-workers to do the same. A couple of years ago, one of my superiors told me; “Kuda the corporate world does not award effort, it awards results”. And boy this is the truth! So always focus on the goal ahead whatever it may be and lead your team towards that goal with intention. [bctt tweet=”Always focus on the goal ahead and lead your team towards that goal with intention” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Keep a leadership journal Yes, that’s right a journal. Whenever something major at work happens, document it. I promise you, your future self will be so happy and glad you did it. A journal acts as a medium of venting and letting everything out. But it can also provide a solution to hurdles you may be facing. As you write (honestly) you begin to brainstorm solutions and logically think through a problem. Journalling my leadership came naturally to me but it did not come easy. It was hard for me to write about my own mistakes and literally face them. However, once I overcame this, my journal provides me with a plethora of insight into problem solving and people management. Remember that leadership style I mentioned earlier? A journal will help you realize that and more about yourself. So don’t dismiss journalling as an activity of hormone crazed teenagers because it sure isn’t. Take an interest in your co-workers Because work is essentially work, it is very easy to see your co-workers as merely means to an end, or as people you are forced to be around. You would be so shocked to realize how interesting many of your co-workers are if you simply take an interest. Also, this gives you a better understanding of what roles are fit for people. You don’t have to literally hang out the office and become overnight besties; a few simple changes can help. For example, why not ditch your regular lunch partner at least once a week. Instead sit on a different table with a different colleague and get to know them more. This strategy has helped me tremendously. Not only do I get a feel of the office relationship dynamics but I get people to open up more especially about how they really feel about the work they are handling. [bctt tweet=”All in all, leadership is a process. It is more the journey than it is
More than business: Having a life outside the office
[bctt tweet=”How do you keep your life in check when it feels like work is the only life you know?” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Work can be overwhelming especially if you work long hours. It takes a lot to get up in the morning and when you get home, you drag yourself to bed. So how do you keep your life in check when it feels like work is the only life you know? It is so important to have an active life outside of work as our lives outside the office do effect our careers. All our facets of life are intertwined and it is important to make sure that we do things outside of work continue to bring positivity into our lives. Be organized After a long day at work you don’t want to go home to have to clean, do errands or go shopping. You just want to get home and relax. Being organised definitely makes life easier. One of the best ways to stay organised and to monitor and track your activities is to use a bullet journal. Setting aside a particular day to do your weekly grocery shopping and housecleaning take away the stresses of having to run around during the week worrying about small things. Leave work at the office It is important to distance your work life from home life. This means you have to be as efficient as you can be at work so you aren’t tempted or required to take any work home. If you have to work from home, then try make sure that you work until a certain time and then take a break. That way you create an area that’s just for you that isn’t filled with the stresses of work. Make your home a place you won’t dread to come back to after a long day. [bctt tweet=”Perfect the art of keeping your work life and your home life far apart” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Keep motivated At the start of the year create a vision board setting out what you would love to see yourself achieve in the year. It may be planning for a girl’s trip away or setting career goals. Vision boards are a great way to stay inspired because you are reminded of what you want when you see it. Keeping a coin jar can help you have something to look forward to such as a trip or those shoes that you wanted for the longest time. Empty your handbag at the end of each day and whatever change you have in there put it in your coin jar and you can add up and you have something to look forward to. We all need a creative outlet to stay vitalised and motivated in life and at work. One of the best ways to spend your time could be to take get active or pick up a new hobby. This give you something to look forward to outside of work. Be social A lot of people struggle with making friends outside work because they spend a lot of time at the office and just go home. So how do you build up your social life when you feel isolated? Get out of the house! If you are a sporty person join a gym and go to classes or find park runs where you could meet people with similar interests. Joining a book club can also be a great way to meet new people. Volunteering is also a great way to do something good with the potential to meet new people. Make time for friends and family if you live near them, even if it is just for a few hours. They will keep you sane. Treat yo’ self Make the most of your weekends! What you do in your spare time and the attitude you have will impact your overall character and attitude. You have to make time to make sure all the facets of your life are enriched especially keeping an active social life. Schedule self- love appointments even if it is only for an hour or two. Set aside time to reflect, journal, get a haircut or read a book. Spending a day or weekend with family or friends is very important for making sure you stay positive. Make time to do the things that make you happy. So set aside a day when you do exactly what you want. TREAT YO’ SELF!
Rose Njeri: My clients become family once they start training with me
[bctt tweet=”Fitness helped Rose Njeri gain confidence & she knew she had to share this with others” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Rose Njeri runs things at RoseFit, LLC. She’s always played sports and credits her love for exercising to her passion for being a personal trainer. Though she is a certified personal trainer, Rose does not limit herself to one project; she is also a face of Kenya ambassador, model and actress. In addition to that, she is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Fitness is something that has helped Rose gain more confidence. Seeing what positive impact fitness has on her life, she knew she had to share it with others. Read on to find out how Rose Njeri is motivating others to live a happy, healthy and positive life. When did you realize it was your passion to help people live a healthy life? I enjoyed helping people around me get into fitness and shortly came to realize that I could help more people. I also saw a need of teaching people live a healthy life. Considering the abundance of businesses and services in the health industry, what makes your brand stand out? What makes my brand stand out is the relationship I build with my clients. They become family once they start training with me. I become their biggest fan! I want them to win. All they have to give me is a 100% and I will help them accomplish their fitness goals. I do my best to teach my clients to see working out as a lifestyle and not as torture. I always wish to leave a positive impact in their lives. [bctt tweet=”I see a lot of opportunities in the health and fitness industry – Rose Njeri” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] How did you come up with the RoseFit brand? RoseFit came from my amazing friends and family. They would call me “Rose, the fitness guru” and from that I came up with RoseFit. Also, having my name on the brand makes me work harder because I want it to mean more and stand for something bigger. What do you think of the health and fitness industry as it now? The health and fitness industry is growing! More people now understand the value of it. I believe there is a need for it! I’m constantly learning new ways to make it easier for people to learn more about health and fitness. There are variety of opportunities beside training in health and fitness industry. I’ve gotten to be a motivational speaker, sell fitness gears, host 5K Runs and be a mentor, all in the health industry. I see a lot of opportunities but it all requires hard work and commitment. You offer diverse services including gear, how do you manage them all on your own? It goes back to working for my brand; I’m willing to do whatever it takes for RoseFit to grow. I am learning to balance it all out but it takes time. Can you tell us about being an award winning fitness coach? It was a surprise for me when I won an award. When I started out as a trainer I did free boot-camps in my community. They brought a lot of people together and were a great way for me to network. I saw that fitness brought people together and so I wanted to create more opportunities for the community to stay active. Also, I participated in Face of Kenya USA pageant and one of the tasks we had to do was to raise money for a charity of our choice. I came up with the idea of having 5K runs to raise money and it turned out to be very successful. The community got to know me as a trainer and they would turn to me for any help concerning health. I was invited to a community event as Face of Kenya ambassador and there, I was awarded a fitness award for influencing people in the community to workout. It was a blessing because it was women-focused event named “Queens Night” and I love events that aim to empower women. [bctt tweet=”Rose Njeri: When I started out as a trainer I did free boot-camps in my community” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] You’re a woman of diverse talents as a model and actress too, how do you balance it all? Honestly I am still learning how to balance it all but I take any opportunity that I’m given and give it a 100%. I am truly blessed and that is the best way to describe it. How do you keep the passion alive in everything that you do? I pray for everything I do and trust God’s ways for my life. When God is involved anything is possible. Also, I enjoy it all and make sure I’m having fun. When you’re doing something you love, you enjoy it! If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.
Am I supposed to be sex-starved as a career woman?
[bctt tweet=”I never believed that my job that I enjoy a lot could bring me to an unfulfilling sexual place” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] I can undoubtedly say that I love my job a great deal and it has brought nothing else but joy and unspeakable gladness of heart —being blessed with such a wonderful career. I never thought I could get to a place in my life where I would wish for a different kind of life. I never believed that my job that I enjoy a lot could bring me to a place where I felt sex-starved. Never knew I could get to a stage where I would wish or make fantasy about sex in my head. Fantasy is all I was reduced to having; it’s all I could do. I would compare my sexual libido to that of a hormonal teenager, and I am not mincing words. I am a woman blessed with great sexual desires, I had such an amazing sex life with my husband when I still had lighter work schedule. My sex life was great and always so electrifying until… Until I got promoted at work and had more meetings to attend and deadlines to meet up with. At first, it was nice and satisfying. At the time, I didn’t know that I was waving a goodbye to my amazing sexual life. In the words of Billy Joel; “There’s nothing better than good sex. But bad sex? A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is better than bad sex”. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich was now so much better than my sex life; I didn’t want to admit that but it was true. I didn’t want to believe that my steaming exhilarating days are practically over. I didn’t want to believe that my successful career could have such a terrible impact on my sex life. I knew I just had to do something, my sex life represents a huge part of who I am, and I can’t fake that! So, I couldn’t submit to defeat! No, instead I took some daring steps which helped me realize how I could enjoy an exciting sex life and still be a badass career woman. [bctt tweet=”I realized I could enjoy an exciting sex life and still be a badass career woman” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Quickie, not such a bad idea, right? A quickie is a spontaneous act, though it’s quick, women believe that it can’t be extraordinary. You are wrong, you can make it all that you want it to be! Quickie sex is designed to bring a new whole dimension to your love life; you don’t have to hold back when you know there is no time, remember? Just have it and be done with it, but don’t forget to make it fun. I say a quickie is way better than no sex at all. As a career woman, you don’t have to deceive yourself into believing that you can have frequent sex life. I don’t think that’s feasible, only if your work schedule is not as tight as I imagine it is. If it is, then you would want to do this instead of being sex-starved till eternity. Let your body do the thinking for once Planning your sex can go a long way in satisfying your sexual desires as you have always wanted with your partner. Look forward to an ecstatic day of your choice and make every second of the love making count. Don’t over think things, forget about that workload sitting at your desk, ignore that misunderstanding you have had with a colleague at work. Just ease yourself into the sexual pleasure you are receiving and forget everything in your head. Your head isn’t supposed to be in the “work” place now, let your body do the thinking. Run from it all You don’t deserve to be this emotionally or sexually frustrated, however you want to call it. You deserve all the happiness in the world, do you know why? Because you are a strong, hard working and gorgeous Motherland Mogul, you literally deserve the best. You don’t have to finish your work in a day; you can always finish it up tomorrow. Plan a weekend getaway with your partner if possible, pamper yourself with some invigorating romantic pleasures, your body deserves it. Sex is a good thing; don’t you know God designed it to be beautiful and relaxing? So, why be unnecessarily sex-starved? Your body doesn’t deserve this. It’s high time you stopped blaming your career for ruining your sex life. Take action today in liberating yourself from what may be a dysfunctional sexual life; I know you can do better than this!