Take Stock of Your 2017 Goals
December is around the corner. The last few months of the year seem to fly by and we seem to have that looming anxiety about the 2017 goals we made at the start of the year. So, have you managed to tick off all the boxes next to the goals? Or an even better question, do you still have the list? Should we still be making year long goals that we seem to forget by mid- January or should we go with the flow? Having goals and ambitions is not a bad thing at all. It empowers you and drives you more when you know what you are working towards. There is nothing like that feeling when you finally achieve that dream you’ve had for a long time, whether it’s buying that car or getting a promotion at work. Goals are great and accomplishing them is even better. But what happens when you fall short of your own expectations, or even completely forgot what you wanted to do at the beginning of the year? Does this render the whole year meaningless? I don’t think so! Right now is actually a great time to take stock of the last 10 months. We always drive ourselves to the ground worrying about what we should have done or could have done, but actually fail to realize what we have actually done. Take a step back and account for your last few months. Remember the small wins Remember that amazing project you got to be a part of from start to finish, remember that park- run your friend forced you to join? Our goals don’t have to be these large, wonderful sky- high achievements. It’s the little things that actually show that you haven’t been chilling all year doing nothing. It was the ability to send out all those job applications, it was standing up for yourself in that meeting, it was the ability to ‘do’ when the world said you couldn’t. Take stock of what you have managed to achieve There is definitely nothing wrong in having the grandest dreams about where we should be. However, it is wise to take stock of what you have managed to achieve. This balance is necessary. Write down a list of your accomplishments so far and stick them up on your fridge or office cubicle. Look at where you have been and how amazing it was. How does this help your mindset for the rest of the year? Well for starters your track record shows that you have accomplishments worthy to be proud of. You have done some pretty amazing things this year. Appreciate what you have done, appreciate yourself and use it to propel your success even further. Evaluate your January goals If you still have your list of January resolutions and none of the items have been crossed off, this may be a good time to consider why you haven’t done the things you promised to do. Look at what has changed, where were circumstances out of your control? You also have to hold yourself accountable, why did you not go for that promotion or not save for that trip you wanted to take? I don’t recommend this to make you feel bad, Motherland Mogul, but if we do not ask ourselves the hard questions who will? It’s also about considering the shifting priorities and incentives. If the year did not go how you thought it would, how did you respond to that? What did you have to change to accommodate your different reality? This will help you re-evaluate your goals for the rest of the year based on what you know, as well as help you manage your expectations. Consider how you can add to what you have already accomplished earlier in the year Looking back is an amazing way to create motivation for what feels like both the longest and shortest year. Also, your achievements so far can help you plan for the last 2 months of the year. Consider how you can complement what you have already done earlier in the year. Maybe you could come up with another project that takes the previous one to another level. Maybe you could motivate a friend to join you for that park- run. Look at where you have been and where you want to go, what could you do to bridge that gap? Create new goals for these last two months, what do you want to do that could make the last part of the year exciting and different for you? Create weekly and monthly goals for these last 2 months One of the great ways to avoid this looming anxiety about not achieving your big goals, is to actually create weekly or monthly goals. This helps you create goals for the reality you actually are in, not what you thought the year would be like. This is important because achieving and celebrating the small things can really motivate you to push for the bigger goals. Writing down and shaping smaller goals is more realistic. You are holding yourself to attainable goals, founded on what’s happening here and now. So, what have you done this year to be proud about? Let us know more about you and your story here.
5 Tips To Make The Most Out Of A Job You Don’t Like
Let’s be real, sometimes you just hit a rut. You could be at a job for 1 year going on what feels likes a 100 years; or all of a sudden your boss is no longer easy to work with; or the dynamics are no longer favorable for your growth and bills still have to be paid. As a Motherland Mogul, this should not get you down for too long, there are creative ways to help you better manage a job you don’t like. Focus on what you like Not everyone enjoys writing reports and paperwork. So instead of focusing on the areas of your job that do not interest you, put energy and focus on areas which do. It’s likely that your perspective is solely focused on parts of the job you hate, instead of the aspects of the work you enjoy. Make a list of the work tasks you actually like. This won’t be easy and your tendency will be to look at your work with negativity. However, you brain cannot think of the positive and negative at the same time, so commit to actually looking for positives and focusing on that instead. In doing this, you will bring a more positive out look to your work. Challenge yourself to have a gratitude mindset and in no time you will find more things to be grateful for. Bring “you” to work We bring our Slay queen characters to other areas of our lives like fashion, our hair or clap backs on twitter. Bringing the same enthusiasm and energy to your work could help you do your work more creatively, and change the dynamic and approach you currently have. For example, if outside your 9-5 work you happen to be a blogger, you could add value to your work by working with the social media team and on the company website- with their blogging platform. These are ways you can bring yourself and character to your work, instead of separating yourself from your work. Work towards your goal While waiting for the next big move, commit to actually working towards your ultimate goal. So you are not enjoying your job? When was the last time you worked on your CV, sent an application or took up a course? Nothing changes unless you apply your energy to it, and align yourself with the work you see yourself doing. If it means taking up classes, or reading up on what it takes to move up the career ladder, it takes effort and consistency. Look at at your job as a pit stop towards your final destination. SLA has amazing resources to get you started, so keep working at it until it manifests. Invest in your relationships with your work peers Work can be stressful and your boss might be Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. Your peers at work might be the wealth of support that you have been missing out on. Invest in your relationships, as these are the people you spend majority of your time at work with. Identify people you can learn from, who are not negative, and can encourage each other to do better at work whilst still sharing memes as well. Your job does not complete you Just like when we realized that Tom Cruise saying “You complete me” might not have been as romantic as we thought, it’s also very likely that sometimes we put unreal expectations on our jobs. Whilst you are supposed to derive some happiness from your work, it is not the end all and be all of your joy. There are passions and interests outside of work which you might have neglected because you have put the pressure on your work. Go back to those interests outside of the 8 to 5; like, exercising, writing, art, dance, poetry or giving back to your community. Investing in those interests might give you the fuel to keep going at work, even on days when it feels like you can’t. Stay slaying, you are doing a great job! What tips do you have for making the most out of a job you don’t like? Let us know here.
Passion: The key to thriving in your career
There is no career without challenges, regardless of who you are. The only difference between a career that glows; radiating success at all ends and a career that blows; experiencing failures back- to- back, is the intensity of ‘fuel’ used for both the latter and the former. Here, the ‘fuel’ needed is the passion, the zeal and the will to either glow or blow. It takes more! It’s not enough to only have dreams and visions for your career, it’s pertinent to also have a driving force which will lead you to those goals in the long run. In other words, It’s not enough to know what you want to do, you’ve got to know what makes you do what you do because this is what will keep you going when the heat gets hotter. According to Chika Akinwale, founder of Cambridge Leadership Academy, “A vision is fueled by a deep desire or conviction within”. This is where passion comes in. Passion keeps you going… The fact is, challenges will come at every stage of one’s career, but, the truth is that, you have the power to either be burned by the heat or go through that heat and come out refined. Going through the heat is definitely not an easy task in any career; this is why you need to be constantly fueled by passion. The awesome truth about it is that it is not static. It drives you to thrive, even in stagnant times. Passion is like a stronghold, when the heat burns at whatever stage in your career, you will gradually rise above the ashes of your fears. …the language of go-getters Look through the tunnel of time past, you’ll see stories of great men and women who failed countless times in their various careers, yet, in the long run; they became world champions. These achievers were definitely not of the same age, race or gender; they only spoke a common language; the language of passion. The fact is, they failed at one point or the other. But, the beautiful truth is that, they went through the heat from the kiln and came out stronger, with well baked triumphs! The big picture Here’s the big picture: the same heat that makes gold out of a career; can fold that same career. People go through the same challenges and come out with different results. The big question here is: what makes the difference? Passion!The difference between those who come out with solid results and others who are left with melted goals. It takes passion to not just keep holding on, but to keep taking positive steps inspite of the heat, until you get your desired results. It’s all on you! Despite popular belief, the main hindrance to career success is not necessarily financial setbacks or a lack of resources. The main hindrance is you. ‘The you’ with little or no passion for what you do. The driving force to your career goals can be achieved efficaciously when your ‘fuel tank’ is filled with passion. This will only come effortlessly when you love what you do. When you love what you do, failure won’t be an option. Your passion will keep your eyes on what lies beyond the heat. Your passion may not prevent challenges, but it won’t let challenges stop you either. Even with passion, you’ll still ‘sweat’ (that’s why challenges can be synonymous with ‘heat’). It’s high time we understood that without passion, one will definitely be discouraged when the heat in any career starts to burn. You need not be afraid of challenges, only be alarmed when you have a dwindling passion. With passion, you may fall on your face, but you will have the energy to keep rising. At the end of it all, the choice is yours! To either glow or blow, to either be refined or burnt; but, always remember, beyond the heat lies a stronger, more fulfilled and refined you! How do you keep the passion burning in your career? Let us know about you and your story here.
4 Steps To Get The Raise You Deserve
There is nothing like excelling at a job you love! This is the job you have always dreamed of, and this is a career which allows you to fulfill your purpose- Monday to Friday 9 to 5. There is just one problem, you feel undervalued, underappreciated and no one seems to notice how you go above and beyond for this company. You have been at this organisation for a number of years and you have worked your way up the ranks, however, your salary has not had the upliftment you feel you deserve. Well it’s high time you demand your value be addressed accordingly. Here’s a four-step process to help you get that get the raise you rightly deserve. Conduct thorough research Find out what other people in a similar role are earning. What is the current going rate in the market? Whilst you are it, find out what other people on a similar level to you in the company are also earning. You want to know what to ask for when you go in guns blazing. By doing your research, be sure to also find out what the role entails for other people at other organisations. The same role can be different at two different organisations, others might do more or less. I recall during my legal days. As I was working as a Paralegal, I met other Paralegals from other firms who were earning more than me. Now as they told me of their higher earning power I was infuriated, but it turns out their roles demanded more of them than mine did. Your research should expand to you as a person as well. What have you been doing that entitles you to a pay rise. If you have been turning up late, missing days, taking extended long breaks and not performing well, perhaps you need to go back to the drawing board and think about why the company should not deduct your pay instead. Napoleon Hill said, going the extra mile, “tends to make one indispensable, in many different human relationships and it therefore enables him to command more than average compensation for personal services.”. Initiate the conversation Schedule a meeting with the person at your company who has the authority to give you a raise ,or bring it up during one of your reviews. Put the issue out there/ on the table. Don’t be aggressive and don’t be emotional in your address. You’ve done your research, come armed with facts and data. Remember, you are worth something to them and if they don’t see that, that is their loss. You are in control of this. Sometimes the company will not think about giving you a raise until you mention it. If you don’t ask don’t expect to receive. Stand firm in your worth If you have asked for a pay rise, be brave enough to stand up for yourself and tell the company what you think you are worth. If they fail to give you a raise, be brave enough to exude your worth, politely remind them elsewhere this is what they are offering, and you have no issues going elsewhere if need be. I would advise having a plan, if you decide to go down this route, just in case they call your bluff. This should not be too much of an issue. The only issue is as human beings we get complacent. I have worked in firms where some of my colleagues had been there for years, not earning much because they were comfortable at their work place. You may not be getting the pay rise you deserve because you are unwilling to explore. Have you considered moving to another city or even out of the country? Execute Whatever the outcome of your pay rise meeting is, execute the results. If a pay rise has been agreed on continue working hard and go the extra mile. If one has not been agreed on and you still feel you deserve one, figure out your next step. Are the reasons for the pay rise being refused justified? i.e let’s review it in three months. Are you willing to wait around or are you ready to make a jump into the next role? You need to see the value in you before you expect anyone to. As human beings, we are sometimes oblivious to our faults. Evaluate yourself and be honest, would you give yourself a pay rise. If so get to working on it and show them why you deserve one. Do you have any tips on how to get a raise? Let us know here.
TV Role Models Every Motherland Mogul Needs
T.V. has become more than a pastime after work, recently shows have moved from solely entertaining to also providing commentary on key social issues. Shows that are brave enough to address race, gender, family and relationship issues have sparked conversation that we so need in today’s society. Women are leading more t.v. shows, especially women of colour which is so important for representation. So here’s my list of T.V Role Models who inspire me to be a flawsome, hardworking and yet still witty Motherland Mogul. Oprah Winfrey, the Oprah Winfrey Show and her own television network HARPO We all grew up watching Oprah. Seeing her ask the hard questions, share her story and watch her rise as one of the most powerful figures in television history. When in doubt, I always ask myself ‘What would Oprah do?’ If there is any inspirational figure to look up to, it’s her. She shows the power of determination, hardwork and most importantly not leaving anyone behind. Her dedication to telling the stories of the marginalized and giving back shows that no matter how high you rise, you don’t have to do it alone. Gina Torres, Jessica Pearson in Suits Where do we even start: her impeccable dressing, her sharp one liners, or maybe the fact that Jessica was the managing partner of her own law firm. Her confidence is calm and elegant, with a sharp sting when she is tested. Feel inspired by her ability to always be calm even when things are unraveling and how she always manages to rise above the mess. Tracee Ellis Ross, Rainbow Johnson in Blackish I consider Rainbow the coolest and funniest mom on t.v. Blackish is one of the most intelligent shows, that deals with the dynamics of race, politics and society, in a way that isn’t lecturing but, rather starting the necessary conversations. She balances her work and home life, showing us that sometimes doing things the unconventional way may at times be the best way. Yvonne Orji, Molly in Insecure Now listen up, Motherland Moguls, if you have not watched Insecure you will be disowned. My love for this show aside, Molly is one of characters on t.v who is career driven and won’t let her hard work go unrecognised. When her bosses fail to show appreciation for her abilities, she doesn’t sit in a corner complaining, but instead, shows initiative by taking up more responsibilities; and when that still even is not enough, she seeks to have her talents appreciated elsewhere. She pushes her own career boundaries and so should you. Don’t be afraid to ask for that raise or promotion when you know you deserve it. It also doesn’t hurt to take on more tasks and various projects, as this indicates you are a team player. The biggest lesson we can learn from Molly? Your career is in your hands, the choices you make, and how you react to adverse situations will determine how you’ll move forward and succeed in your journey to the top. Naomi Campbell, The Face, Empire, Star Naomi is well known for being one of the world’s most famous supermodels. So having her on this list may be confusing but, she’s also a t.v. diva. Naomi has an attitude and she owns it. A lot of people may see this as a questionable trait, but I believe that a little attitude ‘ain’t never hurt nobody’. Naomi is inspirational to the Motherland Mogul who is told her brazenness is intimidating or unfriendly. She also doesn’t sleep on herself; know your worth and make it work. Kerry Washington, Olivia Pope in Scandal This one is for the entrepreneurial Motherland Moguls because: let’s admire Olivia’s business acumen; she is smart, outspoken and when push comes to shove, she stands firm. Her loyalty to her team is admirable, the gladiators stick together and they know they can rely on Olivia. Questionable life choices aside, her white coat and hat are untouchable; her clients come first and she always goes the extra mile to get things done. Plus we all want a piece from her enviable wardrobe. Gabrielle Union, Mary Jane Paul in Being Mary Jane I think anyone who watches the show has a love hate relationship with Mary Jane. She tests our patience often but you cannot fault her ambition or her confidence. The show does not gloss over her complex relationships and friendships and navigates around the ideas of suicide, infidelity and infertility, topics that are taboo in black communities. So how is Mary Jane inspirational? She takes risks at work showing that sometimes to propel yourself forward, you have to throw caution to the wind. It is completely okay to be invested to your career, set goals and be determined to make it work. Your professional ambitions are a character strength, and you have the right to make them your focus. Who are your T.V Role Models and why? Let us know here.
Chika Ilang: You Need A Clearly Defined Life Vision
Chika Ilang is a civil servant during the day and the founder of Chika Ilang International; a personal development hub, with an interest in helping women build a life and career they truly love. A lot of young people feel dissatisfied when working with government agencies. What is your winning tip to stay motivated? Most young people may not like it here. But if you have a clearly defined life vision, I believe you can succeed in any type of job. For instance,some people might not like their current job, but cannot make the move as yet, for financial or other reasons. I would advise that, you have no choice but to try love that job, because it brings in the money ( resources), so you can use it to fund your dream. Now, not liking your job doesn’t mean that you should do shabby work, no, you should be your best at it, gather experience, and move when the time is right. So for me, I’d say my winning tip is, my clearly defined life vision. I don’t see my job as a setback, because through it, I’m moving forward to where I want to be in life. [bctt tweet=”if you have a clearly defined life vision, I believe you can succeed in any type of job” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What would you suggest to a young woman who wants to build a viable business while still holding down this career path? Entrepreneurship isn’t a fashion trend. Don’t jump on it because everyone seems to be on it. Have a clearly defined vision. Set a target for yourself; a business target you can meet, before you can comfortably take a bow out of your job, if you’d ever want to. It’s dangerous to get a business idea and “sack your boss” tomorrow, because of this idea. Test it, ensure it’s profitable, then create a game plan that you’ll follow through as you progress. Don’t move blindly. There are certain perceived limitations about working in government agencies. How can young career women strive to get quality work done? I believe in giving my best wherever I am. If you’re there, be all there. I wouldn’t do this because of XYZ, I’d rather do it so it represents Chika, because that’s all that matters to me. So, be intentional about being an awesome employee. What you wouldn’t want another to do with your own business, don’t do it to your boss as an employee. [bctt tweet=”Be unforgettable. Be the light in that space. It is the era of woman rising.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What can women who want to work for government agencies do to stand out? Be unforgettable. Be the light in that space. It is the era of woman rising. Remember, you’re already expected to perform poorly at work because you’re a woman- disappoint everyone and be exceptional, just because you are a woman! What would you like to be remembered for in your work? At work, I’d like to be remembered as that Chika that led others to do right. The one that shone her light on everyone. That one that led a good life, which inspired others directly or indirectly to do good. The game changer that always asks others the way forward. The bubbly foodie that doesn’t joke with her lunch. Are you a civil servant? We’d love to hear your story and career tips. If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more here.
Hazard Reporting in the Workplace
Hazard reporting is one of the main key’s to keeping a safe business. A hazard is anything with the potential to cause harm. Most times we are afraid to report safety concerns or issues in the workplace because we do not want to be seen as “busybodies”. We do not want to put others in trouble or we convince ourselves that it’s not our business. It is your business actually. Would you rather report a wrong action that could lead to an accident or allow the accident happen and let people get hurt? Reporting hazards could save your life. Who knows, you might be the victim of an unreported hazard. The effects of these hazards could either be immediate or occur over time. The employer/entrepreneur has a legal obligation to keep the workplace safe. However, as an employee, you are directly involved in the work process. You see the loose ends the boss may not see. Therefore, it is your duty to report shortcomings in the system. Some of us wrongly assume the employer knows about the situation already. Sadly, they do not always know and things could go wrong. There are four categories of hazards which can be found in the workplace, depending on the nature of the business: Physical hazards These are usually more common; faulty equipment, trailing cables, using wrong equipment for tasks, exposed moving parts of machine, spills and uneven floors. Biological hazards These could be from working with body fluid from humans or animals, bacteria and viruses. Chemical hazards This is exposure to various chemicals in a liquid, solid or gaseous state like gasoline, cleaning products or fumes. Ergonomic hazards These type of hazards occur in workplace conditions; poor lighting, poorly arranged workstations, bad lifting posture, wrong office furniture or repetitive tasks. We do not have to wait for accidents to happen before reporting. We should report unsafe acts and tasks or faulty equipment, because these are the components of future accidents. When we report hazards in the workplace, it help’s by: Creating an awareness of the situation Leading to solution creation Increasing staff involvement, as they also make suggestions to keep the work process safe Improving workplace safety Image credit: www.giphy.com www.google.com/images Do you have an efficient hazard reporting process in you workplace ? Let us know more about you and your story here.
6 Characteristics Exhibited By Exceptional Business People
[bctt tweet=”Great people are willing to do what a majority of people are not most likely to do” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Great people are willing to do what a majority of people are not most likely to do. Every great achievement in history came from exceptional thinking and perseverance. Every start up to ever rise to the pinnacle of the business world exhibited some exceptional qualities that propelled them to where they are. To attain such heights of glory and acclaim, there are certain characteristics you may want to consider adopting straight away. Say good bye to the old days of laxity, procrastination and disorganization, its time to embrace focus, doggedness and persistence. Without further ceremony, here are 6 qualities you should exhibit if you want to see your nameplate next to Mark Zuckerberg’s and Dangote’s. Self-Respect Outstanding business people do not rely on others for their drive for success. They continue to operate with a sense of composure and self-confidence when tough challenges spring up, they are willing to take calculated risks. That’s because they believe in their worth, their objectives and never they forget the importance of their business quest. Self-Control Outstanding business people are self-driven, confident and in control of their emotions. To them rejection is an opportunity to be better and view risk as a rewarding attempt. Therefore they don’t back down in any difficult situation. They remain sanguine about prospects of their nation’s economy and are passionate about their dreams in the business realm. Discernment Great business persons are conscious of the company they keep and try to shrug off any form of negativity. They surround themselves with positive and forward thinking minds and only associate with those who build them up. And create time for leisure, exercise and fun. These people have a mindset development routine and maintain personal relationships to achieve their business pursuits. Simplicity According to Ward Cunningham (2004), “Simplicity is the shortest path to a solution”. This denotes that outstanding business people find straightforward means of solving problems, by creating products and rendering services which would seem understandable to nearer society. There is beauty in simplifying innovative ideas. Sometimes, its not about providing multiple solutions, it could just be about providing “the” solution to a “specific” but “nagging” problem. Giving Generous business people do whatever it takes to rise in the morning to feed and nurture their children, pets, partners, career and themselves. They display the great power of giving and always carry out giving-oriented CSR in some communities. Giving back to the public is of utmost importance to them. Determination Interview 5 successful people and they would all tell you the same thing – They kept at it. It’s not about how many times you got turned back, but more about how many more doors you knocked on. Powerful business people are sharp-witted, focused and determined. They keep their eyes on the prize regardless of the competition and distance required to travel to fulfill them. Feeling inspired already? then get cracking. No one says the change is going to take place over night, it could take quite some time. Like the saying goes, “make a conscious decision to be that change you wish to see.” Do you have any more tips about being an exceptional business person? let us know more here.
5 #MotherlandMogul characteristic’s when it comes to relationships
When was the last time that a song took you to church like this? Or this? For me, it was yesterday. The song? “Add To Me” by Ledisi. I identified with this song on such a deep and personal level because, it perfectly outlines some of the thought patterns that I have as a #MotherlandMogul when it comes to dating and entering into relationships. Like… I seriously considered playing it to the next nosey aunty to ask me why I’m not married yet. Heck, it made such an impact that I was inspired to write a little ode to it! As such, here are 5 characteristics of Motherland Moguls, regarding relationships (as told through Ledisi’s “Add To Me” lyrics). I’m sure you, as a member of the SLA community, will be able to identify with these too. So, without any further ado… #1 They are self-sufficient “I can be good on my own (can you add to me?) But I don’t want to be alone (can you add to me?) Paying all my bills on my own (can you handle me?)” As these lyrics show, Motherland Moguls are the epitome of the old adage “she wants you but she doesn’t need you” because they are independent and able to cope with or without a man in their lives. To summarise the late, great Dr. Myles Munroe, this is because they understand that singleness is not the same as incompleteness. Understanding this, Motherland Moguls can, indeed, “be good on [their] own”. #2 They prioritise their needs and practice self-care “I’ve been in a spiritual place; so when it gets hard I don’t break” Boss women have worked hard to become [spiritually, mentally, financially] self-sufficient. They are not interested in being destroyed by the wrong choice of relationship. As such, they may actually elect to remain single in order to maintain their “good” status. They also recognise that if they: Don’t have a healthy relationship with themselves, they will never be able to have a healthy relationship with another person. Are not happy or fulfilled within themselves, nobody else will be able to draw these things out of them or place them inside. In addition, they recognise that these qualities come from a strong relationship with God, as well as a positive intrapersonal relationship (relationship with themselves). #3 They have goals “Made a lot of money last year (can you handle me?) Plan to make more this year (can you handle me?)” Not only have they worked hard to become the person that they are now, they have clear goals for the future. Boss ladies are not stagnant ladies; so they don’t want to be with anybody who is going to stand in the way of their progress or the fulfilment of their goals. They want someone who truly has their best interests at heart and is not a distraction because, as Cindy Trimm once said: “Everything in your life rises and falls on a relationship. If you have the wrong relationships, you are going to end up in the wrong place” and vice versa. This means that positive relationships can advance us and move us forward , whereas negative relationships can stagnate us and cause us to regress. Bosses understand and apply this wisdom, knowing that the person that they are with can determine whether they get to their destiny or not. #4 They are not easily impressed “Took a lot now you’ve got my attention… But I’m the type that needs a little more” Because Motherland Moguls are so self-sufficient and focused on building their empires, they are not easily wooed or impressed. With all that they want to accomplish, they also don’t have time for games. This may earn them the reputation of being “cold,” “too picky” or even “a man hater” but, that’s not the case at all. They simply are not looking for a savior or to be in a relationship for relationship’s sake. #5 They are looking for a partner “But you got to have it all together (can you add to me?) So we can be stronger together (can you add to me?)” One of my favourite personal development books is “The Wisdom of Andrew Carnegie” by Napoleon Hill. In it, Carnegie advised that two of the steps to major achievement are: definiteness of purpose (a goal) and choosing a master mind team so that those in it can experience the benefits of synergy. This, in a nutshell, means that when two (or more) individuals unite and join forces in order to achieve a given purpose, they will be able to produce something that is exponentially greater than they ever could have done by themselves. Most people tend to understand this concept of “teamwork making the dream work” from a business point of view, but what sets #MotherlandMoguls apart is that they are also seeking this in their romantic relationships. As Ledisi quite rightly put it- they want someone in their life who they can build with; who can and will “add to [them]” and who they can add to in return. What other #MotherlandMogul characteristic’s would you add to this list? Let us know here.
From MIT to Harvard to McKinsey, Carolyne Njeri Gathinji Credits Her Success to God and to Going after her Goals with Undivided Attention
“God’s fingerprints are evident in the people He put on my path” says Carolyne Njeri Gathinji. Carolyne is an MIT and Harvard graduate who currently works at McKinsey & Company. Njeri has excelled through life, whether it was at the Alliance High School in Kenya, a prestigious all-women boarding school, or at UBS after MIT. She is a consultant who loves traveling the world. Her best self-care tips? Same as Kerry Washington’s: getting her nails did. No wonder she is such a gladiator! Who is Carolyne Njeri Gathinji and what gets you out of bed every day? Give us a brief tour of your life. She is a simple, light hearted lady who is living a life she had never envisioned for herself. An optimist with a disproportionate share of joy, seeking positivity and positive energy. She is an extroverted introvert who enjoys bringing people together and forging connections. She is a Kenyan (from Nakuru) living in Boston and working as a management consultant. Many people have been part of my journey. I could not get to where I am by walking alone. I am motivated by their belief in my strengths, their support along the way and the ability to inspire others. Secondly, my job gives me the opportunity to work with brilliant, ambitious and interesting people to solve clients’ problems. Getting to the solution becomes fun when surrounded by great teammates and clients. I spend most of my time in Boston with one or two trips to Kenya every year to visit my family. I love traveling so I’ve also established a tradition for a week-long summer vacation trip. During the rest of the year when I am at work, Monday – Thursday are spent at the client site, working with them to solve the problem. Given most of my clients are not in Boston, I find myself away from home most of the week. I get back to Boston most weekends and spend the weekend relaxing and catching up with friends. I am also currently helping a local Boston business think about its growth strategy. You are incredibly achieved – Alliance, MIT, UBS, Harvard, McKinsey- what’s your secret? Is there really a secret? If someone has discovered one please share… As I said earlier, it really has taken a village! I wish I could say all this was part of a master plan that I worked on, crossing one thing off the list after another. The only one of these institutions I really thought of for years was probably Alliance. I had that dream growing up, probably from the age of seven; given the caliber of strong women I knew who had attended the school. MIT only became an option in 12th grade when my physics teacher prompted me to apply to American colleges, and about a year later, I was packing my bags and leaving my family at 18 and taking my first flight of the country to Cambridge. Having said that, when I decided to go for any of the opportunities, I worked with undivided attention on the goals I had set and tried to leave no stone unturned. In the moment, it was a lot of hard work and a matter of sacrifice, but if your eyes are on the prize, you barely feel it. In The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho talks about the fact that when you want something so bad, the universe conspires to make it happen. I believe this, but for me, it misses one crucial piece – the work you and the universe have to put in. What I have found is that if you decide you will pursue something and put in the work, and make sure the relevant people in the universe are aware, they will work with you to make it come true. Of course, this presupposes that these relevant people are bought into your success and want to be helpful. Although, I didn’t have the master plan, I believe someone did, and if I reflect on my entire journey, God’s fingerprints are evident in the people he put on my path, the strength and resources He provided and the favor upon my life. Steve Jobs said you can only connect the dots looking backwards, and even in my short life so far, I have had to trust that the dots will connect in the future and given my all to what is happening in the moment. You travel a lot. What’s the best place you’ve ever visited? Each place is different and I find that there are always unique experiences to enjoy and cultures to learn from. If forced to pick, I would say Thailand is at the top, because of the breadth of experiences it offers. You studied Mathematics and Management Science in undergrad, do you apply what you learned in Math in consulting? Any advice for younger women looking to study in the field? Even though I do not use most of the complex Math that I learned, logical and critical thinking skills gained are very applicable in consulting. Inherently, we are solving a client’s problem, which is what a Math major does daily. You need to break the problem into structured bit-sized pieces that lead to the final answer. You need to apply certain known theorems and assumptions along the way. That is what consulting is about. Additionally, we do a lot of quantitative analyses for which a love for manipulation of numbers fits well. Advice: First, let no one tell you that you cannot pursue or do math…refer them to Hidden Figures! Secondly, think of how you want to use your Math degree. There are many ways you could directly use it; as a professor, statistician, actuary etc. However, there are many other professions that would value a math degree and you have to figure out if you need to pair the degree with another to pursue a career in that field. I combined my Math degree with