THE RACONTEUR: HOW TO ATTEND BUSINESS MASTERCLASS WITHOUT GOING TO HARVARD ~ MY ENTREPRENEURSHIP JOURNEY: SERIES 1 ~ EPISODE 9

Having strong business skills can make a big difference in the growth of your entrepreneurial venture and your overall economic empowerment. I've personally benefited from more than ten entrepreneurship training programs in the last two years, and they've equipped me with a wide range of skills like planning, managing finances, marketing, leadership, and adaptability. These skills have been incredibly valuable in helping me overcome the unique challenges I face as an entrepreneur.

There are numerous organizations that offer free programs specifically designed to empower female entrepreneurs in Kenya. These programs aim to help women make informed decisions, efficiently manage resources, access markets, and run their businesses effectively. Unfortunately, not all women who could benefit from these programs are taking advantage of them.

Some women might see these opportunities but never apply. Here's why every entrepreneur should consider applying to these programs:

√ Some programs require you to have certain legal documents like a registered business, Tax PIN & Compliance Certificates, bank accounts, and necessary business permits. If you've been running your business without these legal requirements, applying for these programs can serve as a motivation to get your business in proper legal shape for future opportunities.

√ Certain programs ask for specific business documents such as a Problem Statement Canvas, Customer/User Persona Template, Lean Canvas, Business Model Canvas, SWOT Analysis Template, Impact Statement, Capacity Assessment Tool, Psychometric Tool, Pitch Deck, Board Charter, Team Profile, and more. Preparing these documents can help you learn and improve your business as you research and practice.

√ Some programs, once you're accepted into a cohort, provide extensive training in various aspects of business practices, including strategy, innovation, planning, marketing, operations, finance, and talent management. After completion, they continue to support you through mentorship, networking events, and potential funding opportunities. They often connect you with other valuable opportunities from their organization or other partners.

If you're looking for business masterclass programs, follow social media handles of the following and be on the lookout when they announce openings:

1. SOMO Africa Entrepreneurship Bootcamp & Accelerator Programme

2. C8 Ignite Entrepreneurship Programme: Wadhwani Foundation/StartUp Savanna/GrowthAfrica

3. HerMeNow (HMN) 2023 Bootcamp: Bloom

4. RevUp Women Initiative 2023: WISE/Visa Foundation/AfriLabs

5. Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shock (BRACE): African Food Changemakers

6. JAMII Femmes: Women in Africa & CocaCola Foundation

7. Grow Your Business (GYB): African Management Institute (AMI)

8. SHE Stars-See Her Empowered Program: Yunus Environment Hub/GiZ/Absa

9. Circular Economy Catalyst (CEC): Adelphi, IKEA, & SEED

10. Road 2 Growth (R2G): Cherie Blair Foundation for Women

11. XcelHERate Entrepreneurship Challenge: SNDBX International/ Bizell

12. Catalysing High-Impact Entrepreneurship in Africa: Jasiri

13. 2023 MEST Africa Challenge: VC4A

14. She Wins Africa: IFC/ World Bank

15. The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE)

16. African Women Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP)

These programs can be game-changers for your entrepreneurial journey and help you unlock your business's full potential.

THE RACONTEUR: HOW STUDENTS CAN SELECT CAREERS THAT TRANSFORM "WORK" INTO A PASSIONATE PURSUIT ~ MY ENTREPRENEURSHIP JOURNEY: SERIES 1 ~ EPISODE 8

"Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life"

This Quote is often attributed to Confucius, an ancient Chinese philosopher. However, there is some debate about its true origin, and it's possible that the quote has been misattributed over time. 

The meaning of this quote is that if you pursue a career or job that you are passionate about and genuinely enjoy, it won't feel like work in the traditional sense. When you love what you do, it becomes more than just a means to earn a living; it becomes a source of fulfillment, happiness, and purpose. 

In such a situation, the daily tasks and challenges associated with your job are not burdensome but rather enjoyable and fulfilling. This perspective encourages individuals to prioritize their passions and interests when choosing a career path, as it can lead to a more rewarding and satisfying life.

The notion that numerous individuals invest 2 to 6 years in college or university pursuing courses they might never apply in their careers is a widely recognized concern. In our work at Techinva Kenya Limited, our primary focus is on promoting the advancement of careers, accelerating businesses, and facilitating community development among women in Kenya.

Within the scope of our activities, we have frequently encountered two key reasons explaining why this phenomenon is prevalent. Firstly, many individuals, including women in Kenya, lack access to comprehensive career guidance and counseling, resulting in their selection of courses or majors driven by limited information or societal pressures. This often leads to a misalignment between their educational pursuits and their career aspirations. 

Secondly, some parents and guardians compel their children to follow traditional or socially expected roles, which may not align with their individual interests or career ambitions. Consequently, what they initially study in college may not correspond with their ultimate aspirations, creating a disparity between their educational background and their desired career trajectory.

However, the real issue lies elsewhere. This year, the Kenyan government acknowledged a disheartening fact: out of the 881,416 students who took the KCSE exams in 2022, approximately 600,000 did not submit applications for enrollment in universities or colleges. Curiously, no official explanation has been provided to account for this sizable number of non-applicants. 

Nonetheless, some argue that learners from marginalized communities faced financial constraints, unable to afford the Kshs.1500 application fees. Additionally, others lacked access to digital technology, including computers and the internet, which are essential for online application processes.

Even more disheartening, many who did apply did not secure placements or the courses they aspired to pursue. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) Chief Executive, Mercy Wahome, explained that some candidates failed to secure their preferred courses due to intense competition, as placements are determined on a merit-based system.

In our work as Capacity Building Consultants at Techinva Kenya Limited, we play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges by offering career guidance, advocating for customized education and training programs, and fostering continuous skill development. 

This empowerment process enables women in Kenya to bridge the gap between their educational background and their career aspirations. It equips them with the tools needed to make well-informed educational decisions and navigate the obstacles they may encounter while pursuing their professional objectives.

When guiding learners through the KUCCPS application process, we advise them to follow these steps:

1. Identify at least three courses that align with their career aspirations, ensuring that upon graduation, they can pursue a job they are truly passionate about – one that makes work feel like a joyful endeavor.

2. Identify a minimum of two colleges or universities where they would feel comfortable spending 2 to 6 years of their lives, while also enjoying their overall living experience.

3. On the KUCCPS portal, select their first-choice university and search for the three courses they identified, prioritizing them based on their preferences. If available, add these courses to a virtual "basket."

4. Repeat the same process for their second-choice university. Subsequently, list the selected courses in order of preference and proceed with the application.

By following these steps, learners can make strategic decisions about their education, ensuring that it aligns with their career goals and personal preferences. This approach not only maximizes their chances of securing placements in courses they are passionate about but also helps them embark on a path where work is a source of fulfillment rather than mere labor.

THE RACONTEUR: HOW TO GET THE MOST OF A NETWORKING EVENT: MY ENTREPRENEURSHIP JOURNEY: SERIES 1 ~ EPISODE 7:

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Africa Climate Summit, an event that was organized by the African Union Commission in partnership with the Kenyan government. As an entrepreneur in the waste management, circular economy and climate action space, I was in the right place at the right time. The summit, with the theme "Driving Green Growth and Climate Finance Solutions for Africa and the World," started on September 4 and concluded on September 6, marking the adoption of the "Nairobi Declaration." This declaration, agreed upon by member states, called for de-carbonization and a fair multilateral finance system as a response to the pressing global issue of Climate Change.

The ACS23 was a truly global gathering, attracting over 30,000 participants, including delegates from various nations, media professionals, foreign government officials, and representatives from the African Union and other international organizations. This diverse mix of attendees made KICC a unique and culturally rich hub for the duration of the ACS23.

My experience at the ACS was very enlightening. On the first day, I listened to various speeches that set the tone for the summit. I managed to catch facilitated in-depth discussions by experts and stakeholders within the climate change discourse at numerous breakout sessions and meeting rooms.

Afterward, I explored the exhibition booths, where I had the chance to connect with several individuals who shared their insights on climate change and sustainability. These organizations were dedicated to various aspects of waste management, bio-ecological conservation, carbon sequestration, reforestation, climate-smart agriculture practices, clean energy, sustainability initiatives, climate policy, and climate mitigation financing – it was interesting to learn about the Kenyan “Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program” that was launched globally during the COP 26 Summit in Glasgow, Scotland on 8th November 2021. FLLoCA was also launched locally during the 7th Annual Devolution Conference on 25th November 2021 in Makueni County. FLLoCA is an embodiment of the country’s commitment towards a low-carbon trajectory by channeling climate finance resources at both the national and local communities at the ward levels across 47 counties to create a sustainable future for the most vulnerable.

Even children and youth climate-centric programs were in the mix pushed by WWF, UNICEF and UNDP. Homa Bay County booth was the crème de la crème. Probably they were the only county representation at the ACS showcasing their initiatives. Do you know that Homa Bay County has a Climate Change Action Plan 2023-2027?

One of the highlights of my time at the ACS was a side event organized by African Food Changemakers at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRU), in collaboration with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) on day two. I was excited to meet my fellow Kenyan participants who were among the cohort in the Building Resilience Against Climate and Environmental Shocks (BRACE) program. It was an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into discussions about the future of food security and agricultural practices in the face of climate change.

On the third day, I attended another side event focused on climate action dubbed the South to South Collaboration, organized by the Alliance for Science. Notable about this event was the inclusion of children and youth participation in the event. The animation of six SDGs: No Poverty#1; Zero Hunger#2; Good Health & Well-being#3; Quality Education#4; Affordable & Clean Energy#7; and Climate Action#13 was well delivered by designated Super Heroes who emphasized the importance of collective action to combat climate change and its adverse effects.

As the ACS23 came to a close, it left a lasting impact. I gathered tens of business cards and IEC materials that will take me a couple of months to sift through and start making meaningful connections in regards to learning, mentorship, training, collaboration, partnership, and financing.

I believe that the "Nairobi Declaration" will contribute Africa's perspective on climate change to the world stage at the upcoming UN Climate Change conference, COP28, scheduled for November 30 to December 12, 2023, in Dubai City.

#africaclimatesummit23 #africanunion #unitednations #climateaction #climatechange #climatejustice #wastemanagement #circulareconomy #climatemitigation #climateadaptation #cayleenterprises #techinvakenya #urbanorganicfarming #reusablesanitarypads #dignifyherke #networking #networkingtips #networkingevent #networkingopportunity

THE RACONTEUR: HOW TO GET THE MOST OF A MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME ~ MY ENTREPRENEURSHIP JOURNEY: SERIES 1 ~ EPISODE 6

In May this year, the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women (CBF) delighted me again, with another birthday gift ~ the Mentoring Women in Business Programme (my birthday falls on 20th May). This is the second birthday gift I was receiving from CBF after successfully completing and graduating from their Road2Growth and Road2Leadership programmes designed for Women Entrepreneurs.

The road of an entrepreneur can be lonely. It can feel as if you’re in this by yourself and there’s no one to help you, like you’re out there on your own. Therefore, a mentorship program provides entrepreneurs with a unique opportunity to learn from experienced individuals, accelerate their personal and professional growth, and increase their chances of success in the challenging world of entrepreneurship. The insights, guidance, and support offered by mentors can make a significant difference in an entrepreneur's journey.

Even though I have had mentors over the years through the authors whose books I loved like Guy Kawasaki, Richard Branson, Seth Godin, Tim Ferris, Stephenie Meyer, Jack Canfield, Mark Cuban, Daymond John, Shonda Rhimes, Malcolm Gladwell, Dale Carnegie, Susan Baroncini-Moe, Napoleon Hills, and many others (because I’m a voracious reader), it is through the CBF Mentoring Women in Business Programme that I was having a mentor flesh and blood and it made a whole new difference!

Last year in May, the CBF Mentoring Women in Business Programme Team took great care matching me with a mentor known as Sharon Davies MBE, Sharon is a VP Regulatory and Public Affairs at DHL Express Europe with specific responsibility for the UK & Ireland. Sharon came in to help strengthen my skills on Marketing & Promotions for Techinva Kenya Limited. But she gave me more than I bargained for. During this duration, Sharon helped me move through a lot of “brain junk” like self-doubt, fear of failure, and self judgment. I was able to finally begin paying attention to my own voice and discovering my true ideas about the kind of a business I wanted to build. It was at this time that I created Techinva’s website (www.techinvakenya.org), designed Techinva’s Company Profile, and developed a marketing strategy.

I think I was a good mentee in the books of CBF Mentoring Women in Business Team, because this year in May, I was enrolled again in the CBF Mentoring Women Programme. I was matched with Ruth Stillman (whose photo appear here). Ruth is a Senior Internal HR Consultant at Marsh & McLennan in London. She works with wonderfully inspirational senior leaders, male and female across the globe, coaching them in their people strategy to enable them to be successful in their business goals. Fundamental to this is her desire for inlcusion and diversity and creating allies to enable equity of opportunity.

Ruth and I have so much in common. For example, she is a mother to 3 girls - 20 (2nd year university student), 18 (Year 13, university in September), and 14. I am a mother to 3 boys - 22 (4th year university student), 20 (1st year university student in September), and 15. We’re both super proud moms of our children, on how resilient, determined, kind they have become.

During our getting-to-know-each-other period, Ruth’s disclaimer was that she doesn't have all the answers but she knows how to find them and to her, CBF Mentoring Women in Business is a wonderful opportunity to enable others. Therefore, when our mentorship relationship started and despite the programmed 1-hour per month for the mentorship session, Ruth dedicated 2 days each week for an hour or so trying to understand my business and helping me wade through the bottlenecks that I was frequently facing, and by end of July, we had ironed out all the grey areas and set SMART goals to work with during the mentorship duration.

Ruth has taught me that goals help people keep their eyes on the vision. As a Senior HR Consultant, Ruth is helping me to develop an organisational structure that would attract a competent Team to help Techinva Kenya Limited achieve its Vision and Mission. But first, she’s guiding me to redefine Techinva’s purpose, work on pending regulatory and compliance issues that are impeding Techinva’s successful growth, as well as develop a new strategy and business plan for Techinva. More so, my weekly writing has been inspired by her and her firmness and focus in ensuring that I do it. As my accountability partner, she’s ‘killed’ my procrastination habits. Because of her, I am obliged to write and share an article like this one every Friday of the week, come rain or sunshine!

Even though our sessions have been virtual, it’s felt like sitting down in person with Ruth and drinking in her fountain of wisdom and wealth of knowledge. Her words are encouraging me, teaching me, leading me, and I feel bigger and bolder and ready to tackle my business and take control of my life with new zeal. We are only 4 months in and I can’t imagine the giant I’ll become at the end of this mentorship programme after standing on her shoulders.

Strengthening relationships in a mentorship program is essential for maximizing its benefits for both the mentor and the mentee. These past four months with Ruth have steered my business into new trajectory. Ruth delivers an entire college education on entrepreneurship, and through her, I’ve had business masterclass without sitting through classes and boring lectures. Best of all, with Ruth’s help, I’m on a path to creating a viable business doing what I love, and I’ve never been more excited about my future! I’m lucky to have a mentor who displays more wit, charm, erudition, loquaciousness, cleverness, and panache like Ruth.

I thank Ruth Stillman, and I thank Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and the Mentoring Women in Business Programme Team for this very rare opportunity and giving me ‘tough’ love while at it!

#mentorship #entrepeneurship #accountability #raconteurs #storytelling

THE RACONTEUR: HOW TO LEVERAGE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY & SEIZE EXISTING BOUNDLESS OPPORTUNITIES ~ MY ENTREPRENEURSHIP JOURNEY: THE INTERLUDE 1A

Today we take a break from the #MyEntrepreneurshipJourney Series until next week for the remaining 5 Episodes. This interlude delves into the consequences of not leveraging digital technology by individuals, businesses, and organisations. In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the failure to embrace and leverage digital technology can have significant consequences. It is for this reason that I founded Techinva Kenya Limited (www.techinvakenya.org). 

Techinva is a Social Enterprise founded as a women’s economic empowerment capacity-building consultancy tech hub, dedicated to transforming the lives of women aged 18 years and above in Kenya. Our name is derived from the acronym TECHINVA, which stands for Technology, Innovation, and Value. At Techinva, we harness the power of digital technology to create innovative solutions that empower women to achieve their goals in career progression, business acceleration, and community development & sustainability.

Digital technology offers countless opportunities for personal and professional growth, business success, and community engagement. However, those who resist or ignore these advancements risk missing out on a multitude of opportunities. Here is how:

√ Without a digital presence, individuals and businesses remain confined to their immediate physical surroundings. Missing out on opportunities for career advancement or business growth becomes almost inevitable. A lack of online visibility means potential employers, clients, partners, or collaborators may never discover you or your services.

√ Failing to leverage digital platforms means missing opportunities to build meaningful relationships that can open doors to new career prospects and collaborations.

√ Digital technology provides access to a wealth of online courses, tutorials, and learning resources leading to stagnation in professional development, consequently limiting career growth and opportunities for advancement.

√ Email, social media, and messaging apps have revolutionized communication. In a fast-paced world, timely responses and effective communication can be the key to seizing opportunities. Remember to check your spam folder from time to time, treasures get hidden there Occasionally.

√ Digital channels like social media, chat platforms, and email offer opportunities for personalized interactions and exceptional customer support. Ignoring these channels may result in customer dissatisfaction and lost business opportunities.

√ Without an online presence, businesses miss out on opportunities to expand their customer base, increase sales, and compete in the global market. Digital marketing strategies like SEO, PPC, and social media advertising are essential for reaching a broader audience.

√ Those who resist digital platforms miss opportunities to engage with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and contribute to community development. Online communities can foster creativity, innovation, and mutual support.

The consequences of not leveraging digital technology are far-reaching and impactful. In a world where digital transformation is the norm, individuals and organizations that resist or ignore these advancements risk missing out on opportunities for career growth, business success, and community development. Embracing digital technology is no longer an option; it is a necessity for staying competitive and thriving in today's interconnected and digitally-driven society.

At Techinva Kenya, we have a WhatsApp platform hosting over 300 female graduates, women entrepreneurs, and women leaders of community-based organisations, where we share opportunities on Career Progression (scholarship & employment), Business Acceleration (entrepreneurship trainings, bootcamps & financing), and Community Development (call for proposals & request for grants).

Embrace digital technology and stop missing out on the existing unlimited opportunities by joining WE (Women Empowered) Tribe through this Link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/L111eG9L9Ae1aPmNJClLKM

#DigitalTechonology #Technovation #innovation #Opportunities #employment #scholarships #incubation #bootcamps #financing #proposals #grants #careers #businessacceleration, #organisationaldevelopment #communitysustainability