A Kenyan's Experience

In this episode, Gathoni chats with Elma Ooro, Proprietor and Chief Thinker of Virtually by Elma. Elma shares her incredible story on how being made redundant during the Covid-19 pandemic led her on an entrepreneurship journey and to the birth of her business. She emphasises the importance of always being your #1 cheerleader despite the self-doubt .Tune in and listen to this amazing story! If you loved this episode, share it with those who need to hear it & tag us on Instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. Links: You can connect with Elma and learn more about her business on Instagram here or on email at: elmaooro@virtuallybyelma.co Music credits: BETTER DAYS Music provided by LAKEY INSPIRED Promoted by BGMD No Copyright Music License: Creative Commons — CC BY 3.0  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Welcome back to another episode of our podcast! In this episode, our co-host Eric Cauri is in the hot seat. He shares his love and passion for mining and music with us. This episode will encourage you to find the why that drives and motivates you to be and do the best. You don't want to miss it! If you loved this episode, share it with those who need to hear it. Remember to follow us on Instagram & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com Links: You can connect with Eric on LinkedIn here, and on Instagram. You can also listen to Eric's music and subscribe to his YouTube channel here. Music credits: Beat Provided By https://freebeats.io Produced By White Hot --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

On this episode, we have a chat with our talented and intelligent co-host, Cynthia Kamweru. From Kenya to London to Malaysia, Cynthia talks about her journey as a Biomedical Science student and what pursuing a career in medicine is like for an individual who loves to travel. We also talk about the importance of sticking to your passion and not compromising who you want to be at the end of the day.   Cynthia has done an amazing job interviewing a number of our guests on the podcast, so join us in this episode as we finally get to hear her amazing story.  As always, don't forget to leave us a rating or review and let us know what you think of this episode by tagging us on Instagram.  We've loved having you on this first part of our journey. Stay tuned for Season 2.    Connect with Cynthia on LinkedIn and Instagram.   --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

On this week's episode, Victor Anyango shares his academic and professional journey from graduating in the Kenyan 8-4-4 system, to pursuing his undergraduate and master's degree in Accounting, to returning to Kenya briefly for work before returning to the US to pursue more professional opportunities. I mean, the guy has a journey worth sharing and listening to!  Victor's journey is an inspiration and offers insight for students and professionals who are wondering what it's like to study and live in the US, and to work for one of the world's largest multinational investment banks. Tune in for this exciting episode as we celebrate and hear about A Kenyan's Experience in the diaspora.     You can connect with Victor on LinkedIn. Remember to follow us on Instagram - we'd love to hear what you thought about this episode and your own experiences.  See you on the next one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Are you in high school and considering your options of what degree to study or which uni to go to? Or maybe you're already in uni and wondering what it would be like to work and live in Canada? Perhaps you're considering a career as an accountant or an investment analyst and wondering what that entails? On this episode, Qhalisa Khan shares her story of how she navigated academics in Kenya and Canada, to pivoting from accounting into the capital investment world working in Toronto. Join us on this episode to gain insight on life in the diaspora from a Kenyan's perspective.   We'd love to hear what you thought of this episode so reach out to us on our Instagram.  You can connect with Qhalisa on LinkedIn. Don't forget to leave a rating and a review from wherever you get your podcasts! See you on the next one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

On this week's episode, we have a chat with our co-host Gathoni Wambugu. Gathoni shares with us her experience in the U.K and in the U.S, and also discusses with us the benefits of having a strong support system. Trust us, this one will leave you inspired! If you loved this episode, share it with those who need to hear it and let us know where you're listening in from by tagging us on Instagram.  You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com Links: You can connect with Gathoni on LinkedIn.   See you on the next one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

This week's guest is Bryan Mutai, a freelance software developer in Nairobi. In this episode, we discuss the importance of forging new relationships, stepping out of your comfort zone to find your people and how that skill can translate into bold career moves down the line. Bryan also shares with us the pros of being a freelancer in the midst of a pandemic.  We hope that this week's episode inspires you to overcome those moments of self-doubt and empowers you to take that leap of faith as you dive into the next chapter of your life. As always, we'd love to hear what you think and what your journey thus far has been like so reach out to us on Instagram or our email: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Bryan is open to answering any questions you may have on your journey so feel free to reach out on LinkedIn. See you on the next one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

We all know the saying, "those who can't do, teach". But what's often left unsaid is that those who can't do, deconstruct to understand and not only teach those around them, but lead them to do better. In this week's episode, my fellow co-host, Denis Odera, shares with us his story of the kid who always lost to his older brother whilst playing video games, but instead of wallowing in his defeat, like a true sportsman, he learnt the game instead. Today, Denis is a leading game developer and producer in Nairobi. He shares with us his unorthodox story, the secrets to succeeding on this unbeaten path and how to use other passions beyond the field, to excel. As always, if you loved this episode, share it with those who need to hear it.   Follow us on Instagram & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. Links: Connect with Denis on LinkedIn.  Mentioned mentorship programmes in Nairobi for young coders: - DigiKids - Game Devs Kenya - Code Clube 254 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Today’s episode is full of inspirational stories that will motivate and encourage you to be open to new opportunities.  Ian shares stories about his work experience journey, he shows and teaches us that as long as you are open to new opportunities, things will work out right for you… all we can say is, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!    Tune in to hear co-hosts Cynthia and Gathoni, chat with their guest, Ian Mararo, a project manager based in Nairobi.    If you loved this episode, feel free to share it with those who need to hear it.    Links:    You can connect with Ian on LinkedIn.   Remember to follow us on Instagram and let us know what you thought of this week's episode.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In today's episode, Aloys shares his journey from his high-school days in the British IGCSE O-levels system to being President of the student body for Daystar Univeristy's Nairobi campus and CEO of Vijana Amkeni Youth Organization, a non-profit organisation that rallies youth in Africa to find solutions to various social, environmental and political causes. Beyond sharing academic advice for students navigating high school and university in Kenya, he delves into his career pursuits in politics and his passion for youth empowerment, education and social reforms.  How does one juggle and maintain a balance between academics, professional development, pursuing your passions and serving your community?Tune in to hear his inspiring story and find answers to questions that you might have about your own career and educational path.    As always, let us know what you thought of today's episode and tag us on Instagram to let us know where you're listening in from. You can connect with Aloys on LinkedIn and Instagram.  We'd love it if you left a rating and a review on wherever you listen to your podcasts. See you on the next one! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Despite the rise of women, especially young black women in S.T.E.M, today the space still is male-dominated and often by white men. In this episode, Clara Odede sits down with Gathoni & Cynthia to talk about her journey as a young black Kenyan woman working as an Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineer in the UK. She shares tips on how to navigate this space, what she does to be the badass woman she is, and what she wished she knew when starting this journey.    If you, or someone close to you are interested in STEM, this episode is for you.    Find Clara on LinkedIn.   Follow us @akenyansexperience   Email: akenyansexperience@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

This week, Denis & Cynthia are joined by Shiro Wachira, an activist at heart, who candidly shares with us how her journey through her graduate program at the University of Stanford led her to unlearning the glorification of burnout. Through her story, we learn how through mentorship, both giving and receiving, are important in creating sustainable personal wellbeing, and how this has led to Growing Acres, her apprentice-ship based program aimed at helping agricultural workers build profitable and environmentally sustainable businesses. As always, as your hosts we took a lot from this conversation and we know you will too. We’re excited to have Shiro back on the podcast in the future to hear more about her journey. Links: Shiro Wachira on LinkedIn here Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from.You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Talk about an amazing comeback story! On this weeks episode, we are joined by business owner, podcaster, father and fitness enthusiast, Shiv Simani. Shiv takes us through many of his origin stories as we discuss the importance of striving to make your dreams come true. He shares with us the lifestyle challenges faced at an early age and how he navigated towards being one of the biggest fitness influencers in the country. We delve into the importance of setting strong boundaries and how making healthy lifestyle choices make a huge difference for oneself and for the people around us. This is the first dad we've had on aKEx, so Shiv talks us through fatherhood in the midst of different career paths and choices.Links: Listen to Unit, the Podcast hereYou can connect with Shiv hereRemember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from.You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com.Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

This is Part Two of our conversation with Wambui Wambugu and Jean-Marie Kamweru, whom you met on part one a few weeks ago. In this episode, we dive into their individual journeys from high school into university and now, as working adults in Nairobi, Kenya. They also share with us what impact having older siblings abroad had on the decisions they made and also honestly share if Gathoni & Cynthia met their expectations as older siblings abroad. We'd love to know what you took away from this episode and also what impact your siblings, younger or older, have had on your journey. Links: Jean's LinkedIn here and Wambui's LinkedIn here. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

“So what are your weaknesses?” Probably the question we all either under or overprepare for as we think about the looming interview. On this week’s episode, full-stack tech-recruiter and HR practitioner Fiona Maingi, shares with us how her journey from law grad to HR specialist has shaped who she is today. Fiona shares with us how her mindset of reframing failure has been essential in her personal growth. She also shares with us tips on branding yourself as you prepare for your next step in your career whether that be now or in the future. We’re so excited to finally have Fiona on the podcast and we’re really looking forward to having her back on in the future. Let us know what you took away from this episode by leaving a voicenote, we’d love to know. Links: Fiona's ⁠LinkedIn⁠, Upwork and Andela. Red Cross runs a toll-free helpline that provides 24 hour free tele-counselling on: 1199Befrienders in Kenya: +254722178177Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, Denis and Gathoni talk to Walter Kuria, a Civil Engineering student and a Motocross racer and trainer. Walter shares stories about his university journey and the things he wished he knew before he started... and trust us, not only are they funny, but also very relateable. He also talks us through his love and passion for motocross... from when he got into it as a young boy, to now, where he takes what he knows and has learnt over the years to train the future generation of motocross racers.If you want to know more about Motocross - how to get started, where to watch races, and what the sport involves, you can reach out to Walter in the following ways: Walter Kuria IGWIP IG and TikTok. As always, thank you for listening and remember to share this episode with someone you think would enjoy this.Follow us on IG & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from.You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

Meet Our Siblings, Jean-Marie Kamweru and Wambui Wambui and get to know us better on Part One of Two of this series with funny and quirky QnAs. This episode leads us into part two where you get to know Jean's and Wambui's individual journeys and how having older siblings abroad impacted their lives, both positive and negative. We learnt a lot about each other and ourselves as individuals and friends who've known each other for over a decade. We hope you enjoy this episode and we'd love to know if you love these types of episodes - it's good to shake it up once in a while. Links: Jean's LinkedIn here and Wambui's LinkedIn here. Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from.You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

In this episode of aKEx, Denis and Gathoni catch up with Ian Mararo. For those of you who have been on this journey with us, you will remember Ian from Season 1. For those of you new to our podcast, you should definitely listen to the episode... it will leave you with the motivation and encouragement you need to pursue new opportunities. You can find Ian's Season 1 episode titled "Don't be afraid to fail" here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2uVRInrLsxA4oFC34EgDjF?si=WKNRhGKgRgOc6ciVYd3JVQ As we reconnect with Ian, he provides us with an update on his personal and professional life, and shares some of the things he is looking forward to. Tune in to find out more! As always, thank you for listening and share with someone you think needs to hear this. Links: You can connect with Ian on LinkedIn here: www.linkedin.com/in/ian-mararo-m-sc-pmp-14b660a5/ Remember to follow us on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/akenyansexperience/ & tag us on your Instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com. **Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution** --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

I think we can all agree that THEE biggest flex is having your younger siblings on your podcast. We're so humbled and thrilled to have Angela Cauri, a rising star in Nairobi's creative space and a Freelane Virtual Reality Designer. You might have heard her on Capital FM talking about her most recent project, State of the Art 3.0 or perhaps seen her magnificent murals in Bwibo, Lavington. Angela shares with us the importance of self-exploration and how that has led her to take the path less trodden several times in her life which has led up to her incredible achievements today. We know you'll feel courageous and empowered at the end of this episode, and we'd love to know what you took away from this episode so do comment below or send us a DM. We also have the voicenote feature in the link below so leave us some feedback or share your story with us. Who knows, you might be on our next episode.Links:You can find Angela on LinkedIn, on Instagram and find her portfolio here.Remember to follow us on IG at @akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from.You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.comMusic credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message

We're baaack with Season 4 of aKEx and we're still shook that we're now on Season 4. Thank you for sticking with us and we're excited for you to hear what we have lined up next. Our first guest is a looong time friend, Julio Mkok, a lawyer trained in Bristol, UK and now currently completing his training in Nairobi. Julio shares with us mind-blowing stories about how he found himself in Bristol, how he acclimatised to living in the UK through the support system he built for himself but also the struggles of living far from home. He gives us a sneak peak into what 'For The 5th' has in store as the movement bringing young Kenyans together and discussing what's important for the future of Kenya. You will love this episode just like we did, and we're excited to have Julio back to share more of his journey to serving Kenya as a politician. As always, let us know what you loved about this episode and leave a voicenote using the link below. Links: You can find Julio on LinkedIn as https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-mkok-304670127/ Remember to follow us on IG at akenyansexperience & tag us on your instagram letting us know where you're listening in from. You can also reach out to us on email at: akenyansexperience@gmail.com **Music credits: Justin Vinylz and The Afrolution** -- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/akenyansexperience/message