Gems and Nuggets Podcast Series by MaryAnne Mwaura

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – AnonymousWelcome to the Gems and Nuggets mini-series-themed, Gratitude Thursdays.  Listen to Lead Activator @MaryAnneMwaura as she shares in this month of Thanksgiving. #Pressplay What are you grateful for in 2021? 

“Stop seeing it as office politics and start seeing it as office partnerships.”― @Erin HatzikostasIn the third episode of the Gems and Nuggets Podcast in 2021, our Lead Activator @MaryAnneMwaura speaks to @HopeMurera the MD @Zep-RE.Viewing corporate politics from the perspective of simple human interactions allows you to operate within that framework in a completely authentic way and leverage your natural strengths."Lead like a woman, women have the most effective style of leadership because women lead with empathy, love, and care," says Hope. She continues to encourage women in leadership to act in the light, position their organization as highly professional with good governance.  How can you manage corporate politics effectively? #PressPlay 

“In Pushback, top leadership consultant Selena Rezvani (she/her) argues that self-advocacy is critical to success. Yet women initiate negotiations four times less often than men, resulting in getting less of what they want—promotion opportunities, plum assignments, and higher pay.”In the second episode of the Gems and Nuggets Podcast in 2021, our Lead Activator MaryAnne Mwaura speaks to Racey Muchilwa who leads 46 countries in the SSA region at NovartisRacey takes us through her leadership journey, "Softness is the biggest strength you can put on the table when you are leading people," says Racey. She also encourages women leaders to exercise and strengthen the muscle of learning to push back whenever disrespect is served. Do you push back, ask and stand up for what you want? #PressPlay

“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” —William JamesLeaving a legacy as a professional is something few people are able to do, it takes faith, drive, and consistency. Everyone’s legacy is different. In the first episode of the Gems and Nuggets Podcast in 2021, it was an honor to have the legendary woman of many firsts, @Dr.MaryOkelo hold a conversation with our Lead Activator  @MaryAnneMwauraDr. Okelo highlights that as a woman, you always have to be conscious and look at what is happening to other women. Are there things we can do to support them? She encourages fellow women leaders to take it upon themselves, to support women because we ascend by lifting others. #ListenUp What will your legacy be? #ActivateByDesign #ActivateWILA #GemsandNuggets #EnlightenElevateEvolve #LearnLeadandLeaveaLegacy

In this episode, I’m honoured for this opportunity to talk to my friend and mentor Esther Masese Waititu. The adventurous Esther is the Executive Director, Strategy Development, Corporate, and Investment Bank, East Africa at the Stanbic Bank. She served as the East Africa Regional Executive Head and Head of Product Management for Transactional Products and Services at Stanbic.The inspiration behind this podcast is one of Esther's favorite authors, John Maxwell famous for the quote, "The person grows from the inside to what we see on the outside".  As a Leader, Esther believes that everyone matters, and therefore, everyone should be intentional in achieving their goals and determining the impact they intend to have in the societies they live in. At the time of this Podcasts Esther is preparing to transition to a new role in Zambia. She has also served at the Standard Chartered Bank as Product Head Transaction Banking, Southern Africa in Johannesburg, and senior Manager Customer Relationship Management, Corporate Institutional Banking in Nairobi. Prior to joining Standard Chartered Bank, in a span of 5 years 4 months, Esther rose from Corporate Finance Analyst to Corporate Finance Manager and later to Customer Relationship Management Manager at the Commercial Bank of Africa (former CBA Group) She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Eastern Africa Baraton with an MBA in Business Administration Management from the University of Liverpool.

What does it mean to have confidence? What is Executive Presence?  In this episode, I am excited to explore this topic with my fellow coach, friend and mentor Dr. Catherine Munene. Dr. Catherine Munene. She is the Head of Talent at Vodafone for Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific (AMAP) region. Catherine also not only an Executive Coach but also an advocate of coaching as an enabling tool for leaders to unlock and unleash their potential and capability.Currently the Head of Talent at Vodafone for Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific region, Dr. Munene shares insights from her personal journey. A story of continuous learning and evolving as a leader. Developing and managing confidence through preparation, practice, resilience, and perseverance. Catherine delivers precious gems of wisdom for anyone looking to grow in their leadership journey.As usual, we look forward to receiving your feedback! Thank you all for your continued support.

In this episode, Adeolu and I talk about the magic of speaking out and lending your voice in the workplace. We also explore the topic of self-care and share some gems and nuggets to get you back on track as you reprioritize during this COVID-19 pandemic.Adeolu is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA), who is thrilled to finally be initiating direct growth and investment in Africa. Working to reshape her African position with the aim to win undisputable pan-Africa leadership. She drives one of the three pillars of the new growth strategy by pursuing a pipeline of merger and acquisition (M&A) opportunities priority markets, including Kenya/East Africa, Morocco, and Nigeria. This includes formulating, budgeting, and executing M&A processes for the region, negotiating with internal and external stakeholders at the headquarters, regional and local levels, and delivering on-the-ground transformation post-acquisition. In her current position as the Regional Head of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Transformation Africa at Allianz. Prior to this, she was the Head of Strategy & Sales Development, Corporate Business in Istanbul Turkey, Head of Strategy Execution & Emerging Consumers, Global Life & Health in Germany and AVP, Global Reward & Performance, Group HR in German for the same Multinational organization.She holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Japanese (minor) from Penn State University. I present to you Adeolu Adewumi-Zer.

In this episode, I’m honored for the opportunity to talk to a leading Impact Investment professional who has experience working across several African markets. She has prior experience in commercial banking and is currently running a network of organizations supporting entrepreneurship in emerging markets.Her strengths lie in providing insights on the East Africa entrepreneurship ecosystem, seeking out and introducing like-minded organizations to each other to promote partnerships and highlighting opportunities for impact. A trained financial journalist, passionate about fueling economic growth in Africa through data driven journalism.She currently works as the Senior Regional Chapter Manager, East Africa at Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE). I present to you Maryanne Nyawira Ochola

"Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount." ~ Clare Boothe LuceWhat do you believe is the single most important quality that leaders today need to survive the future of work? According to Brené Brown, the leading American researcher and author on vulnerability, empathy, and shame, its courage. In the fourth episode of the Gems and Nuggets Podcast in 2021, our Lead Activator MaryAnne Mwaura speaks to Patricia Ithau. Growing into a courageous leader who leads their organizations in authentic and sustainable ways benefits your company and career. "A courageous leader has the gift of giving, courage comes in so many forms, in that you're not afraid to give off yourself. In giving of yourself, then courage is perceived," says Patricia. Courageous leaders who live their values instead of just talking about them are never silent about hard things.She continues to encourage women in leadership to bring their authentic selves and to let the right people be aware that they are available for opportunities.  What makes for great Leadership? #PressPlay #ActivateByDesign #ActivateWILA #GemsandNuggets #EnlightenElevateEvolve #LearnLeadandLeaveaLegacy #WomenOnBoards #WomanInLeadership #CourageousLeaders #CourageousLeadership

"Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." Oprah WinfreyOur Lead Activator @MaryAnneMwaura had a chat with @Wawira Njiru in this last episode of 2020, themed “Harnessing The Power of Gratitude”. Gratitude is an often -overlooked aspect of leadership. Acquiring an attitude of gratitude is tough. But if you make the effort to practice it every day, in the midst of your hardship, you might find the thing that entirely transforms your life.Wawira shares with us that having gratitude for the beginnings, for how hard it has been, and for how much that has changed her as a person is important, she is now thankful for the lessons and growth gained over time. As we close out the year 2020, we wish you a Merry Christmas and we look forward to engaging with you in the New Year- and pray that it's a year filled with gratitude, success, and good health for all! #PressPlay #Gratitude #WomenInLeadership #ActivateWILA  #GemsandNuggets #ActivateByDesign

Our Lead Activator MaryAnne Mwaura had a chat with Tewa Onasanya in this last season of 2020, themed ‘Harnessing the Power of Gratitude”.Research shows that gratitude encourages prosocial behavior as well as strengthen workplace relationships. It also reduces depressive symptoms via positive reframing and thus can have a positive impact on employee well-being. Tewa shares how the more you practice being grateful for specific elements of your life, the more you will have to be grateful for. It’s the same with the people around you. What strategies would help to nurture and sustain an attitude of gratitude in your work context? #PressPlay #Gratitude #Mindset #WomenInLeadership #ActivateWILA #GemsandNuggets #SelfAwareness #Mindfullness #EmotionalIntelligence

“It’s a pivotal moment and the future is bright- as we are the ones who will create the future!” — Dr. Anino EmuwaOur Lead Activator  MaryAnne Mwaura had a chat with  Anino Emuwa in this special episode on Finishing Strong.Leaders today must continually be a positive reminder to all that our personal and professional responsibility is to finish strong.Anino says "Resilience is about being able to continue despite the circumstances by recognizing where you have difficulties and calling for help" #PressPlay What actions have you put in place to finishing strong this year? #Resilience #FinishingStrong #Tenacity #WomenInLeadership #ActivateWILA #Optimistic #GemsandNuggets #SelfAwareness #Mindfullness #EmotionalIntelligence

“No one who achieves success does so without the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” – Alfred North Whitehead It's #PodcastFriday! in the first episode of ‘The Gratitude Series’ the Lead Activator @MaryAnne Mwaura speaks to the engaging @AgathaJumaGratitude is a habit. It’s a way of looking at the world and all the good things in it with a feeling of appreciation, regardless of whether or not your current situation is to your liking. This November, let’s take a step towards remembering the blessings in our lives and the lives of those around us.Agatha urges you to take time to look back and mine your stories, know your stories, own your stories and she assures us that it will change our lives. What or who do you have enabled you to become who you are? #PressPlay #ListenUp#WomenInLeadership #ActivateWILA #Reflection #GemsandNuggets #SelfAwareness #Mindfullness  #EmotionalIntelligence #MineYourStories #Gratitude

“What helps you persevere is your resilience and commitment.” ― Roy T. Bennett.It's #PodcastFriday! in the fourth episode of the Journeys of Resilience series, we speak to  Uduak Amimo.Like building a muscle, increasing your resilience takes time and intentionality. Focusing on healthy thinking, self-awareness among other tactics can empower you to increase your capacity to weather and grow from any situation. Uduak says  "Women carry an unfair brunt of the worst of humanity and so if you don't cultivate resilience, it is very easy to lose your place both personally and professionally" How are you cultivating resilience?#PressPlay #ListenUp#Resilience #WomenInLeadership #ActivateWILA #Optimistic #GemsandNuggets #SelfAwareness #Mindfullness  #EmotionalIntelligence

“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.”― Elizabeth EdwardsIt's #PodcastFriday! in the third episode of the Journeys of Resilience series, we speak to  @KaniniMutooni.People who respond with resilience recognize that life is neither all good nor all bad and are open to many possibilities. This is one of the reasons resilient people are described as optimistic because even when the situation looks doubtful, they are probably on the lookout for opportunities.Kanini stated that we need to identify and be intentional to have the right mentors, coaches, and sponsors in the workplace that are willing to be supportive of your leadership journey. In your leadership journey, have you identified who these individuals are to you? Share your thoughts in the comment section. #PressPlay #ListenUp #Resilience #WomenInLeadership #ActivateWILA #Optimistic #GemsandNuggets

“The only journey is the journey within.” – Rainer Maria RilkeIts #PodcastFriday! in the second episode of the Journeys of Resilience series, we speak to @Asim Shah.Leaders are an important aspect of recovery if one of their team members is struggling with a mental health issue. Asim shares his resilience journey and his nuggets of wisdom on how to cope and conquer depression.   "Open communication about where you're at mentally is really important, sharing is half the job" he says. As we mark World Mental Health Day tomorrow, what are you doing to bring in more light, openness and unashamed conversation on this very important issue?  As a leader what new policies and practices have you put in place to create a mentally healthy culture and maintain the overall mental wellness of your team? Share your thoughts in the comment section. #PressPlay #ListenUp #ActivateWILA #MentalWellness #MentalHealth #Resilience #GemsAndNuggets

When the sea or ocean comes rough, and the waves are highest, surfers take the wave head-on and rise above it, the journey of life is to find out what we are good at and do it well- Angie MurengaIts #PodcastFriday our first guest in this new series themed "Journeys of Resilience" is the lovely @AngieMurenga"Resilience is not a trait that you have or you don’t have. The good news is that these traits can be learned and developed. The muscle that is resilience is essential to maintain and grow our wellbeing, therefore we have to invest in the tools that help us cope with uncertainty.  As we use the resilience muscle it gets stronger.What are you doing to strengthen your resilience muscle?#PressPlay #ListenUp #Resilience #WomenInLeadership #ActivateWILA #Ridethewave #GemsandNuggets

Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. KennedyIt's #Podcast Friday! In this episode of the Breaking Through Glass Ceilings, Cliffs, and Walls series we speak to @MiriamMutebiThere is strength in increasing your numbers and building teams. Each team member whether male or female brings in a different skillset and clientele; the more diverse a team the more support, vision, and better outcomes are derived."You can't rely on a single skillset, continually develop your skills," says Dr. MiriamAs we end this Breaking Glass series let’s remember to demonstrate why you should have a seat at the table by playing the talent card and not the gender. Let us be courageous to let others know of our accomplishments.