You can watch this episode on our YouTube channel, HERE.

For this one, Akumu and Claire sit down with Nyambura Gichohi, one of the visionaries behind Ikigai (@ikigai). As a mother, entrepreneur, and design extraordinaire, Nyambura has redefined the concept of coworking and workspaces in Kenya. Her passion for bringing people together led to the creation of stunning, wellness-focused spaces that inspire creativity and productivity.

Timestamps for Specific Segments

(0:00) Introduction

(1:32) Introduction to Ikigai Brookside in Piano Building, Westlands

(2:40) How Nyambura Gichohi is connected to Ikigai

(3:11) Biophilic connection: the natural human connection to biophilia

(4:34) Who Nyambura Gichohi is beyond Ikigai

(5:10) Motherhood as a new part of her identity and learning from her daughter

(6:23) Parents not owning their children / not over-controlling them

(7:04) Balancing her identity as an entrepreneur vs. a mother

(8:49) The importance of "space"- where we spend a third of our lives

(10:05) Harvard Study about longevity and how humans crave connection

(10:58) How Ikigai thinks about space and the perfect coworking environment

(13:11) Architecting interaction as suggested by Stephanie Akkaoui Hughes

(15:02) The meaning of the Japanese concept of 'ikigai"

(15:58) Nyambura finding her ikigai: building Ikigai Nairobi

(17:16) Did she read the Ikigai book before or after naming the company?

(18:08) Have Akumu and Claire found their ikigais?

(19:07) The five-minute Yes Challenge that Nyambura sets for Akumu and Claire

(30:32) Nyambura rates the girls for the completed Yes Challenge

(31:53) How to design spaces for introverts vs. extroverts

(37:03) How to interact with Ikigai Nairobi - whether you are a member or not

(39:16) Her career trajectory: Had she always pictured herself as an entrepreneur?

(42:58) How she finally got started with entrepreneurship: listening to that calling

(45:34) Unrelenting support from the people in her life and the Ikigai team

(48:21) Are entrepreneurs born or made?

(49:39) Parents nurturing the right skills and opportunities with their children

(51:17) Focus on purpose and growth over perfection: trust the process

(53:03) The importance of value-alignment and purpose especially for women entrepreneurs

(57:05) What Nyambura has recently said "yes" to

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This episode was filmed and recorded at Ikigai Brookside and is brought to you by Ikigai: beautifully designed coworking spaces that cater to your every need. Their workspaces are designed to boost productivity and creativity while fostering a sense of community.

Important resources:

Follow Nyambura Gichohi:

https://ke.linkedin.com/in/nyamburagichohi 

Learn more about Ikigai and book a tour:

https://ikigai.co.ke/ 

Books mentioned by Nyambura:

• Ikigai by Héctor García, Francesc Miralles
• Architecting Interaction: How to Innovate through Interactions by Stephanie Akkaoui Hughes

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