We Three Queens of Africa

In this episode Musonda helps us think through the idea of personal branding. Miche is the consummate multi hyphenate and reflects on her changing professions and how she manages the shifts of her 'brand' at work. Achieng uses a great analogy about how one could consider a branding package. In addition, her loud voice and big personality are part of her unique brand. We all discuss the three queens branding attributes --story telling and authenticity are key!

We talk candidly about harassment at work - what it is, how it manifests, what you can do about it and how it has affected us. #Metoo frank and important discussion that will be interesting to all who care about belonging, decency justice and equality.

This episode from last year's International Women's Day celebrates women as well as our key motivators and ambassadors growing up as well as presently !!!! Here is to all of our role models near and far! How do you support girls and women?  

Another practical conversation in our career episode: a  few practical tips about how to improve public speaking skills - We talk about how to prepare, pitfalls to avoid, where in the audience to look, what to do with your hands...We have had the opportunity to lead panels, give keynotes or moderate and while we are not perfect, and are still learning as we go along, these tips may be of use to you. As usual, we also have one or two very funny 'OMG' moments that will have you in giggles..of course we are on Zoom calls these days but some of these tips work for online presentations too. 

What is mansplaining? We define it as per our experiences and articulate how we have tackled it. Many women we know have been "mansplained" at work. 

This phenomenon has got to stop. What is it? Well, often, men in a professional setting will say the exact same thing a woman has just said, perhaps add a few more words here and there, and run with this idea, essentially taking credit for it. Subconcsiously perhaps. Or even unconsciously? We are not sure. All we know is that it is simply not nice. It is one of those many manifestations of gender bias in the workplace, the result of which minimises women voices, diminishes the trust among professionals and long term leads to poor engagement as well as dissatisfaction by women at work. The men we have spoken to are mature enough to know that it happens, and are trying to gauge when they do it, why they do it and stop altogether as well as promote equitable discussions in the conference room and in the work place.

Candid conversations, as always! Listen, and do review our podcast! Thank YOU.

African women dating in the world out there!

As we are in the month of love, we reflect on our dates, specifically our quirky/interesting dates-- where online doesn't match up with reality; where the man oops forgot his wallet and when the date felt uncomfortable with the 'economics' of things. Funny story. What dating adventures have you had? Enjoy this one. You live you learn..or you date, you learn ;-)

In this episode, we have a great chat about how talking about one's work, skills and qualities is sometimes perceived as 'bragging' and, therefore, undesirable, particularly for women.  Perhaps girls are told to 'tone it down', and as a result,  later in life, we do not speak up about our skills and capabilities. In Africa, girls and women are told, directly or indirectly, to be humble and speak less about our achievements - one of those 'cultural' tenets that may be undesirable after all.  Some men too, have reported that they sometimes shy of sharing their skills so as to avoid being too boastful. Where on the scale do you fall - do you 'brag' or are you humble? 

We invite fitness guru Lorna (IG: i_am_lorna_b) to tell us about her fitness principles and are enthralled by how basic and yet powerful they are: Eat a variety of foods, drink water, plan your workouts (walks, whatever you do) as you would a meeting..and one of our faves - treasure good old African grains and foods. This is a great episode, particular in this season when many of us will fall for fad diets and fitness tips that truly are well, un sustainable!

Are you a Multihyphenate --one of those people who has several passions that you infuse into your life's work. You are not of the school that you need to do one thing only. Or you may be a purist, a doctor, or a lawyer or an engineer, a writer and can't imagine doing anything else, but have met people who are able to juggle seemingly diverse disciplines and are baffled by this. We coined the term 'multilicious' to capture the essence of what you like doing with your life, your work and your passions.  You are multitalented and multi faceted. Join us as we explore your, and our, multiliciousness. 

In this profession-related episode we talk to Irene, founder of Credible Jewels, about her path to entrepreneurship, the gorgeous pearl jewellery that she designs and the importance of high quality in this industry. The nuggets of wisdom will be compelling for any entrepreneur or start up - it is never easy but passion and hard work are part of the journey to success, fulfilment and incredible pearls.