I grew up in Kenya and found early in life my two passions – running small businesses and people development – I was spending vacations in high school running my parents’ businesses (retail and hospitality) and as soon as high school was over I went to be a leadership trainer at Outward Bound and later National Outdoor Leadership School. I spent six years studying architecture at the University of
Nairobi – and making the money to pay for fees and supplies as a marketing, merchandising and design manager for a couple of retail businesses (African Heritage with 5 retail outlets whose monthly turnover was above Kshs. 2 million and export business volume was above USD 100,000 per month; and later Fila East Africa where I set up a new retail outlet, relationships with 3 key partner retail outlets, and achieved a monthly turnover above Kshs. 500,000). I went on to spend the next couple of years as a financial analyst, a finance and administration manager, a board member, and a communications consultant before returning to one of my passions – people development. Over the last 15 years I have worn several hats and provided varied support in multiple roles to various organizations – management and leadership (Syngenta, Procasur, Nature Kenya); administrative and logistical services; research (both social and market research); event design, facilitation and documentation; strategic and programmatic support – as well as built a couple of small businesses (retail and hospitality). My key skill sets are in the areas of moderation, coaching, knowledge management and visual consulting. I have a special spot in her heart for SMEs. My goal is to deliver synergy to my clients (IREN, IFAD, UN Women, GIZ, IHPMR, Ipsos, Save the Children, Strathmore Business School to name a few) enabling them to achieve breakthrough results. I love travelling (especially camping and budget trips), reading, working out (hiking, running, gym), watching movies, and coffee. I am an active member of a rotary club (Rotary E-club of South West USA) and a volunteer conservationist (participate in mammal and bird census in various conservation sites in Kenya). I live in Nairobi with two wonderful men – my husband and my son.
