Powerful Woman of Purpose. Nyakan Munyeki
With Powerful Woman of Purpose we introduce you to those women who have fearlessly worked for their purpose. They balance their roles to perfectly fit their lives. This week we have Nyakan Munyeki, an extraordinary woman who found her purpose in development of Africa. She conquered all odds to ensure maximum utilisation of human and natural resources of the continent. Her success is defined by the transformation of lives. Let's take a peak at her life's journey towards fulfilling her purpose -
1. What’s your definition of purpose?
My definition of purpose is the reason for being, the reason for which you are created.
2. In 2004, you were faced with a life altering medical challenge, how did that impact your perspective on living your best life now?
2004 was a turning point in my life as I faced a life-altering medical challenge while I was expecting my second child. They found out that I had a life threatening condition which left me on bed rest for 5 months while on medication. Doctors and most of those around me didn’t know whether I would live through that situation. The baby had more chances of surviving if the pregnancy survived to 27 weeks.
In the midst of dealing with the sudden medical challenge that exposed me to the possibility of losing my life and that of the baby, I was forced to review my life’s journey to that moment. I played back my life up to that point in time. I realized that I had enjoyed various privileges; a comfortable life earning a 6-figure salary, travelling to various destinations for work and holiday, I had doing great things in the organizations I worked for – having increased efficiencies, productivity and revenues while introducing technology as a lever for improving business through analytics – Life was good ! How then could I suddenly find myself in this life threatening situation? As my life played itself before me, there was a glaring hole in my soul and spirit that left me empty, a number of questions played themselves in my mind over and over and over again.” How had my life brought transformation to others? What was my legacy? How will I be remembered if I died at that point? What would be said of me that would be directly attributing to changing the lives of those around me when I was gone? I knew then that I was not ready to go yet. Neither was my maker ready to take me, after all, I definitely hadn’t fulfilled the purpose for which he had sent me down on earth!
That was the beginning of my turning point. I silently negotiated for a second chance with God. I knew that the next half of my life would be sent being a deliberate solution provider and bringing impact everywhere around me. The impact I would create would be so tangible that when my maker would choose to take me, he and I would be happy that I had lived on earth, I begun to search for an opportunity to transform lives – I made a radical decision in my life, after 8 ½ years of building a career in the private sector as a consultant for multinationals across various sectors, I decided to venture out of the private sector and delve into the development sector. The baby did live, so did I- that’s another story in itself and a book waiting to be written. The hand of God was upon me for it’s only by his power that I overcame that season. My new lease of life led me into 9 years of great adventure and intense exposure and sacrifice working in various countries in Africa. . I had the privilege of working in regional and global positons with 2 large development organizations 1 from the UK and the other from USA. I interacted with communities, engaged with governments and policy makers, worked with great people who taught me, collaborated with me and inspired me to innovate and create solutions for various challenges that we faced. I led teams to develop solutions and business models that I felt would work for Africa. I learnt a lot about development and understood the challenges that faced Africa and its people. I discovered narratives that kept Africa poor and became agitated with the deep set desire to unlock the human and natural resource potential of the continent. I developed a passion and resolve to empower people and institutions to unlock their potential, achieve prosperity and turnaround the narrative of the African story by harnessing the gifts, culture, intellectual capacity and creative talent that is widespread in our continent. I desired to become a key contributor and player in Africa’s transformation so that it would take its rightful position on the global platform – I found Clarity of Purpose, My life’s assignment. It was time to jump out and pursue this burning dream to make my continent great again – I resigned my 6 figure job at a time that coincided with a promotion for the next level.
I plunged into the deep and founded Timeless Women of Wonder Foundation & Timeless Dynamic Services Ltd as channels of implementing my vision to transform Africa socially and economically, creating impact through multi sectoral collaborative partnerships and the empowerment of women for inclusive and sustainable growth. Today, I work with people and institutions to develop initiatives, programs and models that will unlock the potential of organizations and people. Leadership & Mentorship Programs, Empowerment Programs, Technologies that enhance online and offline trade, Enterprise accelerator programs and strategic investment consultancies.
3. You are Computer Science graduate and you resigned your six-figure job in an American multinational to follow your dream. What made you believe in your dream so much that you were able to make such radical decision?
It truly wasn’t an option anymore. My dream was beckoning me my purpose was calling. I reached a point in and outside of work where my mind was consumed with the vision and the dreams of a prosperous Africa, of a food secure continent, of a production based economy rather than a consumer based economy, of a positively inspired population, of an innovative solution driven society who takes leadership and responsibility of its challenges and solutions, of a wealthy and prosperous nation!! Someone needed to be driving this narrative and laying the framework and platform for its existence. Somebody somewhere needed to be draw like-minded leaders to drive strategies, develop transformational models and solutions that would work for Africa, reshape the narrative of Africa and implement initiatives that would unlock the potential of Africa. The call became so strong and after 1 ½ years of pondering, visioning, dreaming, planning and praying –I stepped out. It has been a challenging, nerve wrecking, very exciting, inspiring, intensive learning, fulfilling, impactful experience and the most rewarding decision I have ever made in my life.
4.How did you face the fear of the unknown after your resignation?
I can’t quite say that I had a plan to face the fear but what I can say is I stepped out afraid anyway. Day by day I gathered strength from the vision that I had. I drew strength and courage from the possibility of the realization of the outcomes of the vision. The dream propelled me. The clarity of my purpose and fulfilling it meant that I needed to be where my creator wanted me to be. God entrusted me with a role to play in unlocking the potential of Africa and me being out of alignment with that mandate wasn’t an option. Fear existed, fear never quite leaves but I am propelled by love for my continent and the vision.
5. In one of your interviews you talked about women not discovering their full potential by venturing into male-dominated careers. What are 4 key pointers you can share with women who want to venture out into such careers?
I would like to share three pointers with women who want to venture into such careers
You can do it, one of the biggest barriers of entry for women into male dominated sectors is their mind sets. Some women believe that these sectors were created for men, which in most instances is a lie. You find that future industries have so much potential for career growth, wealth creation, learning opportunities, skills development and mentorship. The mindset that construction and infrastructure is seen as a hard skill sector of drudgery, physically labor intensive and that our beauty will be affected adversely by the scorching sun. This isn’t true. I know very smart beautiful hard working women who are excelling in these sectors. Transforming the mindset is absolutely necessary for women who want to tap into opportunities in these sectors.
Role of men – A lot of the non-traditional sectors are highly male dominated. These sectors include energy, construction, infrastructure, oil and Gas, highly mechanized agriculture, manufacturing, maritime blue economy, sanitation systems etc. These sectors hold great long term potential for job and wealth creation. Both men and women can enjoy these opportunities. Women should not get into this sectors to compete with men, prove a point they can do it nor come in thinking they know it all. The best approach is to come into the sector as an equal player or professional who is bringing value to the table and who is willing to collaborate to unlock value in these sectors. Men who have been in the industries longer would open doors and create bridges for women to increase penetration in these industries. You don’t have to change who you are nor become like a man to excel in the industry. Just be yourself and bring your valued contribution to the table. Your chances of increasing acceptance within the industry are much higher as a professional high value contributor and collaborators who delivers results.
Be willing learn – Be willing to accept what you don’t know and know that its ok. Learn to ask for help where needed. Also learn the skills required to excel in that industry. Read and acquire knowledge in the field. People like to engage with those who are well informed in the respective subject matter. Being a computer scientist, I didn’t mind venturing into the construction sector. I acquired knowledge in the industry, partnered and collaborated with various players of industry asked for help from experts small and big in the projects I worked in.
Lastly I would like to say that you need to Set your boundaries in male dominated sectors. You find that sometimes women can be exposed to situations that can make them vulnerable to abuse as well as expose them to violations. It is good to set boundaries from the onset of your interactions. Set your boundaries and communicate your expectations with colleagues and partners in a firm but polite manner. Be confident about yourself even if you don’t feel like you are an expert yet. Be consistent in your behavior and actions and your will find that you will draw respect from those you work with. You will find that you can be safe while you enjoy your work in the industry.
6. How will you define your success?
For me success is not a one off event but rather a day by day, milestone upon milestone set of achievements. I find that most people dedicate their lives to achieving that one big thing in order to consider themselves successful. If something tragic happens before they achieve it, they will immediately feel like a failure. For me, I use my vision as my compass point. If every day I do one/some things that contribute to making that vision a reality then I am successful in that day. It also then means that my successes vary day on day. Success for me is also imparting into and building the next generation-starting with my children.
7. What motivates me to keep going?
When I see people’s lives transformed, when I see hope reignited in the previously hopeless, when my interventions and solutions ignite innovation, when my sessions unlock the potential of people and institutions, When I see people find clarity of purpose and set off to achieve it, When I know that my life is making a generational difference.
8. At beauty and Purpose we believe all women are created beautiful and our mission is to inspire them to live out their potential while shining in their individual beauty. How do you define and embrace your individual beauty as a woman and Visionary?
I believe that beauty should flow from within, I believe that a woman can pour out from what she carries within her. For me, continuously transforming and investing in developing my inner self through self-reflection, renewal, personal development and prayer ensures that I give out what will positively add value to my immediate environment. For me the effect one leaves in their immediate surrounding results in beauty that is attractive. It is beyond one’s looks but what one carries and leaves behind.
From a visionary stand point I believe that the motives behind the vison ( THE WHY) needs to be pure and needs to have people at the center of it. The resulting effect of the vision will be positive impact that can be felt throughout the ecosystem of the stakeholders and beneficiaries.
Intrinsically, People can read through motives that are behind plans, ideas, projects and initiatives. Results will be a more beautiful environment, more beautiful people, more beautiful system, more beautiful community, more beautiful country. Our people can only then translate that beauty around them and pass them out to the next generation.
9. As a family person, visionary and businesswoman who travels the world and make lasting impact, what is your go to activity for you to unwind and recharge?
I Unwind and recharge by spending time with my family and loved ones. I find that reading is a very good way to recharge me. I love to travel. I surround myself with positive minded people. I also take time to rest my body when I get the chance, go to gym and spa. I enjoy listening to inspirational audios and music. I have green fingers and love to plant and garden to relax my mind.
10. Besides the Bible what’s your favorite self-development book?
The bible is an all-time favorite for me but besides it, I don’t think I have a favorite book because I like to read so much. At every given time I am reading multiple books depending on what’s going on around me, what projects am working on, what areas I want to develop personally, professionally, what things motivate me and what subjects I am teaching at the time. One book I can recommend is an all-time favorite of one my mentors – “The Mavericks at Work “ by William C Taylor & Polly Labbarre . I find it a relevant book for our time. It embraces the unconventional thinking, innovation, new ideas and strategies that result in very successful enterprises and organizations.
