The Everyday Leader
By CoffeeChat
CoffeeChat is a Future of Work technology startup on a mission to democratize access to executive coaching for the estimated 15 million managers working at companies, organizations, and governments across Africa.
The CoffeeChat platform helps teams accelerate their growth at half the cost of traditional coaching with access to our global pool of coaches who specialize in leadership, strategy, marketing, and careers.
Request access for your team at www.coffeechat.co
The Everyday LeaderOct 27, 2021
Evy Nyairo: Global People Operations Manager, IDinsight
Leadership experience vs leadership roles, finding the courage to suggest changes about how your team works, and embracing AI in the HR sector.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/evy-nyairo
Connect with Evy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evy-m-nyairo/
Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/
Queen Kaze: Global HR Manager, Jibu
Entrusting Team Members To Learn On The Job, Gaining Buy-In From Peer Managers, And Keeping The Company's Mission And Vision At The Forefront Of Strategy Conversations
Episode Summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/queen-kaze
Connect with Queen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/queen-kaze-612885125/
Learn more about Jibu: https://jibuco.com/
Ruben Munien: Head of Leadership, Learning and Talent, CIEL Textile
Building the business case for HR initiatives within companies, growing his network through CoffeeChat, and practicing an agile mindset as a manager.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ruben-munien
Connect with Ruben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-munien-1131b064/
Learn more about CIEL Textile: https://www.cieltextile.com/
Adebola Adeniran: Chief of Staff, Moni
Knowing when to shut down a project, leveraging peer coaching, and continuous innovation in the fintech sector.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/adebola-adeniran
Connect with Adebola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adebola-niran/
Learn more about Moni: https://www.moni.africa/
Ivan Mbowa: Managing Partner, IKM Advisors
The Role of Consultants, Adapting His Leadership Style, and Knowing When In-Person Dealmaking is Desired
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ivan-mbowa
Connect with Ivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivanmbowa/
Audrey Mate: Program Manager, Africa, Village Capital
Learning about leadership in student-run organizations, the importance of including peer support during startup accelerators, and working with a management coach to navigate a promotion.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/audrey-mate
Connect with Audrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khasavuli/
Learn more about Village Capital: https://vilcap.com/
Darshani Haria: Commercial Director, Rescue.co
Preparing For A Dynamic Career, Leadership Styles Learned On The Job, and Finding a Business Worth Promoting
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/darshani-haria
Connect with Darshani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshaniharia/
Learn more about Rescue.co: https://www.rescue.co/
Hannah Olukoye: Engineering Manager, TaxFix
Becoming An Engineering Manager, Moving to Europe, And Leveraging Mentorship
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/hannah-olukoye
Connect with Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannaholukoye/
Learn more about TaxFix: https://taxfix.de/
Tai Ajayi: Vice President of Product Commercial, Propel
The communication, collaboration, and stakeholder influence needed as a product manager.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/tai-ajayi
Connect with Tai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taiwo-ajayi-4b316a49/
Learn more about Propel: https://withpropel.com/
Cassandra Kiereini: Director, Shortlist
Learning when to speak up and not taking power skills for granted.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/cassandra-kiereini
Connect with Cassandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandramk/
Learn more about Shortlist: https://shortlist.net/
Judy Komen: General Manager, TryKe
The Power of Peer Coaching & Fostering Trust Through Remote Work
Episode Summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/judy-komen
Connect with Judy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judykomen/
Learn more about TryKe: https://www.solar-e-cycles.com/
Rose Mwende: Country Manager, Kipawa
Leveraging curiosity as a superpower
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/rose-mwende
Connect with Rose: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemwende/
Learn more about Kipawa: https://www.kipawa.io/
Hakeem Akiode: Head of Growth & Marketing, Youverify
Listening to all perspectives, collaborating with others, and crafting logical arguments.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/hakeem-akiode
Connect with Hakeem: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakeemakiode/
Learn more about Youverify: https://www.youverify.co/
Evans Onyango: Client Success Manager, Ona
Diving into manager roles early in your career, being proactive and selective when seeking out a mentor, and feeling ownership and pride in the products your company provides.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/evans-onyango
Connect with Evans: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evans-onyango-826a0499/
Learn more about Ona: https://ona.io/home/
James Osho: Country Finance Manager, IDP Education
Moving across different sectors early in your career, finding roles that help you uncover new skills, and taking an active role in translating a global company’s culture
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/james-osho
Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-osho-acca-03520129/
Learn more about IDP Education: https://www.idp.com/
Timothy Mburu: Head of ICT, Madison Group Kenya
Driving early adoption within the fintech sector, positioning your team strategically within your company, and aiming to be a pull leader.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/timothy-mburu
Connect with Timothy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-mburu-a1468116/
Learn more about Madison Group Kenya: https://www.madison.co.ke/
Marion Samantha Wambui: Customer Success Manager, Raise
Earning promotions through both performance and trust, setting internal expectations through SOPs, and building a customer council
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/samantha-wambui
Connect with Samantha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-samantha-wambui-b092694a/
Learn more about Raise: https://www.getraise.io/
Benedict Oghenede: PR & Marketing Manager, Trove Finance
Giving enough time to your team members, team collaboration at tech startups, and putting in the effort to upskill yourself
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/benedict-oghenede
Connect with Benedict: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedict-oghenede-b70955b0/
Learn more about Trove Finance: https://www.troveapp.co/
Tricia Govindasamy: Senior Data Product Manager, Code For Africa
Leveraging team members for peer learning, separating personal and project check-ins and embracing the world of data.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/tricia-govindasamy
Connect with Tricia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-govindasamy/
Learn more about the Code For Africa: https://codeforafrica.org/
Esther Ndagire: Digital Transformation Fellow, African Union
Leadership through influence, learning and relearning leadership lessons, and digital transformation within African governments
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/esther-ndagire
Connect with Esther: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-ndagire/
Learn more about the African Union: https://au.int/
Gabriel Gab-Umoden: Group Marketing Head, The African Talent Company
Being firm on outcomes and flexible on strategy, staying agile to grow quickly, and using coaching sessions to expand your perspective.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/gabriel-gab-umoden
Connect with Gabriel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielgabumoden/
Learn more about The African Talent Company: https://www.tatcafrica.com/
Ann Kitare: Head of Customer Success (B2C), Fuzu
Building a team from scratch, maintaining continuity in the face of staff turnover and being comfortable with your team’s motivations
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ann-kitare
Connect with Ann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-kitare-6806374a/
Learn more about Fuzu: https://www.fuzu.com/
Kelly Ng-Lun: Community Manager, MCB Ltd.
Managing others the way you would want to be managed, identifying your values before setting a vision, and the many sides of community management
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/kelly-ng-lun
Connect with Kelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellynl/
Learn more about MCB: https://mcb.mu/
Ifedolapo Ogunjubee: Head of Global Business and Partnerships, Termii
Finding win-win roles for team members, building a culture of trust within a fast-moving startup team, and translating your personal superpower into a business advantage.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ifedolapo-ogunjubee
Connect with Ife: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifedolapo-ogunjubee/
Learn more about Termii: https://termii.com/
Darlington Kabatende: Regional Director, Jibu
Shifting from individual contributor to people manager, building win-win relationships with franchise owners, and empowering local leaders to adapt business models.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/darlington-kabatende
Connect with Darlington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darlington-kabatende-511b6024/
Learn more about Jibu: https://jibuco.com/
Ben Shaw: Associate, EXEO Capital
Dealing with stress, using mentors to manage ups and downs, and the importance of contextualizing leadership and business advice.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/ben-shaw
Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-shaw-24480835/
Learn more about EXEO Capital: https://www.exeocapital.com/
Maggy Mushira: Partner, Global Search, Shortlist
Confronting insecurities by speaking about them, balancing strategy with execution, and how great leaders can step in and succeed with almost any team.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/maggy-mushira
Connect with Maggy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggymushiraagweyu/
Learn more about Shortlist: https://www.shortlist.net/
Chilekwa Banda: Managing Director, Post Dot Net Zambia
The challenges of managing staff who are friends, the importance of making teams know that they have been heard, and why leaders need to understand enough about each part of their business.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/chilekwa-banda
Connect with Chilekwa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chilekwabanda/
Learn more about Post Dot Net Zambia: http://www.postdotnet.co.zm/
Benny Ayerite: Manager, Enforcement, NSITF
Being a manger inside a civil service organization and the types of responsibilities that don't show up on a job description.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/benny-ayerite
Connect with Benny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedicta-ayerite-9176b98b/
Learn more about NSITF: https://www.nsitf.gov.ng/
Syakaa William: Project Manager, Dalberg
Being mindful of setting the right pace of work for a team, enabling a customized work experience for staff and identifying a problem you are passionate about.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/syakaa-william
Connect with Syakaa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syakaa-william-54917455/
Learn more about Dalberg: https://dalberg.com/
Yekeen Ajeigbe: Senior Engineering Manager, Deimos
How entrepreneurship experience can make you a better manager, the best practices of open communication with clients, and why leaders need to regularly adapt their style.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/yekeen-ajeigbe
Connect with Yekeen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yekeenajeigbe/
Learn more about Deimos: https://deimos.io/
Dinah Njuguna: Investment Manager for Africa, Kiva
Creating space for making mistakes, the importance of establishing your credibility, and being more mindful of time management during remote work.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/dinah-njuguna
Connect with Dinah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinah-n-5b877964/
Learn more about Kiva: https://www.kiva.org/
Collins Lumumba: Head of Customer Experience, Metropolitan National Sacco
The difference between a boss and a leader, staying resilient during times of rapid sector transformation and being proactive about continuous professional development.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/collins-lumumba
Connect with Collins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collins-lumumba-mcim-63a052b0/
Learn more about Metropolitan National Sacco: https://www.metrosacco.co.ke/
Temitayo Samson-Grace: Head of Talent, Big Cabal Media
Making a career pivot within a company, how best to approach your side gig, and how media influences how we show up as leaders.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/temitayo-samson-grace
Connect with Temi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/temitayosg/
Learn more about Big Cabal Media: https://www.bigcabal.com/
Matthew Henshall: Founder & CEO, Lessonspace & Code4Kids
Stepping into a leadership role by necessity, parallel learning through managing multiple businesses, and the risks of aiming for a perfect outcome.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/matthew-henshall
Connect with Matthew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewhenshall/
Learn more about Lessonspace: https://www.thelessonspace.com/
Learn more about Code4Kids: https://www.getcode4kids.com/
Timi Omotoso: Product Manager, Dojah
On building alongside founders as a Product Manager, using Twitter to learn on the job and conduct market research, and building in public to establish trust and confidence with early adopters.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/timi-omotoso
Connect with Timi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omotoso-oluwatimilehin-158968121/
Learn more about Dojah: https://www.dojah.io/
Neha Kumar: Head of Product Partnerships, Stitch
Building authentic relationships with business partners, the shift from time-based to outcome-based work, and how the process of hiring a team can lead to valuable reflection.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/neha-kumar
Connect with Neha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehakumar2/
Learn more about Stitch: https://stitch.money/
Nelly Agyemang-Gyamfi: Group Director of Operations, Moringa School
Developing self-awareness as a leader, building a reputation for getting things done, and transitioning to leading through influence.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/nelly-agyemang-gyamfi
Connect with Nelly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nellyagyemanggyamfi/
Learn more about Moringa School: https://moringaschool.com/
Kevine Kagirimpundu: CEO & Co-Founder, UZURI K&Y
The power of telling your brand’s story, seeking opportunities to stay grounded as a leader, and designing your workspace with your team in mind.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/kevine-kagirimpundu
Connect with Kevine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevine-kagirimpundu
Learn more about UZURI K&Y: https://uzuriky.com
Sitati Kituyi: Co-Founder, Hodi
Different ways software engineers can pursue leadership roles, understanding the context of the problems you are solving, and finding the right balance between product velocity and technical debt.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/sitati-kituyi
Connect with Sitati: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sitati-kituyi
Learn more about Hodi: https://www.hodi.co/
Chipo Phiri: Director of Talent, UpEnergy Group
Screening your potential new employers for values fit, understanding the demographics of your team and how leaders have been emboldened to become more creative.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/chipo-phiri
Connect with Chipo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipo-emmanuella/
Learn more about UpEnergy: https://www.upenergygroup.com/
Phoebe Kagame: Head of Operations, M-Shule
Stepping up into roles where you have been appointed, influencing upwards within a leadership team, and setting clear expectations around performance with your team.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/phoebe-khagame
Connect with Phoebe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phoebe-khagame/
Learn more about M-Shule: https://mshule.com/
Krista Davidson: Executive Head, Injini
Aligning on working styles with new teams, leaning on your strengths during challenges, and being intentional about making the most of hybrid work.
Episode summary: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/krista-davidson
Connect with Krista: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristaroberto/
Learn more about Injini: https://injini.africa/
Joseph Rutakangwa: Founder & CEO, Rwazi
Managing a network of 10,000 freelancers, keeping your startup team focused, and identifying self-limiting beliefs with an executive coach to unlock business growth.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/joseph-rutakangwa
Connect with Joseph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-rutakangwa/
Learn more about Rwazi: https://www.rwazi.com/
Mumbi Annstella: Country Growth Manager, Tala
Creating collective ownership by setting strategy through OKRs, leveraging internal expertise at larger organizations, and playing the roles of supervisor and mentor for team members.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/mumbi-annstella
Connect with Mumbi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mumbi-annstella-543b0969/
Learn more about Tala: https://tala.co/
Krishna Ramesh: Associate Director, IDinsight
Balancing the benefits and blindspots of international experience, embracing a culture of ownership, and staying connected to the team and mission while working remotely.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/krishna-ramesh
Connect with Krishna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnajramesh/
Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/
Luizer Makena: Regional Manager, East Africa, SeamlessHR
Finding what you can be the best at, making time to pause during transitions, and the power of working with a professional coach.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/luizer-makena
Connect with Luizer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luizer-m-73924072/
Learn more about SeamlessHR: https://seamlesshr.com/
Persis Ashers: Africa Regional Operations Director, IDinsight
Working with coaches during career transitions, leveraging company culture as a pillar for growth, and adapting to the future of work.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/persis-ashers
Connect with Persis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/persis-m-ashers/
Learn more about IDinsight: https://www.idinsight.org/
Catherine Njeri: Key Account Manager, Cellulant
Shaping your story to mobilize, finding ways to identify blindspots, and future-proofing your career by developing a mix of soft skills and industry expertise.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/catherine-njeri
Connect with Catherine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-njeri-3278a4130/
Learn more about Cellulant: https://cellulant.io/
Wairimu Njoki: VP of Operations - East Africa, Micro Insurance Company
Discovering your favorite type of work, understanding the why of your company, and adjusting your 1:1 check-in rhythm over time.
Episode summary page: https://blog.coffeechat.co/p/wairimu-njoki
Connect with Wairimu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wairimunjoki/
Learn more about Micro Insurance Company: https://microinsurance.com/