I am a world-citizen of Kenyan descent with homes in France and America. Having been brought up by traditional African parents one of whom was in military, I literally inhaled some values while acquiring others through osmosis! We can spend an entire moon-cycle debating whether respect is earned or given but in my household, there were no discussions on this: those older than you automatically were to be respected.
Honesty was non-negotiable, choices had consequences. Being part of a big family, we had to take care of each other, learn to listen to each other and be patient, courteous, committed to our chores and most of all love each other unconditionally. As a result, these values are ingrained in me and am generally a very optimistic person and an active listener. I have learnt to make lemonades with the lemons of life. I don’t believe in failure as everything is a lesson. I take risks, make rational decisions and stand by them though nothing is cast on stone and am pretty flexible. Am hopeful, friendly, responsible but most importantly, I cherish my value of gratitude and still cultivate it daily.
"The person who does not travel thinks his or her mother is the only and best cook)" African proverb.
At the Rutgers Graduate School of Communication in New Brunswick, USA
The friends I choose with a tooth-pick, I cherish and keep for life
In the Kenya Broadcasting Live Transmission Radio Studio, Nairobi Kenya
One of my Island destinations. Venice, Italy
Professor Lepiarz and I after my final Advanced Communication Analysis class presantation in Rutgers University
Hiking the Swiss Alps
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today". Malcolm X
I literally live the saying that the world is a global village because with me, there are no boundaries. Geographically they do but not physically or mentally. I enjoy nature’s experiences like adventurous hikes, road-trips and visiting new places. I have conquered my water-phobia and though I still cannot swim, Islands are one of my favorite tourist destinations.
An afternoon with Dolphins in Madeira Island, Portugal
Road trip to the French Riviera, Côte d'Azur
Am always interested in the local people’s cultures and how they live. This inspires my ‘think global act local’ framework within which I operate. These diverse personal experiences outside of work usually rejuvenate my spirit, nourishing my creativity in my work environment and in whatever tasks I embark on. I totally enjoy engaging with people and this makes me come alive anytime!
Boat-riding from one island to another in Greece
Like Leonardo da Vinci, I believe simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. With a blend of my personality, skills, experience in multi-media, education, extensive travels and open-nature I know how to leverage all communication aspects from translating concepts to insights to simplifying complex issues yet remaining sophisticated and diplomatic. I have cultivated a learning culture which ensures am always at the top of things, dynamic and proactive.
I would love to hear from you on how you run communication in your organization, how you see communication being run, challenges encountered and how we can draw from each other. Let’s connect and I’ll share more on how I leverage professionally from my personal travels and how being strategic has moved situations from fire-fighting to being pro-active.
At the tombstone of Leonardo da Vinci. Château d’Amboise, France
Hike that led to a beautiful cave in the French Alps
Selfie: Jackie Manyaga
