On 15th December, 2023, the Uganda Chapter of the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) hosted their annual gala at the prestigious Sheraton Hotel. The event welcomed distinguished representatives from diverse sectors, including esteemed judges from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court, as well as registrars and magistrates. Notable attendees also included representatives from key organizations such as the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), National Social Security Fund (NSSF), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Established in 1991, IAWJ is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that unites judges from various levels of the judiciary worldwide. The organization forms a robust network of influential leaders bound by their dedication to equal justice and the rule of law.
Through judicious and community-based initiatives, the organization ardently addresses issues encompassing gender-based violence, human trafficking, early and forced marriages, corruption, along with combating discrimination in employment, inheritance, education, and health services.
Her Royal Highness Sylvia Nagginda, the esteemed guest of honor, emphasized in her opening remarks the pivotal role women play as the backbone of societies. She underscored the significance of collaborative efforts to support vulnerable women. Furthermore, she urged judicial officers to expedite cases, embody qualities of substance, and inspired them to break barriers in their unwavering pursuit of equality and equity.
In her closing remarks, Her Royal Highness expressed heartfelt appreciation for organizations that have championed women’s empowerment, citing NWSC for not only employing women but also entrusting them with significant roles. She highlighted the transformative impact of this support, emphasizing its potential to embolden women who may hesitate to vie for prominent positions. Additionally, she noted that such initiatives contribute to shifting societal norms, challenging the mindset of men who may still resist allowing their wives to pursue professional careers.
Ms. Ebal conveyed sincere gratitude to NWSC for its unwavering commitment to empowering women in the legal sector. She applauded the organization for offering invaluable opportunities that facilitate the advancement and flourishing of women in their professional careers.
NWSC stands as a shining testament to the empowerment of women. Setting a positive example has not only inspired women globally but has also elevated the standards of living within families.–
The National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) stands as a beacon of empowerment for women, fostering inclusivity and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. NWSC’s commitment to gender equality is reflected in the substantial presence of skilled individuals and exemplified through initiatives that empower women in diverse sectors, from plumbing to leadership and legal roles.
Yesterday evening, NWSC’s female lawyers added a touch of grace to the Female Lawyers Network Distinguished Dinner hosted at Hotel Africana. The event, themed “Strategic Equality in Law,” highlighted the organization’s aim to foster a legal landscape where gender equality is strategically pursued and celebrated.
NWSC’s presence at this distinguished gathering underscored its dedication to supporting and promoting women in the legal profession, contributing to the broader cause of equality and diversity in the field.
The First Deputy Prime Minister, Ms. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, served as the chief guest and offered valuable counsel to the attendees. She encouraged them to embrace resilience, nurture creativity, and never underestimate their potentials.
In a pivotal moment, Ms. Kadaga officially launched the pioneering female law firm set to open its doors in Uganda, marking a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and empowering women in the legal profession.
The Female Lawyers Network (FLN), a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting female excellence, support, and development in the legal arena.
Thereafter, representatives from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) and Seatini shared invaluable insights, guiding the audience on leveraging skill sets to propel their legal careers. The discussions emphasized the significance of adversity, financial discipline, self-proving, team collaboration, emotional intelligence, and the importance of having a mission in life. Attendees were encouraged to find their niche, collaborate with fellow lawyers for knowledge expansion, and seize diverse opportunities.
Lastly, the event culminated in engaging discussions led by panelists, including Hon. Lady Justice Irene Esther Mulyangoja, offering practical strategies for achieving their professional goals.
On Friday 20th October, 2023, TEDX Entebbe organised an independently organised TED event which featured a number of diverse voices and experiences who brought forth a tapestry of wisdom, highlighting key themes of community, empathy, personal growth, and the dynamic evolution of the digital age.
These are my 4 Key Takeaways from the event.We should not underestimate the power of community.
We should not underestimate the power of community.
Joel Aita Jaffer was the first speaker with The Stone Soup Ideology. His story highlights the idea that collective magic transcends individual stones. He stated that they are building a 50 billion staidum in Arua because of the contributions of the common person. Any person can own a shop in the stadium with the lowest owner paying 10,000/= a day. His story showed that despite not qualifying for a loan. His company, through the lovely Arua community, are able to build a stadium that will uplift Arua city and beyond.
2. Share your good deeds with the world to inspire others.
Civic Source, team led, Jacqueline Asiimwe, shared that Civic Source embracing African philanthropy through sharing African communal stories that are touching lives. At Civic Source they aim to change the mentality that philanthropy is a rich man’s or white man’s philosophy and highlight the generosity of Africans. Tonny Otoa, CEO, Ubuntu leadership Safari discussed about his journey on using social media as a positive force in the community. Ubuntu Leadership Safari holds Community Fridays which cascades into a ripple effect of shared wisdom. Robert Kabushenga shared insights on humility as the cornerstone of empathy. He further stated that for one to be empathetic, they have to be self-aware and authentic in whatever they do, this will enable people want to communicate to you. He further urged the audience to stimulate adversity in their lives through occasionally creating challenging situations. He did this recently by climbing Mountain Rwenzori. He stated that such acts will keep one’s ego in check and remind you to stay humble. He ended his presentation by urging members to embrace gratitude and do good those who cannot do anything for you. This was clearly highlighted by a Dr. Gladys Atto, who is providing free eye care to less privileged communities of Karamoja. She shared her journey on interacting with the locals and urged more Ugandans to serve in hard-to-reach areas.
3. Resilience and scaling up companies.
Anthony Natiff, the former CEO of Guardian Health, urged entrepreneurs to empower staff through ownership of the company and giving people more responsibility. He stated that your job as the leader of a company should be to empower others to run the company, that is how great companies thrive for hundreds of years, long after their founder. Vincent Kayomba, the CEO of Pinnacle Security Limited, shared his personal journey of resilience from being a little boy in the village, selling fish to owning his own security company. He urged the audience to never give up and always give your best. His journey was one where his hard work created opportunities for him and enable him to create trust with people who elevated him through his journey. Michael Niyitegeka, CEO, Refactory; provided insights on life skills and adapting to the evolving technology in order for one to survive. Technology is your friend, he reiterated, use it to grow your business.
4. Do not forget to enjoy the journey.
Jerry Opoka, then shared insights on using dance for mental health through her dance sessions that have become a safe place for women to grow together. The TED Talk was crowned with DJ Mitch’s journey of self-innovation where he provided insights for members to absorb essential skills for personal and professional growth. He shared that Public Speaking came natural to him and he was having fun when MC ing at different events. He stated that this has enabled him to enjoy the journey and be in the present. He told the audience to look at what they are good at, what brings them joy, let it be your unique niche and communicate it clearly to the outside world so they know you for that particular skill. His skill is Public Speaking and he enjoys it.
In conclusion, I would like to thank TEDX Entebbe for organising an amazing event. This TEDX Entebbe Event not only presented a kaleidoscope of experiences but also threaded a common narrative of community strength, empathy in action, and the perpetual journey of personal growth. It further showcased that in the digital age, embracing change, diversity and authenticity is paramount for creating a positive impact.
Written by Brownie Ebal
Legal Practitioner/ Venture Capitalist and Philanthropist
“If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are probably in the wrong room.”
This adage really spoke to me and it propelled me and a group of my friends to attend the Uganda Law Society Female Lawyers Fire Side Monthly Convo. As a young female Lawyer and a business owner, I was particularly excited by this initiative. This was a networking opportunity for me to meet like-minded individuals from whom to learn ways to better myself and my business ventures.
Thus, Saturday 29th January, 2022, was a day to remember as I interacted with a diverse group of ladies comprised of business owners, Managing Partners in law firms and in-house lawyers. This group of eager women convened at Adv. Joyce Nalunga’s home for a knowledge sharing session where she encouraged us to diversify our incomes so as to become wealthy. She shared personal experiences on her business journey to elucidate some of the key points on establishing and maintaining multiple streams of income. Advocate Joyce Nalunga was very hospitable and only radiated positive vibes.
Below are the few take aways from this interactive session that I would like to share with all of us:
“A rich woman is an empowered woman!” was Advocate Joyce’s mantra that day.
As ladies, we should not be afraid to start, everyone starts somewhere. Success is doing what failures cannot do. Starting a venture, is something most people even fail to accomplish, they spend most of their time thinking of all the negative things that can happen and even fail to set off. When you start something, you are motivated to think of ways in which you can propel yourself forward. Procrastination robs a lot of us from reaching our full potential. The rich are always thinking of ways in which to grow and improve their business. They do not fall into the comfort zone and neither should you. No one breaks the glass ceiling by being docile. So, as ladies, let’s all start by putting our ideas into action.
To get a head in life, you have to build networks. These are the people that will propel you to the next stage of your life. To be able to be ahead of the game, you need to be in the game. Networks will help you earn a seat at the table and tap into areas that you did not know existed. So ladies, go to those events, attend conferences, attend meetings, listen in on webinars and let your voices be heard.
For anyone to succeed in life, one must dream big and have timelines in which to achieve your goals. Ensure that you check your progress every month so that you keep focused to your goal. Have a vision board and have accountability partners to remind you of your commitments.
Harness the power of social media. Use the influence you have both online and offline to attract an audience. This will help in self branding. Your brand online is as good as your brand offline, ensure what you post is relevant.
We are in the business to make money therefore we should think with our heads not with our hearts. Business money is not your personal money. All business transactions should be well thought through so that you can reap profits from your business ventures. Your salary should be used to acquire a salary loan that will be used for investment purposes. She urges the ladies that when getting a loan, you should use it to acquire an asset and not a liability.
In conclusion, Advocate Joyce urged all members to:
“Be too much and keep striving to improve yourself daily. This will definitely lead to progress in all our lives as we are all inspiring each other day by day.”
Hon. Joyce Nalunga
Special thanks goes to the Female Lawyers Committee of Uganda Law Society for organizing this.
Legal Practitioner, Venture capitalist and Philanthropist
One of these Thursdays, I attended the youth fellowship at my Church, St. Luke Ntinda. The preacher of the day was Priscilla Asiku who delivered four main points in regard to the above-mentioned topic.
1. Understand your pain and acknowledge it. It is okay to be angry in some situations. Allow yourself to grieve.
2. Remember that although there is pain, trust that you will get through it because of the promises of the Lord. The Bible in Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Know that Christ is there to give you a future.
3. Have faith that no trial is as bad as it could have been. Trials exist to show you that you can be a testimony to God’s goodness to others. You can always offer better advice. Start a gratitude journal and in it, state daily why the Lord is good. Note all the things the Lord does for you. It does not matter how big or small they are. Doing this will help you to consistently give thanks.
Moreover, nothing is permanent. The things that hurt us will always pass. Scriptures that encourage gratitude include:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
Psalms 118:24 – This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
2 Corinthians 2:14 – But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of knowledge of him everywhere.
4. Let the daily things in life motivate you. In this world, there are people in situations far worse than yours. A person who got hit by a car and cannot walk should remind you that you still have legs to walk around freely with. Therefore, keep going and know that God will always come through for you when you need it, and call out to Him.
I encourage every person to find a fellowship to belong to as you will be encouraged and motivated throughout your life journey. A problem shared is a problem solved, other people have gone through the same difficult situations and they can offer a solution you could never have dreamt of.
Kindly follow my social media handles as I post daily thoughts to encourage each one of us.
In this rapidly connected world, parents often struggle with raising well-behaved children. I firmly believe that the youth are the answer. Most children, just need a relatable mentor to guide them on their journey.
At Kitabu- Buk project we focus on developing children into the best versions of themselves through education and career talks. Kitabu- Buk Project is a local NGO, that works on a recycling model through collecting new and used textbooks and donating them to local UPE and USE schools. We also advocate for better education through holding various career talks with young people.
On behalf of Kitabu- Buk Project, I was honoured to speak to teenagers at Janice’s 16th birthday celebration by the lakeside at Kazi Beach Resort. I felt truly honoured to be given this chance to impact young lives through sharing my life experiences with them.
I must extend my heartfelt gratitude to Janice’s parents for trusting me with this opportunity to empower their daughter and her friends with valuable life lessons on her special day.
Now, let’s dive into the key takeaways from my speech:
Be your authentic self.
My speech started with a game where guests passed a cup around. When the music stopped, the person with the cup had to read instructions written on the piece of paper and act them out. Some papers instructed the participants to act silly by barking like a dog, neighing like a horse and such. Other papers instructed the participants to showcase their talents in singing and dancing. As the game progressed, I noticed everyone becoming more confident and freer. This game allows each one of us to never be afraid and just be you, no matter how silly you look.
2. Be confident
As a 16-year-old, strive to take on any task thrown at you, be it silly, outside your comfort zone, or plain boring. These tasks will install confidence in you and keep you upbeat. I was excited when each time the music stopped, everyone did their best to act out whatever was written on the paper. This sort of environment teaches every 16-year-old to be open, to do their best and to do it with confidence as it takes courage to even try.
3. Never give up
Do not give up, even when you do not understand what is going on. Never give up. Keep trying so that you are in a better place than you were the last time. Life is about trying and getting up when things do not go your way.
4. Cultivate good relationships.
Make friends with people who will develop you. Choose your friends wisely. They will become the reason for your success or failure in life. Be kind and respectful to everyone. Your classmates will be in different places fifteen years from now. They will remember how you made them feel when they were sixteen years old.
I have been blessed in this life. Whenever I go to different organizations, I find my classmates working there. This is because I was kind to everyone in school, they are more than willing to help me. Instead of them running away when they see me, they are excited to say hello and help me with my endeavours. In some businesses I run, my classmates have been my first clientele supporting my businesses directly or indirectly through referring clients to me. They have also invested and said my name in rooms I would have never entered. This is because they trust in what I do and stand for. So, my dear ones, treat people well and they will shower blessings upon you that no amount of money can ever buy.
5. Seek knowledge and financial independence.
I have an uncle, Uncle David, who always says, “Brownie, die in your books. I am where I am because I was ahead of the curve. I always strived to be the most knowledgeable person in the room. This enabled my submissions to be filled with wisdom and created the need for people to look for me. This prevented me from being irrelevant.”
This is a message to all of you. Improve, learn and gain something new every day. Never limit yourself and your opportunities. Understand money and how to make, keep and re-invest it. These tenets will stay with you for the rest of your life. This financial knowledge will enable you to be financially independent earlier than your peers.
At 25, for my Bar Course at the Law Development Centre, I was able to pay for my own school fees. This was because I had saved part of my pocket money, during my Master’s Degree in the UK. It would have been easier to just spend all the money I was being given for school, but I had read “The Richest Man in Babylon by George Orwell” and learnt to save money. This is when I realised, I could pay my own school fees, it gave me a sense of independence that everyone should feel and a desire to work harder to make more money.
Currently, I am enrolled in an Corporate Governance Course and I am also paying for it, not out of necessity but out of pride. Every parent wants to see their child financially independent.
6. Love thyself.
Know who you are and what you stand for and take nothing less. Have standards and stick to them. People will respect you for that. Take care of your body. Practice personal hygiene. No one wants to associate with a smelly person. With good personal hygiene, you will feel good about yourself and more people will want to associate with you. Let no person try to define you. You can do anything. There will be naysayers. Prove them wrong. You control your destiny.
7. Put God first.
I believe in God. Know that you are a child of God and as it is said in Psalms 149: 13-14: “You made my whole being. You formed me in my mother’s body. I praise you because you made me in an amazing and wonderful way. What you have done is wonderful. I know this very well. You saw my bones being formed as I took shape in my mother’s body. When I was put together there, you saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.”
The Lord loves each one of you. He created you for a purpose. Seek Him in all you do and wisdom will be given unto you.
8. Manage your social media brand.
Today, there are several social media platforms. Anything can go viral. Use your social media handles to do good, to make people better versions of themselves. Speak positivity into your friends’ lives and strive to do good. Share with your followers the good things God has done in your life and how your lifestyle can help them to become better people. In twenty years’, time, your social media will be a diary unto your life. Write on it appropriately.
9. Be present and express gratitude in the now
In this social media world, we are more distracted than ever. We tend to spend a lot of time on useless things and forget about the important things. I kindly advise each one of us to be present, when having dinner with our families and friends. When in class, be present, do not let these gadgets take away the beauty of being in the now. Also, the era we are in is quite fast paced, many of you are worried about how life will turn out, are you making the best choices? Learn to enjoy the now, God gave you this life to be enjoyed and if he has taken care of the birds, he will definitely take care of your future. Be present and grateful for what you have around you.
10. Use up all your talents for good.
Life is a beautiful journey. Before you die, you must exhaust your whole being. Use your God-given talents to spread love, peace and joy. You should die empty so your death is a testimony of God’s will.
Finally, I would like to thank Janice’s family and Aga Khan High School for giving me a platform to share my insights with these young ones.
For more information on how you can partner with Kitabu- BUk Project, kindly visit our website on: https://kitabubukproject.org/
The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to Uganda’s tourism industry, forcing a paradigm shift as international travel restrictions made it difficult for tourists to explore distant lands.
In the face of adversity, Ugandans started to embrace domestic tourism, unveiling the hidden gems within their own borders. Inspired by this newfound appreciation, I embarked on a personal quest to discover the wonders of my homeland, Uganda, and create unforgettable memories before turning 30.
Setting My Bucket List:
With a fervent desire for adventure, I devised a bucket list that would allow me to experience the diverse beauty of Uganda:
1. Visit all National Parks in Uganda.
2. Embark on a Gorilla Trekking expedition in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
3. Conquer the majestic peaks of Mountain Rwenzori.
4. Soar through the skies with a thrilling skydive over Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.
Preparation and Journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park:
Fuelled by the passion to witness the enigmatic gorillas firsthand, I shared my dream with a like-minded friend, who graciously offered to make it a reality. Reserving two gorilla trekking permits through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, we eagerly set off on our journey to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, located a scenic 540 kilometers away from Kampala for my birthday treat.
As the sun began to set on a Friday evening, we embarked on a six-hour drive to Kabaale at exactly 4pm, arriving late at night with the anticipation of the adventure that awaited us. Rising early the next morning, we continued our odyssey, reaching the park gate by 7 am.
The winding road to Ruhija park entrance posed a thrilling challenge, testing our resolve. However, driven by our determination to witness the gorillas, we embraced every twist and turn, unwavering in our pursuit.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience:
At the park gate, Ugandan pride surged through our veins, and we relished the feeling of accomplishment. Equipped with walking sticks, we joined fellow explorers, eagerly awaiting the briefing that would unlock the secrets of the gorilla kingdom.
In the presence of our knowledgeable guide, we were immersed in a world of astonishing facts and vital safety instructions. We learned that these magnificent creatures, the largest living primates, find refuge in the lush tropical vegetation of Bwindi National Park. They face numerous threats to their survival, including poaching, habitat destruction, and disease. Our hearts swelled with a sense of responsibility to protect these endangered species.
Armed with newfound knowledge, we embarked on our trek, venturing deep into the African jungle. The untamed wilderness unfolded before our eyes—streams meandering through verdant valleys, gentle hills stretching into the horizon, and a tapestry of flora guiding our path.
Traversing the mystical landscape, we caught our first glimpse of a mountain gorilla group. Led by the commanding silverback, the alpha male, the group consisted of females and their young. Observing from a respectful distance, we marveled at the gentle nature of these awe-inspiring creatures. Unperturbed by our presence, they went about their daily routines—feeding on plants and tenderly grooming their offspring. In the heart of the jungle, surrounded by nature’s embrace, our souls found tranquility.
The Encounter:
While admiring a baby gorilla nestled beside its mother, a wave of fear washed over me as the silverback approached, the silverback is the leader of the gorilla family. As the leader of the group, the alpha male’s duty is to protect the group from attacks by humans, leopards, or other gorillas, which he will execute even at the cost of his own life.
Frozen in place, I held my breath, praying that I would remain unnoticed. To my surprise, the majestic animal passed by, his focus directed toward a massive branch. In that moment, I realized the inherent peace within the animal kingdom—only retaliating when provoked, harboring no ill intentions toward humankind.
The Return and Beyond:
Emerging from our expedition, we felt a newfound sense of accomplishment, conquering not only the physical challenges but also our inner fears. Adrenaline coursed through our veins, erasing all traces of doubt. Upon our return to the Uganda Wildlife Authority office, we were greeted with warm congratulations and a surprise graduation ceremony. Each participant received a certificate, commemorating our achievement and sealing the memories forever.
This transformative encounter with Uganda’s wildlife fueled my thirst for adventure, propelling me to explore further horizons. Skydiving over Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah became the next chapter in my journey—an exhilarating tale yet to be told.
Gratitude and Hope:
Heartfelt appreciation goes to the Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Tourism Board, dedicated rangers, and local guides for their unwavering commitment to preserving our natural heritage. Through their efforts, future generations will continue to marvel at the wonders that Uganda holds. My voyage of self-discovery within Uganda’s borders has forever changed my perspective on travel and the delights of my country. Beyond distant lands lie treasures awaiting exploration. With determination, an open mind, and a spirit of conservation, we can unveil the secrets of our own countries and create remarkable memories that transcend time. Let us embrace the world on our doorsteps and forge unforgettable adventures, preserving our natural heritage for generations to come.
The Rotaract Clubs are a group of young people who are passionate about changing lives in their communities. They meet weekly and participate in various charitable acts.
On 12th May, 2023, I was hosted by the Rotaract Club of Entebbe in my capacity as The Leaders Are Learners Club President.
Leaders are Learners Club is an association that brings together National Water and Sewerage Company (NWSC) staff who are passionate about becoming the best version of themselves through learning various leadership skills.
The 10 key takeaways from my talk include:
Before you start to build your brand, you need to understand what you want to be remembered for or what legacy are you leaving behind. In order to fully appreciate this, you need to understand yourself and harness the unique individual that is within you.
2. Once you have understood who you are, you can be able to know your niche. This will enable you attract the right people to you and in a place full of commotion, gain a Market Niche.
Importance of personal branding:
3. Personal Branding helps one to stand out and be recognized in Society. Our society is highly competitive and clients, employers are looking for people or companies who can go an extra mile. Personal branding will help one do that.
4. This leads to opportunity as it gives one an edge over others and when a person is looking for something specific, you will be the point of reference.
5. Branding helps you gain trust from your audience. This is because people will look you up or carry out background checks to ensure that you are what you say you are. If your personal brand is strong, then they will want to work with you.
How to grow your personal brand:
6. Define your Brand by Understanding who you are so that you can convey a coherent message.
7. Secure your online presence by starting a blog, you tube channel, Instagram, Facebook page and share content that you want to be identified with.
8. Define your audience and work towards capturing their attention.
9. Think about the future and think about the person you want to be ten years from now. Once you do that start working towards that, if you want to be the best surgeon, starting handing around great surgeons, sharing content on surgery and interacting with like-minded people.
10. Personal branding is easy it just needs one to be consistent and committed to who they want to become.
Written by Adv. Brownie Ebal
For more information on Rotaract Club of Entebbe Airport kindly contact:
Uganda Law Society is a body that was set up by the Uganda Law Society Act of 1956, CAP 276, as the Bar Association for lawyers in Uganda to help protect and promote lawyers across Uganda. The Young Lawyers Mentorship series started in 2021 during COVID and has grown to impact the lives of many young lawyers in shaping their professional future.
This May, 2023, The Uganda Law Society hosted Miss Feizin Amlani who has a background in restoring education in different conflict war zone countries through coaching and mentoring. She later pivoted in life to the legal field and has harnessed branding and networking to position herself as a formidable lawyer. She was able to maneuver this career change through perseverance, resilience, consistency and building relationships and is a testament to all of us that anything is possible.
Why networking and branding yourself is important:
One needs to seek for new clients.
There is a lot of competition and one needs to stand out.
These are my 10 key takeaways from her talk:
As a lawyer one needs to have a good reputation so people can trust you. Lawyers therefore have to mind what they post on social media. This will eventually influence what comes up when someone googles your name.
Use the resources around you to create something innovative. Even without finance, one can start a blog, a You tube series and leverage it to showcase one’s skills. Testament to this, this is how she started network ninja, which is a company that provides lessons on how one can improve their networking skills.
When one is networking, they should always have a wingman. This is a person who you can go with together for events and is a good way to make you more comfortable with meeting new people.
Always look your best. Imagine every time you go out, this might be someone’s first impression of you. As human beings, we are happier to talk to someone presentable and feel comfortable around them than a shabby person.
Ensure you are networking outside of your profession. This will enable you interact with clients who need your services.
Think about your value statement when you are interacting with others. This should be the key areas you would wish to be remembered for. Understand your value statement and ensure it is articulated clearly.
Always have a plan. Do not just attend random events, ensure you have understood how that particular networking session will benefit you. Also, understand your strengths as a human being, some people are introverts and would prefer writing to in person meetings. If you are like that do start a blog or contribute to various journals and then use social media to showcase your work.
Ensure that after meeting people you follow up with them. You can text them or send an email within 48 hours as this will enable them remember you and keep you in mind in case any opportunity comes up.
After following up, please do manage your relationships. Ensure you are interacting with people and are checking in to see how they are doing. Networking is a continuous process, engagements never stop.
Smile and have fun. Life is too short so ensure as you are networking, you are enjoying yourself.
Miss Feizin Almani is an incredible lady and an inspiration to us all. I truly enjoyed her insights and I am ready to put them into practice.
Written by Advocate Brownie Ebal
Kindly subscribe to our weekly newsletter where I will write about the various events, that I attend. I love sharing the knowledge I learn and I hope my key outputs can help each one of you on your journey to becoming the best versions of yourself.
NB. Young Lawyers have been offered a discount to attend the Networking Ninja Master Class.
For more information on Networking Ninja kindly visit:
On 29th April, 2023, I was privileged to attend the Virtuous Business and Leadership Symposium Dinner which had Reverend Funke Felis-Adejumo as the Guest Speaker.
Her key messages were:
Timing is everything and these are what you should be doing at these ages:
25 to 30 years: work to save.
30 to 40: save to invest.
40 to 50: invest to consolidate.
50 and above: consolidate to enjoy.
70 and above: night begins.
10 key pieces of advice:
1.She advised members to seize the moment. She advised members to express gratitude for all they have.
2. She advised members to leave a legacy in life. We all need to perpetuate your existence and should not allow our lives to die with us. Be generational in our thinking and ensure other people are catching the anointing from our good works. She urged members to mentor others formally or informally.
3. She urged members to invest their money and buy shares in everyday companies. It is written in the Bible; that a righteous man leaves inheritance for his children, so we should be entrepreneurial and keep seeking profit making ventures. Members should plan for their retirement.
4. She advised members to keep learning. In this society, we all need to keep learning and unlearning to remain relevant. We have to have a growth mindset that is a new every morning. 1 King 1. Be evolved, improve on yourself.
5. She advised members to love themselves. They should take care of their well-being and ensure they rest, have time for them and enjoy their life.
6. She advised members to use their voices for God’s work. Use your networks, social media to spread the gospel and do good.
7. She advised members to always network as we always need a recommender in life. There will always be a situation where people will have to speak for you in rooms that you are not in. Strive to leave a good reputation among the people you interact with.
8. She advised members to seek discernment from God so that they can be able to trust the right people. In business, we need to know when to let people go or they will destroy what you have built.
9. Seek God’s blessings in your business. Tell him to place people in your path who elevate your business for his glory.
10. Keep praying to God to be your guide and pray for your staff.
Three prayers to pray everyday of your life:
Lord simplify my life
Amplify my voice
Lord, fortify me.
I found her talk very encouraging and inspiring, I hope this can help each one of us become better leaders.
Written by Adv. Brownie Ebal
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For more information on the symposium kindly view the you tube video, below:
Becoming Golden 