Issue 01. February 2012 I WWW.theEDITION.CO.KE 12

T H E FEBRUARY / ISSUE N O . 1PO

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Unleash Your FullPotential In 2012

Meet Joe Mucheru:Google’s Man in the Region

Cloud 9:Communication &

Consumerism in Kenya

The Economy &Africa:should the world follow our lead?

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Issue 01. February 2012 I WWW.theEDITION.CO.KE 3

if you’re going to be passionate about something, be passionate about learning. if you are going to fight something, fight for

those in need. if you’re going to question something, question authority. if you’re going

to lose something, lose your inhibitions. if you’re going to gain something, gain respect and confidence. and if you’re going to hate

something, hate the false idea that you are not capable of your dreams

- daniel golston

Alexandra R.H.S, Editor “

It is a challenging and inspiring task to begin something new. Be it a new year, or a new career, a beginning asks us to face down the moments and memories of the past and summon the will to challenge ourselves to a

new future. In so many ways Kenya is a country powered by the drive and passion and hopes of our people. That is why we are excited to introduce

, a monthly magazine on Kenya’s contemporary career culture, to help us concentrate, connect and collaborate on Kenya’s greatest resource: our human capital. We have an energetic and dynamic population, we have an enormous metropolis of a capital city and a country filled with natural resources -our possibility for growth, change and opportunities is limitless. There is a word for this waiting energy, this store of possibility that has not yet been called to action – it is POTENTIAL.

is here for those of you who won’t hold back your dreams, who work hard and want to work harder to make the best of what we each have inside, the potential we all hold somewhere between our head and our hands. Every month, including this one, we will bring you the stories of adventurous professionals, from HR leaders to CEOs to start-ups, innovators and entrepreneurs, and the advice and opportunities that will always challenge you to move onward and upward. In our first issue ever we have focused on one word we hope will inspire you to innovate and become great – potential. So turn the page and let yourself imagine anything and everything you want to achieve, and take inspiration from the words of those who have reached success doing just the same.

L E T T E R F R O M

THE EDITOR

T H E FEBRUARY / ISSUE N O . 1

T H E TEAMFounder, Publisher,Editor in Chief

Susan Wakhungu-Githuku

Administrative Coordinator Lillian Nandwah

THE EDITION is a COPYRIGHTED FOOTPRINTS PRESS PUBLICATION and

HPDA INNOVATION. Issue 01. February 2012, Copyright 2012. All rights

reserved. See us online at: WWW.theEDITION.co.ke

PRINTED BY BLACKRAIN PRINTINGAll advertising enquiries to:

ashiundu@theEDITION.co.keAll rights reserved.

7 Conversation with Joe Mucheru

The Man who leads Google in the Region9

Ideas and People2012: Resolutions and Reflections

12 Modern Networking

Attract a following in Person and Online13

Cloud 9?Technological Advances take Kenyans up, up and away

14 Swahili in Kenya

Defining a sense of identity as modern Kenyans15

Future of Global FinanceAn analytical look at Africa’s financial potential

16 Looking for Entrepreneurs

We want the best and brightest! 18

Unleash your Potential in 2012The principles behind becoming the best

20 Identifying Employees with Potential

How do we objectively identify people’s potential?21

Human Resources LeaderDr. Lawrence Ndombi of BPC

22 What’s on in the Workplace

The curse of bad bosses/How to interview23

CAREER ANNOUNCEMENTS29

Branding and MannersThose with know how tell you how...

30 Artsuccess Story

Poet Sitawa Namwalie speaks out31

Straight to the ArtsWhat comes after success in Business?

32 Working out - the 15

Keep in shape for a stronger mind and body!33

Fiscal FitnessWhat is a pension plan and when should we start?

34Twitter Feed: The world in 2012

We pick some of the best lines about 2012 36

Real FreedomMore than words and actions...

37 The Edition Reviews...

Movies, Books and Bitings!38

Brain PainUse those grey cells!

Editorial DirectorAlexandra Remsen Hickok Smith

Director of PhotographyBobby Pall

Design and Layout Kevin Mapesa and

Max Ngari for Brand2D

all enquiries - info@theEDITION.co.keHead of AdvertisingArnolda Shiundu

Sales TeamHannah Ichihashi

Geff MwaiMichael Scott

Edition TeamChristine NjambiSteve WakhunguGeorge MuiruriRuth Njuguna

Sellah NyongesaZhanet Khazali

Publications Manager Lucy Mwangi

W H A T ’ S INSIDE

“

4 Issue 01. February 2012 I WWW.theEDITION.CO.KE

CONTRIBUTORS

JOY ODERA, Writer, Senior Consultant, HPD AFRICA Joy is a Human Resources Management Specialist, a national of Kenya, but who was born & bred in Uganda. She is a published writer and is particularly keen on writing about Africa. Joy studied Economics at the University of Sussex and Human Resource Management at Westminster University, London.

DEREK BBANGA, Entrepreneur and Co-owner PUBLIC IMAGE AFRICAA soft skills consultant, image strategist and corporate speaker, Derek Bbanga is a graduate of Connecticut University in the USA and Helsinki School of Economics in Finland. He is also a member of the Nairobi Toastmaster and one of the Chapter Directors of the International Networking Organisation (BNI).

JANET ADETU, Chief Executive Officer, JSK ETIQUETTE CONSORTIUM Janet, a Certified Professional Etiquette Consultant is the Founder and Director of JSK Etiquette Consortium Limited. Janet began her etiquette training in the U.S. She holds several professional memberships including the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) and is a also fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA).

JOHN SIBI-OKUMU Actor, Teacher, Playwright

John Sibi-Okumu is variously referred to as a leading actor, journalist, playwright, newscaster, columnist, linguist, producer, director, teacher and mentor. This noted thespian has appeared in Newsweek, and was recently featured in the book Life Journeys: Scaling Heights which featured Kenyan men of distinction and achievement.

ADVERTISE WITH AND GET DOUBLE THE EXPOSUREONLINE AND IN PRINT! WHETHER A JOB LISTING, YOUR OWN C.V, OR A COMMERCIAL

AD OR CLASSIFIED! CHECK US OUT AT...WWW. theEDITION.CO.KE

EMAIL US AT advertising@theEDITION.co.keDON’T MISS OUT!!!

Issue 01. February 2012 I WWW.theEDITION.CO.KE 29

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION

We live in a hyper competitive world, and standing out in today’s crowded market place is essential. Despite constantly competing for attention, the one thing that can make you

stand out is the same thing that your competitors will find impossible to duplicate - your personal brand.

Your personal brand is the influence and attention you command. It is the image you portray, how you look and how you present yourself. It is what is unique and valuable about you. Have you ever asked yourself what you want people to remember when they think of you? Just like any of the best products in the market, everyone should develop a personal brand strategy to engage our target market or audience and build brand loyalty. It’s really about becoming the CEO of your own image and creating a map to lead people to what you want them to think of you.

Use personal branding to distinguish yourself in our era of extreme visibility and ubiquitous ego – your competitors can’t copy the essence of who you are. How you present yourself online, write an email, your business etiquette, networking savvy, public speaking and interviewing skills - all these communicate your personal brand and reputation. Think of some of the greatest personal brands in business, politics, entertainment and athletics, from Nelson Mandela to Kipchoge Keino, the one thing they have in common is that they are seen, heard and remembered for the right reasons. So look to create a powerful personal brand that exudes influence, confidence, credibility and persuasive power. Three hallmarks of a great personal brand are authenticity, consistency and packaging. An authentic personal brand must be unique but it must also match with your core message and resonate with your target market. Be who you are, but be the best that you can be. The best brands are consistent and this should be no different from your personal brand. Be consistent in the way you carry yourself at all times, from your language to your behaviour. You cannot display the best etiquette and image at work and then make offensive comments once alcohol loosens your mouth at your local pub in the evening – your brand will be undermined. I’m not saying you cannot have fun and let go but be aware that your personal brand is always on display even when you think you are not being watched.

Finally, package yourself (literally, the clothes you wear) to engage your market – you can subtly and silently influence your audience visually through interesting and appropriate dressing. Use the psychology of colour to enhance your speech and wear clothes that flatter your body shape. Assess your personal brand in 2012 and discover what is missing in your professional and personal life, then work on it – whether it is upgrading your wardrobe, joining an organisation like Toastmasters (http://www.toastmasters.org/) to improve your public speaking or taking a business etiquette course.

Remember, the moment you step out in public you are selling yourself, consciously or subconsciously you are being judged by others, so project a level of personal impact and presence

appropriate for your personal brand.

“ YOUR COMPETITORS CAN’T COPY THE ESSENCE OF WHO YOU ARE”

DEREK BBANGA

The idea of mastering manners in today’s business world is fast becoming essential. Businesses are now aware that one’s ability to develop and manage soft skills is as important as

technical skills.

Becoming a leader of repute, respect and recognition involves learning the rules of the game. Though unwritten, people expect you to understand the rules. Executive manners will guide your business and social behaviour and set the necessary framework for building your moral IQ.Executive manners are learnt daily and practiced regularly to outclass your competitors. They become a part of you and your daily demeanour. Ultimately, executive manners will be your route to success in your professional and personal life.

•Present yourself positively•Communicate carefully•Network and build rapport and relationships•Personal conduct and body language•Gain social interacting skills

First ImpressionYou only get one chance to make a good first impression so put your best image forward. It will ensure a good reputation and propel you to the top. Your appearance, clothes, gestures, words and actions should be congruent with your life goals and values.

Feeling GoodWhen on-point, your executive manners display a spring or bounce in your step and boost your self-esteem while exuding an air of confidence. They also enable you to navigate any awkward situation.

Leader skillsYou can spot a leader from a mile away as they have that exceptional attribute. Mastering your soft skills will exhibit leadership abilities that make others want to know you better and benefit from your experience.

Interpersonal RapportNetworking skills allow you to work a room with confidence, comfort and ease. Know the tricks of small talk and public speaking.

RespectRespect is earned and comes to whom it is due. A perfect gentleman or elegant lady never goes unnoticed. Carrying yourself with grace and calm garners the epitome of respect.

Develop your executive manners and see how much respect you are able to earn. Individuals with impeccable manners are an invaluable asset to any organisation, you will lead and achieve results - the ultimate objective of every organisation.

Executive M

anners w

ith Janet Adetu

EXECUTIVEMANNERS.

THank You

personal WHY

MATTERS branding