Most careers and professions have an ideal path to success which is left behind by previous leaders who have left a mark in the space. It’s true that success leaves great lessons behind, but it can often shadow the importance of forging one’s path, while equally learning from the past. This is particularly important in Africa where market complexities, cultural and economic dynamics require professionals and business operators to constantly forge their identity for growth.
Georgie Ndirangu is an an award-winning journalist, trained broadcaster, global moderator and a curator of the brand Georgie Ndirangu. With a stellar career spanning the BBC, CNBC Africa, and Forbes Africa, Georgie has earned accolades such as the Rwandan Journalist of the Year award. The story of Georgie is a reference point as Georgie is now among Africa’s leading moderators and the best global moderator from Africa.
In Georgie's case, he could have remained a journalist, or a broadcaster, but He forged his own identity, and is now a global moderator, offering moderation masterclass, supporting brands through collaborations, hosting, and more.
Most of professionals have great skills and experiences. Most entrepreneurs have great products, and are able to solve problems for customers or companies. However, this alone does not guarantee customers or a new sale, a brand does. People or businesses will hire you because they can find you, relate to your position, or interest to a cause from your work and how you communicate about it. Brand ranks you among others who are solving a similar problem, and it’s more important than your price. Your experience and skills will help to validate why they should use you, but a brand gets them to your door.
When we think of brand, we often think of businesses or products, but professionals also have brands. Wether you have 5 followers or a million, have worked for 1 company or many, Senior or starting, you have a brand. There is an association that people have about what you do.
The body of a fitness coach for example, matters A LOT (it shows experience), but it does not mean there is an immediate connection with a customer, and does not guarantee a client. This is because, a competitor fitness coach with a much less looking body might be hired instead, maybe due the fact that she/he runs a free sunday classes for kids in the community, which then creates an association with potential clients!
I’m not saying that we should all be you-tubers, or force ourselves to do cool stuff in our industries, but thinking about how we are different from our peers and finding ways to contribute uniquely to our niche might be what gets us to the next level.
