I asked for cake, she gave me flour, eggs, oil and baking soda. With a smile on her face she
pointed out the oven.

My experience at Lapid Leaders Africa can be summarized by the words “baptism by fire”.
The entire experience has been as engaging as it has been fulfilling. “Leadership is not for
children,” said Esther Mwaniki, C.E.O and Founder Lapid Leaders Africa; a statement that I
have come to believe to be true as I have advanced in the program.

LEARNING LABS
My most outstanding lessons so far in the experience have been Freed to be Self and Critical
Thinking & Problem Solving.
1. Freed to be self
This lesson was covered in 2 modules by Esther Mwaniki. We started it off with a
personality test which allowed me to get to understand myself better (a meet up on
personality was an added bonus on the same) For most of my life I have been guided by
external influencers when making decisions, always trying to fit into society by aligning
myself with the societal standards without stopping to ask myself “Is this what you really
want?”
Going through the week’s readings I realized that in order to be able to access my true
potential, I must come to terms with myself, understand my strength and weaknesses so
as to know how to better navigate my threats and opportunities. After carrying out a
SWOT analysis of myself, I realized that there are many things I should have done
differently if only I followed my instincts.
I have purposed to live life on my own terms, not to become a victim of circumstance. I
am working on talking in my own voice and embrace my authenticity but most of all I
have purposed to be respectful of others despite being freed to be ME!
2. Critical thinking and Problem solving
This lesson was covered in 2 modules. During the critical thinking module it became clear
that critical thinking was not a sub-conscious body reflex, it was deliberate engagement
in the thinking process. While going through the week’s reading, I understood the
importance of questioning notions that have always been held to be the gospel truth. I
learnt that critical thinking involved evaluating information, examining the availed
evidence and reasoning, and ultimately coming to a judgement on the facts.
A closer look into myself I realized that mind conformism, poor listening and reading
skills, and misinformed rationalization have been hindrances to me becoming a critical
thinker. I have purposed to always question the information I come across, to increase
my knowledge base by reading meaningful information and by staying up to date on
issues concerning the world.

“You rise to the top of the ladder when people realize that they can depend on you to solve
problems”

This was my key take out as we went through the problem solving module with Mungai.
The key to solving a problem is to go down to its root cause. Break down the problem
into drivers, create a hypothesis for each driver then ask the question why until you get
to its root cause.
Going through this module helped me realize that I too had been playing a victim of
circumstance in areas that I would have been a solution provider. I have purposed to
actively tackle problems head on to find effective lasting solutions. I intend to be a leader
therefore critical thinking and problem solving skills are assets that I must master if I am
to make a difference.

MEET UPS
Through meet ups, I have managed to expand my learning beyond the learning labs that
take place on Saturday’s. I have managed to interact with mentors from different sectors
of the industry, enabling me to expand my outlook on the economy and how I can take
advantage of the available opportunities to make a difference.
My most profound lessons from the meet ups have been Design thinking and Visioning.
1. Design thinking
This meet up was structured in the form of a boot camp which was facilitated by
Winnie Muchina. She helped me understand that inside of me there is creativity that
I have locked away in the name of rationalization. Through the application of the
design thinking principles we were able to come up with a solution to an actual
problem and test it out in the market.
This boot camp was an eye opener for me on how to effectively start a business. I
understood that assumptions have been the root cause of product or service failure.
Seeking to develop a solution for the effect of a problem instead of seeking to solve
the root cause of the problem translates to failure of a product or service. I have
resolved to apply the design thinking principles when encountered with a problem. I
have resolved to stop assuming that I understand the problem fully without asking
the affected parties before seeking to develop a solution.
2. Visioning
This particular meet up has served as a continuation to the Freed to be Self module
covered in the Learning Labs. It has been carried out by Esther Mwaniki and several
other mentors over several meetings. I believe I was created to fulfill a purpose on
this earth and this meetings have helped me to have a glimpse of what this purpose
is.
Having one-on-one sessions with the mentors has helped me to understand how my
life experiences have helped shape my vision and that by looking through them with
an interrogatively, I can see what purpose I am meant to achieve on this earth. This
is an ongoing session, but I can confidently say I will not finish being the same man
that started out.

CAREER BOOT CAMP
Prior to this boot camp, I had walked into an interview during my time in Lenana School
without a minute of preparation under my belt. Needless to say the interview went sideways
as soon as I started talking. Poor eye contact, shaky voice, responses that were not thought
out were but some of the issues that worked against me during that interview.
Here are some of the take outs from the session:
1. Interviews are but platforms given to you to market yourself as an individual. Utilize
them accordingly.
2. Think through your responses using the STAR technique, always demonstrate
instead of telling.
3. Preparation goes a long way in boosting your confidence during the interview, invest
in it.
4. A CV speaks for you in your absence. Take time to develop it, let it speak to who you
really are.
5. Cultivate your networks, they determine your networth.
During the mock interview session, I managed to remain calm and confident during the
interviews, both group and individual interviews. I would have improved on encouraging my
team members during the group interview session and check on coming out as over bearing
in team discussions.

~ Dennis Karaba