As a pioneer in a new Catholic-based high school, Janet responded to leadership opportunities in the school. These opportunities built her confidence, inspired her as a young leader, and formed a foundation and launching pad for future leadership roles in college and at work.
Having studied social work at the University of Nairobi, Janet began her career as a Government Social Worker. However, she became dissatisfied with the job and decided to transition into the Non-Governmental sector, where she started as a Project Officer. For the next three decades, she progressed up the ranks in the various organizations she served and reached the pinnacle of being the Country Director of ActionAid Tanzania and then the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Community Foundation.
Janet shares the challenges, learnings, and joy she experienced in her leadership journey. She talks about her unique leadership style of asking questions to learn and lead better. Janet admits that a leader does not know everything, hence their need to learn by asking questions. Janet points out other leadership nuggets and ideas that are worthwhile. She advises on the kind of leadership needed in Africa to help it reach its full potential and decries the current lack of such leadership. Janet shares her new and enjoyable multi-faceted career of being a farmer, golfer, coach, and consultant.
Janet Mawiyoo is a Certified Executive Leadership Coach and an Organizational Development Consultant. For 17 years, she was the Executive Director for the Kenya Community Development Foundation, the leading local foundation in East and Central Africa.
