I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker and coach at the Women in Leadership Conference in Nairobi, Kenya last week. Women from six different East African countries attended to learn the skills that will help them advance their careers.

Never having been to Kenya or Africa, I had no idea what to expect. What were the goals and aspirations of these women? What were their challenges regarding their careers? What types of positions did they hold?

What I discovered through an intense day of workshops is that these women were indeed very ambitious, very talented and eager to learn! Their culture dictates humility. Their organizations do not sponsor them. They face many challenges in male dominated workplaces.

In the morning the majority of the women were too shy to speak up and share their stories; too frightened to ask questions. But major changes occurred as the day progressed.

My new friends from East Africa

What transpired over the course of the day was amazing. I learned about their fabulous achievements as they became more comfortable with me and with the group. Women with degrees in engineering and biochemistry; marketers, trainers, and women with the desire to make a difference in the lives of other women slowly emerged from the audience. They were very accomplished, but one important thing was missing. They had no connection to the gifts they have to offer. They had no voice.

Through workshop exercises and coaching, their voices emerged. I saw the remarkable transformation take place before my eyes and by the end of the day as each delegate stood up and shared her story we all applauded her confidence, her accomplishments, and her potential. It was emotional and powerful.

Winnie Kamayu

Quite honestly, this is why I am a coach. This is what it’s all about for me. Helping women find their unique voice gives them the confidence to pursue their goals and advance their careers. It doesn’t matter where you live; Kenya, Tanzania, or the United States. What we as women have in common is the need to connect with what makes us unique, to discover who we truly are. It’s our unique voice that gives us the power to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of those around us.