Let’s talk careers

Not sure who needs to read them but If it’s you I hope you enjoy it.

Story 1: Kimbu – The Dawn of Ambition

Kimbu sat at her desk, her laptop open to a dizzying array of tabs: job boards, online courses, startup forums, and a half-written blog post she’d been meaning to finish for weeks. She was three years into her career, and the world felt both exhilarating and overwhelming. At 25, she was the embodiment of Gen Z: bright, connected, and brimming with ambition. Her friends often joked that she was a “career chameleon,” always exploring new paths, from digital marketing to UX design, from nonprofit work to dreams of launching her own app.

Yet, despite her energy and curiosity, Kimbu sometimes felt like she was running in place. She’d landed good internships, and her current job at a mid-sized tech company paid the bills, but she hadn’t yet found the “big break” or the project that would define her. Instead, she was haunted by questions: Should she specialize or keep exploring? Was she moving fast enough? Was she missing out on something better? Social media only amplified her doubts, as she scrolled through posts about peers who seemed to be achieving more, faster.

One evening, after a particularly long day, Kimbu joined a virtual networking event. There, she heard Awa speak—a woman with decades of experience and a reputation for mentoring young professionals. Inspired, Kimbu reached out, and to her surprise, Awa agreed to a coffee chat.

During their meeting, Kimbu poured out her questions. “How do I know what to focus on? What if I make the wrong choice? How do I stand out when everyone seems to be doing amazing things?”

Awa listened patiently. “Kimbu,” she said, “careers aren’t straight lines. They’re more like rivers, sometimes meandering, sometimes rushing. What matters is not how quickly you reach the destination, but how much you learn along the way. Don’t be afraid of options—they’re a gift. Explore, but also listen to what excites you most. Success isn’t a single moment; it’s a series of small steps, each one teaching you something new.”

Kimbu left the conversation feeling lighter. She realized that her questions weren’t a sign of failure, but of growth. She didn’t need all the answers right now—just the courage to keep moving, learning, and trusting her journey.

Story 2: Noella – The Seasoned Warrior

Noella was a force to be reckoned with. Fifteen years into her career, she had built a reputation as a smart, strategic, and relentless professional. Her colleagues admired her drive; her competitors respected her tenacity. Noella had climbed the ranks in a competitive industry, moving from analyst to director, and she was now on the shortlist for a coveted executive role.

But beneath her polished exterior, Noella was at a crossroads. She had always been ambitious, setting goals and smashing them with military precision. Yet, as she looked ahead, she wondered what was next. The warpath to the top had been exhilarating, but it had also been exhausting. She’d made sacrifices—late nights, missed family gatherings, friendships that faded with time.

Noella was realistic about her strengths and limitations. She knew she couldn’t do everything, and she had learned to delegate and trust her team. Still, she sometimes felt like she was playing catch-up with herself, chasing an ever-moving finish line. Maturity, she realized, wasn’t just about experience; it was about perspective—knowing when to push and when to pause, when to lead and when to listen.

One afternoon, after a challenging board meeting, Noella found herself reflecting on her journey. She remembered an early mentor, Awa, who had once told her, “Time is a relative notion. You can’t rush wisdom.” At the time, Noella had brushed it off, eager to prove herself. Now, those words resonated more deeply. She saw that her career wasn’t just about titles or achievements, but about growth—personal, professional, and emotional.

Noella decided to reach out to Awa, seeking guidance as she navigated this new phase. Over lunch, she shared her thoughts. “I’ve achieved a lot, but I’m not sure what comes next. I want to keep growing, but I also want to find balance. How do I know if I’m mature enough to handle the next step?”

Awa smiled. “Noella, maturity isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. You’re already wise because you’re asking these questions. The key is to stay hungry for growth, but also to be kind to yourself. Success isn’t just about winning; it’s about evolving, and that takes time.”

Noella left the conversation with a renewed sense of purpose. She realized that her career was still unfolding, and that true maturity was about embracing the journey, not just the outcome.

Story 3: Awa – The Fulfilled Mentor

Awa’s office was a testament to a life well-lived: shelves lined with books, awards, and photos from her travels and speaking engagements. With thirty-five years of experience, Awa was the definition of success—not just in financial terms, but in the richness of her intellectual and personal achievements. She had led companies, launched initiatives, and mentored countless young professionals. Now, in the later chapters of her career, she found joy in giving back.

Awa’s journey had not been easy. She had faced challenges—gender bias, economic downturns, personal losses—but she had persevered, guided by a deep sense of purpose. For her, success was not a fixed point, but a continuous process of learning and giving. She believed that a fulfilling career was one where talent met opportunity, and where ambition was matched by integrity.

In recent years, Awa had become a sought-after mentor, known for her wisdom and empathy. She saw herself as a gardener, nurturing the next generation of leaders, helping them find their own paths. Her advice was always practical, but also deeply human. She encouraged her mentees to be passionate about their work, to stay hungry for knowledge and growth, and above all, to be kind—to themselves and to others.

One day, Awa received messages from both Kimbu and Noella, each seeking guidance at different stages of their careers. She invited them to her office, eager to share what she had learned over the years.

As they sat together, Awa reflected on her own journey. “I’ve had many roles, worn many hats,” she said. “But what matters most is not the titles or the accolades, but the impact you have—on your work, your community, and yourself. A career is a journey of becoming, and the most important lessons are often the simplest: be passionate, be hungry, and be kind.”

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The Conversation: Awa’s Wisdom

The three women—Kimbu, Noella, and Awa—sat together in Awa’s sunlit office, the city skyline stretching beyond the windows. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, as if generations of experience were about to converge in a single, transformative conversation.

Kimbu spoke first, her voice tinged with curiosity. “Awa, you’ve achieved so much. How did you know what path to take? I feel like I’m drowning in options, and I worry about making the wrong choice.”

Awa smiled gently. “Kimbu, the first lesson is to be passionate. Passion is your compass. It doesn’t mean you have to know exactly where you’re going, but it does mean you should listen to what excites you, what makes you lose track of time. When you follow your passion, you bring energy and creativity to your work. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes—each one is a lesson. The path will unfold as you walk it.”

Noella nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I’ve always been driven, always pushing for the next achievement. But sometimes I wonder if I’m missing something deeper. How do I keep growing without burning out?”

Awa turned to her, her eyes kind. “That’s the second lesson: be hungry. Stay curious, keep learning. Hunger isn’t just about ambition—it’s about never settling, always seeking new challenges and perspectives. But remember, hunger must be balanced with self-care. Growth happens when you stretch, but not when you break. Find what fuels you, and let that hunger drive you forward, but don’t forget to rest and recharge.”

Kimbu interjected, “And what about kindness? Sometimes it feels like the world rewards those who are ruthless.”

Awa’s gaze softened. “That’s the third and perhaps most important lesson: be kind. Kindness is not weakness; it’s strength. Be kind to others—help, mentor, support. But also be kind to yourself. Forgive your mistakes, celebrate your progress, and remember that everyone is fighting their own battles. In the end, people remember not just what you achieved, but how you made them feel.”

Noella smiled. “It’s easy to forget that in the rush to succeed.”

Awa nodded. “Success is not a finish line. It’s a way of being. When you are passionate, you inspire. When you are hungry, you grow. When you are kind, you connect. These are the true markers of a fulfilling career.”

Kimbu looked at Awa, her eyes bright. “Thank you. I think I needed to hear that it’s okay not to have it all figured out.”

Noella added, “And that growth is about more than just titles and achievements.”

Awa leaned back, her voice warm. “Careers are journeys, not destinations. The secret code is patience and learning. Time is relative—what matters is how you use it. Be passionate, be hungry, be kind. The rest will follow.”

As the sun dipped below the skyline, the three women sat in companionable silence, each reflecting on their own journey. In that moment, they understood that while their paths were different, the wisdom they shared would guide them forward—one step, one lesson, one act of kindness at a time.