The exclusive event, which was graced by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, brought together like-minded professionals across all sectors seeking to upscale their networking opportunities.
Under the theme ‘Unlocking Economic Opportunities’, the event celebrated the network’s achievements of helping professionals achieve their goals by leveraging their strengths.The speakers, drawn from the top one per cent in their respective fields, included the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Dr Susan Koech, chairperson of Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK) Zuhura Odhiambo, Jubilee Group Holdings Chief Executive Officer Dr. Julius Kipng’etich, Director of Business Banking at ABSA Kenya Elizabeth Wasunna and Group Director of Human Resources at the African Guarantee Fund Allan Akoko.
In her speech, Ms. Ngala explained the network’s vital role in offering career mentorship and grooming individuals for success.
“It has been a journey. One year is not a small feat. Let us continue to make meaningful interactions as we go on,” she said.
On her part, MSK chairperson Odhiambo explained the role of marketing in a company’s success and emphasised how crucial business owners need to adapt to the consumers’ diverse needs to stay ahead of their competitors.
“We can’t unlock economic opportunities if your marketing is not at the forefront. You can’t leave your product the way it was ten years ago, you need to adapt to the changing user behavior and technology,” she remarked.
On her part, CBK Deputy Governor Dr. Koech advised youths to capitalise on developing their skills to propel them to the next level.
She also pointed out the power of value-based relationships when developing networks for your business growth.
“To the young people, be deliberate in developing your skills. Let us plant the seeds that will propel us to the next level. Plant them by being deliberate and reaching out to someone. Ensure you actualize the next meeting and conversation,” she said.
CS Mbadi, who revealed that his friendship with Ms. Ngala dates back years ago, hailed her achievements in the past two decades in the professional world.
He noted that all individuals ought to build value to be useful to the business field.
“Networking is about connections, togetherness, and holding each other’s hands. It’s not just about how you can be helped. It’s about your value and worth,” he said.
While reflecting on his career, Mbadi pointed out the vital role networking played for him to succeed in his academic and political journey.
“I’m here today because (former Prime Minister) Raila Odinga held my hand and he didn’t know me when I came in. You must create a niche and establish yourself. You must prove something about you,” he added.
The network’s founder, Ms. Ngala, has been involved in the Human Resource space for two decades and has been recognised for her past achievements in her career.
In 2022, she was named the PeopleHum’s list of the Top 50 HR leaders in Africa and was also featured on the Top 20 Leaders in Kenya by Disruptive People in early 2024.
By Brian Kimani
