From Uncertainty to Purpose: My Transformational Lapid Journey

Imagine standing at a crossroads—dreams in one hand, uncertainty in the other. That’s where I was not too long ago, a young Kenyan grappling with one of life’s biggest questions: Who am I, and where am I headed?

If this resonates with you, take a moment to pause. Because what I’m about to share is not just my story, it could be yours, too.

The Unexpected Conversation That Changed Everything

It all started on an ordinary day. I was having one of those casual chats with a friend Ely O. Aboka , the kind where you’re mostly swapping stories. But then, they began sharing about Lapid Leaders Africa , and the space seemed to shift.

“Lapid pushed me to think differently,” they said, eyes alight. “It made me see potential in myself that I didn’t even know was there.”

I couldn’t shake those words. Wasn’t that what I had been searching for? something to help me bridge the gap between my dreams and the reality of who I wanted to be? Right then and there, I decided to leap. To sign up for a journey I knew little about but felt I desperately needed.

Now, picture yourself in that moment: you don’t know what’s ahead, but you feel this nudge. What do you do?

Why I Said Yes to Lapid

Growing up, I’ve always been a dreamer. Big dreams. Bold dreams. But let’s be honest, dreaming is the easy part. Translating that vision into action? That’s the tricky bit.

For a long time, I felt like I was running in circles, trying to meet everyone’s expectations while secretly wondering what success even meant to me. Joining Lapid Leaders Africa wasn’t just about learning leadership skills. It was about finding myself, uncovering the tools to build not just a career but a life I could be proud of.

And so, I joined. What I didn’t know was that this journey would be as much about self-discovery as it was about leadership.

The Three Game-Changing Lessons I Learned

Let me take you through a few moments that defined my Lapid Leaders Africa experience.

1. Discovering the Power of Self-Awareness

Close your eyes and picture yourself standing in front of a mirror, not just seeing your reflection but truly looking inward. That’s what Lapid Leaders Africa taught me to do.

As Esther Mwaniki often says, “Leadership starts with you.” I learned that true leadership begins within. I learned to ask tough questions about myself: What drives me? What scares me? What values do I hold close? For the first time, I wasn’t just trying to fix the world out there - I was fixing me.

It wasn’t always easy. But through intense self-reflection, I discovered my unique qualities. I realized that self-awareness isn’t just about knowing what I want, it’s about understanding who I am at the core, and using that knowledge to lead with authenticity.

2. Building Resilience Through Challenges

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous part: the tough mornings and the late nights of deliverables, and the self-doubt. There were moments when I wondered if I was cut out for this.

But the real test of resilience came from juggling multiple commitments. Alongside Lapid Leaders Africa , I was pursuing my MSc in Medical Microbiology, taking part in my roles at Phage Hunters Training and Research Program (PHTRP), and maintaining personal responsibilities. There were days when it felt like I couldn’t do it all, and the pressure seemed overwhelming. But Lapid Leaders Africa taught me that growth comes when we stretch beyond our comfort zones. With each new challenge, I learned to manage my time, prioritize my well-being, and keep pushing forward.

Lapid’s obstacle training during the bootcamps wasn’t just about individual growth, it was about building a mindset of persistence, facing adversity head-on, and learning from every setback. This lesson in resilience has become one of the most valuable takeaways, both for my leadership journey and my personal life.

But here’s the thing about challenges, they shape you. Every obstacle I faced became a stepping stone, teaching me that failure isn’t the end. It’s the classroom.

3. The Magic of Community

If you’ve ever felt like you’re walking alone, you’ll understand just how powerful it is to find your tribe. The Lapid Leaders Africa community became that for me.

There’s something magical about journeying alongside people who believe in growth as fiercely as you do. Their stories inspired me; their wins motivated me. It was a constant reminder that no dream is too big when shared with the right people.

But the real magic of Lapid came from the people I met along the way. The classes, the training sessions, the community service, we all walked this journey together.

I remember the time we all gathered as a group for community service. We were tasked with volunteering at a local children's home. What started as a simple service project turned into a powerful experience. I learned that leadership isn’t just about taking charge, it’s about serving others, lifting them up, and contributing to something larger than yourself.

Esther Mwaniki often reminds us that “leadership is about service, and service is about giving.” Lapid Leaders Africa taught me that leadership is a collective effort.

Where I’m Headed Next: A Bold New Chapter

As I stand on the other side of this program, I feel a mix of emotions ; gratitude, excitement, and an unshakable sense of purpose.

I’m stepping into this next season with a clear vision: to deepen my impact in medical microbiology, champion antimicrobial resistance, and empower others through leadership. To kickstart this journey, I’m launching a LinkedIn series called Pathogen Pulse. Think of it as storytelling meets science, where I’ll explore the fascinating world of pathogens and their real-world impact on our communities.

But beyond the professional goals, I’m carrying a deeper lesson: balance matters. Faith, family, and service to my community will always be my guiding stars.

To You, My Fellow Youth

Now, let me turn this to you. Are you feeling a little lost? Unsure of your next step? Let me tell you something I’ve learned: It’s okay to feel this way.

The beauty of life’s journey is that every small step forward brings clarity. Lapid Leaders Africa didn’t give me all the answers, but it gave me the courage to ask the right questions and that’s where true transformation begins.

So here’s my challenge to you: what’s one step you can take today toward your own growth?

A Heartfelt Thank You

To my Lapid Leaders Africa family: you’ve been my greatest blessing on this journey. Your belief in me has shaped the leader I am becoming, and I am endlessly grateful.

And to everyone reading this: this is not the end of my story. It’s the beginning of a bold, new chapter. Let’s walk forward together, hand in hand, into a future brimming with possibility.

#LeadSelf #YouthLeadership #LapidLeaders