Afri-love

30 Day Health Reset Challenge: In the Interests of Getting Things Done

 

We all know that, if we're going to be putting in the work that's required to make things happen this year, we cannot neglect our bodies. They are the precious vehicles that help us to turn thoughts and ideas into action.

Yet, if you're anything like I have been in the past, the first things that get compromised when I'm busy are:

• Exercising
• Getting enough sleep
• Healthy eating

Probably in that order!

And it's January. You more than likely overindulged in some festive eating (my excuse, throughout December, was – "it's Christmas!"). And you more than likely didn't move half as much as you usually do (it's cold! I need to rest! Etc. …). 

It's almost 2 weeks into the month and the resolution fever has probably started to die down for most but, I want to let you in on a challenge that might just change the course of your year. It's a challenge that I'm embarking on, along with my partner, his sisters and a few of my friends. And I would love for you to join us.

2014: The Year of Fearlessness

 

Happy new year everybody! I have an amazing feeling about this one – this moment is pregnant with the raw energy of a boiling pot of water that's just about to pop its lid off! It's that exciting.

 

Last year in review

I stopped making resolutions a few years back. Instead, I pick a quality/action/intention to use as my guiding philosophy for the year. Last year it was kindness. The verdict:

13 of your Favourite Afri-love Posts in 2013

 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for reading these posts and engaging with me. I'm so happy that this blog has given me a platform to meet so many incredible people; to be continuously inspired and; to share the sometimes tough, but always enlightening, lessons that business and life in general throw my way. I look forward to more great discoveries and learning, new relationships and further exchange in 2014!

For this year's round-up, I've decided to do things a little bit different and feature the posts that were most popular each month. Enjoy.

Kenya is Golden! Celebrating 50 Years of Independence this Jamhuri Day

 

I am proud to be Kenyan. I am inspired by the diversity of our land, my fellow countrypeople and our culture.

Much love goes out to you all today. Let us make the most of what we have been blessed with. There is abundance available for us all, and more when we seek it united.

RIP Madiba

 

RIP to an inspiring man and a great leader, Nelson Mandela, aka Madiba.

5 Reasons to Have a Team: Entrepreneurs Need People, Part II

 

Those of you who have subscribed to the Afri-love mailing list will have already witnessed me getting all soppy over my Asilia team. Those intelligent, witty, passionate people who I have the honour of spending the majority of my week with. My business partner, Andrew, and I have learned that finding the right people is possibly the most important thing you can do for your business. People who not only have the skills but also, the right attitude. After all, skills can be learned but, the right attitude is indispensable and makes everything else possible.

So why is a team so important? Here are the top 5 reasons from my experience:

Inspired: Adele Dejak Clothing and Interiors

 

Adele Dejak is one of my favourite entrepreneurs because the woman is constantly innovating. Whether it's perfecting or incorporating new craftsmanship techniques; creating new fashion accessory collections; branching out into clothing and interiors; collaborating with all manner of artists, designers, photographers and; the list goes on and on and on. 

Her vision, energy and determination are extremely inspiring. 

5 Reasons To Have a Business Partner: Entrepreneurs Need People, Part I

 

One of the best decisions I've made in my entrepreneurial journey is having a business partner. We've laughed and we've argued. We've been charged with excitement and been on top of the world, and we've also had our fair share of set-backs and disappointments. The consistent thing over the past 3 years is our appreciation for the fact that we've gone through all these things together. When one has been discouraged, the other has dragged them from the doldrums and kept the vision and motivation alive. As business expert Mike Southon mentioned at a talk he gave at our London office space, one of the most important things an entrepreneur can do is find a foil.

Here are my top 5 reasons why:

Nominate Your Favourite Entrepreneur: Deadline Extended

I've extended the deadline of the contest to Sunday 1st December, midnight GMT. I know you all know some amazing entrepreneurs – here's an opportunity to share that knowledge and get them some exposure. I can't wait to be inspired!

Check out the criteria and submit your entries today.

 

Interview with My Father (My Hero!), Entrepreneur and Author, Paul Kitololo

 

My father, Paul Kitololo, has been an entrepreneur for all of my life. At the height of a successful career in the corporate world, he gave up the regular paycheck, the company car and, in many people's opinion – his sanity – in order to start his own tour company. Over the next 3 decades, Private Safaris grew to be one of the most prestigious tour companies in Kenya and East Africa. I remember spending my Saturday mornings at his office as a child, busying myself on his secretaries typewriter (creating my 'zine). I am still in awe at how my father successfully run the company while also: participating in or chairing several associations and boards; managing the Kenya Special Olympics team; writing a novel, Shortcut to Hell (published in 1983); making it to every single one of my parent-teacher evenings, as well as sports days and plays and; generally being so involved in my life.