Mugure Njendu wears many hats. She’s a mother, an architect, an entrepreneur, a STEM advocate, a mentor and mentee and the president of the Architectural Association of Kenya. She is a patner, architect and urban designer with Gitutho Architects and Planners (GAPL).
She’s also the cofounder of Little Einsteins East Africa, a program that equips learners with hands-on skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
She’s also the cofounder of Little Einsteins East Africa, a program that equips learners with hands-on skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Hustle East Africa Magazine asked her about women empowerment, mentorship, and crashing the proverbial glass ceiling. Excerpts.
What does your current job entail?
I currently practice as an Architect and Urban Planner, I listen to client needs in terms of buildings and developments they would like to put up and develop these into briefs, design schemes and eventually detailed designs towards construction. We further supervise the works to completion.
I currently practice as an Architect and Urban Planner, I listen to client needs in terms of buildings and developments they would like to put up and develop these into briefs, design schemes and eventually detailed designs towards construction. We further supervise the works to completion.
As a young girl, what were your career aspirations and did that change along that way?
I think every child goes back and forth on the things they want to pursue. I wanted to be a teacher once, an artist another time, an Engineer, but Architecture was in my blood and today remains my passion.
What inspires you?
My children mostly, but in design, art, natural landscapes, a feel and beat of a site if its in an urban context. Who and what are the people about
What makes most women shy away from pursuing the C-suite?
I feel that women are in fact going for roles they feel they would have a significant impact on, including the C-suite today. For those who may shy away, it may be lack of representation, or another female figure who came before them to lean on, or chart the way.
I feel that women are in fact going for roles they feel they would have a significant impact on, including the C-suite today. For those who may shy away, it may be lack of representation, or another female figure who came before them to lean on, or chart the way.
What is AAK doing to make sure there is a balance between women and men architects?
The Association is very progressive on this issue. Our membership is about 85% men and they elected a woman. Not because I am a woman, but based on a manifesto and vision that they responded to and identified with. AAK is at the fore front of leading in this regard, and it’s the membership who do so.
The Association is very progressive on this issue. Our membership is about 85% men and they elected a woman. Not because I am a woman, but based on a manifesto and vision that they responded to and identified with. AAK is at the fore front of leading in this regard, and it’s the membership who do so.
What are the challenges that women face at the workplace? What kind of challenges did you face as you scaled the corporate ladder and how did you overcome them?
I am one of those people that avoids talking about challenges. I feel like every challenge can end up being a value if you approach things positively. I would say however, when you do feel challenged, lean on your knowledge and competency and seek assistance from those who came before you. And my personal philosophy, approach every tough situation with two things. GUTS AND GRACE.
I am one of those people that avoids talking about challenges. I feel like every challenge can end up being a value if you approach things positively. I would say however, when you do feel challenged, lean on your knowledge and competency and seek assistance from those who came before you. And my personal philosophy, approach every tough situation with two things. GUTS AND GRACE.
If you were to do it again, what would you change?
Absolutely nothing. I’ve made many mistakes, but those mistakes have also taught me along the way and made me do better.
I would however urge my younger self not to stress about the small stuff. In retrospect, everything is so critical when you’re young. I am a lot calmer, assured and not in a hurry to react, unlike my younger self.
Absolutely nothing. I’ve made many mistakes, but those mistakes have also taught me along the way and made me do better.
I would however urge my younger self not to stress about the small stuff. In retrospect, everything is so critical when you’re young. I am a lot calmer, assured and not in a hurry to react, unlike my younger self.
Do we still have quality mentors in the country and are they playing their part to nurture the next generation of women leaders?
We absolutely do. There are many women who are ensuring that the women who come after them learn from their experiences. I mentor 4 young ladies as well. I can say from my experience, that I learn as much from them as they do from me. Mentorship is a cyclic value for mentors and mentees and anyone who can intentionally do so, should try and mentor. On a side note, I would encourage men in leadership to also do the same. I take part in occasional mentorship and career sessions and are consistently disappointed that few men take part in these activities and our young men are as much in need of mentors. We need our seasoned men to show up for them.
We absolutely do. There are many women who are ensuring that the women who come after them learn from their experiences. I mentor 4 young ladies as well. I can say from my experience, that I learn as much from them as they do from me. Mentorship is a cyclic value for mentors and mentees and anyone who can intentionally do so, should try and mentor. On a side note, I would encourage men in leadership to also do the same. I take part in occasional mentorship and career sessions and are consistently disappointed that few men take part in these activities and our young men are as much in need of mentors. We need our seasoned men to show up for them.
What are some of the qualities that women have that makes them good leaders? Briefly touch on your success factor?
I think the leadership qualities cut across the board whether a man or woman. The first I would say is to be clear about why you are in leadership, you will not be misdirected or distracted by side shows. The second is be able to lead, but also able to listen. Lastly, there is no replacement for hard work and diligence to get it done.
I think the leadership qualities cut across the board whether a man or woman. The first I would say is to be clear about why you are in leadership, you will not be misdirected or distracted by side shows. The second is be able to lead, but also able to listen. Lastly, there is no replacement for hard work and diligence to get it done.
What would be your advice to any woman who wants to be a leader?
As my own mentor told me, ‘Go for it.’
-Women have to naturally wear many hats and lead busy lives. How do you unwind?
Spending time with my children is my go-to. They are such great little people and we have so much fun together, watching movies, playing board games, going swimming, cycling. Its my best way to wind down and refocus. I also love to travel and read books.
As my own mentor told me, ‘Go for it.’
-Women have to naturally wear many hats and lead busy lives. How do you unwind?
Spending time with my children is my go-to. They are such great little people and we have so much fun together, watching movies, playing board games, going swimming, cycling. Its my best way to wind down and refocus. I also love to travel and read books.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished Becoming by Michelle Obama. I also try to read alongside my reading for pleasure book, something that will enhance my business skills. I am also reading the Consulting Bible by Alan Weiss, on growing your Consulting business and running it efficiently.
I just finished Becoming by Michelle Obama. I also try to read alongside my reading for pleasure book, something that will enhance my business skills. I am also reading the Consulting Bible by Alan Weiss, on growing your Consulting business and running it efficiently.
