One evening not too long ago, I attended a talk given by the Centum CEO, James Mworia – who makes headlines for a number of things, including having risen from intern to CEO in 7 years and being hailed as Kenya’s highest paid CEO. (Karen Country Club hosts a quarterly event known as the Young CEO Series and this was Part I). Listening to him talk, one could not help but connect to the real truths that can be considered universal to success.

It got me thinking. For those in the business of selling themselves, these truths still and will always apply. James Mworia listed some of the secrets of his success. One of them was to “surround yourself with people better than you.” Another, “always keep learning. Too many people have a can-do attitude with a cannot-do aptitude. Stay hungry for knowledge.” Whether you’re in corporate or coaching/consulting, no matter your background, profession or goals, success is a language we can all understand. And the secrets to that success are transferrable.

But why don’t people turn out in their numbers to want to be mentored by the “highest paid Fitness Coach in Kenya”? Is there anyone with such a title?

Take coaching in Kenya. It is an area that has not quite been broken into and many Life Coaches, Business Coaches etc. here have to rely on other sources of income as they try their level best to succeed as just coaches. Consulting is more established on its own, but many do not quite understand what the role of a consultant is. It is easy to envision the success of a CEO, CFO or an Investment Manager. But why can’t we do the same for the Management Consultant or the Life Coach? Talk to others about what kind of fulfilling work you do. Breed a new generation of motivational speakers, and of exceptional trainers who mold entire organizations.

The first step towards that is establishing yourself in that role. All guns blazing. No half-heartedness. We help coaches, consultants and all professionals who are in the business of selling themselves to get to this realization. We are always ready to forge a way forward with you.

I came across 5 inspirational videos that have several lessons for coaches, consultants, trainers, and speakers. These videos go across the board, from the corporates to the entrepreneurs. But the ideas are what hold fast. To become successful, your way of thinking must transcend what you have been taught to know. And when it comes to an industry that is still trying to find its footing in Kenya, or generally in Africa, it is all the more necessary.

5 Inspirational TED Talks for Coaches and Consultants

These TED Talks are packed to the brim with lessons on success, on failure, on what it means to be human and to use your efforts for good. Service to others is another recurring theme. And ultimately, what you need to change within in order to affect your practice or business positively.

1. Why It’s Time To Forget The Pecking Order At Work

Margaret Hefferman discovers some important characteristics on what makes some groups more successful than others, including one of my favorites, the more successful ones had more women in them.

2. Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe

Simon Sinek talks about what trust does to people who work together. Think military kind of trust over that which is common in the business place.

3. What I Learned From 100 Days Of Rejection

Jia Jiang wanted to build a large company that would buy Microsoft, all by the age of 25. Spoiler alert: he didn’t. What he did do however is that he learned how to overcome rejection. How? By seeking it out.

4. Say Your Truths And Seek Them In Others

Elizabeth Lesser learned quite a few things from midwifery. One of them is very applicable to professionals who are trying to make their businesses work; asking the pain – each challenge that you face – what it has come to deliver.

5. The Puzzle Of Motivation

“Everybody in this room is dealing with their own version of the candle problem.” And so are you. In this experiment, Dan Pink explains the puzzle of motivation – how traditional rewards are not as effective as we may think. So what is the solution? Intrinsic motivation.

Learning the lessons is one thing, applying them is a whole different ball game. If you need support in your journey, there is a place for you. The Coaches and Consultants Network Facebook Group is a group whose first and foremost agenda is to introduce coaches & consultants to each other; allowing room for networking and growth. Join here. If you want to go far, go together.