When The Stage Becomes Your Home

At the beginning of May, I wrote a list of hotels that I would want to host at; and a list of the type of people

whom I would want in the audience.

I then went on to behave as if I had received it. A week after that, I received a phone call from Grant Thornton, one of the largest professional services firms in Uganda offering a wide range of business advisory services in addition to audit, tax and business process solutions services.(Website)

This group of fine accountants and tax advisors wanted me to co-host at their twentieth anniversary

celebrations, combined with the launch of their Practical Skills Development Academy, at

Kampala Serena Hotel.

Before the first meeting, I dressed in my safe clothes; decent trousers and a coat. The Grant Thornton staff, led by Indian management, are so chill. Seriously, I had to keep reminding myself that they were accountants. True, they are busy with their laptops, and keep their office pristine, with precise corners added with plush furniture and hardware.

It was after several long planning meetings, broken by lunch breaks  in their enviable dining area

with both sumptuous Ugandan and Indian dishes, where everyone banters, relaxes and re-energises.

It was after these planning meetings that my co-host Lawrence and I finalized our preparations for the

huge celebration.

I have trained on how to be an effective and memorable emcee countless of times. Nothing however,

prepared me for this.

There was a sea of faces, and then Myko Ouma and Friends Band, the top tax-payers in the country,

which also meant the country's highest earners.

Yes, I know that I wrote it down for this to happen. My list was clear about that. I just was not aware

of the enormity and how close my dream was to reality. Actually, this was bigger than my dream.

Dressed in colours close to Grant Thornton’s brand, I dove right in.

It was like testing an Olympic size swimming pool at an actual Olympics Stadium. No matter how

many times you have swum, it will always feel different when you swim at an Olympics size

swimming pool at an actual Olympics stadium, even when you’re not there to compete.

The feeling starts at your ankles, travels up to your thighs, and while you’re in temporary paralysis,

you test the mic, produce a wan smile at the entertainers and walk to your position. 

By the time, your waist has now been jolted by this unfamiliar feeling. When it causes your chest to start knocking at your shoulders, you find your mouth opening and words spilling out.

Nothing prepared me for hosting at that event. It was massive. Magnificent. Mesmerizing.

I was immersed. 

Yes, this was what I wrote down; what I had believed for. I saw faces of C.E.Os whose companies

I used to walk quickly by, because I wasn’t appropriately dressed. And there they were, paying

attention to me.

Thankfully, I have not had impostor syndrome for many years now and I do not  practise fake

humility.

There- I truly belonged. I knew it. I had written it down. I was meant for huge stages. And more stages across the glove have already opened up.

I have been rehearsing for this moment. It came. I have been preparing for this moment. It came.

more moments and opportunities have come. This is part of what I do and I do it well. A speaker.

A host.

Filled with gratitude for the opportunity. Thankful for the many lessons on leadership from interacting with Grant Thornton staff. Grateful to Lawrence who recommended me and to the new people I have met, these past few weeks.

And yes-a number of positive remarks came my way. Accountants are actually cool people.

From me to you, see you at the next global event!

#dropsmic (pun intended)

Beverley Nambozo  Nsengiyunva

A Potential I Never Even Knew Existed

Have you ever wanted something significantly, or more so, felt like you deserved it because of your qualifications, experience and credibility?

That was how I felt, last week. 

In this marvellous time of transition that I'm experiencing, last week I came face to face with a situation which suited my career and aspirations like a snug sweater in the heart of Kisoro's cold. Note: Kisoro is in Southwestern Uganda and Temperatures can drop to as low as 13.9°C. Brrrr

In this situation which required me to draft a few ideas, deliver a few pitches and share my value to the teams, all went well and yet I knew that there was more-so much more.

There is always more; not in the gluttonous way that leaves you bloated and yet empty and lethargic. It's this knowledge that you are always able to give more. It's this knowledge that you are always able to reach a potential that you never knew existed.

With the right perspective, planning and patience, you will always reach a potential that you never even knew existed.

This photo was taken in 2019, with a group of scientists whom I as training in public speaking and storytelling. (Photo credit: Science Stories Africa)

It was during these discussions, that I knew that there was a potential I never knew existed. The more I pondered; that potential drew closer until it was all I could think about. I woke up thinking of the potential I never knew I had, and how it was pertinent that I reach it.

And it worked!

I behaved as if I already had it. I stopped pining after it. I stopped praying  over it. I just said,

"Thank you God. I see it. I receive it. I have it. I'm living it."

And it came. It came. It's here and yes; it's the potential that I never knew I had.

When you want something, you feel you deserve it, it fits in your aspirations-just behave like you already have it. Don't pine after it; just receive it graciously. It's there and the 'it' that you want, will fall in line.

I'm Free!

Bless!

Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva

The ‘My Fair Lady,’ that I want to remember.

It was disappointing to see that the ‘My Fair Lady’ cast at the Uganda National Cultural Centre /National Theatre, were human beings who hugged and took selfies. I needed them to remain in their roles on stage; with paranormal ability.  

With Simeon Lakuc Rugette, (Colonel Pickering)

After watching their performance, I needed time to remain still for just a minute longer. 

What a thrill to witness such outstanding theatre. Without a doubt, the cast and crew, who took on such a bold move to select a world classic and then produce it with such finesse and with a world class cast and crew of their own.  

This splendour was directed by Aganza Kisaka, founder of Yenze Theatre Conservatoire and produced by Karen Hasahya Kimuli and Della Kalanzi, who both assisted in directing. Both Karen and Della also run Timeless Events, an events management company in Kampala. 

Having taught ‘Pygmalion,’ the George Bernard Shaw play from which My Fair lady is derived and having watched the 1964 musical, starring Audrey Hepburn, I was more than eager to watch the play. More than that though, was the reputable team of directors, producers and cast. 

Musicals are an all-time favourite for me; and I will occasionally sing alone and imagine myself as one of the cast members.  

Tayo Shonubi shattered every ceiling in her way. Taking the lead as Eliza Doolittle, she immersed herself into her role and with every gesture and inflection delivered on point, she furthered her captivating ability by singing with such precision and power.  

Lwazi Diamond, who took the lead as Professor Henry Higgins, not only captured the magnitude, character and class representation of his role, he brought such magnificent physical and emotional energy onto the stage, that I couldn’t imagine him as anyone else but Professor Higgins. 

The cast complemented each other so well; the scene transitions were seamless, and the choreography fit the scenes well. The birds in their cages must be appreciated for their role, which speaks for the detail that was placed to make the production of ‘My Fair Lady,’ so exceptional and noteworthy. 

Simeon Rugette and Arfaan Bholim who played Colonel Pickering and Alfred Doolittle respectively, portrayed so much cleverness and skill on stage.

Mrs. Higgins, played by Dr. Denise Meya, had witty punch lines, which I will use for my own banter. 

There is so much to write about each character. There is so much to appreciate with the stage set up, costume design, music production, sound and lighting. The crew clearly put in tremendous effort to ensure that the play was as faultless as it could possibly be. 

All of the individuals, sponsors and friends who supported ‘My Fair Lady,’ deserve every accolade. 

Massive Congratulations to them on an immensely enjoyable and memorable production.  

 

 Review by Beverley Nambozo Nsengiyunva

When something shifts inside, the environment shifts with you

I often take this route on my morning walks. The goal is to summit this hill, gaze at the view and return home. On Saturday, there was a definite shift and healing in my life and as I took the morning walk, carrying my phone, I gazed around me. Not only did I gaze but I took time to experience what was around me.

The palm trees, the sky and the plants were different. They were present in that moment of morning-ness. The leaves were leafing and the sky was sky-ing. 

Taking photos, the images I captured were from a different time. It was a day far different from other days. The morning walk brought with it its own splendour. I had always passed by this palm tree. Today, I stopped, looked at it and captured it.

I recognized the magnificence because that is my new feeling these days. I recognized the beauty of the pine trees, their stateliness and steadfastness, because that is my own state these days. I recognized all the glory around me, because I radiated the same.

I had never paid much attention before.

When something shifts in us, the environment shifts with us.

Bless!

Bev

Generation Z-The Leaders we Need

 This past year has strengthened my resolve. I hold on to the firm belief that the solution to our leadership gap, lies with Generation Z. 

Teenagers usually watch from the sidelines and sigh, as they watch another episode of

‘How to Raise Teenagers,’ from a group of leaders who do not take enough time to actually listen to them. And if leaders do not listen, then they are unable to communicate effectively. Without effective communication, there will never be effective leadership.

I meet with a lot of teenagers and young adults during public speaking training, through my daughter’s friends, church and relatives. I have also interacted with them significantly, during my professional years as a teacher.

With a high inclination towards creativity and change, Generation Z is also influenced audio-visually, almost more than physically and yet they still need physically intimate spaces for their growth. I am not their spokesperson. I am a 46-year-old who is drawn towards the unconventional sides of life, through the subtle signs that are largely ignored or dismissed.

We often dismiss teenagers as being oppressive, misguided and uncontrollable. This is far from the truth. Teenagers usually watch from the sidelines and sigh, as they watch another episode of

‘How to Raise Teenagers,’ from a group of leaders who do not take enough time to actually listen to them.

We are unable to have any positive influence on Generation Z by using the same methods we have been using. Those long tedious strategic plans may not work.

Just try listening first.

 Many young people I know, have resolved that as they grow up, they will create the change that will see honourable leadership that serves others.

God is looking for one person who will restore the land. That person is from Generation Z.

 

Bless!

Bev