Mary ‘Medley’ Maina
Mary ‘Medley’ Maina is a lightworker, a mother and a coach. She helps people in careers who feel stuck, to get healed of mindset BLOCKS and emotional stress so they can advance their careers and/or start post career businesses.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your corporate journey/venture/initiative.
I was born and grew up in Nairobi to a humble family. As the first born daughter, expectations were (and still are) high for me as I carry the name of our matriarch. I thought I would be many things – a singer, rapper, artist, architect, lawyer – but, I found my professional career in Operations, Procurement and Logistics. I was in this corporate world for 14 years and I realized in the end that I wanted to help people. I wanted to make an impact. That’s how I found coaching.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business /initiative? What motivated you within to say YES, go for it!”
When I left corporate employment, I was burnt out, stressed, unhappy and unfulfilled. Looking for an opportunity that would change my life from constant achievement to joy in work and fulfillment, I thought I would become an affiliate marketer. But as I shared my struggles online, looking for the right path, people started to ask me if I was a coach as my posts were inspiring to them. This sparked a joy in me that surpassed anything else and I knew this was my path. The more people I worked with as a coach, the more I was sure that my life was meant to help others find themselves, find their true identity, heal and become change makers themselves.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
I believe that every woman has a responsibility to open the gate for others. You should never gate keep or be afraid that you will be replaced if another rises. Lift other women up. Teach others. The greatest reward in life is being the one who added light into the light of others and helped their light shine brighter. There is only one you. No one can replace you. Let others through the gate.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. There are cracks in glass ceilings everywhere, with many women breaking through to carve out a space right at the top of the pyramid. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
While women are a force to reckon with, it is often said that we are our own worst enemy. I have had experience in the corporate world of women putting me down, blocking my growth and even sabotaging my career, out of fear that I would surpass them. I think there is still room for women in leadership to come together and create spaces that encourage other women to come up. Mentorship between women is lacking. Business funding for women is still low despite women being the best loan players in the world. I wish to challenge Women leaders to be leaders in inclusion of others as well.
What’s the most important thing you have learned in your personal life and professional journey? What is your personal motto in life?
The most important things I have learned are:- (1) My identity and self worth is not tied to what I do or what I achieve. (2) I am the CEO of my life and career and if I don’t take charge of either one, I alone will suffer. (3) Helping others is the most fulfilling choice you can make
With your grit and determination, you are making a considerable impact, breaking through, and serving as role models for many budding entrepreneurs. What would you want to say to our young women leaders/audience reading this?
If you want to become a leader, you must take up the persona of leadership. That starts with doing a self analysis and getting accountable on what is missing in your life, skills, or mindset – then taking action towards healing those gaps so you become that leader. Leadership starts within. You must then be ready within so you can shine.