BY EUNICE AYUMA
Transcribed and compiled by Joyce CHIAMAKA Nwezeh.
PS: This is a very long read because it is the complete transcript of the live event held by Assert Media. This helps you see the various contributions and sessions. So you don’t miss anything.
If you love to read, this is for you.
This addresses storytelling for leadership and your brand. How to touch people’s hearts and be a leader and not just a woman. Including how to own your work and not call it mediocre.
Who is Eunice?
Eunice Ayuma from Nairobi, Kenya is a leader who steps out every day to teach and learn something new. In 2022, she was awarded a Rising Star in brand storytelling, at the 5th African Marketers Conference. And she’s on a mission to change lives, shift mindsets and make sure that people become better through stories. That is why she is sharing this with us.
The storytelling session
The story
So, growing up, we had different stories, and today, I want to tell you a story.
A long time ago, there were two women. One was very old, with long white hair, and the other one was young, full of makeup and latest outfits and all that.
Every time the old lady walked around, people would invite her into their rooms. People would invite her into their homes to just share a meal and talk.
But then people would run away from the young lady, thinking she was a ghost. Though she was young and beautiful.
So one day, the young lady went to the old lady, and asked, “Old lady, I have a question.”
“Why is it that when you walk around in the streets, people welcome you in their houses, people buy you meals, but when I do the same, people run away from me? What’s the difference between you and me?”
And the old lady said, “The difference between you and I is because I bring stories with me. And what are you?” The old lady asked the young lady and the young lady said, I’m the truth. I tell the truth. I tell the naked truth as it is.
“And so the old lady laughed and said, listen, young lady, if you want to tell the truth, you have to cover it in some stories because people don’t like the truth as it is, people don’t like data, just as it is, as bare as it is. People don’t like facts as it is.”
She continued, “But if you cover them in stories, then they will welcome you and they will listen to you, and they will have a conversation with you.”
And so the young lady placed herself at the back of the old lady, and they started working together. And since then, truth and stories have become one.
So back to Africa.
Where did it all begin?
Where did the stories begin?
From the picture in our presentation, we see a fireplace. We see women seated around the fireplace. And this is where we sat with our grandmothers. And our grandmothers would tell us ogre stories, scary stories to make sure that they inspire us.
Stories to make sure that they instigate values in us and the importance of communication and storytelling for leaders.
Stories are memorable, stories are impactful, and they evoke human emotions, building connections and moving people to take action.
So bringing the fireplace back into the boardroom, how do we do it?
And I have a small story I’ll tell here of a young lady who was the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Here is the story by Wangari Maathai
We are constantly being bombarded by problems that we face, and sometimes we can get completely overwhelmed.
The story of the hummingbird is about this huge forest being consumed by a fire. All the animals in the forest come out, and they are transfixed as they watch the forest burning.
And they feel very overwhelmed, very powerless, except for this little hummingbird. It says I’m going to do something about the fire.
So it flies to the nearest stream, takes a drop of water, puts it on the fire and goes up and down, up and down, as fast as it can.
In the meantime, all the other animals, much bigger animals, like the elephant with a big trunk, could bring much more water.
They are standing there helpless, and they are saying to the hummingbird, what do you think you can do? You are too little.
This fire is too big. Your wings are too small. And your beak is so SMALL. You can only bring a small drop of water at a time. But as they continue to discourage it turns to them, without wasting any time, and tells them, I’m doing the best I can.
And that, to me, is what all of us should DO. We should always feel like a hummingbird, I may feel insignificant, but I certainly don’t want to be like the animals watching. If the planet goes down the drain, I will be a hummingbird. I will do the best I can.
Speech ends…
Eunice Continues…
Wangari Maathai is a Kenyan woman who has inspired many young women. Her impact is still felt today, since time immemorial.
She’s the woman who made sure that Kenya has a forest in the city.
How leaders use stories to articulate vision and values effectively.
Leadership by storytelling is the technique of inspiring, motivating and instructing team members by telling fascinating stories.
The technique is a major contributor to building a strong company culture. And we understand how important culture is for the people who are working in a team. So storytelling also helps bring out the need for organizational change.
So if you want to shift mindsets, if you want to change the culture, you can use stories to communicate complex ideas effectively.
What do the best leaders do? (The story of Apple)
They go to statistics. These statistics were released on Wednesday, if I’m not wrong, this week, and we see the top ten tech companies in the world, but then I’ll pick the one that is most common to us, Apple. Apple is number three. And we see how the leader of Apple uses stories to inspire action.
He used stories to kill the other competitors and be on top of his game. So how do we do? We see the founder’s story. Apple was founded by a guy called Steve Jobs. He started the company in his garage.
And Steve Jobs made sure that he told the world his history. He made sure that he told everyone where he started. And he never was shy to remind everyone, that this is where we started and this is where we are going.
He was open to sharing the first product that he produced. And we know with companies, the first product that companies start is not what they end up doing ten years, decades after being in operation.
So Steve Jobs shared his founder’s story and he also shared the products. He made sure that the Customer and the consumer were walking this journey with him.
How Steve Jobs Sold iPods with a Story
Many startups are advised to use Steve Jobs presentations and pitch sessions to practice and see how to raise funds and see how to sell products.
And one of the products that he sold, he did it with a hook. That is the iPod.
And how did he start his speech?
He stepped up on stage, took a pause, and then asked a question. What if you could put a thousand songs in your pocket?
This statement alone made the place quiet, and everybody wanted to listen. So what does Steve Jobs have for us today?
What is he bringing to the table today? And that is when he launched the iPod.
And we’ve seen him selling 700 million iPods. Later, we saw him revolutionarily and made sure that our household had changed in the tech space.
So how do you do this?
- You capture attention.
- You evoke emotions and make information memorable.
What does science teach us and tell us about stories?
If you are a leader in your company and you have data, and the data shows that your sales are not doing well, you need to up your game. The sales team and the PR team need to come and brainstorm and see how to do it better.
So if you’re the leader and you’re supposed to present this to your team, if you just go there with numbers and tell them, last year, we were at negative 2%.
Now today we are at negative 1%. We are not even growing. We are still stagnating. So what scientists tell us is, if you come to people and just give them data, it’s a boring experience.
But once you put stories and data together, their brains light up.
When you’re the storyteller, it lights up the same way as the listener.
Use stories to light up the brains of your team.
How do you craft your story? Click here to read more on Assert Magazine
Panel Discussion: Effective Writing | Persuasive Copywriting | Brand Storytelling
Join us for a captivating panel discussion that delves into the art of effective communication through writing, brand storytelling, and persuasive copywriting. This dynamic session brings together three esteemed speakers – Vicent Nemeyimana, Eunice Ayuma, and Owiny Pius – who are experts in their respective domains.
In a world driven by digital interactions and the need for compelling communication, the ability to craft impactful narratives has never been more crucial. This panel discussion explores the synergy between three key pillars: effective writing, brand storytelling, and persuasive copywriting. Our expert speakers will share their insights, experiences, and strategies, offering a holistic view of how these elements intertwine to create narratives that resonate.
What to Expect: Engage with our speakers as they delve into the depths of writing mastery, unravel the threads of brand storytelling, and unveil the principles of persuasive copywriting. Gain valuable insights into connecting with audiences, evoking emotions, and influencing action through the written word. Discover how these interconnected disciplines can transform your communication strategies and empower you to leave a lasting impact.
Key Discussion Points:
- The Role of Effective Writing in Modern Communication
- Crafting Authentic and Engaging Brand Narratives
- Techniques to Infuse Persuasion into Copywriting
- Bridging the Gap Between Education and Communication
- Building Emotional Connections Through Storytelling
Meet the Speakers:
- Vicent Nemeyimana: A social entrepreneur and prolific writer, Vicent is passionate about empowering youth through impactful writing. With a background in nursing and public health, he brings a unique blend of expertise to the world of communication.
- Eunice Ayuma: A seasoned brand storyteller, Eunice merges the realms of coding and poetry to create compelling narratives. Her diverse career journey spans FMCG sectors, TV content creation, and executive coaching.
- Owiny Pius: A multi-faceted professional with certifications in Marketing, Systems’ Librarianship, and Full Stack Development, Owiny Pius specializes in persuasive copywriting that drives digital success.
Who Should Attend:
- Writers and aspiring authors eager to refine their craft
- Entrepreneurs aiming to create authentic brand narratives
- Marketers seeking to elevate their copywriting strategies
- Educators and students looking to bridge the gap between education and communication
Why Attend: Unlock the secrets to impactful communication by joining this illuminating panel discussion. Whether you’re a writer, marketer, entrepreneur, or educator, this session offers a comprehensive exploration of the art of crafting narratives that resonate. Engage with our expert speakers and gain insights that will transform the way you communicate in the digital age.
Reserve your ticket via this page: Buy Ticket – WordCamp Jinja 2023
That no matter what your past looks like, no matter how many obstacles you meet on your way, no matter how many times you fall and rise, remember that with a CAN DO attitude, whatever you are looking for is also looking for you!
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 09, 2020/– Kenya is steadily becoming a reputable and formidable breeding ground for top actors and actresses in the world. In these exciting times we are lucky to have Eunice Ayuma on Kikao. We pick her brain on her journey, perspective of the industry and more.
Let Kikao begin…
[Question 1] Welcome to Kikao. Who is Eunice Ayuma?
In my journey of becoming, I have been a creative/film enthusiast, sales representative and a business development executive. I define myself as a leader who shows up every morning to learn and teach something new in equal measure.
[Question 2] Share with us your first acting debut role and journey so far.
My debut role was on a segment series by Lolani Kalu on NTV’s Swahili prime time news. I was narrating Swahili poems and acting them out. I later played Annabelle on Rush TV series that has been translated into French and Portuguese, Wrath TV series, Clichè, Sage and Mission short films and the latest season of Jane & Abel TV Series, some are distributed to FTA’S, Cable TV, Streaming platforms and other non convectional distribution channels across the globe.
[Question 3] What lesson do you pick from the global success of Lupita Nyong’o, Edi Gathegi and Kiran Shah?
That no matter what your past looks like, no matter how many obstacles you meet on your way, no matter how many times you fall and rise, remember that with a CAN DO attitude, whatever you are looking for is also looking for you!
[Question 4] With the rapid growth and expansion of streaming services in Africa, will Kenya join the likes of South Africa and Nigeria as key hubs of creation and demand?
Absolutely, Kenya is in the top 3 largest markets in Africa together with Nigeria and South Africa. Both Amazon Prime and Netflix launched in some African countries in 2016. The penetration of international SVOD platforms brought new competition to the streaming space, this has transformed the African media landscape by opening us up to a far wider audience, we’ve seen the recent release of Netflix’s first African original series, seen acquisitions from Nigeria, and the growth snowball keeps rolling, its circumference is bound to grow.
[Question 5] Few people know of the appearance of Kenya’s first president, Jomo Kenyatta in the 1935 movie Sanders of the River and music maestro Sal Davis in The Syndicate (1968). Other notable Kenyan personalities from other fields have also made contributions in the acting scene. Is the Kenyan film industry receptive of this diversity and what are its effects?
When the first Kenyan president took part in Sanders of the River he was not yet the president, he used his skills and ability as an African artist to tell the story the best way he knew how. Music is a piece art, locations whether designed or natural are pieces of art, costumes, make up, different lights, characters are pieces of art, the art of story telling using audio visual is a collection of putting pieces of art together to give life to a masterpiece that is film, TV shows, movies, TVCs you name it.
To answer your question I’d say, there is a lot of power in collaboration! The Kenyan Film industry understands this fully and hence you will find the likes of Bobby Trabolee’s still alive collaborating with the makers of Monsoons Over The Moon, Sautisol featuring in films like Veve and now on a global space in Queen Sono, Governor Alfred Mutua, with Machawood, he is creating an enabling environment for the growth of the creative industry, Multichoice with Talent Factory, other government bodies in the Ministry of sports, Culture and Heritage are also collaborating with creatives, the future is brighter!
[Question 6] “Evening Walk With Eunice Ayuma”. What is it all about?
This is a movie! Okay I’ll be brief.
After work, I always found creative ways and spaces to escape Nairobi’s evening rush hour, being an enthusiast in the entertainment space, I found my true north leading me to creative hubs around Nairobi, a lot of the action worth sharing in Nairobi happens in the evening or over the weekend, be it book clubs at the Kenya National Theatre, Local and International film or Documentary screening at the cinema halls, Art Exhibitions, discussions with industry players, community outreach, activation gigs, general forums and networking with other people out of the entertainment space. This is before the curfew in 2020, lol!
So I needed an outlet to share the little lessons I picked to my online organic audience, there I chose to use and hone my skills by penning down the stories through my blog that I named #EveningWalksWithEuniceAyuma.
I then expanded my walks to a national level while filming and yo! Kenya is such a beautiful filming destination, since the days of Out of Africa up until now, I have so much about Kenya’s jaw-dropping scenery I am yet to share!
[Question 7] As a creative, how are you coping with COVID-19 pandemic?
My very first acting coach Neil Schell told me amongst other students in one of his sessions that as a creative, one must endeavor to have both technical and soft skills that can earn them something when cameras and microphones are not rolling. So with a blue ocean mindset and grateful to the almighty for the Internet, I am finding ways to work with and around this endemic by; providing my services from home, learning, unlearning, and relearning a lot of stuff, reconnecting with family and friends virtually, reading the books I shelved, binging on the shows and movies I promised myself to watch, attending the webinars I can, taking up new courses and above all, listening to podcasts, my favorite now being Activate Gems and Nuggets.
The written interview was compiled by Phineahs Munene – Co-founder of Wazo Moja for Eunice Ayuma – of eayuma.com
Dressed by House of Ruma
Distributed by Wazo Moja on behalf of Eunice Ayuma
SOURCE
Eunice Ayuma
Actress speaks as her film premiers in Nairobi: By Artmatters.Info
Actress | Commercial model | Voice over arti
Eunice ‘Freezzer’ Ayuma is a budding Kenyan actress who starres in CLICHE, a short family drama directed by Firul Maithya that is scheduled for screening and discussion during the 95th monthly Lola Kenya Screen film forum (LKSff), Nairobi’s premier critical movie platform, at Goethe-Institut on August 29, 2016.
Please introduce yourself
My name is Eunice Ayuma but close friends call me Freezzer, the nickname I acquired from friends back in secondary school.
Please describe how and where your acting journey began.
I am an actress, commercial model and voice over artist. I started my acting career in 2012 when I appeared in Malimwengu na Lolani Kalu, a Kiswahili news segment on NTV. Other notable projects I have been involved in include WRATH, SAGE, and CLICHE.
Please describe your experience with CLICHE
My experience in the making of cliche the film was exciting. Working with people whose work I admired and meeting new people was a great experience for me. When I first read the script of the film, I knew this was a story I would want to tell. The writer’s style of telling it is out of this world.
Have you received any formal training in acting?
Yes, I have received acting training from Neil Schell, a director and acting coach from Canada and Patience Ozokwor, an award-winning actress from Nigeria.
Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Nairobi where I also attended Our Lady of Mercy Primary School in Shaurimoyo and Huruma Girls High School in Makadara.
What else have you studied after secondary school?
In 2015 I was among the lucky few that got the opportunity to study Intellectual Property Law, an online course from Harvard School of Law that was organised by Kenya Law, an organisation based in Upper Hill area in Nairobi.
What are your dislikes?
Negative energy and people who speak ill of others.
Do you have any dreams, wishes or prayers?
My dream is to tell a countless number of stories that will both influence viewers positively and keep them entertained. Every time I speak to my creator I always ask for wisdom and good health.
How about any short term ‘concrete’ plans; do you have any?
Every time an idea comes in mind I always put it down on paper. I never leave a pen and paper when I go out. My biggest plan is to hone my skills whenever I get an opportunity to do so.
From whom or what do you draw your inspiration?
My mum. Mama is my best friend. We talk everything from my mistakes to all plans. She’s is the last to go to bed and the very first person up in the morning, focused on making things moving in her 30-year-plus business.
Do you have any person you can refer to as your mentor?
Dorothy Ghettuba of Spielworks Media. She is full of wisdom that she is always willing to share. She brings out the best in me.
What difficulties and successes have you faced so far in your work on screen?
The biggest challenge I’ve experienced is booking a role. This sector is packed with talented actors and new ones are coming in all the time as can be seen during audition sessions. I keep track on my personal growth and always reward myself every time I make a step forward. That I have managed to put my work under one roof is so far my greatest achievement. When my eayuma.com website was born I knew the impossible is possible; I learnt the value of using what you have where you are instead of giving excuses.
What does your family think of your acting career?
My family has always been supportive though I had to keep explaining to my parents what I do for a whole year. They listen to my ideas and support me all the way. They are my biggest cheerleaders.
Any ‘favourite’ movies, songs or actors you’d care to name?
Favourite Movie: A LAW ABIDING CITIZEN starring Gerald Butler, VEVE, EYE IN THE SKY
Favourite TV Series: THE WIRE, NARCOS, LIES THAT BIND, SENSE 8, SUITS
Favourite Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, Miguel Angel Silvestre, Jason Statham
Favourite Actress: Adesua Etomi, the Nollywood actress whose performance in the movie, FALLING, earned her the Female of the Year prize in the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2016.
Favourite Song: Confidence by Demi Lovato. I see a reflection of me in the song, Confidence. Demi Lovato songs speak to me.
Eunice Ayuma with crew and cast members of Hamba Production at Machakos Film Festival in eastern Kenya’s Machakos County.Do you have any dreams, wishes or prayers?
My dream is to tell a countless number of stories that will both influence viewers positively and keep them entertained. Every time I speak to my creator, I always ask for wisdom and good health.
How about any short term ‘concrete’ plans; do you have any?
Every time an idea comes to mind I always put it down on paper. I never leave a pen and paper when I go out. My biggest plan is to hone my skills whenever I get an opportunity to do so.
What are your hobbies?
When I am not onset or working, I am with friends at Imax cinema watching movies, at home cooking random meals, out with my girls tasting dishes from new restaurants, enjoying my ‘me time’ reading journals, listening to loud music or following my favourite television series. I enjoy spending time with family. Being the last born, I happen to have many niece and nephews. I must admit my role as an aunt is so well played out. My people can’t get enough of my pilau rice dish.
Last born . . .
Yes, from a family of five; a brother and three sisters. I have the advantage of learning from the wise people that came before me. I am very shy.. I don’t know where the confidence comes from when I speak in public.
Any other talents that you have but are yet to be publicly recognised?
I sing so well in the bathroom or when I am overwhelmed. I am yet to get the courage to sing in public. I also enjoy walking, I remember back in primary school I represented the school in a 5000m walking race, I managed to go to the next level. I have even started a blog called Evening Walk With Eunice Ayuma.
Are you a member of any youth group?
Yes. My church has several groups that are assigned various roles. I belong to the drama group that creates plays to entertain guests during special occasions. People refer to me as msanii (artist in Kiswahili) in church.
Describe your typical day.
My Monday-Friday day starts at 4:30 AM when I whisper a prayer and go online to update my status, check on friends, return e-mails, chat on whatsApp and any other social App. I then work till 6:00 PM when I go to various creative hubs in Nairobi: Alliance Francaise, Pawa254, Goethe-Institut, Creative’s Hub, iHub, just to mention but a few. There I get to learn, re-learn and learn again. By the time I’m done it’s 10:00 PM. Back home, I take supper, check mail and texts, return calls and ‘it’s a wrap’. Weekends are mostly set aside for auditions, family and friends.
Being in a career that attracts as much public attention as acting must have cast you in the spotlight; are you receiving any ‘marriage proposals’ from admirers?
Ha ha ha, yes, numerous. Not everyone has the courage to follow through, though. But we end up being friends. Some just go away.
How would you describe your ‘Ideal man’?
It is he that possesses enough courage and confidence with which to approach me.