by Who is Jolly?
Meet Jolly Mukiri Mutwiri – that’s me! I served as the Christian Union Chairperson at Africa Nazarene University for the academic year 2022-2023, concurrently serving as the Director of Spiritual Affairs within the Student Council. Beyond my leadership roles, I am blessed with the talents of public speaking, writing, and singing.
Adding to my achievements, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a major in marketing. I’m not just a student of academics; I consider myself a knowledge junkie. In my free time, you’ll often find me engrossed in a podcast, a book, or a thought-provoking sermon. Life for me is a dynamic journey, and I am thrilled to share my experiences and insights with you through this interview.
How did you first become interested in leadership?
I was never actively involved in leadership before I joined the university. However, I had exuded leadership traits at a very young age, such as the ability to communicate and the burden of becoming a voice for the voiceless. As young as 10, I was being called “mtetezi wa watu” (a defender of the people).
What does leadership mean to you personally, and how do you incorporate your passion for leadership into your daily life and career?
Leadership is a call to be a problem solver. Every leader should intrinsically feel the need to solve the problems around their community by being proactive and not reactive. I often remind my team that they should never come to me after identifying a problem yet they do not have a solution to it. With this kind of thinking, I often find myself fixing things that may appear trivial such as switching off the bulb, closing the tap, encouraging someone in the workplace etc. This is the same trait we see with God the Father when He sees that our righteousness is not good enough and opts to solve the problem by giving His Only Son to fix it. What a leader!
Have you had any influential mentors or role models who have shaped your leadership philosophy? Who are they, and what did you learn from them?
Yes, I have had great mentors in my life. One of them is Dr Victor Boiyo who was the dean of students where I schooled. He taught me patience when working with people. His ability to father people who had been written off, and to give them another chance to try was beyond me. Another great mentor is Pastor Elias Kirimi. He once sat with me and told me that the purpose of character assassination is to make you lose your strength to stand on a pulpit. So the next time you feel that your reputation has been tarnished, remember the target is your assignment. Not just your emotions.
Can you share an example of a challenging leadership situation you’ve faced and how you navigated it successfully?
I have been through the gutters while in leadership. I fell into the wrong hands of a ‘mentor’ and with my ‘Messianic’ thinking, I tried to rescue a girl from her alcohol escapades and ended up almost being expelled from the university. I had to admit my mistakes, but I also had to learn to lean on God during that season. It was one of the most depressive seasons I have ever experienced in life. How I was never expelled took the hand of God. How I still kept the position is beyond me. So I’d say prayer was the working wonder since the situation was beyond human knowledge and wisdom.
What leadership qualities or traits do you believe are essential for effective leadership?
Leaders should have authority above them. Every great leader has had someone they are answerable to, including Jesus. That is where we get power from. Having someone above you keeps you humble and makes leadership not get into your head.
Secondly, boldness. With time, I figured that you cannot lead people that you are afraid of. People that intimidate you should not be your subjects. There will be days that you will have to make tough calls and feeling timid doesn’t help in such situations.
Third, pain tolerance. If you are leading, you are most likely bleeding. Leaders face a lot of criticism. Some is justified, but the vast majority is not. It’s part of the job. However, we must learn resilience and agility. Develop a thick skin that can take in criticism and still remain sane. If I am frank though, this trait is only developed by experience.
Fourth, prayerfulness. Once again, I say, “pray.” Prayer will tell you who to take with you to the execution. Prayer will bring things back into order. Prayer will help you discern. The vision will become clearer through prayer. Prayer will put you to sleep.
Fifth, you must learn to say no. A great leader understands not only what to say yes to, but also when to say no. It is not your responsibility to put all brilliant ideas into action. And that is fine.
In your opinion, what distinguishes a good leader from a great leader?
Their love for their people. A good leader has the ability to influence without necessarily using so much force. But a great leader loves his own so much, more so that the vision before them no longer belongs to them only but to those who come behind them. They are okay with other people shining, getting the accolades and even succeeding them once they depart.
How do you stay updated and continue to grow as a leader? Are there any books, courses, or resources you would recommend for someone looking to enhance their leadership skills?
I try as much as I can to listen to as many leadership sermons and speeches, especially those that are kingdom-oriented.
I’d recommend the following books; True North by Bill George and Peter Sims, Leadership and Loyalty by Dag Heward Mills, The Dip by Seth Gordon, Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek, 10 Principles For a Successful Ministry by Apostle John Kimani and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
Men such as Rev Julian Kyula, Pastor Ibukun Awosika, Jackie Hill Perry, Funke Felix Adejumo, Vusi Thembekwayo and Apostle John Kimani are voices you can listen to and gain so much wisdom in matters of leadership.
Finally, study your Bible. It has every leadership strategy that you need to advance the Kingdom.
Parting shot?
Leadership is a responsibility. To whom much is given much is expected.
Interview by Kelvin Mulwa
