As the world marks International Women’s Day, the stories of women in leadership take center stage, offering inspiration and insight into the challenges and triumphs of navigating professional spaces. One such story is that of Juliet Nyaga, CEO of The Karen Hospital, whose journey to the top has been defined by resilience, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to leadership excellence.
In this exclusive interview with KBC TV Producer Francis Mutoka, Nyaga reflects on her path to leadership, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the lessons she has learned along the way. From battling imposter syndrome to embracing mentorship and strategic decision-making, she shares candid insights into what it takes to lead in a demanding industry.
Embracing Growth: Advice to My Younger Self
Life is unpredictable, and success does not always follow a linear path. If I could offer advice to my younger self, it would be this: Be kind to yourself. The pursuit of personal and professional goals is often met with unforeseen hurdles, but these challenges should not become a source of self-doubt. Instead of being overly critical, embrace self-compassion. Use setbacks as an opportunity to re-strategize, refocus, and push forward with renewed strength.
A Defining Moment: Preparing for Leadership
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was becoming the CEO designate. At that point, I knew that stepping into the full role of CEO was not a question of if but when. Recognizing the significance of this transition, I made two crucial decisions: onboarding a personal coach and seeking therapy. The personal coach guided me in crafting a holistic growth plan, ensuring that my leadership transition was smooth. At the same time, therapy allowed me to address emotional baggage that could have hindered my ability to lead effectively. These steps were instrumental in shaping the leader I am today.
Overcoming Challenges: Imposter Syndrome and Leadership Expectations
As a woman in leadership, one of the greatest challenges I faced was imposter syndrome. Not being a medical doctor made me question whether I truly deserved my position. Moreover, as a CEO, I was expected to provide guidance in areas such as finance, despite not having formal training in the field. Personal coaching played a crucial role in helping me overcome these doubts. I learned that leadership is not about having all the technical knowledge—it’s about asking the right questions, empowering teams, and fostering an environment where informed decisions can be made collectively.
Lessons Learned: The Power of Planning
One of the hardest lessons I learned was the importance of thorough planning. Early in my career, I pushed for the purchase of an expensive medical device without conducting a comprehensive feasibility study. The equipment ultimately became a white elephant—an oversight that taught me a valuable lesson: Proper planning makes execution not only easier but also more successful.
A Transformative Decision: Letting Go of Micromanagement
One decision that significantly changed my leadership approach was learning to trust my team. Letting go of micromanagement allowed me to focus on bigger-picture strategies such as corporate governance and business expansion. This shift not only enhanced my leadership effectiveness but also empowered my team to take ownership of their roles.
Passion and Resilience in Leadership
My journey into healthcare leadership was inspired by growing up in a home of doctors. This exposure instilled a deep-seated passion for the industry. However, passion alone is not enough—resilience and continuous learning are essential. Attending short courses, leadership workshops, and networking with
fellow women leaders have been critical in my professional growth. Additionally, self-help books and podcasts have helped me navigate challenges such as stress and burnout.
Debunking Leadership Myths
One major misconception about leadership is that it is simply a title. In reality, leadership is a journey, not a destination. A CEO title does not automatically make someone an effective leader. True leadership is about continuous learning, adaptability, and a commitment to growth.
Striking a Balance: Career and Personal Life
Maintaining a balance between a demanding career and personal life is no easy feat. My approach is to make small, consistent adjustments rather than drastic changes. Additionally, building a strong support system at home has been instrumental. I do not hesitate to lean on my mother when I need help with raising my son. Women should never feel ashamed to ask for support.
Empowering the Next Generation
To young women aspiring to break barriers, I say this: Do not shy away from showcasing your strengths. Speak up for yourself instead of waiting for others to recognize your abilities. Additionally, women can uplift each other by fostering mentorship, engaging in leadership events, and actively supporting one another in the workplace.
Self-doubt and imposter syndrome can be overcome through personal coaching, attending women-focused leadership events, and seeking mentorship. Moreover, accelerating gender equality starts within our workplaces. If each woman takes a stand against inequality in her organization, we will collectively drive change at a larger scale.
A Vision for the Future
If I could change one thing for women in the professional world, it would be increasing female representation in boardrooms. Women belong in leadership spaces, and we must advocate for greater inclusivity in decision-making roles.
As for my legacy, I hope to inspire women to see each other as allies in business. I want my story to instill belief in women that they are worthy of leadership positions. To ensure that stories like mine continue to inspire future generations, we must actively contribute to publications, events, and platforms that highlight women’s leadership journeys.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating Women in Leadership
On this International Women’s Day, let us celebrate the resilience, strength, and accomplishments of women leaders. May we continue to uplift, support, and pave the way for the next generation. Together, we can create a future where women’s voices are not only heard but also valued and respected in every professional sphere.
