Two Coaches in a Room

Some guests leave a mark the first time. So you bring them back.Wamaitha Wamz Karanja was in our room at the close of last season, and we knew before this season was even fully formed that she had to return. A year later, she walks back in — and she has lived lifetimes in the interim.When we first met Wamz, she had just been orphaned. Her father had died in April 2024. Her mother, ninety days later, in July. She came to us already in the thick of grief, already doing the hard work of deconstructing everything she had held as true, and sitting with the question of what remained.Right after that first recording, on the 30th of March 2025, she was commissioned as a Care Pastor. A call she had been actively dodging. A call she ultimately said yes to.Oh — and then she published a book.Misunderstood: A 45-Year Journey to Me launched on November 15th, 2025, as part of the largest book launch in African history — 225 Kenyan authors, one extraordinary day. The book is exactly what the title promises: a woman finally meeting herself. Walking through pain, loss, grief, joy, and the long, unglamorous work of understanding that the parts of her that were labeled too much were actually the very things she needed most.The conversation goes everywhere, and all of it matters. We talk about portfolio careers, the freedom, and the terror of being multi-hyphenate in a world that wants one clean title. We talk about the unraveling, that formless, directionless in-between space where you are no longer who you were but not yet who you are becoming. We talk about giving yourself permission, not as a one-time grand gesture, but as a daily, quietly radical act.And somewhere in all of it, a new title emerges, not career igniter, as Wamz had been calling herself, but something truer: Growth Igniter. Whether she is helping someone rebuild their CV, debriefing trauma, shepherding a discipleship group, or sitting with a client who just needs to find the thread, the work is always the same. She is igniting growth.She went through the fire — every kind of it. And she came out smelling like a rose.Whatever you are carrying into your own reinvention today, this conversation will remind you that you have no excuse not to begin. Not because your pain doesn't count. But because it does — and it is trying to take you somewhere.Misunderstood is available through Wamz's socials and at her office along Jakaya Kikwete Road.

What does a 51-year-old creative, watercolor artist, fractional creative director, cancer kids advocate, and self-described human perceiver of joy have to teach us about reinvention? As it turns out, quite a lot.In our first guest conversation of the season, we sit down with Kanyi Ohawa, and the room comes alive. Kanyi is the kind of woman who walks in knowing exactly who she is and somehow makes you feel more like yourself in the process. She is a founder, a mentor, a mother of four (three of them now adults, which, she will tell you, is its own reinvention), and a woman in full possession of a voice she spent decades learning to use.We cover a lot of ground together. Menopause, not as an ending, but as the moment the filters fell away and a more unfiltered, authentic self stepped forward.Career reinvention, from graphic designer to fractional creative director, trading the execution for the thinking, the tools for the wisdom.Spiritual reinvention, the honest, sometimes unsettling work of moving from inherited religion to a faith that is truly your own.And parenting adult children, a terrain nobody prepares you for, and one that has quietly demanded its own transformation.Kanyi also works with children living with cancer through Hope for Cancer Kids, running an art therapy program that has taught her more about joy than almost anything else. Joy, she reminds us, is not something that happens to you when conditions are right. It is something you pursue, deliberately, daily, even in the liquefying.Yes, the liquefying. Kanyi brings us the image we didn't know we needed: that before a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, it does not simply transform — it dissolves. It becomes a formless, mushy thing. And that is what midlife reinvention often feels like from the inside. Messy. Ugly. Unglamorous. And completely necessary.Whether you are at the edge of your own becoming, deep in the dissolving, or just beginning to sense the wings, this conversation is for you.Stay curious. Be creative. Pursue joy.

A two-month break became a year. And as it turns out, that year had a great deal to say.In this season opener, we sit back down in the room — and the first order of business is honesty. Life was lifing. For both of us. And rather than gloss over the gap, we open it up and walk through it together.Faith spent the year deepening her professional practice — completing Impostor Syndrome-Informed Coach training and earning her Certified Leadership and Team Coach credential — while continuing to ask the questions that have defined her work for decades: What holds capable women back, and what does it take to break through?Zeba's year looked different but carried its own quiet weight. She leaned into her social impact work with her non-profit Tito Tikul, showed up for the sacred and demanding work of elder care, and supported one of the most moving milestones a daughter can witness — the launch of her father's autobiography, written by the man himself at the age of 86.Two coaches. One year. Many lessons.From there, we turn the conversation forward. Season 3 is called Reinvention Reloaded for a reason. Whether you are standing at the edge of a major life shift, in the unglamorous and disorienting middle of one, or just emerging on the other side wondering what comes next, this season was made with you in mind. We unpack what the season will explore: the themes, the types of guests coming to the room, and the kinds of stories and strategies we hope will serve women who are doing the courageous work of finding or reclaiming their place in this season of life.Pull up a chair. The room is open again.

In this deeply moving and powerful episode, we welcome Wamaitha "Wamz" Karanja, a woman of many reinventions, to the room. From coder to HR professional, cancer survivor to grief coach, and recruiter to rooted leader, Wamz takes us on a journey of trauma, triumph, and transformation.With raw honesty and refreshing humor, she shares how she:Walked through childhood trauma, divorce, cancer, and parental lossDiscovered the genius of surrender and the courage to healEmbraced post-traumatic growth and turned her pain into purposeHelps others ignite their careers through trauma-informed coachingThis is an episode for every woman who's had to start over, pick herself up, or redefine who she is in midlife. Wamz reminds us: "You are not what happened to you. But you are responsible for how you move forward."

In this dynamic episode, Two Coaches in a Room welcomes Anne-Marie Burugu, a trailblazer in reinvention and midlife empowerment. Anne-Marie—a proud single mother, fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur, and now a matchmaker—shares her transformative journey from full-time motherhood to corporate roles, entrepreneurship, and curating meaningful connections.The conversation explores: ✅ Reinvention at Any Stage – From co-founding Vivo Activewear to leading Dance Factory Kenya, Anne-Marie embraces change fearlessly. ✅ Overcoming Career Gaps & Confidence Blocks – How she transitioned back into the workforce after years as a stay-at-home mom. ✅ The Power of Mindset Shifts – She encourages women to release societal expectations and define success on their own terms. ✅ Dating & Love in Midlife – Anne-Marie introduces Berkeley International, a high-end matchmaking service she brought to Africa to help singles find meaningful relationships. ✅ Living Fully & Joyfully – From salsa dancing to skydiving, she embodies a life of courage, fun, and reinvention.Her message? Get in the arena. Give yourself permission. Reinvent boldly.Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges the norms of midlife and reminds us all—it's never too late to dream, pivot, and thrive

In this episode of Two Coaches in a Room, we sit down with HR professional and leadership trainer Dorcas Njuguna to discuss her bold journey of career reinvention. From navigating ethical dilemmas to leaving a high-paying role after just seven days, Dorcas shares how values-based decision-making shaped her transition from corporate HR to independent consultancy. She walks us through her reskilling journey, the self-doubt she had to overcome, and the mindset shifts necessary for women in leadership.We also discuss how to build executive presence, self-awareness during transitions, and practical strategies for professionals affected by job disruptions. Whether you're considering a career pivot, struggling with imposter syndrome, or wondering how to stand out professionally, this conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and actionable steps.Key topics include: ✔️ Making career decisions based on your values ✔️ Reskilling for career transitions and growth ✔️ Overcoming fear of failure and imposter syndrome ✔️ Owning your space in professional settings ✔️ Advice for professionals navigating unexpected job loss🎧 Tune in and be inspired to march off the edge of your map!

Reinvention isn't about starting over—it's about evolving.In this powerful episode, Nathalie Ngatia shares her journey through multiple career transitions, navigating uncertainty, and embracing reinvention with resilience. From corporate banking to the nonprofit sector and facing an unexpected career pivot, Nathalie breaks down the Three R's of Reinvention: Rest, Reconnect, and Reskill.Whether you're choosing change or it's choosing you, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence.🎧 Tune in and learn how to navigate life's pivots with purpose and courage!

What happens when you take a leap of faith, only to land flat on your face?Coach Vuyanzi Rodman knows this journey intimately.In this episode, she shares her incredible story of reinvention—one that took her from a classroom teacher to a corporate trainer to an executive coach and ultimately from the U.S. to Kenya.Vuyanzi's love affair with Kenya began unexpectedly with a visit to support a grieving friend. That trip planted a seed that bloomed into relocation during the COVID-19 pandemic.But life didn't unfold as planned. She failed, forcing her to return to the U.S. to regroup.As it turned out, that detour was divinely timed; she could be with her mother in her final moments.With renewed clarity and determination, Vuyanzi returned to Kenya, rebuilding her life, cultivating community, and stepping into her purpose as a coach.Her story is one of resilience, courage, and the unwavering belief that you can rise again even after failure.Join us as we dive into this powerful conversation about trusting your instincts, embracing the unexpected, and picking yourself up when life knocks you down.🎧 Listen now and be inspired to follow your heart—wherever it may lead.

Dr Kabugo Kamau is the founder of Women's Health Cafe, a community for women in the menopause transition. She returns to the podcast to share her journey of reinvention. 🤜🏿From reshaping her path as a teenager post-high school to moving to the U.S. to study Pharmacy, navigating life and career abroad, and returning to Kenya as a single parent, Dr. Kabugo has fearlessly embraced change at every stage. 🤜🏿Most recently, she has reinvented herself—this time as a certified menopause practitioner.🫶🏾Driven by a passion for women's health, she founded Women's Health Café, creating a much-needed community where women can learn, share, and navigate the menopause transition with support and expert guidance. 🫶🏾🫶🏾Through her training with the North American Menopause Society, she now helps women manage the complexities of perimenopause and menopause with knowledge, care, and empowerment.🔥 If you're navigating change, midlife transitions, or curious about how to own your reinvention journey, this episode is for you! Listen to this conversation between Dr Kabugo and Dr Faith, learn why reinventing yourself can be an exciting journey.

In this episode, Debra Ouma-Weya shares her profoundly moving story —she lost her parents young; she was thrust into survival mode in her late teens yet rose to become an accomplished marketing professional. Recently, she has reinvented herself into a role as founder of Positive Circles for women, and is still reinventing herself. Her story demonstrates what one woman can accomplish when life is lifing and she's determined to survive and thrive.

Faith and Zeba introduce season two, which will focus on stories of reinvention.Zeba chose this quote as a reflection of her philosophy."Permit yourself to change your mind when something is no longer working for you." - Nedra Glover TawwabAnd Faith chose this one:"You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be." — Marianne WilliamsonWe are mistresses of reinvention, having done it more than once in our adult lives. Our guests will share their own stories of the how and why of reinventing themselves.The goal of this season is to encourage listeners to recognize that it is never too late to start over, pivot, or change their minds. If something is no longer serving you, change it. 

As we wrap up the first season of "Two Coaches in a Room," we take a moment in our final episode to reflect on the incredible journey we've had. This season has been a labor of love, filled with authentic, empowering, and insightful conversations about women's health and wellness in midlife.In this episode, we dive into:🔹 The powerful lessons we've learned from listening to our incredible guests share their personal and professional experiences.🔹 Key takeaways about navigating perimenopause, menopause, lifestyle diseases, self-care, and mental health in midlife.🔹 The importance of creating safe spaces for open dialogue on often overlooked or stigmatized topics.Through this season, we've been reminded of the resilience, wisdom, and strength that women bring to this transformative phase of life. 💖A heartfelt THANK YOU to our guests and listeners for making this inaugural season a success! Your stories, feedback, and support inspire us to continue the conversation.🎧 Tune in to our final episode of the season and reflect on the lessons learned and the impactful moments that defined this journey.

n our latest episode of "Two Coaches in a Room," we tackle a topic that hits close to home for many women in midlife: lifestyle diseases and their connection to menopause.We're honored to have Dr. Nancy Kunyiha, an Associate Professor at Aga Khan University Medical School and founder of Uzwena Health, join us for this insightful conversation. As a diabetes expert, Dr. Kunyiha breaks down:🔹 The link between menopause and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.🔹 Practical strategies to prevent and manage these conditions during midlife.🔹 The role of self-care, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments in staying healthy and thriving in this season of life.This episode is a must-listen for women navigating midlife transitions who want to take charge of their health and well-being. 🌿

June Osundwa returns in her capacity as a mental health practitioner/clinical psychologist to help us learn holistic self-care.

Harriet Ngok, the founder of Harriet's Botanicals shared her journey of founding a company that aims at empowering people to care for their health with traditional African remedies. Harriet engages with local communities like the Maasai, Kipsigis and Ogiek to learn about the herbal remedies they utilize for reproductive, respiratory, gastrointestinal and inflammatory issues

Our guests today share about the menopause transition and the health concerns that arise.Listen in as Jackie shares her journey with uterine cancer that began with heavy bleeding post-menpause.Dr Kabugo, a clinical pharmacist and North American Menopause Society certified practitioner shares her expertise on the menopause transition - signs, symptoms, health challenges and solutions,

Peri-menopause is that stage prior to the end of your monthly period and can run from 45-to 55; some women start earlier, and some end later. It is a long period. Then comes the end...menopause. Then we realize that, actually, the end is just another beginning. We become post-menopausal.Our two guests are sisters - Jackie and Atieno Othoro and they are both in that post-menopausal season of life. Listen in as they share with us how they navigated that menopause transition and what it means to them now to be post-menopausal.

In this episode, our guests Mejumaa Mbaruku and June Osundwa share what it has been like to be in midlife - How they celebrated turning 50; What they are learning or unlearning in their 50s, and other lessons on life.

Meet Dr Faith Ngunjiri and Coach Zeba Siaanoi, two women in their early 50s committed to engaging in real talk about the issues that matter to women in midlife.