Today The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB as we tackled Essentialism by Greg McKeown Chapter 2: Choices - Learning to respond and the dangers to default choices from others expectations leads to a life of reaction rather than intentional living. Chapter 3: Discern - Focusing on the one thing that eliminates the distractions. There is always that one tasks that elimanates all the tasks , when you identify it you save time, resources and save energy too. Priorities are important and they determine the choices we make. Learning to say no is a powerful choice every leader can make. Very eye opening session today, took me back to basics. Question: What are your priorities and what do you need to say no to today?

In our first T515 book club session of The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB, we explored the first two chapters of Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. The insights were eye-opening and challenged many conventional beliefs about what it takes to succeed. 📖 Chapter 1: The Matthew Effect This chapter introduced the idea that small initial advantages can snowball into major long-term successes. Using an example of Canadian hockey players, Gladwell shows how factors like birth month and systemic structures shape opportunities—sometimes more than talent or hard work. It made us reflect on how unseen systems in our own lives may influence who gets ahead. 📖 Chapter 2: The 10,000-Hour Rule Here, Gladwell highlights the power of deliberate practice, emphasizing that mastery in any field requires approximately 10,000 hours of focused effort. Stories of The Beatles perfecting their craft in Hamburg and Bill Gates programming for thousands of hours remind us that opportunity and access are just as critical as perseverance. Key Takeaways: ✅ Success is rarely just about talent—opportunity and timing play a huge role. ✅ Our systems often reward early advantages, but they can also overlook late bloomers. ✅ Consistent, deliberate practice is essential for achieving mastery. 💡 Question for You: What’s a small advantage or opportunity in your life that has made a big difference in where you are today? Lucas Muruthi Joshua Okello JASON MWACHEDA #Outliers #MalcolmGladwell #BookClub #Success

As we observe #InternationalMensDay 2024,I’m honored to represent The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB on Friday, 22 November, at the IMD2024 rallying Conference themed “The Transformative Power of Male Role Models” hosted by the Strathmore Business School (SBS) of Strathmore University in partnership with the Kenya Healthcare Federation at Radisson Blu Upper Hill, Nairobi. We’ll discuss Men’s Positive Health: A Man’s Physical, Mental, Spiritual & Social Health in the Modern World with: • Fr. Charles Mundi (Chaplain, Strathmore University) • Mr. Shiverenje Simani (Fitpreneur, Wellness Influencer) • Dr. Reign Mwendwa (Paediatrician, Creative Director & Rap Artist) Facilitator: Mr. Shadrack M. (Strathmore Business School). #CelebrateMen #MensHealth #EmpoweringMen #IMD2024

"𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲, 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲/𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹" ~ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 Greg McKeown In our early Saturday discussion on Essentialism by Greg McKeown we explored concepts that resonate deeply with men facing the pressures of modern life. Our conversation with the great men at T482 The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB peeled back layers on what it means to lead purposefully and manage life’s endless demands with intention and clarity. 1️⃣ The Power of Trade-offs: We shifted our mindset from "How can I make it all work?" to "Which problem do I want to solve?" This critical perspective helps us see that it’s not about juggling everything; it’s about choosing what truly matters and embracing the problems worth our energy. 2️⃣ Importance of Reflection: Taking time to reflect is essential to understand our direction and purpose. Without intentional pauses, we risk running on autopilot, reacting to life rather than steering it. As men, we often feel pressure to stay in constant motion, but there’s strength in stillness—reflecting helps us recalibrate and stay focused on what’s essential. 3️⃣ The Paradox of Success: With success comes increased demands. This paradox teaches us that intentional prioritization is vital; more accomplishments don't always equal more fulfillment. Success can lead us to say "yes" too often, but focusing on fewer, more significant tasks enables us to keep control and deliver our best. 4️⃣ Quality Over Quantity: True productivity is not about doing more but doing better. The group agreed that our impact comes from delivering on quality over quantity, making each action count, whether in personal or professional roles. 5️⃣ Results Over Rewards: Instead of just looking at time as something we spend to earn rewards, we need to view it as an investment in results. It’s not about being busy every hour; it’s about achieving outcomes that align with our values and goals. 6️⃣ The Power to Choose: We hold the power to choose, even if that choice is challenging. Reclaiming the right to decide what fills our lives reinforces our commitment to what matters most. It reminds us that every "no" is a "yes" to something greater. Grateful for the shared insights; George Mandere Mochengo (Dip.CSMP® M.ISMI) , Peter Miano Mwangi, BA (Economics),MSc (Finance), CPA-K , Donald Kimtai , David chasimba , Samuel Kyalo, Amos Pride and looking forward to next Saturday as we continue this journey of growth and intentional living. Let's keep prioritizing purpose over pressure, and results over rewards! #Essentialism #MensBookClub #PurposefulLiving

Unlocking the Power of Essentialism at The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB📚☕ Last Saturday, our Men’s Book Breakfast group gathered for a thought-provoking discussion on the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown. We delved deep into key themes that resonate with anyone striving for clarity and impact in both personal and professional life. In brief, here is what we discussed: 💡 Discern: We explored the art of discerning what truly matters, cutting through the noise to focus on the vital few instead of the trivial many. As leaders, it’s crucial to sharpen our ability to prioritize what drives meaningful progress. ⚖️ Trade-offs: Every choice involves a trade-off, and we discussed how embracing this reality empowers us to say "no" to the non-essential, creating room for what aligns with our core purpose and goals. 🔍 Explore: We recognized the value of dedicating time to explore options before making commitments. Investing in exploration allows us to unlock innovative solutions and seize high-impact opportunities. 🏝️ Escape: Finally, we highlighted the importance of taking deliberate breaks to rest, reflect, and recharge. Moments of escape are not just a luxury but a strategic necessity for sustainable growth and creativity. A powerful reminder that in a world full of distractions, mastering the discipline of essentialism helps us lead with intention, clarity, and focus. 💪🌟 #Leadership #Essentialism #PersonalDevelopment #MenWhoLead #ContinuousImprovement #BookClubInsights. The success of the discussion was contributed by these great men: Eliud Ongweni, Emmanuel Mutisya, Wangila Davies, Steve Wakhungu, Sospeter Thiga, CMIRM and Miano M.

Happy International Men's Day! As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens the other. We held our second discussion of ‘The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene over the weekend and Gentlemen in the The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB continued to dispense wisdom and share the practical application of laws 3 to 11. Here is a glimpse of key lessons from our discussion with Mike Sila Dennis Njenga Thura Htoon (Henry James) Meshack Kisongochi Raymond Bett, Law 3: Conceal your intentions. Learn to conceal your plans. This will deter any negative forces from your competitors who are kept guessing and unable to attack the unknown. Remain ambiguous to manipulate situations to your benefit. Remember, it takes patience and humility to dull or disguise your goals. Your unreadability often draws people to you and makes you appear a person of power. Law 4: Always say less than necessary. Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. When you say less than necessary, you appear greater and more powerful than you are. The loudest in the room is most likely the weakest. At the negotiation table, silence communicates more than words, it makes the other party uncomfortable and weak. Brevity is impactful. Many words dilute the message and develop cracks of misinterpretations and fallacies.  Law 5: So much depends on reputation – Guard it with your life. Proverbs 22:1: “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold” Reputation is the foundation upon which power is built. It is the currency upon which humanity is valued. Once your reputation is damaged your value diminishes and you cannot attract power. Your reputation precedes you and opens doors of opportunities for you. Guard it against those who throw arrows of doubt upon your reliability or tarnish your good name and character. Law 6: Court attention at all costs. Be conspicuous at all costs and make yourself a magnet of attention by appearing bold, attractive, unique, and unforgettable. Endeavour to make a lasting impression. In the current era of social media, make use of the platforms available to reach out to your targeted audience. This will enhance your visibility and relevance. Law 7: Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit. Use the wisdom, knowledge, and skills of other people to further your cause. Such assistance will save you valuable time and energy and give you an aura of efficiency. This law emphasizes the importance of leadership and delegation. A good leader should be able to delegate. This enables one to harness the best skills and talents at one’s disposal and leverage on the benefits of leading a highly motivated team. Law 8: Make other people come to you – use bait if necessary. One should strategically position and create the need for people to approach you. Be resourceful for people to be attracted to you. Lure the masses to dance to your tune, as the piper, you will control the interaction.

Today, The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB joins the world in celebrating International Men’s Day, a day to raise awareness about the challenges men face, including parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, mental health struggles, and violence. It’s also a day to honor and celebrate the lives, achievements, and contributions of men to their families, communities, workplaces, and society at large. At The Men’s Book Breakfast, we believe in empowering men to embrace their roles with purpose and integrity, starting with their families and extending to the world around them. Let’s reflect, support, and celebrate the men who inspire us while committing to addressing the issues they face. #InternationalMensDay #thembb#TheMensBookBreakfast #CelebrateMen #EmpoweringMen

We just had a thought-provoking discussion on Criss Voss's Never Split the Difference. We explored the importance of active listening in understanding the other side's perspective and tactical empathy in building rapport and gaining trust. Thanks to Misungu Vitalis, Bernard Mumo, Brian Etemesi, Evans Mwenda, The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB and Lawrence Githinji for enabling such an insightful session. What's a negotiation technique You've found particularly useful? #leadership #communcation #neversplitthedifference #negotiation

This week, in our book club The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB we explored the first two chapters of Chris Voss's book : Never Split the Difference Here are some powerful takeaways summary from our discussion: Chapters 1 & 2: 💡 Chapter 1: The New Rules Negotiation is Emotional, Not Just Logical: It’s about understanding the emotions and motivations of the other party to create win-win outcomes. The author states that the main aim of negotiation is to influence human behaviour and decisions. Tactical Empathy: Tactical empathy and understanding emotions are the keys to diffuse tension, enhance trust and finding creative solutions. 💡 Chapter 2: Be a Mirror The aspect of negotiation being dynamic and good negation skill requires one to be prepared for uncertainty/surprises by having multiple hypotheses about the situation and approaching negations as process to discover and not an argument. Tactical aspects of negotiation: • Mirroring your counterpart: Repeating someone’s words or body language posture subtly can make them feel heard and encourage them to open up. A simple yet effective way to deepen connections in any conversation. Aspect of email mirroring reflecting the tone, style, and sometimes the language of the person you’re corresponding with in an email exchange to build rapport, foster trust, and encourage openness. • Silence is golden. When you pause after mirroring, it encourages the other person to open up more. • Active listening isn’t passive, it’s a strategic way to uncover deeper insights. • Your voice tone is a very powerful tool for negotiation. The three voice tones available for negotiation are: I. The Late-Night FM DJ Voice: Creates calmness and soothes the other party, encouraging them to open up. II. The Positive and Playful Voice: Builds rapport, defuses tension, and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. III. The Assertive or Direct Voice: Establishes authority and conveys confidence without aggression. Practical Applications: These techniques aren’t just for boardrooms or high-stakes negotiations; they apply to everyday life whether resolving conflicts, building relationships, or even deciding where to eat dinner! Kantai Sayei James Kiumbe Mahu Kimutai Mwangi Kagwe Andrew Balongo Opere #Negotiationskills #EmotionalIntelligence #ActiveListening #Leadership #NeverSplitTheDifference #BookClub #ProfessionalDevelopment #Communication

Who's Your Real Enemy? It Might Surprise You. Ever feel like someone (or something) is holding you back? On Saturday 7:45am a team of 12 Gentlemen from The Men's Book Breakfast ~ The MBB T475 full of divergent opinion met together to share experiences around this enemy which live upon us called Ego, we tackled Ryan Holiday 's "Ego is the Enemy," part one of the book and i think Our biggest opponent often lives right within ourselves! Here's a taste of what we learned (Part 1): Ego (Kiburi): Your Inner Saboteur: Forget blaming luck or others. Your biggest roadblock to success and happiness could be your own ego – that unhealthy dose of arrogance and self-importance. Ego Doesn't Play Fair: Whether you're crushing it, facing setbacks, or just starting out, ego can mess things up. It can inflate your head in success, deflate you in failure, and lead to unrealistic goals. Humility is the Key: To truly thrive, we gotta recognize ego's negativity and cultivate humility. Be humble in your ambitions, celebrate wins with grace, and bounce back stronger from failures. We also learned that passion alone isn't enough. Success requires clarity, focus, and a strategic approach. Here are some other takeaways: Hard Work Pays Off: Consistent effort, not just bursts of motivation, is the foundation of true success. Daily steps lead to big wins! Talk Less, Do More: Endless discussions can stall progress. Focus on taking action, not just talking about it. Trust the process: Enjoy the process of learning and growing, not just the destination. Growth in itself is rewarding are you humble enough to work under someone less qualified than you?! Always Be Learning: Stay curious and open to new knowledge. There's always something to learn from others. Ephantus Kamau Kennedy Gachanja Mwangi Subrata S Dey Jimmy Brian,ACIM Albert Ogetto Mogire James Njagi Kenyanito Baraka Nicholas Mbugua MSC ,CAMS Ambrose Ochieno @𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐥 (𝐌𝐆𝐒𝐊) 𝐆𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐞 𝐌𝐛𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐚 🇰🇪 Lawrence Githinji #EgoIsTheEnemy #MensBookBreakfast #PersonalGrowth