Isaac Baraka's Impact Story from Bain Business Bootcamp Implemented in Kenya

Aiducation International Kenya successfully implemented the first ever Bain Business Bootcamp curtesy of a partnership between Aiducation International and our new partner, Bain & Company. The Academy which took place in November 2021 in Nairobi, Kenya brought together a total of 40 Aiducation talents as participants and 5 mentors from Bain & Company onsight with 1 mentor joining virtually. Participants were trained on "case cracking" and were challenged to create a business case to solve a social problem in Kenya with initial exposure to topics including: Framing the issue and developing hypotheses, Agile ways of working, MBTI Personality styles, Thriving, Excell and accounting, Digital and innovation, presentation  and communication skills and many other invaluable topics.

The Academy, which was also the first ever onsight academy implemented in Kenya since the pandemic hit the world was very impactful as shared with us by Isaac Baraka who was one of the participant.

Read Isaac's Impact story below...

My name is Isaac Baraka, an Aiducation alumnus from Kenya. I was previledged to be among those who attended the BAIN BUSINESS BOOTCAMP ACADEMY. This was a very great opportunity to me. Considering I am an entrepreneur, I have always been eager to learn business skills for my success including framing the issues and developing hypotheses. The academy came at a time I needed it most. I always wanted to build negotiation skills, accounting skills and communication and presentation skills,as this skills are very necessary in my day to day life. I was also very eager to know my personality. I really appreciate BAIN & COMPANY in partnership with AIDUCATION for making my dream come true. Thank you for impacting knowledge and equipping us with skills that will last a lifetime. Thanks to Bain Mentors for opening our brain awareness to the space around us and and teaching us how to effectively solve problems and challenges we encounter at individual, community and even national level

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Sample pictures of Isaac taken during the sessions at the Academy

We reported on Sunday, 14th November 2021 for the Academy set to begin on the following day, Monday. I took that time to interact with peers  ahead of the coming sessions. Indeed the week was a success. We learned various topics and made national and international connections. My favorite sessions were problem solving, leadership, communication and presentation, and one on  one Mentoring sessions. I learnt how to approach problems and come up with hypothesis. I learnt the answer first method. I learnt that problems could be quickly solved if tasks were divided among individuals unlike the traditional approach. The practical session of communication and presentation was such a moment . I really enjoyed exercising my presentation skills. I was given a chance to pitch my business plan before my group members and they commented on how I could improve. I also won't forget about Inspiration leadership topic. From the sad Titanic story to the story of the athlete who faced racism, I learnt that I should be a servant leader. Leadership is in the service I offer and not the power I have. I also learnt that as a leader I should make right decisions. 

Having light moments with the group members

The other part I enjoyed was the one on one Mentoring session. It was so amazing to interact with the mentors. I was previledged to interact with all the mentors and they gave me advice on not only the matters discussed but also general life advice. I also got alot of entrepreneurial mentorship. I was adviced  on how I could publisize and advertise my business, how I could reach a bigger market and how I could win customers. Thank you to the Bain mentors, Lisa, Sophia, Stefanie, Allan, Oliver, and Simon.
My key learning and take away from the academy was that during negotiation, I should not negotiate based on position . I should always negotiate based on interest so as to win the other party involved. This is really a turning point to me because I was never flexible enough and I had lost most clients during negotiation. But now I must say , I learnt so great a lesson. Thanks to BAIN & Company. Thanks to Aiducation. I have also gained accounting skills. I know how to use both excel and PowerPoint. A huge win for me during my future presentations.

Bain Mentors

I will apply all the skills learned, in my day to day life. I will always negotiate based on interests. I will portray leadership skills and always make wise and right decisions for the good of all. I will use gestures during my presentations. I will also put in practice problem solving skills to solve issues I come across day by day. I will apply the accounting skills to monitor my business progress.

Pictures taken enroute and at the excursion site: Kibera Town Centre

I take this opportunity to thank Bain & Company and Aiducation for giving us an owesome opportunity to learn the skills that will help us build a better Kenya and a better world. Thank you so much Bain & Company for investing in our talents and trusting us with knowledge. We will surely make you proud. I really recommend this eye opening academy to all youths and young minds willing to transform the world. We welcome you Bain & Company again and again. Please make Kenya your second home and continue mentoring us. Thank you BAIN& COMPANY.
I also take this opportunity to thank and appreciate everyone  who made the Academy a success. From Bain & Company to Aiducation International. From coordinators to participants. Thank you all , I really appreciate. It was a pleasure meeting you all, I will forever be thankful. 
BUILDING PEOPLE. BUILDING NATIONS

Written by Isaac Baraka
Edited by Boniface