In this piece, Aisha Malesi, Digital Marketer at Serene Valley Apartment, reflects on her first experience in a leadership role, one she inadvertently stepped into while volunteering at Wakati Magazine. She shares the lessons she learned while leading a creative team and how the experience contributed to her growth as a communications professional.
Last year, I had the opportunity to serve as Editor-in-Chief for Wakati Magazine, a publication by the Rotaract Club of Nairobi Central, an experience that became one of the most defining moments in my communications journey.
When the year began, it was clear that the club was going to revive the magazine. The administration was intentional about bringing it back, and there was a shared understanding that it would take commitment, creativity and collaboration to make it happen.
Now, I did not particularly volunteer to become the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, but somehow, the responsibility found me. While it initially felt unexpected, I chose to embrace it as a challenge, one I was determined to conquer.
At first, I viewed the role mainly as an editorial responsibility: reviewing content, refining stories and ensuring the publication came together successfully. But as the process unfolded, I quickly realised the role required much more. It demanded leadership, strategic thinking, collaboration, creativity, adaptability and the ability to bring different voices together into one cohesive narrative.
Being Editor-in-Chief taught me that storytelling is not simply about putting words on a page. It is about shaping experiences, amplifying voices, building connection and ensuring every story contributes meaningfully to the bigger picture.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of leadership in creative spaces. Managing timelines, coordinating contributors, maintaining quality, making editorial decisions and ensuring the vision remained clear throughout the process required both structure and flexibility. I learned how to lead under pressure while still creating room for creativity and collaboration.
I also learned the importance of asking for help when I needed it. Leadership is often associated with having all the answers, but this experience reminded me that strong leadership also means recognising when to lean on others, collaborate and trust the people around you.
This project would not have been possible without the incredible team that helped bring Wakati Magazine to life, the individuals who trusted us with their stories and articles, and especially those who showed up for the late-night calls, brainstorming sessions and moments when deadlines felt overwhelming. Their dedication, creativity and support played a huge role in making the magazine what it became.
The experience also strengthened my appreciation for intentional communication. Every article, headline, image and editorial decision played a role in shaping how readers would engage with the publication. It reminded me that communication is not just about sharing information but about creating impact.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the experience and the people I worked alongside throughout the project. It challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, and many of the lessons I learned continue to shape how I approach communications, storytelling and leadership today.
