From writing for a fashion magazine to founding Click’d Age Consultancy, our Comms Spotlight for this week has built a career worth celebrating. Gemiene Mueni’s journey has been about storytelling, connection, and daring to do the work that truly matters. In her interview with us, she shares valuable career advice to young Comms professionals.
How did you begin your career in Communications?
My career started at Couture Africa, a fashion magazine, where I honed my storytelling, content creation, and audience engagement skills. I wrote features and collaborated with brands and creatives, which laid the foundation for my communication strategy and media relations expertise.
At the same time, I worked at an image consultancy, focusing on personal branding and public relations. That blend of media and consultancy experience gave me a well-rounded perspective on crafting messages that connect.
Can you tell us about your journey as the Founder of Click’d Age Consultancy?
Click’d Age was born from a personal experience. After a disappointing encounter at a well-known store, I discovered a small, hidden gem of a business through a friend. The experience was so good I thought, “Why isn’t everyone talking about this place?” That realization sparked the idea to help brands tell their stories and reach the right audience.
Click’d is all about connection—when I work with clients, we “click.” It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but it’s been deeply rewarding.
What key skills have been most crucial to your success in various roles throughout your career?
At a point in my career when I needed it most, a friend sent me to watch Brené Brown: The Call to Courage. One moment in particular stayed with me, and I hope it stays with you, too. It’s the iconic quote from Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
The three takeaways I’ve carried—and which I offer to you—are simple but powerful:
- The work must be done. Arm yourself with what’s required and do it.
- You will fail. Learn from it and keep going.
- Dare greatly. Show up, take risks, and lead with courage.
Can you share one major highlight from your career journey so far?
Can there just be one? Honestly, it’s hard to pinpoint a single moment because the real highlights aren’t always the flashy milestones or the big wins that show up on LinkedIn. For me, it’s the moments when a client calls or texts to say, “You have no idea how much you’ve helped.” Those quiet wins, where you know you’ve made a real difference, are everything. The trust people place in me and the impact I get to make—that’s the real highlight.
How do you stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in Communications?
Staying current in communications is a non-negotiable. The landscape shifts constantly—what worked yesterday might not work today. For me, it’s a mix of structured learning, curiosity, and conversations.
I stay curious. I read industry reports, attend webinars, and engage in conversations with peers, clients, and mentors. The best insights often come from real-time exchanges about what’s working and what’s not. Continuous learning and sharing is key.
What advice would you give to young Communications professionals?
First, do the work. There’s no shortcut to mastering this craft. Write often. Read widely. Pay attention to how brands handle themselves in good times and bad. Study crises, campaigns, and case studies. Learn how to listen—really listen—because the best communicators are the best listeners.
Second, you will fail. And that’s okay. You’ll send out a message that doesn’t land, misjudge a tone, or have a campaign that underperforms. Learn from it. Every experience, even the tough ones, makes you better.
Third, dare greatly. Be brave enough to pitch bold ideas and advocate for authenticity in every room you’re in. The world doesn’t need more cookie-cutter communications—it needs honesty, courage, and storytelling that moves people.
Lastly, remember that reputation is everything, including your own. How you show up, keep your word, and build trust will open more doors than any flashy portfolio. Integrity is your superpower in this field.
