Footprints Podcast | Season 1 | Episode 6 | Beyond the Present!
Living in the moment and savoring the present is important, but we must remember that nothing is guaranteed. In this episode of the Footprints Podcast, Ms. Judy Ann Kamanyi imparts wisdom from her decades of leadership across various platforms and reflects on the significance of preparedness in the face of change.
Ms. Judy's leadership journey began in her teenage years at Gayaza High School, where her potential was recognized by her teachers. She served as a junior-level prefect, received a leadership award, and was later appointed Deputy Head Girl during her senior five. As an expert in social development, gender equality, and governance, she advocated for the education of girls, campaigned against the discrimination of women in politics, and fought against unpunished sexual crimes towards women. Ms. Judy looks back on proud moments such as her contributions to women attaining positions in parliament. However, she also acknowledges her regrets for instances where she could have done more, particularly regarding the prevalent vagueness and ambivalence over topics like The Girl Child. She notes that despite the passage of time, people still seem to misunderstand the significance of these pressing issues. She questions whether she missed something critical that could have altered the outcome she sees today, believing that more focus on The Girl Child might have made a difference.
Despite this, she asserts that as leaders, it is impractical to always blame themselves for the outcomes of their work. While it is right to take responsibility, there are always many other factors at play. A leader must make peace with the fact that certain issues cannot be completely solved in one day.
Ms. Judy shared that she held various positions in the public and private sectors, as well as in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and is currently employed as a consultant. Interestingly, she never prepared for any of these transitions, always focusing on the present and seamlessly moving into new roles. However, she now acknowledges that this approach may have been unwise, as change can bring about unpredictable outcomes. Though she had previously neglected the significance of life's transitions, she has since learned to appreciate the value of planning, especially given her dynamic work schedules.
"One should not take things for granted," she advised. She, like many others, had failed to address her previous transitions and had not devoted adequate time to prepare for them. Although most of her transitions had been relatively seamless, she recognized that sudden changes could be detrimental to many, leaving them in a state of shock. A sudden job loss, for example, could leave one vulnerable if they had not made contingency plans.
Ms. Judy's recognition of the human tendency to avoid difficult topics is significant. As she had experienced, it is a challenge to consider the implications of unexpected events such as job loss or inevitable death. Her emphasis on the value of intentionally asking ourselves difficult questions and planning for every stage of life transition is crucial. We must take the time to reflect regularly and incorporate succession and backup plans into our daily routine. By doing so, we can better equip ourselves to be Change Ready.
©Blurb written by Divine Karungi