BecomingGolden

By Brownie Ebal.

I joined the Elevate Class expecting leadership training. What I did not anticipate was how deeply it would transform me—from the inside out. I came in ambitious and driven, but I left with clarity, purpose, and a sharper filter for what truly matters.

From Doing to Becoming

As a high-capacity, multi-talented individual, I was always on the move. But Elevate taught me that growth does not come from doing more—it comes from going deeper. I began to reflect on who I am, what I value, and how I show up in the world. It became less about performing and more about becoming. I learned that elevation requires presence, not just productivity.

The Discipline of Visibility

One of the most surprising lessons was how essential visibility is to growth. Not the superficial kind, but strategic visibility. Coach Pepe reminded us: “Do not be a spectator on LinkedIn.” Share your learning. Tell your story. Let people know you are evolving. If no one sees your value, it becomes difficult for the right doors to open. I learned to write and share insights at least three times a week—translating lessons from videos, books, and our sessions into teachable reflections. This was not just about building a following—it was about building influence.

The Power of Repetition

Initially, repetition felt monotonous—until Coach Pepe said: “Repetition is not boring. It is depth.” That mindset shift changed everything. Mastery is not built on novelty, but consistency. Every repeated principle became a brick in the foundation of who I am becoming. Coaching, as we came to understand, is not about inspiration but integration—making learning part of your rhythm until it becomes identity.

Letting Go to Step into Legacy

One of my biggest turning points was stepping down as CEO of Amari Voyages to focus on strategy, governance, and long-term impact. It was a hard decision, but the right one. I appointed Victoria Nakiyimba as CEO and embraced a Chair role that allows me to build systems, mentor intentionally, and lead strategically. Through this, I finally began living out what we learned: legacy is built when you release the need to control everything and instead focus on what truly multiplies your impact.

Trust, Strategy, and Silent Power

Elevate reminded me that trust is not built in words—it is built in consistent action. I have also learned to move with strategic silence. Not every idea needs a spotlight; some things thrive in stillness. I now speak less, listen more, and act with clarity. In a world that rewards noise, I have come to value depth, discernment, and deliberate power. Silent influence, I discovered, can be louder than performance.

Voice, Visibility, and Mentorship

Today, I mentor with intention. I support young professionals more fully and show up with purpose. I have been appointed Vice Chairperson of the Young Lawyers under the East African Law Society and am increasingly present in regional legal conversations. But I do not speak for attention—I speak for alignment. To share what uplifts others, to be visible in ways that are meaningful, not performative.

Walking the Talk One of my long-desired goals was to join Rotary. Through Elevate, I finally acted on it. I also got accepted into Journey to the Boardroom, a highly selective leadership program. These milestones were not just about achievement. They were signals of alignment—evidence that I was now acting in clarity, not just chasing motion.

Learning to Learn Differently

Our sessions were structured around in-person coaching, online engagements, books, videos, journaling, and reflection. We were taught to curate content, follow thought leaders, and create learning portfolios—even legal ones. Coach Pepe emphasized that learning does not end in a classroom. It continues through introspection, feedback, and courage. He introduced us to the “career allies” we all need: mentors, coaches, sponsors, pace-setters—and how to position ourselves for them to find us.

We also explored the seven places where opportunity hides: in reflection, curiosity, relationships, information, urgent needs, problems, and bold decisions. This reshaped how I approach my work and how I identify growth windows—especially in fast-evolving fields like law, ESG, and governance.

The Brutal Truths of Career Growth

Elevate did not shy away from hard truths. We tackled the brutal rules of career advancement: perception beats performance, real decisions happen behind closed doors, silence can be a strategy, and politics are unavoidable. It was confronting—but it was necessary. Understanding these dynamics has made me more aware, more strategic, and less emotionally invested in illusions.

Building Influence and Brand

Another powerful lesson was that influence is intentional. We dove into persuasion, negotiation, branding, and executive presence. I refined my fees, reshaped my communication style, and began to conduct brand audits. Every touchpoint—how I write, speak, show up—was reassessed. I added affiliations like the International Water Association (IWA) to my National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) posts, not for prestige, but for credibility. I began to build systems for teaching others, creating apprenticeships, and documenting my knowledge.

Purpose, Power, and Growth

I learned that the most critical career question is not “What do I want to do?”—but “What am I becoming?” We explored the hedgehog concept, the mirror of self-knowledge, and how to map out economic engines based on strengths and service. I confronted trade-offs and distractions. I reorganized my calendar, restructured my goals, and began to lead my life—not just my schedule.

What Elevate Gave Me:

Depth over distraction

Strategy over noise

Silence over oversharing

Purpose over performance

Alignment over applause

A Case for the Program

Elevate Your Career is not just a program—it is a pivot point. It demands clarity, sharpens focus, and calls you out of comfort into intentional growth. It does not entertain—it equips. If you are navigating transition, preparing for leadership, or rethinking your professional impact, Elevate offers a mirror, a map, and a method. And for those willing to do the inner work, it delivers lasting transformation.

I Am Not Just Graduating. I am Elevating.

Elevate did not just sharpen my skills. It helped me become. I now lead with clarity, live with intention, and contribute with purpose.

To Coach Pepe Minambo—thank you for demanding depth.

To my Elevate peers—thank you for your stories, laughter, and truth.

To my learning companion and childhood friend, Samantha Karuhanga—thanks for doing life with me. To many more adventures!

To the coaches, mentors, and surrogates—thank you for enabling me to fulfill my potential in your various capacities.

To myself—thank you for saying yes.

I am not just graduating. I am elevating.