Yvonne Wanja Michuki, widely recognized as Wanja Michuki, is a certified coach, writer, speaker, and a consultant specializing in private wealth management. Her extensive career spans various industries, providing a comprehensive overview of her professional journey. Presented below is her narrative, recounted by us.
Early Years and Educational Background
Originating from Kangema, a settlement located in Muranga County, Kenya, Wanja’s upbringing was rooted in this region. Upon reaching adulthood, she pursued her higher education at Bryn Mawr College from 1992 to 1996, successfully earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Subsequently, in 2000, she enrolled at Columbia University – Business School, culminating in the acquisition of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in Finance in 2002.
Professional Trajectory
A comprehensive examination of Wanja’s LinkedIn profile reveals her illustrious tenure in the corporate realm.
Commencing her career, she held the role of Corporate Analyst at Barclays Merchant Finance Limited from 1997 to 1999. This engagement marked the initiation of her professional journey. Progressing within the organization, she secured the position of Research Manager at Barclays Trust Investment Services Limited, where she remained until 2000.
Her time as a student in the United States saw her briefly serving as a summer associate at Meryll Lynch. In 2003, she embarked on a new venture by establishing The Highland Tea Company LLC, headquartered in New York. Wanja successfully managed the company for a span exceeding five years, until 2008.
In 2009, she embraced a distinct role as Trade, Investment, and Multilateral Diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, predominantly stationed in London, England. This commitment continued until 2014.
In January 2015, Wanja initiated the establishment of Be Bold Consultancy & Advisory Ltd. This independent firm specializes in financial consulting and executive coaching, striving to navigate families away from the potential dissolution and squandering of family capital arising from interpersonal conflicts linked to identities, power dynamics, and wealth during the succession process. Wanja continues to hold the position of Managing Director within the company.
In 2020, Ms. Michuki was invited by the Ethical Tea Partnership (ETP), headquartered in London, to lead initiatives aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and workers in Kenya, Malawi, and Rwanda through reform-oriented efforts.
Between June and October 2020, she served as a member of the National Steering Committee overseeing Reforms Implementation in Kenya, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives.
In a gazette notice dated May 13, 2022, Wanja was designated as a board member of the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) board. However, she chose to step down from this role in March 2023 due to personal reasons, as conveyed in her resignation statement.
Personal Aspects
Outside of her professional engagements and her advocacy against sexual abuse, Wanja Michuki is unmarried and does not have children of her own. During her leisure time, she finds solace in practicing yoga and meditation.
