Ingredients of a Great Partnership: Crafting Success Stories Together

By Doris Chelagat Muigei, CEO, Yusudi

Doris Chelagat, CEO, Yusudi

In the year 2022, I had the distinct honor of being invited by the esteemed EFAC team to participate as a panelist in an employer breakfast event. Without hesitation, I accepted the invitation, recognizing it as an opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue about youth empowerment and career development. Little did I know that this decision would pave the way for one of the most impactful partnerships Yusudi has had the privilege to nurture.

Today, I stand before you with a story to tell—a story of collaboration, shared vision, and the remarkable journey that unfolded as a result of our partnership with EFAC. This alliance, as I will endeavor to illustrate, has not only proven to be one of our most successful collaborations but also a shining example of what can be achieved when two entities commit to a common purpose.

I will take you on a journey through the key ingredients that have made this partnership work, and I will share with you the transformative impact it has had on the lives of the remarkable young individuals we collectively serve. Join me in exploring what it truly takes to craft a successful partnership—one that empowers, inspires, and leaves an indelible mark on the path to a brighter future.

Our Recipe for Success:

Mission Alignment:

The partnership is grounded in a common purpose; both EFAC and Yusudi are driven by a commitment to education, empowerment, and creating opportunities for youth. It's like we're both reading from the same playbook, which to me has made the difference in the partnership.

Finding the Perfect Match:

In our  journey, we've come across some outstanding talent—the youth from EFAC. Just like top-notch salespeople bring in the big deals, EFAC Scholars consistently impress employers with their sales acumen. One such star player is Peris Wamweu, who closed not one but two deals with companies and landed a position as a Medical Sales Representative, complete with the added skill of digital marketing.

Finding the Right Niche:

We believe that every salesperson should have a niche, just like every product has its market. Meet Keziah Njuguna, a class president in one of the cohorts; she exemplified grit and consistency throughout her training. She attended all 39 sessions, exceeded sales project targets, and showcased outstanding work readiness, earning praise from her peers and partners. With a background in administration, Keziah started out as a Sales Executive for one of Yusudi’s partner companies. Through monthly coaching offered by Yusudi, we realized her strengths are more in sales admin/operations. This discovery influenced her next company placement. She is thriving in her role and gets to experience and practice what she is really passionate about. Keziah can comfortably handle high level clients professionally and has the zeal to deliver the best client experience.

The EFAC Magic:

I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the EFAC team for their invaluable contributions to our partnership's success. While we engage in several collaborations, the impact of EFAC graduates stands out remarkably for several reasons:

We believe that a significant factor contributing to their remarkable success is the exceptional relationship that EFAC has cultivated with employers. It is widely acknowledged that there exists a noticeable skills gap between what the traditional education system provides and the demands of employers in today's job market. EFAC's management has impressively bridged this gap by proactively introducing their graduates to employers at an early stage in their educational journey. This strategic move has allowed EFAC scholars to gain exposure to real-world work environments, providing them with invaluable insights and practical experience.

Additionally, EFAC's encouragement of community service has played a crucial role in enhancing the employability of their graduates. Employers often seek candidates with a blend of academic knowledge and practical experience, and community service offers a unique avenue for young individuals to develop essential skills while making a positive impact in their communities.

In essence, EFAC's emphasis on connecting students with employers and fostering community service not only equips their graduates with the skills needed for the job market but also demonstrates their commitment to creating well-rounded, employable individuals. This approach has undoubtedly been instrumental in the notable achievements of EFAC Scholars, and we are grateful to be part of this transformative journey. Thank you for making our work much easier!

Selling the Sales Career: Kudos to EFAC for making the sales profession appealing. Sales may not always sound glamorous, but we're on a mission to change that perception. And we believe, just like a high-demand product, sales can be incredibly rewarding.

EFAC's Investment in Youth's Skills Journey:

In the realm of youth empowerment, the transition from higher education to the professional world is often underestimated. Parents and students may think their obligations end with college graduation. However, the reality is different, especially in fields with clear skills gaps.

EFAC's vital support has significantly contributed to our successful partnership. They invest in young individuals by providing financial support for those who wish to join our sales academy. This support is a lifeline, enabling interested scholars to acquire essential skills and subsequently get hired.

Collaborative Strategies:

EFAC team has also invited us to share insights and advice through career talks and the Bridge-to-Employment workshop, a dynamic marketplace of knowledge and inspiration. EFAC has been such a generous partner that they've even introduced us to other (CBOs) in the field—asanteni sana!

What's Next:

Our hearts beat to the same rhythm, yearning to empower Kenyan youth to find not just any job but a career that is meaningful and fulfilling. We've trained five EFAC graduates so far and have nine more budding sales experts in our program. We're excited to see them sell their way to success.

We envision the possibility of deepening our collaboration in the future, aiming to bring our training programs closer to the scholars during their college and university years. It is through partnerships with organizations such as EFAC that we believe this vision can be realized.

By strategically aligning our efforts, we can explore opportunities to extend our training and support to scholars at higher education institutions. This expansion could provide them with a seamless transition from their educational journey to the professional world, ensuring they are well-equipped to excel in their chosen careers.

In conclusion, our partnership with EFAC is like crafting a sales strategy that drives record-breaking sales. When two organizations share the same sales playbook, blend their selling styles, and add a touch of commitment, the result is a winning pitch that not only closes deals but transforms lives.

About YUSUDi

Yusudi is a sales enablement community that nurtures lifelong partnerships with high potential talent and businesses to enable and accelerate their growth. Yusudi is an award-winning, NITA certified company focused on training and developing high potential sales talent as their first step into a successful career. To date, Yusidi has partnered with over 300 companies in Kenya to provide its graduates with career and income growth opportunities.