Purpose drives strategy

You need to understand your purpose but also have strategies that will not only keep you competitive but help you grow, adapt, and stay resilient in the face of change.

Knowing your purpose precedes making strategies and Ms Joan Mugenzi, the founder of Imagine Me Africa, says when you find purpose, you can accomplish much.

“That is because you do not second guess your actions. Moreover, they will align with your vision. That way, while your peers may be doing a lot to get ahead, you are not tempted to copy their strategies but stay true to what works for you,” she says.

Additionally, rather than pursue so many different ideas, you have a clear guideline on where to start. Ms Mugenzi says that makes way for an intentional life that is well mapped.

One may wonder how they can find or understand their purpose and she says one can look at what they love doing. 
“Do not overcomplicate things. You can start by looking at that thing you love doing. Then go with that flow.”

That said, there are several psychometric assessment tools one can use as these dig deep and they include the DISC assessment tool, Maya Bridge.

“I love helping people actualise their ideas. With the tool, I learned that I am a creative, which further powered me into my coaching journey,” Ms Mugenzi says.

The other way is to work with professionals, such as coaches who can support you on your self-discovery journey.
“The beauty with these is that they reduce the self-discovery time yet still get clarity on what you are supposed to focus on. That empowers you to succeed because you have a professional hand holding you,” she says.

With purpose, Mr Mugenzi says it is easier for one to craft a strategy for winning in 2025. That is because you know what to prioritise, the resources needed and what is at your disposal or not, as well as where you can find the resources.
“With purpose, strategising gets easier because you ask the right questions,” she says.

Key strategies to consider as you navigate 2025 
From Ms Victoria Nyanzi,  a branding coach and founder of The African Sisters Network, here are some key strategies to adopt in 2025 and why they are so important. 

Embrace the digital transformation: While digital is synonymous with Gen Zs, Ms Nyanzi, the founder of The African Sisters Network says digital tools are changing the game. From Artificial Intelligence to automation, the digital shift is no longer something we can simply ‘get used to’; it's a way of life. Failure to adapt means being left behind.

“It is not about learning a new app or platform but understanding how these technologies can streamline your work, boost your productivity, and open doors to new opportunities. Don’t look at these tools as competitors that will take your role but as enablers to perform your role better. Think about it: AI can handle repetitive tasks while you focus on being creative, solving problems, and building relationships. So don’t fear the digital transformation, rather, lean on it,” she says. 

Build Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

This is often overlooked but essential. Emotionally smart people are as important as technically smart people, especially in leadership roles. With diverse workplaces and collaborations happening across borders and continents, Ms Nyanzi says being able to read the room, manage stress, navigate conflict, and communicate better with people is essential.

“Having EQ means you are not just a team player, but one people love to work with. Moreover, leaders with EQ inspire loyalty and create environments where teams feel valued and understood. So in 2025, get comfortable with emotions, both yours and others,” she says.

 Commit to lifelong learning
 It is said, “Knowledge is power,” and 2025 embodies that because industries and trends are constantly evolving making knowledge fast-changing. Therefore, regardless of how experienced or successful you are, there is always something new to learn.

“Learning does not mean heading back to school or taking some formal course (though it can help), it is about staying curious, reading books, listening to podcasts, doing research online, and just being open to ideas. You don’t need to know everything, but staying in the game means you have to be willing to keep learning new skills that matter today.

Learning just doesn’t benefit your career, it also keeps your mind sharp and engaged, so never stop learning,” she says.

 Prioritise health and well-being
As you juggle work, personal life, and everything in between, it is easy to push self-care to the side when work piles up. But if there is one thing that can derail everything you are working on, it is burnout.

“Your health; both physical and mental is your most valuable asset. You can’t give the best to others if you are not taking care of yourself,” she says. 

 Cultivate financial literacy
While money conversations are very difficult to have and we are barely taught about money in Africa, understanding how to manage your money enables you to make informed decisions.

“Financial literacy is neither about having a lot of money nor only for those who make a lot of money. It is for everyone. Once you understand the basics of budgeting, saving, and investing, you can start making decisions that set you up for the future,” she says.

 Adopt a growth mindset
It is easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as planned. However, a growth mindset means embracing failure as part of the process and asking yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can I improve?”

“That ability to bounce back, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward not only helps you reach your goals but also makes you resilient in the face of challenges,” Ms Nyanzi says.

2025 is not about keeping up, but intentionally and actively shaping what we want to see. 

Implement strategy but also seek support and mentorship to help you navigate the rigours that the year will bring. That way, you will navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose.