Vanessa Mbamarah

09/09/2025

Since completing my PhD, there’s been a big shift in how I think.

I’m no longer:

Chasing every new project for the sake of activity,
Or saying Yes to things that no longer align.

Instead, I’m driven by one question:
“How do I turn years of research into something meaningful for others?”

I’ve had to reevaluate my priorities and even pause a few personal projects (like my radio show) to focus on what this season of my life is telling me.

I’m quietly working on a new project that will impact many young professionals and leaders globally.

You know me, I build quietly, and I’ll share more when the time is right.

But let me ask you something:
"How are you showing up for yourself?"

Weird question, I know. But important.

I recently connected with Zainab Adetayo and in one of her posts, she shared why she stopped posting on LinkedIn and how she had to take a step back to redefine herself.

Her honesty struck a cord.

So many are in that same place, constantly showing up, but not always in alignment with who they truly are.

At some point, I too had to realign and rebuild.

Back to my question.

How often have you:

• Felt like you’re performing for the world instead of doing what truly fulfills you.
• Followed every guru’s advice, yet no tangible results or transformation seen.
• Felt lost because you aren’t showing up as the truest expression of yourself.

It’s becoming a trend with so many putting on performances, but only few are truly building a legacy.

The truth is: you can still drive impact without performing for the crowd. You just need to get clarity on who you are, your calling, and your values.

You will not get many applause right away, but you’ll be planting a seed that grows into a vision others will support.

That’s where true leadership begins.

So again, I’ll leave you with the question to ponder this week:
How are you showing up for yourself: for performance or purpose?

If this resonated, share to your network ♻️ and follow Vanessa Mbamarah, PhD for more.

PS: I created a system that helped me rebuild with intention, and I documented it 👉 https://lnkd.in/ej9PhmiS

If you're rebuilding, you need it.

09/06/2025

Honest Truth:
When you start living on purpose, you will offend many.

Not because you’re trying to hurt anyone.
But because alignment changes everything.

You’ll say NO more often.
You’ll walk away from what no longer aligns.
You’ll choose growth over comfort.

And here’s the part most people won’t tell you:
You’re becoming a version of yourself that no longer fits the old spaces, conversations, and expectations of others.

People who aren’t ready for who you're becoming will take it personally.

They’ll say you’ve changed.
They’ll misunderstand you.
Some will even distance themselves.

It's okay!

That’s not your burden to carry.
It’s simply the price of living on purpose.

And in the end, the ones who truly matter will respect and support your choice.
Because they understand the meaning of living on purpose.

No hard feelings, it's just the way it has to be.

If this resonated, share to your network ♻️ and follow Vanessa Mbamarah, PhD for more.

PS: I’d love to hear your take.
What’s one way you’ve handled being misunderstood on your growth journey?
Let’s learn from one another.

09/02/2025

Overnight success is a myth.

It doesn’t exist.

I know this because it took me 12 long years to get here.

The sleepless nights.
The constant self-doubt.
The failures.
The lessons.

I experienced it all.

I gave up more times than you can count. I told myself I wasn’t cut out for it and even convinced myself to settle for less.

But something kept me going: my personal vision.

This post isn’t just about my educational triumph.

Yes I did it. I completed my Doctorate. And I’m proud of me.

But this story is bigger than me.

It’s about what it really takes to keep building when all the odds are stacked against you.

It’s about realizing your past doesn’t define you.

It’s about understanding that you can create the future you desire through the actions you take today.

Because nothing changes unless you’re committed to doing the work.

But the real change begins first in your mind.

If you’re going to change your story and reach your next level, you’ll need to move through fear, uncertainty, and discomfort.

I turned 12 years of experience into a guide that walks you through how to achieve anything you set your mind to, no matter where you're starting from.

Read it free here: https://vanessambamarah.com/achieve-anything-you-set-your-mind-to/

PS: ♻️ Share this so someone who truly needs it can access the guide.

PSS: You can now officially call me Dr. Vanessa Mbamarah 🎓✨

08/11/2025

The most life-changing moments

Aren’t always the ones you plan for.

They happen unexpectedly.

Changing you in ways you never imagined.

I joined a group of volunteers from my local church for a $1 car wash community project.

What began as a simple act of service became something much bigger.

It reminded me of what service and gratitude really mean.

Here’s what I learned:

- Service doesn’t have to be loud to be life-changing.

- Serving shifts the focus from “me” to “we.”

- People want to be seen, heard, and understood. I know I do.

- The kindness you share always finds its way back to you.

Finally, Service magnifies what’s already inside you.

If you serve with a closed heart, you’ll feel drained.

But if you serve with gratitude, you’ll find joy even in the smallest things you do for others.

We washed cars.
We laughed with strangers.
We made new friends.
We built connections we may never see again.

But the memories will stay with me for years.

I documented the lessons from that experience.

→ Read it here: https://vanessambamarah.com/service-and-gratitude/

08/05/2025

I’m not listening to any more productivity hacks.

Not because I don’t believe in them.

But because most gurus give advice based on what worked for them at a specific point in their lives.

Wake up at 5:00 AM
Write for 2 hours every morning
Journal every morning
Hit the gym 5 times a week

Nope. Not anymore.

I’ve learned that what works for one person may not work the same for another, and that’s okay.

Your current situation is different.
Your energy, responsibilities, and priorities are not identical.
So the experience will be different.

I remember when I had to do school runs for my daughter.

Yes, I woke up at 5:00 AM — but not to write.

I woke up to pack her lunch, get her dressed, and beat traffic.

Things are different now.
I have more control over my routine.
But even so, I choose what works for me.

Bottom line:

Productivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula.

It’s a practice of self-awareness and alignment.

If you want to do things differently,
↳ Test different routines until you find the ones that fit into the life you’re building.

No pressure, just do you.

Tuesday Motivation, over. (Share for others ♻️)

PS. Ditched any productivity hack recently? What was it?

07/31/2025

I had a mid-life crisis in 2022.

Everything I had built was falling apart.
And I felt powerless to stop it.

(Or so I thought.)

I was overwhelmed.
Emotionally drained
And in pain.

The picture below is of me after one of my long walks to the lake.

I’d sit for hours.
No distractions.
Just me

Reflecting
Healing

And writing down my thoughts.
The good, the bad, and the future.

Today, I’m in a different place.

But I’m sharing this because:

We tell stories about transformation.
Rarely do we show what it costs to change.

Maybe you’re in that place right now.
Maybe what you’ve built, or are still building, feels like it’s slipping away.

I created a system that helped me rebuild with intention.

And I documented it here:
👉 https://vanessambamarah.com/rebuild-your-life-with-intention

If you're rebuilding, you need this.

04/10/2025

What truly got me through my EMBA program?

It wasn’t perfect grades or completing every module on time.

It was my team.

People who understood the mission, believed in the vision, and in each other to see it through to the end.

There were weeks we were all behind.

Life was life-ing as it always did, but we all showed up for each other.

We didn’t compete. We collaborated.
We didn’t gatekeep. We shared freely.
We didn’t just pass a program—we built a bond.

That experience reminded me of three powerful truths about growth:

1. Your network shapes your next level.

↳ The right people don’t just open doors, they open your mind.

↳ They stretch your vision and help you see the bigger picture.

Want to grow? Start with a conversation, not a credential.

Proximity unlocks possibility.

2. A strong team turns pressure into purpose.

↳When people believe in you and build with you, you move differently.

↳They don’t just push you harder, they help you think bigger.

That’s where transformation begins.

3. Great teammates make outstanding leaders.

↳ Leadership isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about service.

↳ Know when to lead, when to listen, and when to lift others.

↳ Be the teammate you hope to find.

The difference between successful builders and everyone else isn’t just talent.

It’s who they build with.

They build in silence, grow in community, and give back just as much as they receive.

So
1. Find your people
2. Reach out. Reconnect.
3. Be the kind of person you want to build with.

PS: Who’s your building partner?
Reach out and let them know their presence mattered. 🙌🏽

—

Enjoy this? Share ♻️ it to your network & follow Vanessa Mbamarah for more 😊

04/08/2025

12 years.

That’s how long it took me to get here. 🎓

Am I proud of myself?
Absolutely.

I’m thrilled to officially complete my Executive Master’s degree from Quantic School of Business and Technology, USA.

This past year has been intense and transformative, stretching me in every way imaginable.

From navigating health challenges to juggling work, life, studies, and motherhood, this path has tested my limits and built my resilience.

But I live by my philosophy: BuildRegardless—the belief that no matter the setbacks, the mission must move forward.

This degree isn’t just a credential. It’s a symbol of grit, grace, and growth.

To anyone out there chasing a dream, stuck in the middle of your own storm, or starting over from scratch—remember this:

You’re not behind. You’re not too late. You’re not disqualified.

Progress doesn’t always look like fireworks. Sometimes it’s quiet, messy, and unseen.

But every step forward counts. Every decision to keep going matters.

Build regardless of how hard it gets.
Build even when no one’s clapping.
Because what you’re building has a purpose, and the world needs it more than you know.


~ Vanessa Mbamarah, EMBA

10/07/2024

I'm considering hosting a LIVE workshop where I'll guide you step-by-step on how to get your business instantly listed and verified on Google.

For those who are unfamiliar, GBP stands for Google Business Profile – a key tool to boost your online presence.

I've had several requests for this, and I believe it could be a game-changer for many of you.

What do you think?
Should we make this happen?
Drop your thoughts below! 👇🏻"

10/03/2024

Last week, I facilitated Google’s first in-person workshop on “AI & Cloud” at the event from the Global Africa Business Initiative during in NY 🇺🇸

But …

The funniest thing about this is it came through a referral. Every single workshop I've ever lead has been someone reaching out with "We want to invite you.”

That’s the power of being good at what you do.

I remember the first time I sat in a Google workshop,

I was a beginner in the digital space
But I was hungry for knowledge.

So I went deeper.

- I was learning new things -> upskilling
- Sharing what I learned -> empowering others
- And sharpening my skills -> reskilling

As you grow, you need maintain a VISIBLE record of your journey and achievements to quickly build credibility.

Here are some things I’ve discovered:

- You have to put yourself out there → promote yourself confidently and consistently.

- Have the right strategy → this will accelerate your growth and keep you focused.

- Learn to work less, but better → work smart, prioritize impact over effort.

- Network and build genuine connections → this opens unexpected doors and opportunities.

- Continually upskill and reskill → if you want to remain relevant.

- Invest in your growth → best investment you can make for your future success.

- Never compare yourself to others -> your path is different

Remember:

You don’t need to be an expert to start,

You just need to know enough to help the person behind you.

And be willing to learn from the people ahead of you.

P.S. Thankful I got to connect & reconnect with - Pren-Tsilya Boa-Guehe , Charles Murito , Simbo Olatoregun , Gori Yahaya , Jemea Lady Limunga , Kati Suominen

P.P.S Dear African leaders, "Amidst all these high-level discussions, how can we ensure they result in tangible, real-world impact?".

10/02/2024

Today I celebrate halfway through my Executive MBA!

Before today, I had quit twice.

The pressure had risen,
My excitement had faded,
And I began to question myself.

But then I thought about the reason I even started this EMBA.

I'd already been an online marketer for 5+ years.
I'd already contributed to development initiatives globally.
I'd already worked with Fortune 500 clients.

I wanted to challenge myself. And keep growing.

I can write this today because -> I didn't give up.

“You shouldn’t too.”

If you’re currently struggling with something,

Embrace that phase → this is where growth happens.
When you feel the pressure, step back → but don't give up.
Treat persistence like a habit → it gets easier with time.

Same goes for your journey. Keep going!

The journey isn’t over... we’re just getting started!

~ The Quiet Builder 💛

09/01/2023

Why I never published my best work …. until now!
(The reasons will surprise you)

P.S. Share ♻️ this video so someone’s can learn and take action.

In this video, I'll go over the NO 1 reason why I never put out my best work and the advice I would give to my younger self.💌 Get 1 actionable tip on produ...