More than a theme, Becoming by Design is a call to action - a reminder that growth, leadership, and success do not happen by chance. They are the result of intentional decisions made consistently over time.
For the newest cohort of mentees, the session marked the beginning of a journey that will challenge them to grow personally, professionally, and as future leaders.
The Decision That Changes Everything
Welcoming the cohort, RISE Founder Daizy Limo reflected on the courage it takes to invest in one's future.
"Every single person in this room made a decision. They made a decision to apply. They made a decision to step forward. They made a decision to invest in themselves. And that is where becoming begins."
Daizy Limo - RISE Founder
That message captured the spirit of the RISE community. Every achievement starts with a decision.
- A decision to learn.
- A decision to grow.
- A decision to become.
For Daizy, the creation of RISE was rooted in a deeply personal vision.
"I wasn't just building a program. I was building the thing I wish had existed for me."
Daizy Limo - RISE Founder
What began as a desire to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity has grown into a mentorship movement designed to equip young professionals with the tools, networks, and guidance needed to navigate their careers with confidence and purpose.
"A space where young people aren't just inspired, but equipped."
That commitment continues to drive the mission of RISE today.
Becoming by Design
This year's theme challenges mentees to reject the idea that growth happens automatically.
"It's not by accident. It's not by default. It's by intention, strategy, and the courage to build the future version of yourself deliberately."
Daizy Limo - RISE Founder
The message resonated throughout the session: becoming the leader, professional, or changemaker you aspire to be requires intentional action. Success is not simply about where you want to go - it is about who you are becoming along the way.
Leadership Starts with Self-Awareness
Guest speaker and leadership mentor Njeri Jomo expanded on this theme by emphasising the importance of self-awareness in personal and professional growth.
"Self-awareness is the foundation of leadership."
Njeri Jomo - Leadership Mentor
Before leading teams, organisations, or communities, individuals must first understand themselves - their strengths, weaknesses, values, and blind spots. Njeri challenged participants to embrace honest self-reflection.
"You can't work on what you don't know."
"Know your good, know your bad, and confront your ugly."
Growth begins when we are willing to see ourselves clearly and commit to continuous improvement.
Leadership Begins Before the Title
One of the most impactful lessons of the day was the distinction between leadership and position. Too often, leadership is associated with titles, promotions, or authority. Njeri challenged that mindset.
"Leadership begins long before the title arrives."
Njeri Jomo - Leadership Mentor
True leadership is demonstrated through character, responsibility, service, and consistency long before formal recognition comes. She reminded the cohort that while positions may open doors, character is what sustains influence.
"Titles appoint you. Character sustains you."
For aspiring leaders, the message was clear: start leading now - not when the opportunity arrives, not when the title comes. Now.
Every Day Is a Vote
The orientation also highlighted the power of daily choices. The future is not built in a single moment - it is built through consistent habits and intentional decisions.
"Every day is a vote for the person you're becoming."
Njeri Jomo - Leadership Mentor
- Every conversation.
- Every commitment.
- Every challenge.
- Every opportunity.
These moments shape who we become and the impact we ultimately create. The cohort was encouraged to think beyond immediate goals and focus on building the habits, discipline, and mindset that will define their future.
Preparing for Responsibility
As the session drew to a close, participants were left with a challenge that perfectly captured the essence of the RISE experience.
"Stop waiting for permission. Start preparing for responsibility."
Njeri Jomo - Leadership Mentor
Leadership is not something we wait to be given. It is something we prepare for. The RISE Mentorship Programme exists to support that preparation - connecting emerging leaders with experienced mentors, meaningful networks, and opportunities for growth.
It happens by design."
As the RISE 2026 cohort begins this chapter, they do so with a shared commitment to intentional growth, purposeful leadership, and continuous learning. The future they envision starts with the decisions they make today - and that journey has already begun.
Founder of the RISE Global Mentorship Network. Daizy built RISE to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity - creating a space where young professionals are not just inspired, but equipped.
Leadership coach and mentor. Njeri's keynote on self-awareness, intentional growth, and character-led leadership set a powerful tone for the 2026 cohort orientation.
