On a mission to restore storytelling & amplify unheard voices
For more than 25 years, my life has been woven into the fabric of storytelling. My career in media began as an intern at Kenya Television Network (KTN). Those early days laid the foundation for everything that followed: curiosity, resilience, and a deep respect for the power of storytelling. Over the years, I explored different paths across leading media houses in East Africa, honing my craft and expanding my understanding of how media shapes societies.
In 2013, I experienced a full-circle moment: returning to KTN as Head of TV, exactly where my journey had begun. Storytelling, for me, has never been just a career; it’s a calling. Leading three television channels was both a privilege and a responsibility. It meant curating content that informed and inspired, managing large teams of creatives and on-screen talent, and making strategic decisions that impacted millions of viewers. More importantly, it meant mentoring hundreds of professionals, creating opportunities for thousands, and leaving a legacy of excellence and purpose-driven storytelling.
My work has taken me beyond Kenya to global stages across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, where I have moderated high-level panels, conducted thought-provoking interviews, and facilitated cross-cultural dialogues. These experiences affirmed for me that stories, when told with authenticity, transcend borders and awaken our shared humanity. Whether in front of the camera, behind it, or on international platforms, my focus has remained the same: to create spaces where stories can be told with dignity and heard with empathy.
Today, I continue this mission through What’s Your Story Africa, a platform that began as a television show and has since evolved into a podcast and community.
Beyond the cameras, lights and mics, I have dedicated myself to mentoring the next generation of storytellers and communicators. Whether its guiding young people finding their voice, equipping professionals with tools to speak with confidence, or coaching TV presenters, podcasters, and leaders to sharpen their craft, I see mentorship as legacy work. My goal is not just to prepare others for careers in media, but to help them step into their purpose, so they can shape conversations and communities with clarity and courage.
Alongside this, I have embraced life coaching as a way to walk with people through their personal journeys, especially those navigating the defining years of 25–35, as well as parents who entrust me to mentor their teenage daughters. Over the years, many have sought me out as a sounding board for life’s transitions, and I now honor that trust by offering structured coaching. Whether through one-on-one sessions, organizational storytelling workshops, or the What’s Your Story Africa community, my mission is the same: restore dignity to storytelling, amplify unheard voices, and help people step fully into their story – for legacy, for posterity, and for impact.
Catherine Mwangi
