Meet Nzioki Munyao

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nzioki Munyao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nzioki, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My journey of generosity stems from a belief highlighted in *The Courage to be Disliked*—that happiness is found through giving back. This belief has guided my work with *Just Help Africa,* focusing on essentials like education and clean water in Sub-Saharan Africa. Growing up in Kenya, I saw firsthand the need for these resources. Today, through our work, we build labs, classrooms, and, at times, help pay teacher salaries, ensuring students have access to quality learning environments.

After a successful career in healthcare technology, I found my purpose in art, philanthropy, and community. Munyao.art became a way to combine these, connecting creativity with impact. Every piece, whether a painting or an NFT, bridges my passion for art and my commitment to uplifting others. Through Munyao.art, I aim to inspire joy, connection, and real change, using generosity as a tool to build a brighter future.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

My journey intertwines art, philanthropy, and community engagement, all deeply rooted in my Kenyan heritage. At Munyao.art, I channel my passion for creativity into visual expressions that resonate with diverse audiences. Each piece reflects a blend of cultural narratives and personal experiences, aiming to inspire and connect.

Beyond the canvas, my son and I co-host the Iced Cacti YouTube channel, a collaborative space where we explore art, fun, and philanthropy. This platform allows us to share our creative processes, discuss artistic inspirations, and engage with a broader community. It’s a dynamic extension of Munyao.art, bringing our artistic journey to life through multimedia storytelling.

Our commitment to giving back is embodied in our work with Just Help Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education and access to clean water in Sub-Saharan Africa. We focus on constructing laboratories and classrooms, and building wells to support thousands in rural communities. This initiative is a testament to our belief that even small contributions can make a significant impact.

Currently, we’re excited about upcoming projects that further integrate art and community service. These include new art collections inspired by our philanthropic experiences and interactive workshops aimed at fostering creativity and social responsibility. Through these endeavors, we strive to create a meaningful connection between our artistic pursuits and our commitment to making a positive difference.

In essence, our work is a fusion of artistic expression and heartfelt philanthropy, driven by a desire to inspire, connect, and contribute to the well-being of communities both locally and globally.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three areas stand out as the most impactful in my journey: listening to audiobooks, being okay with failure, and building strong connections as a “connector.”

1. Listen to a lot of audiobooks.
Audiobooks have been invaluable, offering a continuous flow of new perspectives and knowledge, even on busy days. They make it possible to learn on the go and expose you to ideas you may not have encountered otherwise. For those early in their journey, I recommend building a habit of listening to audiobooks daily—whether during commutes, workouts, or quiet moments. It’s an easy way to stay inspired and learn from thought leaders across various fields.

2. Be okay with failing.
One of the hardest but most liberating lessons is learning to see failure as a part of growth. Failure isn’t a roadblock; it’s feedback. For anyone starting out, don’t fear failure. Instead, embrace it, learn from it, and see it as a stepping stone to success. Take risks and recognize that each setback is an opportunity to refine your approach.

3. Build connections and network as a connector.
The power of community and genuine relationships can’t be overstated. Networking is more than just meeting people; it’s about building connections and helping others. I make a point of introducing people, sharing resources, and supporting others’ journeys. For those just beginning, I advise being proactive in reaching out and connecting with people. Offer support, be generous with your time, and grow your network authentically.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

One book that has significantly shaped my approach is The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. Gladwell explains how small, strategic actions can create a “tipping point,” or a moment when an idea, product, or behavior spreads like wildfire. One key takeaway from the book is the importance of starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to engage with customers early, allowing you to gather feedback, make improvements, and build stronger connections from the start. This approach is about learning and adapting in real time, an invaluable step for anyone aiming to create something impactful.

Gladwell also identifies three key types of people who make ideas or products “tip” and reach a wider audience: the connector, the maven, and the salesman. Connectors are those who naturally bridge gaps between different groups, bringing people together. Mavens are information specialists who help educate and inform others, while salesmen are persuasive personalities who can inspire people to buy in or take action. Recognizing these roles—and striving to embody or surround myself with them—has been instrumental in expanding my reach, whether through my art, philanthropy, or other ventures.

Together, these insights from The Tipping Point underscore the power of launching quickly with an MVP, focusing on learning from customers, and building a network that includes key roles that help ideas spread. This framework has played a vital role in my journey, helping me connect with others, spread ideas, and grow sustainably.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Profile photos: Please credit those to Eze Amos

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your