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Friday Shot | Issue 179 | 6th February 2026

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The aim this year is to share a wide range of partnerships, benefits and perks to give EO members more value, variety and make it a Wow Experience.

Top Tip: Open up the ‘Wow Deals Deck’ on a regular basis as it is continuously updated with the latest partnerships and benefits. If you have any leads and ideas for partnerships, do reach out! strategic@eokenya.org VIEW WOW DEALS HERE

10% off all SnapStar Technologies Services for EO members, including:

• SnapStar Talent - Recruitment Software

• SnapStar Talent - ‘Concierge’ Recruitment Services

• Career Hub (HRMIS) software

• Training Academy (Sales Training Delivery)

Click

and

OTHER JANUARY

PwC Owners Agenda: The Global Family Business Survey

Speaker: PwC

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC

27TH FEBRUARY

BTS

Sales Workshop: Growing Business Through Sales Structure and Process

Speaker: Umesh Bhojwani

Time: 9.00am - 12.30pm

Venue: Vision Plus, Tatu City

REGISTER NOW

2026 EO Kenya Learning Calendar

20TH FEBRUARY

OTHER FEBRUARY 6TH

Founders and Funds Pitch

Night: Raising Capital and Manufacturing In Africa

Speaker: BDO East Africa

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC

KEYNOTE

Deepening connections with spouse

Speaker: Robyn Smith

Time: 5.30pm arrival, registration and drinks - 7.00pm hard start

Venue: TBC

Required members with spouses

REGISTER NOW

KEYNOTE 6TH MARCH

Beyond Fear: Pushing Past Impossible

Speaker: Ryan Stramrood

Time: From 4.00Pm with drinks and biting after Venue: TBC

SLP allowed with children over 12 years

REGISTER NOW

19TH MARCH

How to Sell Your Business

Speaker: Maitri Capital

Time: 4.00pm - 6.30pm

Venue: TBC WORKSHOP

REGISTER NOW

OTHER

My Biggest F**k Up 2.0

Speaker: EO Member

Time: 7.00pm onwards with dinner and drinks.

Venue: TBC

2026 EO Kenya Learning Calendar

Setting up family business governance, planning for sucession.

Speaker: Joe Okello and African Family Business Enterprise

Time: TBC

Venue: Hilton, Kwetu

A BTS at Mayers

Speaker: Mayers

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC

Design Thinking: Tools to Solve Real Business Challenges

Speaker: TBC

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC

Friday Shot EO Journeys

Jamie Pujara

Restaurant, Catering, Real Estate and currently serving as EO Executive Director

Looking back, how would you describe your journey in EO so far?

It’s been an evolution in learning. I joined to be better at my business and what I found is that the journey helped me hone my skills and sharpen my senses making me a better person, father, husband, friend and leader

What has been the single biggest value EO has brought into your life?

I’d say the growth in my path of leadership. How I used to lead before vs how I lead now are completely different. I wish I had that skillset when I joined in 2015.

When did you join EO, and what stage of life or business were you in at the time?

I joined in 2015, we had just raised a second round of funding for buyrentkenya, we were scaling our business and also managing the dynamics of having taken on new board members

Which international learning events or EO global programs have you attended?

GLC, RLA, MEPA, Learning Tours

What kind of value have you gained from these events?

Business, Leadership, Mindset, Network, Personal, Growth, Family

What kind of value have you gained from these events?

There is great exposure, learnings and networking

Which international learning events or EO global programs have you attended?

I subscribed to making the most of my membership and really investing my time and energy into the products. I would go to every learning event locally and when they opened applications for the executive education (London Business School) I applied.

How can members make the most of everything EO has to offer?

I’d say being intentional, there is a lot out there so what do you need right now in your life. Is it exec education, is it leadership development, is it hearing world class speakers, is it networking etc..

Friday Shot EO Journeys

Is there one moment, insight, or connection from an international event that really stands out?

There are too many now. There have been some truly Once in a Lifetime experiences from being locked up in a Cape Town maximum security jail and meeting the jailers of Nelson Mandela, to quiet shared moments of the 1% with other Members, to the transformation that comes through the RLA programs

What would you encourage members to do more of within EO?

“Forum +2” (Join a forum and commit to two experiences outside your Chapter)

In one or two sentences, what does EO mean to you today?

EO changed my life and continues to change my life. I have grown immensely through this journey, I’ve met incredible people and wonderful opportunities to broaden my horizons.

What would you tell a long-standing EO member who has never attended one?

I’d say the same, that you miss on so much by not attending. I think there’s so much value to go

Any final message you’d like to share with the EO Kenya community?

I’m not in Nairobi as much as I would like to be, but when I come, I’d love to attend more local events and get to meet some of our newer members and reconnect with the older ones.

FINA

Enhancing Relationships in Real Life

EO members are dedicated to optimizing business, growth, and performance but what about relationships? This session shifts that focus toward connection and intimacy, exploring how they evolve over time and the key factors that support a strong, lasting bond.

Join us to:

Learn how connection works in longterm relationships

Understand how work, parenting, and daily life pressures impact intimacy

20th Feb

Identify your own patterns of connection, intimacy, and conflict

Gain practical tools to strengthen your relationship

Led by Robyn Smith, a clinical psychologist with over 20 years of experience in supporting couples and individuals, this online session will give you shared language and actionable tools to implement immediately. 5.30pm

Reserve your spot now!

Robyn Smith Clinical Psychologist

Mergers and Acquisition Webinar Series: MA Dream Maker Series

Secrets to structuring your deal to get the right Investors bank on board

EO Kenya and BDO Kenya have formed a learning partnership to piggy back on their Mergers and Acquisition Webinar Series: MA dream maker series. Part of the series is funded by UK FCDO Manufacturing in Africa fund. If you are thinking of getting on investors, selling your business, succession planning or just curious (usually get a lot of ideas on how to structure business for future partnerships) There is a whole series of webinars you can join. This is instead of the one breakfast meeting we had planned.

10th Feb, 2026

16:00 – 17:30

Apply for an EO KENYA subsidy

You have just seen the overview of what is out there. Harvard, EMP, EO Universities, leadership academies, regional events and more. If something on that list excites you, we want to help you get there.

The EO Kenya board has set aside budget to subsidise members who want to attend approved EO programs and who are willing to bring the value back to the chapter.

How to apply for a subsidy

Please send an email to the EO Kenya Board with:

The program you want to attend

Name of the EO program, location, and organiser (for example EO at Harvard, EO University, RLA, GLC etc).

Dates and timelines

Event dates, application deadlines, and when you would need to commit or pay.

Your motivation

Why this program is right for you now in your EO and business journey.

Why EO should subsidise you

How you expect this experience to grow you as an entrepreneur and leader.

Want to apply for an EO education program?

What you will bring back to EO Kenya

Specific ideas on how you will share your learnings or value with the chapter. For example a short learning session, a Forum exercise, a board presentation or a MyEO event.

Rough budget

Indicative cost of the program fee, plus a simple idea of travel and accommodation, so the board understands the total picture.

A few simple guidelines

• Subsidies are limited and will be granted at the board’s discretion.

• Preference will go to members in good standing who are actively engaged in EO Kenya life.

• We will look for clear alignment between the program and EO’s core values and products.

If you are even slightly curious, apply. Education is one of the most powerful parts of EO. We would rather have too many strong applications than unused budget.

APPLY HERE

Experience it Live

Date: 10th -12th June 2026

Location: Winelands Cape Town South Africa

EO IGNITE 2026

10TH -12TH JUNE 2026

WINELANDS CAPE TOWN

SOUTH AFRICA

EO Ignite is a regional event based in South Africa, open to EO members from across the globe rotating yearly between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. Ignite caters to between 150-200 Entrepreneurs who aim to come together to learn, grow, bond, network and of course, have some fun.

Cape Town will be the host for 2026 and we look forward to hosting you in the Winelands.

The format of Ignite is centered around TED style talks, learning from our own member’s stories, their highs and lows and incredible achievements while facing the challenges of being an entrepreneur.

Invited Keynote speakers follow the same 5% principle when sharing their stories.

REGISTER NOW CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Ignite also offers the rare opportunity for members to “shamelessly market their business” through coordinated Mini-Pitch sessions, exhibitions and more.

OPEN TO

EO, EOA and SLP Forum members may attend the full conference.

Spouses who are not in a SLP forum are welcome to join the members for the evening functions. There is a Spousal Supplement cost. A spousal programme will also be in place for daily activities for spouses travelling with members should they wish to take part in it (at an additional cost)

SAVE THE DATE!

Date: 13 - 17 June 2026

Location: Cape Town

REGISTER NOW

We’re excited to officially announce the Regional Leadership Academy (RLA) 2026, taking place in Cape Town from 13–17 June 2026.

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, iconic Table Mountain, and the city’s vibrant culture, RLA 2026 promises an unforgettable week of leadership development, meaningful connection, and inspired learning. Cape Town’s unique blend of natural beauty and dynamic energy creates the perfect environment to step back from the day-today, reflect, and sharpen your leadership perspective alongside fellow EO leaders from across the region.

RLA - Regional Leadership Academy

Over five immersive days, participants can expect thoughtprovoking sessions, powerful peer conversations, and experiences designed to stretch how you think, lead, and show up both personally and professionally.

Please block your calendars and register as soon as possible to secure your place. More details about the programme, speakers, and curated Cape Town experiences will be shared soon.

Get ready for a week that will challenge, connect, and inspire you.

Restaurateur | New York Times Bestselling

Author of Unreasonable Hospitality

Date: 12 March 2026

Time: 4AM (EAT)

Location: Online

REGISTER NOW

Welcome to the EO Powerhouse Series!

The EO Powerhouse Series is designed to give exclusive access to thought leaders and change-makers across various industries.

You will hear first-hand about their stories, challenges and the journeys that have brought them to where they are today through real-time virtual keynote and moderated interview sessions.

Will Guidara is a restaurateur, author, and one of the most influential voices redefining what leadership and service look like at the highest level. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Unreasonable Hospitality and the former co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, which, under his leadership, was named the Best Restaurant in the World.

Guidara’s work goes far beyond fine dining. His philosophy of hospitality has become a blueprint for building exceptional teams, cultures, and customer experiences across industries. Today, he

EO Powerhouse Series!

is the host of The Welcome Conference, a co-producer on the Emmy Award-winning series The Bear, and a recipient of the Wall Street Journal Innovator Award.

Known for translating world-class service into practical leadership principles, Will challenges leaders to rethink how they show up for their teams, their customers, and their communities. His upcoming book, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Field Guide (April 2026), expands this philosophy into an actionable playbook for leaders and founders.

In this EO Powerhouse conversation, Will joins us for a candid discussion on leadership, culture, and what it truly takes to create organizations people want to be part of and customers never forget.

Please note that both AM and PM interviews will be different, as questions to Will Guidara will not be repeated, so you are welcome to register for both sessions.

EO @ Wharton: Elevating Finance + Operations

Unlocking Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Date: 9–13th February 2026

Location: University of Pennsylvania, US

REGISTER NOW

Registration is officially open for EO @ Wharton: Elevating Finance + Operations, taking place 9–13 February 2026 at the University of Pennsylvania.

This five-day program, designed exclusively for EO members, is your opportunity to step into one of the world’s leading business schools and strengthen the skills that drive sustainable success. With guidance from Wharton faculty and the support of your EO peers, you will:

• Sharpen financial insights to make smarter decisions

• Explore operational strategies that eliminate inefficiencies

• Gain tools to scale with clarity and confidence

“This was nothing short of a world class experience. This was by far the most valuable offering from EO.”

- Keera Brooks | EO Atlanta

Seats are limited and demand is high. Secure your spot today and join a select cohort of entrepreneurs who are ready to elevate their business performance.

Register Now

We look forward to seeing you at Wharton.

Entrepreneurial Masters Program

Scale with Intention. Lead with Precision.

Date: 7th -11th June 2026

Location: Dedham, Massachusetts

REGISTER NOW

If your vision of growth is not just about scale— but about building with intention—EO’s Entrepreneurial Masters Program (EMP) was designed for you.

EMP is a three-year, application-based executive education experience held at the MIT Endicott House. It brings together 68 selected EO members annually to go deep on what fuels real business growth across five key pillars: People, Strategy, Finance, Leadership, Execution.

Apply Now

What EMP Delivers:

EMP offers a strategic, peer-powered environment where learning is deep, practical, and transformative. Each of the program’s three sessions builds on the last—enabling cumulative growth, sustained momentum, and lasting impact.

Through expert-led sessions and real-time application, you will master the art of cash flow management, sharpen your leadership approach, and align your business strategy with personal vision. Along the way, you will define your core values, refine your company culture, and walk away with a clear, actionable roadmap for scale.

Above all, EMP delivers a tight-knit global cohort that returns year after year—building trust, insight, and accountability that goes far beyond the classroom.

Participation fee:

$15,000 over 3 years

Year 1 includes a $7,000 payment (deposit + first-year fee);

Years 2 and 3 are $4,000 each.

Your EO membership may already cover part of your registration.

Members who have not redeemed their Global Event Voucher can apply it toward EMP registration.

No fee for unsuccessful applications — your deposit is fully refundable if you are not accepted.

What are the benefits of a three-year program?

The time between each annual session allows you to apply what you learned, then reconvene with your peers to reflect, analyze, and plan for the year ahead. By graduation in year three, you will have improved every facet of your knowledge and ability to lead and grow your business.

Admission to the program is highly competitive, reflecting the reputation EMP has earned since its creation in 1991. If you are interested in strengthening yourself and your business, give it a go!

Admission criteria are detailed on the EMP application process website.

Women’s Spa Retreat in Mexico

28th February - 4th or 7th March 2026

Join fellow women entrepreneurs at Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, Mexico, 28 February-4 or 7 March 2026, (4- or 7-night options) for a transformative wellness retreat. Reinvigorate through spa treatments, wellness classes, and meaningful connections with likeminded leaders.

XII BBQ Masters – MyEO Guatemala

28 February 2026

Entrepreneurs from around the world gather on 28 February at El Pulté Ecuestre for a full-day, fire-fueled BBQ showdown— where bold flavors, global connections, and entrepreneurial energy come together in true MyEO style.

Lifepilot Retreat for Post-Exit Founders

18 – 20 March 2026

Step away from the noise and into clarity from 18–20 March at Themika Farm in Tulbagh, just outside of Cape Town, South Africa. Designed for post-exit founders (and those approaching exit), this immersive MyEO retreat helps you reconnect with purpose, define what’s next, and build a personal operating system alongside peers in a natural setting.

Women’s Spa Retreat in Mexico

28 February – 4 or 7 March 2026

Join fellow women entrepreneurs at Rancho La Puerta in Baja California, Mexico, 28 February–4 or 7 March, (4- or 7-night options) for a transformative wellness retreat. Reinvigorate through spa treatments, wellness classes, and meaningful connections with like-minded leaders.

Upcoming MyEO Events

SUYO: A Retreat for Women Who Lead

25th April -1 May 2026

Experience SUYO, a transformative surf-and-yoga retreat for women leaders in Costa Rica, running 25 April-1 May 2026. Expect guided workshops, nourishing food, oceanfront stillness, and a powerful community of women.

REGISTER

Bali and Komodo Islands Voyage

19th – 29th September 2026

Set sail 19–29 September 2026 aboard Aqua Blu for an exclusive 10-night EO adventure. Explore Bali and the Komodo Islands through diving, kayaking, hiking, and curated island experiences an unforgettable luxury expedition with fellow explorers.

REGISTER

MyEO x Zero G

21 - 22 September 2026,

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime MyEO adventure in Bordeaux from 21-22 September 2026, featuring a members conference and an exclusive Zero-G flight with astronaut-led experiments, real weightlessness, and rare insights into European space training.

REGISTER

6TH FEBRUARY

UPCOMING EVENTS

EO@Wharton: Elevating Finance + Operations

Unlocking Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

9th –13th February 2026

Location: University of Pennsylvania

REGISTER NOW

Global Leadership Conference

Uniting EO’s Leaders Worldwide

15th -17th April 2026

Location: Kansas City, MO

REGISTER NOW

RLA APAC 2026

Discover the spirit of leadership in the heart of Australia

23rd – 27th March 2026

Location: Uluru, Australia

REGISTER NOW

The EO/London Business School Growth Forum (EO/LBS)

For a transformative learning experience on growing your business.

Venue: London, UK 26 - 30 April 2026

REGISTER NOW

UPCOMING EVENTS

SPARK Saudi Summit 2026 EO Saudi Summit

Igniting Leaders. Ideas. Impact.

6th May 2026 & (7th May, 2026 –GSEA MEPA Finals (Associated Event)

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

REGISTER NOW

EO@Oxford Program

Unlocking strategic innovation

26th May 2026

Venue: Oxford University, UK

REGISTER NOW

Unlocking Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

May 2026

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

REGISTER NOW

EO IGNITE 2026

Experience it Live

10th -12th June 2026

Location: Winelands Cape Town, South Africa

REGISTER NOW

Regional Leadership Academy - RLA

13th - 17th June 2026

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

REGISTER NOW

EO Women Summit 2026

8th – 11th June 2026

Location: Pestana Palace Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

REGISTER NOW

Past Friday Shots

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