Editor’s note: Kevine Nokam is a member of Leadership Africa Cohort 6.

Joining ALG’s public speaking class was one of the most transformative decisions I’ve ever made—and I say that with deep conviction, because it has changed not just how I speak, but how I see myself, how I carry myself, and how I show up in every area of my life.

Before this class, public speaking was something I feared. I would overthink every word, doubt my ideas, and sometimes choose silence over expression. It wasn’t because I didn’t have anything to say—I did. I had knowledge, experiences, and value to share.

But like many of us, I grew up in a culture where humility is emphasized. And while humility is a beautiful value, I slowly realized that it can sometimes hold us back when it teaches us to stay quiet, to shrink, or to wait to be invited to speak.

This class helped me understand a powerful truth: being humble does not mean being invisible. If you don’t learn to speak for yourself, no one else will do it for you the way you deserve.

In this space, I was given something I didn’t even realize I needed—a safe environment to grow. A space where I could try, fail, improve, and try again without judgment. A space where my voice mattered, even when it was shaky at first. And little by little, something shifted.

I started speaking more.
I started believing in what I was saying.
I started owning my voice.

Today, I am doing things I once thought were completely out of reach for me. I lead seminars. I host webinars. I confidently educate people about what I do. I show up as an expert in my field without second-guessing myself every minute.

As a realtor, this transformation has been incredibly visible. There was a time when I avoided hosting open houses because it required me to engage, present, and speak continuously with strangers. It felt uncomfortable. It felt intimidating.

But now? I walk into those same spaces with confidence. I connect with people naturally. I present homes with clarity and authority. I answer questions without fear. I own the room.

That shift didn’t happen overnight—it happened because I was in an environment that challenged me while supporting me at the same time.

What makes this class truly special is that it is more than just a place to learn how to speak—it is a place to heal insecurities. Many of us come with doubts, fears, and limiting beliefs shaped by our upbringing, our culture, or past experiences. This class creates a safe space to confront those things and grow beyond them.

There is no judgment here—only encouragement.
No competition—only elevation.
No pressure to be perfect—only permission to grow.

And beyond the skills, there is something even more powerful that I gained: community.

I built genuine, meaningful, lifelong friendships. These are not surface-level connections. These are intentional relationships with people who are also committed to growth. We check on each other. We uplift each other. We challenge each other to do better. We celebrate each other’s wins, big and small.

It is rare to find a space where people genuinely want to see you succeed—and this is one of those spaces.

Being surrounded by other Africans has also been deeply impactful. There is something powerful about being in a room where people understand your background, your values, your struggles, and your potential. We learn from each other’s stories, perspectives, and journeys. We grow together.

At the same time, this class is not limited to Africans—it is inclusive. People from different backgrounds join, contribute, and grow alongside us. That diversity makes the experience even richer, because it allows us to expand our thinking while staying rooted in who we are.

And honestly, one of the most incredible parts of all of this is that the class is completely free.

Access to this level of transformation—confidence building, personal development, communication skills, and community—without any financial barrier is something truly special. It means that anyone who is willing to grow has the opportunity to step into this space and change their life.

And for me, that is exactly why I chose not to stop.

This is why I made the intentional decision to join Leadership Africa Cohort 6.

Because I realized that this journey is not just a one-time experience—it is a continuous transformation. I want to go deeper. I want to refine my voice even more. I want to keep growing, keep learning, and keep becoming a stronger, more confident version of myself.

I am committed to being part of this transformative African movement—one that is helping us reclaim our voices, break through limitations, and step fully into our power. A movement that reminds us that we are allowed to speak, to lead, to influence, and to be seen.

This class didn’t just teach me how to speak.

It taught me how to believe in my voice.
It taught me how to stand with confidence.
It taught me how to express myself without fear.
It taught me how to take up space unapologetically.

And for that, I am deeply, truly grateful.