Lizel Muwaya is the Head of Content at Pulse Uganda. This means she’s responsible for a plethora of topics. In this interview, she shares what that’s like, her passion for digital media and how she unwinds.

Tell me about your background, how you came to be involved in editorial work and/or digital publishing.

I actually did go to journalism school for a while, but along the way and when I started working, I got introduced to Digital and Communications. And that was my field for over 6 years until I got into Pulse. 

How did you get into Pulse

So, close to the launch of Pulse in Uganda, I was contacted by a friend who recommended me for a digital role. I’d previously seen Pulse’s work in especially Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, so I knew a bit about the media side of it, but not so much about the agency wing. So I did my research and met with Aaron, Moritz and Leo. The interview was more like a conversation, so I asked if it would be possible for me to join the media team instead. They didn’t decide on it immediately. It took about 2 weeks before I got an affirmative call back.  It’s been almost two years since that decisive call, and the journey has so far been nothing short of exciting. I’ve grown both professionally and personally, navigated the labyrinth of challenges, and embraced the sweet taste of success. I’ve had my fair share of stumbles, but each misstep has been a stepping stone, a lesson etched into my narrative. Here’s to growing and learning from life’s twists and turns.

Tell me about what your current role at Pulse is.

Currently I am the Head of Content at Pulse Uganda. My role is multifaceted and dynamic. I get to work with a talented team of editors, reporters, social media managers, and a videography team, and collaborate with influencers on the Pulse Influencer Network. I have learned the art of managing people and nurturing relationships, a skill I continuously hone.

I perceive my role as the guardian of all things content for pulse.ug and our media channels. This encompasses not only curating content but also strategically engaging our extensive audience. Listening keenly to their feedback, I consider it my duty to provide effective solutions. Most importantly, my role involves driving innovation and staying at the forefront of emerging trends in the ever-evolving world of content creation.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me is a blend of creativity, strategy, and leadership. I like to use my mornings to go over the latest industry news and trends, just to see to it that we stay ahead of the curve in content creation.

I then dive into a few meetings here and there, usually to discuss current projects and content strategies. Collaborating with our videography team, we brainstormed ideas for compelling visual content.

Throughout the day, I engage with my team across all channels. I also make it a priority to interact with our audience on various platforms and identify opportunities for improvement.

One of the most crucial aspects of my day is content planning and strategy. This involves setting the direction for all the content we churn out. I continuously track our content’s performance, using data analytics to refine our approach and maximise engagement.

As the day progresses, I might have meetings with potential partners or stakeholders to explore collaborations. In the fast-paced world of digital media, adaptability is key, so I stay open to unexpected opportunities and challenges.

If you ask my team, they might jokingly tell you that I’m available 24/7 because of news, inspiration, and even brainstorming – these things can happen anywhere at any time. It’s safe to say that the world of content never sleeps, and I’m always ready to jump in, no matter the hour!

By the end of the day, I reflect on our progress, ensuring that we are on track to meet our content goals and maintain our position as a leading source of information and entertainment in Uganda.

How do you draw inspiration? And how do you decompress/relax?

I draw inspiration from the diverse voices and stories around me. Engaging with people, friends, and my team, and staying connected with industry trends, all contribute to keeping my creative well.

I love a good drink. So every so often, I take some time to catch up with my people over a drink. I’m also what they call a ‘Covid rugby fan’ here, so I might be at a rugby club during ongoing circuits. Plus, I love the water. So I go out of town a lot to catch a break by the beaches.

Miriam Musyoki leads the editorial team at Pulse Kenya. Her passion for writing and her experience in the field both shine through in this interview where she takes us through her career journey, her inspirations and her personal interests when she’s off the clock. 

Let’s start from the beginning. How did you find your way into digital publishing?

Funny you should ask. Growing up, I always received a lot of compliments on my handwriting, especially from my grandmother – which later became compliments on creative writing assignments from my teachers in primary & secondary school. Eventually, I bought into the hype and at 32, I have no qualms in admitting that writing is how I plan to save humanity in the apocalypse. 

When I chose what to study in university, Communication & Public Relations felt like second nature. Ending up in digital journalism was a series of fortunate events that I could never have planned myself, including sharing 70% of university units with journalism students.

Editorial work suits my giftedness and how my mind works. Coming up to 7 years in digital journalism, and having contributed to two of Kenya’s biggest news websites, it’s hard not to get excited when the industry shifts and Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes a player in our landscape! 

How did you get into Pulse?

Just a few weeks after my wedding in 2018, I received a phone call with an invitation to interview for a News Writer position at Pulse. The caller pointed out that I’d come highly recommended for the position and I was happy to interview. 

Credit to the teams that pioneered Pulse in Kenya, disrupting the country’s blogosphere. I’d inadvertently studied the brand as an outsider so I was thrilled with the idea of working for an Africa-wide company. And I saw a better opportunity to explore the parts I enjoy most in website content creation at Pulse.

I remember the interview being brief and walking away nervous that I’d probably not impressed the panel. But I got the job, took it and my journey at Pulse began!

As a News Writer, I highlighted the plight of a little girl living with SMA and it eventually became a national news item. I also won a peer award as the Continuous Learning champion in 2020. In my time as Head of News, I got my first opportunity to host a live political show (it was nerve-wracking!!!). Being Editor-In-Chief, and leading the reigning “Pulse Team of the Quarter” if I may add, well…I could write a book on being Editor-In-Chief, and I just might.

What’s your current role at Pulse?

I’m the designate wordsmith and spellchecker with the added feature of understanding “…nipee ile word inamaanisha niniii, unajua kile nasema…” (…give me the word, the one that means that thing, you know what I’m talking about..).

When I’m not attending to these superhero duties, I’ll be the one breaking an editor’s heart with a numbered list of reasons why their story isn’t ‘going up’ (getting published). But I make up for it. The Editor-In-Chief’s role, when performed with attention & care, nurtures a distinct editorial voice (philosophy, if you like) and sustains audience trust & growth. 

What’s a typical day for Miriam?

My days often begin very early as we prepare content items that need to reach our audiences at least by 7:00 a.m. Later in the morning, the editors & I hold a briefing where the day’s content is planned.

At the office, I’ll often be the one seated in a literal corner at the back of the Nairobi newsroom with a razor-sharp focus on my laptop, often looking at sets of analytic numbers and editing a lot of text. I’ll also spend a considerable part of my day looking at audience engagement on our pages and feedback on our published articles to learn what the numbers sometimes can’t articulate.

At the end of the day, I’m often eager to learn more about an issue we reported, or trying to understand a personality we’ve covered in anticipation of the next story. I’ve often come up with topics for quizzes during such expeditions. I also find that it makes me less inclined to hold immutable worldviews. 

How do you draw inspiration? What are your sources for inspiration?

I’ll often go to one of my many music playlists depending on what kind of inspiration I’m looking for. I’ve curated the songs I enjoy according to the mood or emotion they evoke in me and a lot of the time it will be “Miry’s Chill Vibes” that does the trick.

Especially for work, I also get inspired by the content we put out. I’ll often watch a video produced by the video team, see an engagement post on our platforms from the social media managers, watch as an article goes viral or hear about the clients we partner with and admire the work that went into it. I’m always inspired by the ingenuity, elegance and ‘the Pulse magic’.

On unwinding.

I really enjoy any activity that plays into my introverted tendencies. 

I’ll often be reading through at least 3 different books and I get a lot of joy from this, it’s my version of watching ‘who I want to be when I grow up’. I’m currently reading Prof Wangari Maathai’s “The Challenge For Africa”, Caroline Criado-Perez’s “Invisible Women” which has taken quite a while to read through, and a version of Friedrich Nietzsche’s “Beyond Good and Evil”.

I also picked up a rewarding hobby of attending ‘little’ concerts headlined by underground musicians, instrumentalists and poets around Nairobi.