How to Write a Professional Profile After an Appointment: Insights from Journalist Patrick Ndungidi (African Shapers)

Writing a professional profile after an appointment is a strategic exercise to highlight a leader’s achievements and strengthen an organization’s image and reputation.
Patrick Ndungidi, journalist and founder of African Shapers, shares his insights on how to turn a formal announcement into an inspiring and engaging story.

Can you tell us about African Shapers and its mission to showcase African leaders?

African Shapers publishes profiles of African leaders and professionals who are shaping the continent’s current affairs, with a particular focus on women and young people.
Our editorial vision is to make African Shapers the leading media platform on African leadership—whether it’s about talents based on the continent or in the diaspora.

We place these personalities at the center of a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and inspiring narrative to give readers the tools and understanding they need to become the architects of tomorrow’s Africa.
The publication targets readers passionate about African current affairs who want to discover the stories of entrepreneurs, executives, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders.

How does African Shapers identify appointments to feature in the public or private sector?

We cover news about African personalities worldwide: appointments, promotions, awards, and inclusions on prestigious lists.
To do so, we maintain active monitoring through:

• Local and pan-African news sites

• Professional social networks such as LinkedIn and Twitter

• Press releases received by email

Our priority is to spot relevant information that captures readers’ interest and highlights African leadership.

What are the key steps to writing a professional profile after an appointment?

A successful profile includes:

• The title of the new position and its responsibilities

• The previous role and key accomplishments

• A presentation of the organization linked to the appointment

• The appointee’s educational and professional background

• Major achievements in previous roles

It’s recommended to include direct quotes and human details—often called “biscuits”—that bring personality to the story.
For example, mentioning that a leader is a black belt in karate or has an unusual passion can help connect with readers on a more personal level.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when writing an appointment profile?

• Limiting yourself to the press release, which is often incomplete or overly formatted.

• Using a “rags-to-riches” narrative (e.g., “an immigrant who became a CEO”) that, when applied only to Africans, can distort perception.

• Borrowing vague terms from Western media such as “economic capital,” which hold little meaning in the African context.

Authenticity and precision are key to building trust and credibility.

What role does photography play in a professional appointment article?

The photo is a strategic component of the profile.
It should reflect the leader’s professionalism and personality—through a smile, gesture, or setting connected to their field.

A poor-quality photo can diminish the article’s impact.
At African Shapers, we ensure that each image uplifts the individual and supports our mission: to portray Africa and its talents positively.

Conclusion

Writing a professional profile after an appointment goes far beyond announcing a new position.
It’s a storytelling exercise that demands rigor, research, attention to detail, and strong visual choices.
By following Patrick Ndungidi’s advice and drawing inspiration from African Shapers’ editorial approach, every appointment can become an opportunity to highlight a career, leadership, and an organization’s brand image.