Dr Ruwayne Kock’s Post

Being part of the #EducationChangemakers Program by YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa and Trevor Noah Foundation is an incredible journey of personal and professional growth. One of the key lessons I've learned is that a leader needs to have a fearless mindset. 💪 In this program, we are encouraged to step out of our comfort zones, challenge the status quo, and take action. We are inspired to be proactive and take the first step towards making a difference. As leaders, it is our responsibility to initiate change, to be the catalysts for progress. By embracing a fearless mindset, we overcome self-doubt, push through obstacles, and turn visions into reality. We understand that taking action is not always easy, but it is essential for creating meaningful impact in the world of education. I am grateful to #YALIRLCEastAfrica and The Trevor Noah Foundation for empowering me with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to become a fearless leader. Hi 🙋♂️, my name's Jay Nyembo. I'm the founder of FutureGen Academy, my vision is to create a world where young people have no limit to unleash their fullest potential. Join me and let's inspire the Next-Gen-Leaders in Africa. Together, we are transforming the landscape of education and shaping a brighter future for generations to come. Let's continue to inspire, innovate, and lead with fearlessness. The world needs bold leaders who are ready to make a difference! USAID #kenya Learning Planet Institute #EducationChangemakers #FearlessLeadership #TakingAction #TransformingEducation

Who is mentoring you? As we remember Madiba's Leadership Legacy, there is one #skill that has been instrumental to the long term #success of many inspirational leaders. Mandela's leadership career was greatly influenced by his long-time mentor Walter Sisulu, who saw the potential of greatness at the very first meeting with Mandela and activated what today is known as the Law of Expectation. Richard Stengel, the editor of Mandela’s autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom”, points out how the law of expectations shaped the first meeting between Mandela and Sisulu. “When I talked to Walter about what he saw in Nelson, Walter is such a lovely human being, and he almost had this vision that when Nelson Mandela walked into his office, and Walter Sisulu ... he's stocky, but he's quite a small man. And when Nelson Mandela, this young, strapping, budding attorney, with shoulders as wide as an air force carrier, and this handsome face, and this great posture ... he thought, "Here is a king, but here is also a potential leader." "What Walter realized as he got to know Nelson, was, "Here is our natural mass leader. I am a leader. I am a short man. I have a soft voice. I am shy. There are other people like me, who are in the ANC and dedicated. I cannot stand in front of a roomful of people and get them excited. This man, this boxer, with a beautiful smile, who is so winning - he is our mass leader. We need to be a mass organization." On many occasions, Sisulu communicated his expectation of greatness to his mentee and literally changed the course of his life, when Mandela started to live up the leadership expectations placed in him. According to Sam Walton, founder of the world’s largest retailer, Wal-Mart, “outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” How are you enabling the Law of Expectation in your own life? Who are you mentoring and whom are you turning to for mentorship? Having a mentor who has your best interest at heart and can guide you with tough love, is possibly one of the greatest enablers of inspirational leadership. #leadership #nelsonmandela #mentoring #inspiration #southafrica

🌟 I am thrilled to share that I have successfully completed the Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, achieving an outstanding result of 89.1%! 🎓💪 This intensive 6-week course was a transformative journey. Balancing my roles as a student, a professional stepping into a new work position after maternity leave, a caregiver to my one-year-old, and a traveler between business trips to Germany and Norway was no small feat. Yet, every moment spent on reflection, self-study, sharing experiences with incredible women, and writing assignments added immense value to my growth. ✒ Here are some key takeaways from my experience: 🔍 Blending Leadership Styles: Recognizing the importance of blending different leadership styles for effective impact. 🔍 Cultivating Self-Confidence: Believing in your abilities is paramount not only when you embrace leadership responsibilities. 🔍 Honest Self-Reflection: Acknowledging both strengths and limitations guides your continuous growth. 🔍 Authentic Leadership Style Refinement: Striving to lead authentically, adapting to diverse contexts, and fostering collaboration. 🔍 Feedback as your Guiding Compass: Seeking feedback is essential on your leadership journey. 🔍 Understanding nuances of your strengths may help to strategically seek support. 🔍 Fearless Inquiry and Advocacy: Won’t shy away from asking powerful questions or advocating for yourself! 🔍 Resilience and Adaptability: Analyzing setbacks and adjusting course allows you to grow. 🔍 Gender-Specific Context: Exploring unique challenges faced by women in leadership. 📃 And now, a snippet from a letter I wrote to myself during a challenging assignment: “Magdalena, remember, you are not merely a leader; you are a work in progress. Focus on mastering three pivotal themes: self-acceptance, self-development, and self-management. When the day arrives, you will proudly sit in your corner office - a result of your hard work and transformation. Wishing you continued success on your leadership journey.” Big thank you to my Husband Tomasz Przybylski 👪 for unwavering support throughout this program & to WSAudiology for providing this incredible opportunity - I am excited to continue growing with the company🚀. Let’s keep pushing boundaries and empowering each other! 🚀 🙌 💪 #LeadershipJourney #Empowerment #OxfordLeadershipProgramme #WomenInLeadership #WSAudiology Saïd Business School, University of Oxford GetSmarter

As an aspiring #leader, I often pondered the very essence of leadership. I firmly believe that one doesn't need to be seasoned or have a wealth of experience to start honing leadership skills. Driven by this belief, I eagerly signed up for the LEAP Africa online Leadership Accelerator Programme for Young African Women and was elated to learn that I had been selected. During the course, a powerful realization dawned on me—our minds often pose the greatest barrier to our aspirations. I came to understand that the primary reason we fall short of our goals is because we convince ourselves that they are unattainable. This epiphany triggered a pivotal decision within me: if I can conceive a goal, I can certainly work towards it. This newfound mindset extended its influence across all aspects of my life. Among the many enlightening courses, the #selfleadership module struck a profound chord within me. It beautifully articulated the challenges we face in leading ourselves. It became evident that while many yearn to lead others, mastering self-leadership is often overlooked. We frequently find ourselves at the mercy of our emotions, past experiences, and biases, all of which have a profound impact on our present and future. Gradually, I began piecing together these insights, arming myself with the necessary skills to become an effective leader—one who can govern herself adeptly, recognize her biases, and seek out honest, like-minded individuals to help navigate the path towards my desired outcomes. I'd love to hear in the comments the values you uphold as a leader or an aspiring leader. Image: A snapshot from a self-acceptance game, revealing one of my female role models and the values that have guided my journey thus far.

I embarked on an inspiring journey with the One Million Leaders Asia (OMLAS) fellowship to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), deepen my understanding of #sustainability and work on #socialimpact project. Little did I know this fellowship would evolve into a comprehensive leadership development program, enriching my growth in unexpected ways. Reflecting on my childhood, I was quite shy. My path to leadership began when university peers particularly (Zulfiqar Hussain and Mariyum Areeb Amjad) encouraged me to join public speaking sessions, a pivotal moment for personal growth. Later, during the Amal Academy career Prep fellowship , Program Manager Dania Khalil shared a profound piece of advice that stuck with me: "Wherever you go, let yourself be seen and heard." Despite challenges like the 2022 floods, which affected my hometown, Danyia facilitated my transition to an online fellowship, where I completed the program under the mentorship of the exceptional Afreen Khan—a kind, outstanding educator and leader. In a recent session of OMLAS - One Million Leaders Asia on leadership development with expert Wouter Lincklaen Arriëns, I found myself absorbing invaluable insights. He talked about modules for a leader, leadership styles and leadership roles etc. I appreciate Coach's kindness and availability, both during and after our sessions. I am looking forward to upcoming sessions. The #DohaDebatesAmbassadors program has also been transformative, leaving an indelible mark on my life. I'm grateful for everyone who has supported me on this journey—it's clear I have a long road ahead. One crucial lesson I've learned is the immense impact of our words. Using them positively and encouragingly can truly change lives. In this fellowship, my aspiration extends beyond leadership—I aim to evolve into a better human being, spreading positivity, encouragement, and hope for the future. Let's keep moving forward together! #OMLAS #LeadershipDevelopment #ImpactfulJourney

🌟 Embracing Transformation: A Journey of Leadership 🌟 In the midst of a transformative leadership training provided by the Mastercard Foundation at the United States International University in Africa, I found myself immersed in a profound moment of growth and empowerment. Captured in this image is more than just a snapshot; it encapsulates the essence of leadership in its most dynamic form. As I stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow participants, each one radiating determination and enthusiasm, I am reminded of the power of collective vision and shared purpose. This training experience has been nothing short of enlightening, challenging us to reframe our perspectives, challenge conventional wisdom, and embrace innovation. Guided by seasoned mentors and industry experts, we delved deep into the core principles of transformative leadership, discovering new facets of ourselves and honing our abilities to inspire positive change. But beyond the lectures and workshops lies the heart of this journey: the bonds forged, the moments of vulnerability shared, and the unwavering support of a community committed to uplifting one another. It is here, amidst the exchange of ideas and the celebration of diversity, that true transformation takes root. As I reflect on this pivotal moment, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to participate in such a transformative experience. Armed with newfound insights and fortified by the camaraderie of my peers, I am more determined than ever to lead with purpose, compassion, and resilience. This is not merely a training; it is a catalyst for change, a testament to the boundless potential that lies within each of us to effect meaningful impact in our communities and beyond. Together, we are not just leaders; we are architects of a brighter future. #TransformativeLeadership #MastercardFoundation #USIUAfrica #LeadershipDevelopment #Empowerment #Community #Impact #Gratitude

2024 is the year of audacious moves and doings. I enrolled for the Young Women Leaders Programme course in the middle of March, recommended by the director of #bramblenetwork, #OdunayoAliu but I didn't receive any responses from them and I thought maybe my application was not selected. I had a leap for joy when I saw I was selected for the course at the end of March. I decided to use the whole of April to invest in the course and I tell you that the Young Women Leaders Programme Course is what I would love to do over again. #LEAPLeadershipInstitute by #LEAPAFRICA invested so much value into that programme. It was a whole month of Learning, unlearning and relearning. I also made a lot of resolutions which I had started implementing in my leadership journey. Needless I say, it took a lot of tenacity to complete it because, at that time, I was seriously indisposed and was on medication, yet, I found the strength the complete it. This certificate is not just another one to be added to my name but a proof of dedication, Tenacity and commitment towards Personal Growth and development I am grateful for the gift of my circles #boladeajimisogbe #olufeoluwasoyibo who keep cheering me on during the period of this course, and much more to my organization, #bramblenetwork who invest so much in personal development of the team members. PS: A big announcement is coming up soon! If you are a Creative Writer, watch out for this space. #leadership #nourishingwords #education #Storytelling #creativewriting #OmoyemiAdeayo

CHAMPIONS ARE BUILT IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES I recently ran a strategy review session for the executives of one of the leading financial services organisations in South Africa. During the session, I shared a personal story of my upbringing to meet them in a moment of their own bravery and vulnerability. It was a story I had never shared, because it was so layered and I hadn't quite figured out how to position these parts of my life. What I didn't expect is to have an understanding of how much those events shaped how I interact with struggle and hardship. I hate challenges! They make me writhe in pain and discomfort, the whole time all I want is for the whole thing to be over. BUT, I know how to persevere through them. I hunker down, show up and turn the whole thing around in my favour! If you're going to lead, you're going to have to: 1. Get comfortable with challenges, 2. Know how to turn hard situations around, and 3. Show up at each test, failure and difficulty. When things get hard on your leadership journey, be even more stubborn about the victory! #leadershipdevelopment #joyatwork #purpose #changemanagement #power #leadingwomen #womeninbusiness #changemaker #womenatwork #authenticity #success #africandevelopment #strategy #challengeaccepted

What a year this has been. All year long, I've had several opportunities to serve as a youth mentor, coach and training facilitator in leadership development programs on several platforms, including Athari Group and Donors For Africa Foundation. I believe coaching and mentoring has immense benefits, to all parties involved in the process. However, it's the transformation that happens from inside-out that drives me to keep on investing in people through my various work expressions. Very few things in life give me great joy. Top on the list is seeing a person find their potential, understand their potential, and attain their potential. I believe each one of us, regardless of our backgrounds, have been uniquely gifted with an answer relevant for our world, especially at this time. The more we lean into who we are, and the gifts we each embody, the more empowered we become to uniquely contribute our quota to making the world a better place. To begin 2024 with capturing your unique vision and mandate as a young person leading for impact, then visit https://bit.ly/SOARING24 to join the upcoming 21 Day S.O.A.R program for Impact Leaders and Entrepreneurs. For 21 Days, we'd be laying the right foundation and building the necessary capacity to SOAR as leaders in 2024. #leadership #coaching #leadforgoodafrica #mentoring

Are you ready to take your leadership journey to new heights with the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa? if yes, join this information session and get tips, tricks, and top advice from Alum. Check registration link via the comment section