Leadership and Legacy: Two Decades of Developing Great African Leaders

As Strathmore University Business School (SBS) celebrates its 20th anniversary, I am honored to reflect on a journey that has profoundly shaped me and made a lasting impact on the African continent. The years I have spent at SBS have been transformative, driven by the institution’s mission to develop ethical and transformational leaders through research, innovation, and the dissemination of business and management knowledge. This mission, alongside SBS’s vision of becoming a leading world-class business school spearheading Africa’s transformation, continues to inspire me and fuels my dedication to leadership and legacy.

SBS’s values of Sagesse, L'excellence, Les pionniers, et Service à la société are deeply ingrained in everything we do. These principles guide the holistic development of individuals, instilling ethics and integrity, and fostering professional and leadership skills. They also drive our commitment to exceeding stakeholder expectations, setting benchmarks for world-class education, and serving society through impactful research and institutional citizenship.

Guided by these foundational values, SBS has cultivated an environment that not only molds leaders capable of driving meaningful change but also fosters a legacy of innovation and service. Reflecting on this shared journey, I am continually inspired by the profound influence SBS has had across Africa and beyond, preparing leaders to transform their institutions and societies for the better.

My journey with SBS began with a deep conviction that quality education is pivotal to societal growth. I was drawn to the institution’s unwavering commitment to ethical leadership and its mission to mold leaders capable of transforming Africa. This vision resonated deeply with my personal aspirations and has served as the anchor of my passion.

This commitment to excellence inspired me to continually refine my leadership abilities. Over the years, I have completed several transformative programmes, including the Leadership Excellence Acceleration Programme, Leader as a Coach, and a 40-hour mediation training, earning accreditation as a Strathmore-certified dispute resolution mediator. These Programmes have played a pivotal role in shaping my leadership style, equipping me with advanced skills in conflict resolution, mentorship, and strategic visioning.

Beyond formal education, I have also harnessed the skills acquired from my first degree in Information Sciences to mold myself into a sought-after emcee. Over the years, I have hosted numerous events, mastering the art of effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences. This unique blend of technical expertise, leadership development, and public speaking experience has further fueled my drive to inspire and influence positive change.

SBS’s mission and values continue to be a guiding force, reinforcing my belief in the power of education and leadership to create a lasting impact across Africa and beyond.

Reflecting on my time at SBS, I find it nearly impossible to pinpoint a single highlight, as there have been countless rewarding moments that stand out. From witnessing the transformative journeys of our students to celebrating the remarkable achievements of our alumni, every graduation, career milestone, and societal impact reaffirms the mission we uphold. These moments, whether large or small, serve as powerful reminders of the profound influence SBS has in shaping ethical, purpose-driven leaders. Each success story reflects the dedication, values, and vision of the institution, showcasing its commitment to nurturing individuals who not only excel in their fields but also make a meaningful difference in their communities.

SBS’s Transformative Impact Across Africa

SBS’s influence across Africa is unparalleled, demonstrated by its graduates who hold leadership roles in sectors such as healthcare, governance, and beyond. Our alumni embody the institution’s ability to cultivate leaders who are resilient, ethical, and innovative in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.

One of my greatest contributions has been enrolling students into SBS’s PhD and Master’s programmes over the years. Guiding these individuals through their academic journey has given me the privilege of witnessing firsthand how education transforms not only their lives but also the communities and industries they serve. Every student who joins these programmes represents a ripple effect of positive change, as they go on to apply the knowledge and leadership skills gained at SBS to solve real-world challenges.

Through this role, I have had a front-row seat to SBS’s transformative impact, reinforcing its critical role in building communities and strengthening economies across the continent. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the power of education to drive progress and foster leadership that leaves a legacy.

Leadership, as I have come to understand it at SBS, is a continuous journey of growth, often shaped by challenges that test one’s adaptability and resilience. A key challenge I encountered was transitioning into a team leadership role where I had to manage and guide individuals who were at the same professional level as myself. Navigating this dynamic required a delicate balance of empathy, clear communication, and establishing mutual respect.

Despite the initial complexities, I focused on fostering collaboration and aligning the team’s strengths with our shared goals. Through this approach, we not only built a cohesive and motivated team but also delivered excellent results that exceeded expectations. This experience reinforced the importance of humility, flexibility, and the ability to inspire trust and confidence in others—lessons that have profoundly shaped my leadership journey.

To future SBS students and colleagues, I would say: embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the values that SBS champions—Wisdom, Excellence, Trailblazing, et Service à la société. These principles are more than just ideals; they serve as a compass guiding you through your journey, both at SBS and beyond.

Approach your time here with curiosity, resilience, and an openness to learning. SBS offers a unique environment that combines rigorous academic training with real-world applications. Take full advantage of the wealth of knowledge available through the diverse faculty, your peers, and the various leadership programs and initiatives. These experiences are designed not just to educate but to prepare you to lead with integrity, innovation, and purpose.

Remember, every challenge you face here is an opportunity for growth, and every milestone you achieve contributes to a legacy of leadership that impacts not only individuals but entire communities. Engage actively with the SBS community, build meaningful connections, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Your journey at SBS is not just about personal success; it’s about becoming part of a movement dedicated to transforming Africa and the world.

As we celebrate two decades of excellence, I am immensely proud to be part of an institution that remains steadfast in its mission to develop ethical and transformational leaders for Africa. I look forward to seeing how future SBS students and colleagues will uphold this legacy, bringing fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and enduring commitment to the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Together, we will continue to drive impactful change and build a brighter future for our continent.

Article by Nelson O. Mandela