I recently travelled to Kenya as part of an extraordinary leadership journey. It was an incredible experience to work with communities in the Kiberan region of Nairobi, which forms the largest slum region in Sub Saharan Africa. I had the immense privilege of getting to know some of the incredible people who live, work and dream of a positive future In Kibera.
Coaching young entrepreneurs supporting them to take their first steps to establishing their start-up businesses, was truly energising. To feel their hope for a positive future, where they can determine their destiny and make a difference to their family’s lives was hugely rewarding. Working with schools, coaching teams of teachers as they strive to stretch meagre resources, determined to provide the very best for their students was thought provoking. Whilst spending time with women living with AIDS and hearing their positive approach to life was incredibly humbling. The most moving experience for me however, was hearing the all too common stories of children who had been orphaned, losing their parents to the many effects of extreme poverty.
Spending time with the Kenyan people I experienced their great warmth, hospitality and the resilience that they demonstrate every day of their lives. I reflected on the scale of the problems in Kenya and about the role of businesses that operate and have supply chains within the country. I asked myself a question. How can these businesses contribute to creating significant positive social Impact, and improve the lives of people within these communities? An impact created not through charity but by taking an economically sustainable approach to how they conduct business within countries such as Kenya.
I found such incredible energy, resilience and talent in the Kenyan people, and outstanding examples of leadership focused on positive purpose and the greater good. Such leaders as Josephine Muindi, Headteacher of Kibiko school, Byrones Khainga, Richard Kongo, Abdul Kassim, Director of Kibera Girls Soccer Academy (KGSA) and Benjamin Koyoo. Selfless leadership focused on how to create positive social change.
Entrepreneurial leaders committed to development within their communities and supporting local people out of poverty. The leaders that I met in Kibera demonstrate such resilience, commitment to their vision and tenacity to achieve this vision. The result is that they impact positively on the lives of so many of the Kiberan people, supporting them to work their way out of extreme poverty. It was great to see the UN sustainable development goal ‘to end poverty, in all its forms, everywhere’ so alive through the vision and passion of the NGO leaders in the slums of Kibera.
As I planted a tree with Emmanuel at Kibiko school, we explored the importance of the world we live in. How we should protect our environment and aim to do good in the world. This in an environment where many children don’t know where the next meal is coming from. Can we personally and as businesses claim to be this thoughtful?
My experience in Kenya has had a significant impact on me. I have questioned what I as an individual can do.
I continue to coach young entrepreneurs and work with WellBoring to provide water solutions for children and communities within the Kisumu region of the country. The experience in Kenya however has prompted me to think more deeply about what I can do through my business to create a positive impact on society and the environment. I have made the decision to develop my business ‘Art of Leadership’ as a B-Company. Art of Leadership works strategically with business leaders to support them to develop aspects of ethical business through;
Identifying and creating business purpose beyond profit,
Creating diverse and inclusive business environments,
Developing and measuring social impact,
Supporting inclusive leadership
Forming coaching cultures within organisations.
Art of Leadership also works in partnership with universities coaching international students in the areas of intercultural and ethical business. Being a B-Corporation means a commitment through the company articles to act in the best interests of all stakeholders and to develop the business as a ‘Force for Good’. Being a B-Corporation fits with the aims of Art of Leadership, to be a force for good within the world and support other businesses to do the same.
In the grand scheme of the world’s problems it seems a small thing to do but as Abdul Kassim expressed so eloquently, ‘If you can change one thing you can change the world’. Abdul believes this, acts on it, and continues to make a huge difference to the lives of people within the Kiberan region of Kenya.
I will never forget the faces of the Kenyan children. Their smiles are incredibly beautiful but often hide stories of immense pain and trauma. The scale of need in the region is great. The solutions must cut through the issues that prevent the change that is needed, the talent and opportunity exists within the incredible people who live and work in Kibera. My time in Kenya with the extraordinary leadership team left me with a question. If as Abdul says, by changing one thing we can change the world. Then imagine what long-term partnerships between profit making businesses, who benefit from Kenya, and the incredible Kiberan NGO's I experienced can do to create the sustainable economic change that the Kiberan region of Nairobi so desperately needs?