Leading Africa Forward: Thought Leadership, Elevating Women and Culture Preservation

Welcome to Leading Africa Forward, our monthly newsletter featuring insightful conversations about corporate leadership and entrepreneurship in Africa, focusing on how to drive inclusive and sustainable growth on the continent. We will also showcase some trailblazing female leaders at the helm of impactful change on the continent and share updates on our activities. 

The Power of Storytelling in Establishing Thought Leadership

As a leader, mastering the art of storytelling can elevate your thought leadership, drive change, and leave a lasting legacy in your industry and beyond. Emotions drive human behaviour, and storytelling is a powerful way to kindle emotions.

Here are some reasons storytelling strengthens thought leadership:

• Creates Emotional Connections: Stories engage the audience on an emotional level, making your ideas more relatable and impactful.
• Enhances Memorability: Narratives are easier to remember than facts and figures, ensuring your message sticks and people are more likely to be influenced by it.
• Builds Trust & Credibility:  Connects with the audience, making you more relatable, establishing trust and credibility.
• Inspires Action: Stories that highlight challenges and triumphs can motivate and call others to take action.
• Differentiates You: Sets you apart, highlighting your unique perspective and insights.
• Builds Community and Loyalty: Can create a sense of community and shared purpose and is likely to foster a loyal following.

As a change-maker, incorporate this effective universal art form, start crafting those compelling narratives today, and witness the growth in your impact and reach.

OUR NEWS

Women’s Leadership in Focus: The  Duke and Duchess of  Sussex’s Nigeria Tour

The 3-day eventful private visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, on invitation of the Chief of Defence Staff, involved promoting the Prince’s Invictus Games and offering the Duchess an opportunity to explore her heritage. 

During the visit, the Duchess co-hosted a women's leadership event with Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, moderated by Mo Abudu, and attended by 50 influential women.  Discussions highlighted the importance of female leadership and empowerment as a force for change, identifying hurdles and the need for women to support one another. It also emphasized the need for strategic partnership between men and women as crucial for effective leadership.

Community members and friends of AWCN  in attendance included Udo Okonjo LL.M Lond, M.IOD UK , CEO/Vice Chairman of Fine and Country West Africa; Stephanie Busari , Supervising Producer/Editor, CNN Africa; Weyinmi (Wey) Eribo , DG Women Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture; and Achenyo (Ache) Idachaba-Obaro , Founder/CEO, MitiMeth.

AWCN London Launch -Cultural Economic Summit

The Duke's Cultural Summit in London, focused on culture as a driver for Nigeria's economic growth. Our founder, Dr Anino Emuwa , spoke alongside dignitaries including Nigeria's Vice President, represented by Dr Jumoke Oduwole , H.H Mahummadu Sanusi II, The Emir of Kano  and Thelma Ekiyor , Chair, The Nigeria Office of Philanthropy, who emphasized the role of philanthropy and impact investing in catalysing financing for the creative industry.

The full day programme concluded with "Awo - the Musical," depicting the life of the African statesman and politicians, in the presence of Olusegun Awolowo, his grandson. 

We were thrilled to launch AWCN@London during the memorable Summit which included notable women leaders:  Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri Erewa , HRH Erelu Abiola Dosumu, Peju Adebajo , Nike Kerstin Akerele-De Souza CPA, ACA, ACIPM, MA , Yetty Williams , Ronny Odegbami , Dr Simisola Alabi MBBS MRCGP MSc , Linda Quaynor , Dr. Tewa Onasanya Dist. Fellow, ILMMD , Medua Asiodu, and Abi Khalidson , Tola St. Matthew-Daniel , Uju Irukwu, Stella Nse Okuzu FRSA, MCSI, HCIB , Dr Anino Emuwa and Nonny Patricia Ugboma .

Africa Day 2024 - Education Fit for the 21st Century 

This year's Africa Day theme aligns with our mission to support the advancement of experienced  and future women leaders. In celebration of the day, we highlighted the vital role of mentorship in bridging knowledge gaps, building self-esteem, and developing essential skills; while encouraging women leaders to renew their dedication to mentoring as a vital tool for educating and shaping leaders fit for tomorrow. 

(Picture above from AWCN’s mentoring visit to African Leadership University with Habibah Waziri, MD BGR Consulting)

D,E & I in Africa: Achieving Gender Diversity in Leadership Teams

The session with seasoned international leaders, Lawrence Eta and Cecilia Akintomide provided valuable insights and practical strategies for making leadership more inclusive and supporting women to take on leadership roles. It emphasized D.E & I not as an initiative but as a strategic imperative requiring accountability, a specified budget, and metrics. While also sharing tips on how women can take agency in their leadership journey. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 14 - How Impact Entrepreneurship is Driving Africa’s Development

African impact entrepreneurs are tackling pressing challenges with innovative solutions.

Join us for a 1-hour discussion on "How Impact Entrepreneurship is Driving Africa’s Development" on Friday, June 14th, 2024, at 5 PM WAT, 6 PM SAST, 7 PM EAT.

Register for free: https://shorturl.at/0R9gn .

For more details: office@avandisconsulting.com

July 19- Mastering LinkedIn: Develop Your Brand and Elevate Your Career

Join our virtual masterclass to learn how to leverage LinkedIn to establish your thought leadership, elevate your career and much more

What is AWCN?

We are a community of women leading businesses. This peer network helps women combat the “lonely-at-the-top" syndrome by supporting their professional growth through the provision of bespoke leadership development and access to business opportunities. Click here to join us To participate in our events, subscribe to our newsletter and follow Africa Women CEOs Network on LinkedIn.