Editor’s note:The following testimonials were written by participants in the African Leadership Group’s Leadership Africa program Cohort 4 .
Ikeoluwa Akano
Here are some key takeaways from my nine-month journey during ALG’s Leadership Africa program and how it has empowered my leadership development.
First is the dexterity and expertise of the facilitators. Beyond their wealth of knowledge and strengths, their vulnerability in sharing their own weaknesses and journeys was a true gift. As a life coach, this reinforced the idea that my pain can be a gain if channeled appropriately, and that both strengths and weaknesses are integral to my leadership journey.
This connects to the psychometric tool we used, the Enneagram. Effective leadership requires a good understanding of one’s identity. The Enneagram helped us understand who we are and how we operate so we can maximize our strengths and manage our weaknesses. Personally, it revealed blind spots I needed to address to enhance my leadership skills.
Third, is the power of community: There is something about being in the room with driven and like-minded individuals. Each member of Cohort 4 brought unique expertise, and the participatory classes allowed us to share and learn from each other. This collaborative environment was also a great gift to me.
Two quotes resonate with me. Thomas Edison said, “Restlessness is discontent. Discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man, and I will show you a failure.”
And John Maxwell reminds us, “When you stop being curious, you start getting old, irrespective of age.”
Here is my invitation for anyone in the audience who is discontent with the state of our world and has a desire to remain curious, especially women.
I believe cultural biases and limitations have significantly altered her cause, but timely interventions and programs like this can empower her to make significant impact on our economic, political, and social landscape.
If you’re ready to become a better version of yourself and be a builder of our society’s broken wall, I invite you to join Cohort 5.
Thank you, Papa Dia, for creating this transformative program. We truly appreciate you. Thanks to Dr. Effley, Prof. Madiama, and Emily for your selfless contributions. Thanks to my coach and pastor, Dr. Vincent Omegba, for inviting and encouraging me to join this cohort. Thanks to my amazing husband for his unwavering support throughout my ALG journey.
Finally, thank you, God, for putting all the pieces together.
See you in Cohort 5.
Olusegun Olaoluwa Olu
I was drawn to ALG’s Public Speaking Class and now the Leadership Africa program by the power of a woman—my wife—who completed both programs ahead of me.
When I enrolled, I had no idea how much knowledge I was about to gain, but from the very first day, I made up my mind: I came as I was, but I was determined not to leave the same way.
The Leadership Africa curriculum is modern, rich, and relevant, addressing today’s leadership needs. The course content, tutorials, practical sessions, assignments, and the Community Project were all to the point. Thank you, Professor Madiama, Professor Effley, and Emilie Gettliffe. You reinforced some of what I already knew, but more importantly, you gave me new insights into the art and science of leadership.
The words of Aristotle continue to resonate with me: “The more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know.”
Of the many impactful components of Leadership Africa, I want to highlight two:
- Understanding the Dimensions of Diversity
- The Community Project
The Dimensions of Diversity module, utilizing the Enneagram Systems for Success approach, was an eye-opener. As explained by Ginger Lapid-Bodga in her book Bringing Out the Best in Yourself at Work, the system provides deep insights into how people think, feel, and behave. After a self-evaluation and one-on-one sessions with Coach Emilie, I identified as Personality Type 9. This helped me recognize my strengths, weaknesses, and how I relate to others.
The Community Project was an opportunity to apply everything we learned to real-world leadership. My team unanimously chose Denver’s Whittier Neighborhood. Over the nine months of training, we put our skills into practice through:
- Group discussions
• Decision-making
• Task allocation
• Engaging with community members
We learned about the area’s rich history and the significance of our project, which focused on preserving its historical monuments. Once completed, our work will stand as a testament to the impact of Leadership Africa and the African Leadership Group as a whole.
In conclusion, I’ll share a lesson from the movie The Forge, where a mentor advises his mentee: “Be a fountain, not a drain.” I urge everyone, wherever you find yourself, to be a fountain—to give, to contribute, and to lead with purpose.
Laura Garcia Villalpando
How many times have you asked yourself: Am I in the right position at my job? How can I advance in my career? Do I have leadership potential? How can I better lead my community?
Back in 2022 and 2023, I was asking myself the same questions. Seven or eight years ago, I was content with my life. I had a good job and great friends. I told myself I was okay, that I had all I needed, and for a few years, I let life pass by.
In 2018, I changed jobs, and I am so thankful for that decision. My new job gave me the time and flexibility to volunteer and engage with people working toward positive change in their communities.
There is a beautiful verse in the Bible that speaks to why I do what I do. First Corinthians 10:31 says: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
In 2020, I joined the African Leadership Family and volunteered as a committee member. I helped many individuals reach goal after goal through financial coaching, and I loved seeing them succeed. Their progress inspired me, but it also made me reflect—what were my own goals?
I started questioning my career and my professional development. I promised myself I would focus on improving my skills and setting clear goals. Around that time, Papa approached me. He knew I was looking for opportunities to grow and said, “You will find great value in joining the leadership program.”
With his encouragement, I joined Cohort 4. Taking on this challenge has been incredibly rewarding. With the support of my professors—Emily, Effley, and Madiama—and through the exercises in each session, I have grown both personally and professionally.
I stepped out of my comfort zone, started a new job, and embraced a new path that brings me joy and allows me to serve my community in a deeper way.
For all the women out there—did you know that women lose nearly $1.3 million in earnings over their careers due to the wage gap? This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a real barrier to economic mobility and security.
To close this gap, we must invest in ourselves, take initiative, and seize every opportunity for growth. Leadership development is essential.
For anyone considering this program—do it. You won’t regret it.
To every woman doubting her leadership potential and every young woman aspiring to lead—start developing your skills now. Join the leadership program. Grow your potential. Open the door to more opportunities.
We need more women in leadership roles!
I give all the glory to God and thank you all for being here to celebrate our accomplishments.
Maryam Aida
Here’s what you need to know about me: I want to be one of the greats—an unforgettable leader in sustainability and community. But I felt like things weren’t going so well on that front, and I needed something to shake things up.
So, I decided to take ALG’s nine-month leadership class.
I came in with big expectations. I wanted the professors to take my brain, break it down, and mold me into a completely different person—Aïda 2.0 with all the add-ons. You know, the one who goes for a run at 5 a.m. and never makes mistakes.
Well, that’s not exactly what happened.
What this class taught me was much, much more valuable. Aïda 2.0 was built from outside influences—ideas of who I thought I needed to be. That part of me that whispers, “Change yourself to succeed. Copy someone else’s path. Hide your flaws. Pretend you have qualities you’re not sure you actually possess.”
Yeah, that one.
This class taught me to focus on who I am. My individuality. My perspective. The person I was at my core—that was the leader I had been searching for.
I started embracing my real qualities—the ones I had ignored because they didn’t fit my idea of what a leader should be. And it turns out, I have some pretty great qualities. The kind that make a strong, capable leader.
I also faced my flaws—how I judged people, how I perceived situations, the blind spots in my thinking. The class gave us tools to strengthen our best qualities and recognize the flaws that affect the world around us.
It was a space where we felt safe to reveal those deep parts of ourselves. But that was only possible because of my classmates.
I can’t decide what the best part of the class was—the professors, my classmates, or the never-ending Qdoba lunches. But for real, my classmates had an immeasurable impact on my life. A special shoutout to my group—gang gang—I can’t wait to see where our project takes us.
To the professors, you truly changed my life. Thank you.
This class is a gem. No matter how much or how little you absorb, it will change you for the better.
In the end, this class did change me. I discovered that the real me—the one I was trying to hide—is the leader.
She is the leader.
She is Aïda 3.0.
Leader of one.
Kwami Akakpo
Personal Motivation and Leadership Insights
I initially joined ALG’s Leadership Africa with the intention of paying it forward. But I quickly realized that the class was just as much about my own growth as it was about giving back.
As a former manager, I thought I already knew how to lead. But this experience showed me how complex leadership really is. It’s not just about reaching personal goals—it’s about understanding how my actions and approach affect the people around me.
Understanding Leadership and Self-Improvement
Leadership isn’t just about standing in front of others. It starts with leading myself effectively first. That means not only getting things done but also understanding how my behavior and decisions impact those around me.
The Enneagram personality assessment was a powerful tool in this process. It gave me valuable insights into my strengths, weaknesses, and self-perception, helping me grow in ways I hadn’t expected.
Through this experience, I saw the importance of self-reflection and continuous improvement. Leadership isn’t static—it requires constant learning and adaptation.
The Role of the Class in Personal Development
The ALG leadership class became a space for both personal and professional growth. It allowed me to pour into myself and others, strengthening my ability to lead and collaborate.
I appreciated the open environment, where I could express myself freely and learn from others. The friendships and connections I built here have been invaluable—not just as relationships, but as partnerships in turning ideas into action.
I’m deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this journey. It was a collective effort that supported my growth, and I look forward to applying these lessons moving forward.
Future Actions
One unexpected outcome of this experience was how much it impacted my son. At just 11 years old, he was so inspired by the ceremony that he now wants to be involved with ALG himself.
If his age allows it, I’d love for him to start with the public speaking class. It’s never too early to begin developing leadership skills, and I can’t wait to see where his journey takes him.
