Youth Testimonials & Stories of Change: My Journey Through the Leading Change Africa Leadership Academy

Patricia Obinda, Kenya

“Great leaders don’t build followers- they build other leaders.”

I’m completing a training that has changed how I see leadership forever.

Over the past eight weeks, I’ve been on a learning journey that didn’t just teach leadership- it redefined it for me.

The Leading Change - Africa Leadership Academy is a Program designed to equip young people across the African continent with essential leadership, personal, and professional development skills.

We had multiple topics covered, including, self-awareness, integrity and ethical leadership, curiosity in effective leadership, inclusivity and diversity, creative thinking, design thinking, public speaking, and digital networking to mention a few.

If I were to break down everything we learned, I definitely wouldn’t finish today 😄 — but one thing is certain: I have been transformed.

Here are some of my key takeaways:

✨ Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s a powerful tool to enhance courage.

✨ Inclusive leadership is not just a strategy — it’s a mindset and a commitment to creating a just and equitable world.

✨ Africa is rich — not just in resources, but in potential. Africa doesn’t need more aid; it needs strategy and alignment to unleash its full strength. It has more than what it takes to sustain the world.

✨ Creative thinking in leadership is a necessity.

And foremost, leadership isn’t just about carrying a title; it’s about building others and opening doors for others to access.

Through emotional intelligence assessments, leadership framework theories, implicit association tests, I got to look inward and consider the kind of leader I want to become.

And this is my conclusion:

✨ A leader who raises others.

✨ A leader who speaks not to impress, but to impact.

✨ A leader who understands that legacy isn’t what you leave behind — it’s who you leave empowered.

Thank you Leading Change - Africa for providing an opportunity to impact young African leaders, helping us grow in voice and vision.

The opportunity is priceless. Thank you for the value.

Thank you for the impact.

Much appreciation also to the MSAKE - Medical Students' Associations of Kenya Secretary General Jared R. for recommending this program to us. Your recommendation has made a lasting impact. Grateful!!!!

# LeadingChangeAfrica #Mindset #ForAfrica #CapacityBuilding