Author: JOSHUA AWESOME

Politicians think of the next election; true leaders think of the next generation.” – Dr. Myles Munroe. A decade ago, a Kenya Airways flight that was destined for Johannesburg had to turn back due to poor visibility and bad weather, returning to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. This incident serves as a metaphor for Kenya’s current political climate. President William Ruto, the pilot of the nation, recently reversed course on a controversial tax law amidst political turbulence. Luxury cars, private helicopters, mounds of cash. The lavish lifestyles of Kenya’s lawmakers, splashed across TikTok and X, added fuel to the anger…

A leader is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realising that all along they are being directed from behind. – Nelson Mandela In the realm of American politics, analogies often become symbolic representations of a leader’s perceived strengths and weaknesses. President Joe Biden’s recent debates against former President Donald Trump have reignited public discourse. However, a novel perspective has emerged from Biden’s top donors, who draw a Star Wars parallel, likening Biden to Yoda: old and frail yet wise and influential. In stark contrast, they…

I pause to pay respect to a fallen entrepreneur. As a mental health advocate and a man, this tragedy hits home deeply. Inspired by NJOKI USTAWI, the loss of this remarkable individual is profoundly heartbreaking. Waking up to the news that a brilliant entrepreneur had taken his own life was one of the most heart-wrenching moments I can imagine. During his tenure as CEO, his company brought so much light to our community. He gave our children hope, enabling them to complete their homework in time. He lit up small houses in forgotten areas and brought smiles to marginalised…

Juneteenth, the day commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, is both a celebration and of sombre reflection. It marks the moment in 1865 when Union soldiers brought news of freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas — two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Yet, Juneteenth is also a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises. Reconstruction, the post-Civil War era aimed at integrating freed slaves into society, failed miserably. Instead of fostering equality, it paved the way for systemic racism and continuous violence against Black bodies. Despite these adversities, Juneteenth is a testament to…

“A man is a boy who unfolds into the full potential embedded in his DNA.” — Dr. Joshua Awesome    As June unfolds, marking Youth Month in South Africa, we find ourselves at a unique intersection where Youth Day on June 16th coincided with Father’s Day. This confluence is a poignant reminder of the journey from boyhood to manhood, a transformation that encapsulates growth, resilience, and the realisation of one’s potential. Reflecting on this journey, we uncover profound insights and actionable advice to guide the next generation of men. In my own life, the path from boyhood to manhood…

“Leadership, like riding a bicycle, demands balance and constant forward motion.” – Dr Joshua Awesome June, the sixth month of the year is here and  holds a unique place in both history and symbolism. In a leap year, it marks the transition into the second half of our annual journey, a moment of reflection and recalibration. According to biblical scholars, the number six signifies the day humanity was created, imbued with purpose and responsibility. Furthermore, the first Monday of June is celebrated as World Bicycle Day, promoting the humble yet profound bicycle as a symbol of sustainable transport and…

In a poignant discussion at the recent ESG Impact Investment and Sustainable Finance Summit which I had the privilege to chair recently, the urgent issue of climate change’s devastating effects on children was brought to the forefront by UNICEF’s country representative for South Africa, Christine Muhigana. The dialogue underscored the necessity of immediate and effective adaptation measures to protect the health, nutrition, education, and overall well-being of the world’s youngest and most vulnerable population. The insights shared provide a sobering reminder of the stakes involved and offer actionable steps to address these challenges. Reflection 1:  The dire state of…

In the bustling ambiance of the 8th Coaching For Africa Symposium, I had the privilege of sitting down with Elona Ndlovu, a Chartered Coach certified by the African Board for Coaching Consulting and Psychology. Over tea, she shared an insightful anecdote that beautifully encapsulated the essence of adaptability and leadership. Elona recounted an encounter during her time at Institute of Coaching based at McLean Hospital. McLean is a psychiatric teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, where she presented as a PhD candidate. Amid her academic pursuits, she met a fellow African who was attempting to pivot his career. One…

In a remarkable convergence of ambition and innovation, plans for a groundbreaking €6 billion underwater tunnel to connect Europe to Africa have resurfaced, according to Mark-Anthony Johnson of JCI. This ambitious project, poised to link Spain to Morocco, not only promises to revolutionise travel dynamics but also heralds a new era of transcontinental connectivity, timed perfectly for the 2030 World Cup. First proposed in 1979, the 17-mile tunnel is set to traverse from Casablanca in Morocco to Madrid in Spain, effectively bridging the geographical gap between two continents; Europe and Africa. With a projected travel time of just 5 hours…

Recently, we commemorated what would have been the 70th birthday of the esteemed Dr. Myles Munroe — a visionary leader whose impact on leadership and life philosophy transcends generations. As we reflect on his enduring legacy, I am compelled to share the invaluable lessons gleaned from my time under his mentorship, alongside heartfelt tributes and contributions from individuals whose lives were profoundly touched by his wisdom and guidance. Myles Munroe’s teachings on leadership were not just about techniques and strategies; they were about transforming mindsets and inspiring individuals to live with purpose and passion. Through his mentorship, I learned…