Illuminating the darkness: Lessons for modern leaders

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 women.

As a community developer, I have travelled extensively, including to Turkana in Kenya. I always spotted a torch or lamp from his company on grass-thatched manyatta houses, charging under the sun. In my visits to thousands of households in rural and semi-arid areas of Kenya, including mud huts, thatched-roof houses, and simple brick homes, I have yet to see a single one without one of his lamps.

I’ve seen Maasai men walking in the desert, carrying these lamps and relying on the sun to keep them safe through the night. As a founder working with these communities far from his home, I admired his leadership, innovation, and creativity. He solved one of the biggest problems in our communities. Words cannot fully express the loss we feel. Rest in peace, dear leader.

This tragic loss offers a moment for us all — leaders, men, entrepreneurs, and Africans — to reflect on the profound lessons his life and untimely death provide. Here are four reflections and actionable advice drawn from his journey and our collective experience.

1. Embrace the human side of leadership

As leaders, we often focus on achievements, metrics, and growth. Yet, the human side of leadership is equally important. His impact wasn’t just in the lumens of light his company provided, but in the hope and smiles it brought to countless lives.

Actionable advice: Prioritise empathy and understanding in your leadership. Regularly check in with your team not just on their professional progress, but on their personal well-being. Create a culture where emotional intelligence is valued as much as technical skills.

2. Mental health is paramount

The journey of entrepreneurship is inherently stressful. The pressure to succeed, the long hours, the financial strain — all contribute to a heavy mental burden. His tragic end underscores the need to address mental health openly and without stigma.

Actionable advice: Make mental health a priority. Encourage open conversations about stress and mental health challenges. Provide access to mental health resources and support systems within your organisation. Normalise taking mental health days and seeking professional help when needed.

3. The power of community and support

Isolation is a common issue among entrepreneurs and leaders. The burden of responsibility can feel like a solitary journey, but it doesn’t have to be. His work illuminated the importance of community — not just through his products, but through his collaborative spirit.

Actionable advice: Build and lean on your support network. Engage with mentors, peers, and professional networks regularly. Share your struggles and successes openly. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Foster a community within your organisation where everyone feels supported and valued.

4. Celebrate wins, learn from setbacks

Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. His journey was marked by significant achievements that transformed lives. However, it’s crucial to recognise and celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, and to learn constructively from setbacks.

Actionable advice: Create a culture of celebration and continuous learning. Acknowledge and celebrate your team’s successes regularly. When faced with setbacks, conduct constructive reviews to learn and grow from the experience. Encourage a growth mindset where failures are seen as opportunities for improvement.

Conclusion: A call to action

This leader’s life and legacy leave us with a powerful call to action. To all founders and entrepreneurs, this journey is tough. We are human, with so much on our shoulders. Celebrate your wins, and when you face setbacks, pat yourself on the back for trying and learn from the experience. Don’t be a loner. Please, speak out — suicide is not an option. Talk to someone about the issues that are weighing you down. If you need to quit, do so; there is always a second chance.

To mentors, investors, and funders, you understand the stress that comes with entrepreneurship. It’s time we start talking about mental health among founders and entrepreneurs. Let’s incorporate mental health sessions into the numerous fellowships and accelerator programmes available. Don’t just fund us — take the time to ask how we are doing or how our families are. Let’s make mental health a priority in our journey.

In honouring this fallen leader’s memory, let us commit to a future where the light he brought into the world continues to shine, not just through innovation and entrepreneurship, but through compassion, community, and a steadfast commitment to mental well-being.

business a.m. commits to publishing a diversity of views, opinions and comments. It, therefore, welcomes your reaction to this and any of our articles via email: comment@businessamlive.com