Diversity, inclusion, innovation and authenticity are not buzzwords. They are core principles that drive success and affirm the transformative power of leadership.
These principles were on Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa’s mind at this year’s annual gathering of the Women On Board’s Network late September, where he was the chief guest.
The Women on Boards Network brings together women who serve on boards of directors. The network aims to drive gender diversity and inclusion within board leadership and to establish a robust pipeline of women ready for board positions. The network also supports existing board members in effectively fulfilling their roles.
In his speech at the event, Peter reflected on his own experience, from attending a recent graduation at Princeton where you could see in the years of graduates the progress of inclusion, to his experience at Safaricom since taking over during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He touched on the significance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, ranging from women, minorities, and underrepresented voices, the impact this has had on the success of Safaricom and its ability to resonate with an increasingly diverse customer base.
The future of work, the role of technology, and the growing expectations of discerning consumers are all significant factors that leaders need to consider as innovation and inspiration can be the driving forces behind transformative change.
This is more so because innovation takes many forms, whether it is through groundbreaking products, progressive work cultures or innovative leadership strategies.
Noting the powerful testament to the progress the telco has made, crucial questions about why leadership structures shouldn’t reflect the societies they serve are raised.
Leadership is not just a title – it is a responsibility, a call to action that resonates across industries and borders. It also dives deep into the unspoken stories, the silent struggles, and the triumphant victories that shape true leaders.
These issues and more on the Safaricom Newsroom podcast below:
