What does it take to transform a continent? In this episode, discover the extraordinary journey of a woman who’s not just talking about Africa’s potential—she’s building its future, one leader at a time.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that goes beyond headlines and stereotypes, delving into the heart of African leadership, resilience, and the power of collective action. You’ll learn how true change is sparked from within, why nurturing the next generation of leaders is essential, and what it means to lead with both strength and compassion. Whether you’re an aspiring changemaker, a seasoned leader, or simply passionate about Africa’s story, this episode will leave you motivated to believe in yourself and the power of community.

Our guest, Kah Walla, is a trailblazing African leader whose impact spans politics, entrepreneurship, and activism. As the first woman to run for President in Cameroon, president of a major political party, and founder of a globally recognized consulting firm, Kah’s life is a testament to courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to justice. Her advocacy for human rights, women’s empowerment, and youth leadership has made her a respected voice not only in Cameroon but across the continent and beyond. Kah’s story is one of breaking barriers, building bridges, and inspiring others to step into their own power.

In this episode, Kah Walla opens up about her roots as an “active African citizen” and the profound influence of her grandmothers—two remarkable women who defied the odds in mid-20th-century Cameroon. She shares how their strength, independence, and nurturing leadership shaped her own philosophy: that true leadership is about building others up, not just standing at the front. Kah recounts her journey from being the eldest child in a supportive, open-minded family to leading a thriving consulting business and a political movement for justice and equality.

Listeners will hear candid stories of triumph and challenge, including the pivotal moment when Kah refused to pay a bribe to save her young company, drawing on the wisdom and clarity her mother instilled in her. She discusses the importance of collective action in Africa—why joining movements, not just talking or tweeting, is crucial for real change. Kah’s insights into the history of African women’s leadership, the need to move from potential to results, and the call for every African to “get their hands dirty” in building a better society are both eye-opening and deeply motivating.

Throughout the conversation, Kah emphasizes the value of self-belief, continuous learning, and focusing on what truly matters: building yourself, your skills, and your vision from the inside out. She challenges listeners to avoid distractions, invest in their own growth, and measure their legacy by the leaders they help create. Her message is clear: Africa’s future depends on ordinary people stepping up, working together, and believing in their collective strength.

Ready to be inspired and empowered? Listen now to hear Kah Walla’s powerful story and practical wisdom on leadership, legacy, and the future of Africa. If this episode moves you, don’t forget to subscribe, share with fellow changemakers, and join the conversation—because together, we can turn potential into real, lasting results.

What does it take to revolutionize healthcare in Africa—and what can we learn from a leader who’s doing it on the front lines?

In this compelling episode of Once Upon a Leader in Africa, host George Nuthu sits down with Dr. Nick Okumu for an in-depth conversation about leadership, innovation, and impact in the health sector. Dr. Okumu traces his journey from his first leadership role as a class prefect in primary school—where he practiced servant leadership before he even knew the term—to his current positions as head of the orthopedic oncology unit at Kenyatta National Hospital and managing partner at Jasmine Dental and Medical Center. Listeners will hear how Dr. Okumu’s leadership style has evolved to become adaptive, shaped by experiences ranging from university student government to founding multiple businesses and spearheading subspecialty units in orthopedics. He candidly discusses the challenges of leading in Africa’s public health sector, including bureaucratic inertia, underfunding, resistance to innovation, and the personal toll of professional setbacks. The episode also explores Dr. Okumu’s advocacy for surgical access, highlighting the staggering statistic that 30% of the global disease burden requires surgery. Yet, millions of procedures go unmet each year—leading to preventable deaths and economic hardship. Dr. Okumu shares how he’s leveraging technology, such as AI-driven prosthetic design and cancer screening tools, to bridge gaps in care and make healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Dr. Nick Okumu is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and healthcare leader in Kenya. As head of the orthopedic oncology unit at Kenyatta National Hospital, he leads a team dedicated to treating bone cancer and improving patient outcomes. He is also the managing partner of Jasmine Dental and Medical Center, a growing outpatient facility he co-founded with his wife, and a global surgery advocacy fellow with Operation Smile and the University of Global Health Equity. Dr. Okumu’s work spans clinical care, entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and policy advocacy, making him a transformative figure in African healthcare.

By tuning in, listeners will gain rare insights into the realities of healthcare leadership in Africa—from the importance of integrity, honesty, and adaptability, to the need for strategic thinking and system-building. Dr. Okumu’s story offers practical lessons on overcoming adversity, embracing technology as a tool for progress, and the power of leading by example. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, aspiring leader, or changemaker, this episode will inspire you to pursue purpose-driven leadership and believe that change is possible—even in the most challenging environments.

If you found value in Dr. Okumu’s journey and insights, don’t forget to subscribe to Once Upon a Leader in Africa, leave us a review, and share this episode with your network.

What does it take to revive a failing company in just three months? For Elizabeth Irungu, it’s not just about strategy—it’s about purpose, resilience, and leading with conviction.

In this compelling episode of Once Upon A Leader in Africa, we follow the remarkable journey of Elizabeth Irungu, CEO of Absa Asset Management Limited, whose leadership story redefines transformation—not just of businesses, but of lives. You’ll be inspired by how she merges economic acumen with unshakable values to lead boldly, empower teams, and drive lasting impact.

This episode offers more than leadership insights—it’s a fresh perspective on service, purpose, and legacy. From mentoring young professionals to navigating sovereign risks, from turning losses into profits to reshaping wealth management in Kenya, Elizabeth presents a masterclass in values-driven leadership—rich with strategic brilliance, personal resilience, and spiritual depth.

Meet Elizabeth—a transformative leader at the helm of one of Kenya’s dynamic asset management firms. With past roles at STANLIB, Britam, and ICEA Lion, she brings a wealth of experience in business development, portfolio management, and organizational change. But what sets her apart is her unwavering belief that leadership must serve a higher purpose.

Her leadership journey began in high school as a school captain and evolved through unique early experiences—from co-running a mobile phone distribution business to serving as a junior economist in the Office of the President. These moments taught her that leadership is about presence, adaptability, and faith—not titles.

When Elizabeth joined Absa Asset Management, the firm was facing imminent closure. In just three months, she led a turnaround that restored profitability—not by chance, but through strategic clarity, optimism, and a shared sense of mission. She rallied a young, dynamic team around a purpose greater than profit.

Elizabeth’s leadership philosophy is relational, not hierarchical. Leading a team with an average age of 25, she cultivates a culture of deep listening, mentorship, and shared ownership. People don’t just work under her—they grow with her.

Her passion for investment is deeply transformational. For Elizabeth, wealth management isn’t just about returns—it’s about empowering people to make informed financial decisions for generations to come. Financial education is central to her leadership—not an afterthought, but a calling.

You’ll also gain rare insight into her spiritual grounding. Guided by biblical principles and inspired by figures like Nelson Mandela, Elizabeth embodies integrity, humility, and servant leadership. Her board service, volunteerism, and mentoring reveal a leader who sees every platform—big or small—as an opportunity to uplift others.

The road hasn’t been easy. She shares candid lessons from leading through sovereign risk, restoring trust after reputational damage, and managing large-scale project hurdles. Yet through it all, she remains anchored in faith and solutions-focused leadership.

This is more than a conversation—it’s a vision for leadership in Africa. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or someone seeking purpose, Elizabeth’s story is a powerful reminder:

• Believe in your potential,
• Lead with integrity,
• Embrace challenges as growth opportunities,
• And above all, use leadership to serve others.

Elizabeth’s legacy isn’t built on accolades—it’s built on impact. Mentoring the next generation, transforming broken systems, and championing financial literacy, she models what it means to lead from the inside out.