- Known for a powerful choice of words, eloquence and confidence, Prof. Lumumba’s speech was a mix of spiritual wisdom, historical references, and profound insights into transformational leadership.
- He called the attendees to action, encouraging everyone to embody the values of transformational leadership and make a lasting impact within their communities.
- The AC-TLA serves as a beacon of hope, aiming to build a lasting legacy of leadership grounded in positive influence and accountability.
When lawyer PLO Lumumba rose to speak, there was a long applause, followed by pin drop silence as attendees of the Arise Circle -Transformational Leadership Award (AC-TLA) listened to his speech.
Known for a powerful choice of words, eloquence and confidence, Prof. Lumumba’s speech was a mix of spiritual wisdom, historical references, and profound insights into transformational leadership.
“Transformational leadership is about changing the world for the better. Those who transform must do it because it is good to do so,” he said during the awards ceremony on December 2, 2024 in Nairobi.
“We live in a world where men and women simply want to be important, but we must strive to be celebrated for our positive contributions.”
He referenced various religious texts, including the Bible, to highlight the significance of transformation through hard work, dedication, and positive influence.
The law professor stressed the importance of humility and service, urging leaders to first conquer themselves before attempting to change the world.
“The road to success is constantly under construction. Success is a verdict of history. Go out there to serve and always mentor others,” he said.
“You are not a leader until your successes are seen through the achievements of those you mentor.”
Prof. Lumumba called the attendees to action, encouraging everyone to embody the values of transformational leadership and make a lasting impact within their communities.
The remarkable Arise Circle Transformational Leadership Awards (AC-TLA) is the brainchild of Edinah Kangwana, the Founder and CEO of Arise Circle Africa.
The prestigious ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations making significant impacts in their communities.
Causing Impact
Ms Kangwana highlighted that transformational leadership is not about achieving perfection, but embracing continuous growth, learning from mistakes, and practicing self-compassion.
“Don’t think that transformative leadership means you’re perfect. It’s a story of working on yourself; doing good, making mistakes, learning from them, and progressing every time,” she said.
Kangwana encouraged everyone to embrace their journeys with humility and positive intent.
She said the AC-TLA was not just an awards ceremony but a movement dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the inherent goodness and authentic greatness within individuals and organizations engaged in transformational work.
“Grounded in timeless principles of honor, these awards aim to revive and promote values that shape leadership development, inspiring societal transformation and fostering a lasting legacy,” she said.
She said that their focus was to cultivate a culture of honor, celebrate impactful, change-driven leadership, and inspire transformation while establishing a sustainable legacy.
“The mission aligns with this vision, positioning itself as a center of excellence for recognizing the positive, transformative impacts of individuals and organizations,” Ms Kangwana said.
The awards embodied messages of hope, resilience, and the potential for positive change, uniting a diverse group of change makers and visionaries from across Kenya.
Ms Kangwana extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the inaugural ceremony for their dedication, commitment, and collaboration that made the vision a remarkable reality.
She congratulated the honorees for the well-deserved recognition.
“Your contributions to transformational leadership inspire us all. We trust you will continue to exemplify the values of this honor and serve as excellent ambassadors in your respective fields and communities,” she said.
Ms Kangwana expressed optimism that the awards will inspire more people to serve humanity.
“As we look to the future, let us remain true to the values of this honor and continue being shining examples of leadership and transformation,” she said.
“I also encourage you to nominate members of your circle to join us in the next edition of this program,” she said, adding that, “Together; we can expand our community of leaders and change makers.”
Small Steps, Big Impact
Dr. Walter Okibo, a central figure in organizing the event, emphasized the diverse dedication of the team behind the awards and the importance of recognizing those who are effecting positive change.
“Our growth and transformation are based on us. It is within our hearts to start bringing that change, right from wherever we are,” he said.
“When we put our diverse powers together, we create a mountain that will lift us out of the caves we have lived in for so long.”
He invoked an African proverb to remind everyone of the power of even the smallest efforts: “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, then you’ve never spent a night with a mosquito.”
Celebrating the Power of Storytelling and Resilience
M. Teresa Lawrence delivered a profound speech highlighting the essence of transformational leadership and the divine power of storytelling.
She emphasized the importance of reflecting on life events, setting goals, and moving forward with resilience and purpose.
“Transformational leadership is all about teaching people to remember the power they have in telling their stories,” she said.
“We are here to thrive, regardless of what happens to us. We are children of God, and we are here to thrive.”
Ms Teresa joined virtually from USA. She was the awards technical committee Chairperson.
Other Insights from Esteemed Leaders
Dr. David Mwangi said that leadership is not about titles but accessibility and making a meaningful impact.
He emphasized the necessity of aligning education with the nation’s needs for human resource development and production, advocating for practical solutions to ensure sustainable progress.
Dr. Mwangi is the Chief Principal of Nyeri National Polytechnic. He is also the Chairman of Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI).
Prof. Henry Onderi who teaches at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) shared his journey of transformation, recounting his experiences in education and leadership.
He stressed the significance of being a role model and the profound influence mentorship can have on people’s lives.
Asha Bashir, a lawyer and the Founder of Asha Bashir & Company Advocates highlighted the power of mentorship, asserting that effective leadership often involves observation and learning from others.
She encouraged the audience to see the potential for leadership in everyday situations, from homes to schools to workplaces.
Dr. Elicanah Mosiori reflected on his personal leadership journey, explaining how he gradually recognized his potential and made a meaningful impact in education and human resource management.
His focus on transformational leadership for creating positive change resonated deeply with those in attendance.
Dr. Mosiori is the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) Human Recourse Director.
Tabitha Nyandiek, an economist and the Founder of Daughters of Homabay, a community-based organization dedicated to empowering women and girls, shared her journey and underscored the importance of education and mentorship. Her commitment to making a societal difference inspired all.
Transformational Leaders
The awards ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations that exemplify transformational leadership.
The diverse categories-leadership and governance, community development, women’s empowerment, health and wellness, climate action, business and entrepreneurship development, youth development and more, illustrated the broad impact of these change makers.
Distinguished leaders who are driving positive change and inspiring others were honoured.
These leaders, often referred to as unsung heroes, are ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of service.
Their contributions are vital in advancing societal progress and achieving fair, equal, and sustainable development.
The Call to Continue Fostering Change
Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of honoring those who exemplify integrity, empathy, and service, while inspiring others to follow suit.
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The attendees were reminded of their responsibility to foster a culture of honor and drive positive change.
The AC-TLA serves as a beacon of hope, aiming to build a lasting legacy of leadership grounded in positive influence and accountability.
The event reinforced the belief that through collective efforts and unwavering dedication, we can create a better, more equitable world for future generations.
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