An amazing conversation with Dr. Lulu Gwagwa that lifted my heart. Her incredible story takes us from a village in South Africa, to academic excellence in London, starting a professional career and family amidst a rapidly changing country, working for Presidents Mandela and Mbeke, leading as a CEO and blue-chip board member and her current mission to support a generation of young black women. There’s so much in here, we could have spoken for hours. In our conversation we discussed:
- the importance of understanding context as a leader
- the leadership lessons she learned early in her life from her family and community
- feeling a sense of purpose and responsibility in building post-apartheid South Africa
- starting a demanding career whilst also being a young mother
- the power of inner work and taking ownership of your response to life
- her incredible mission to change the lives of thousands of young black women across Africa