Fred Swaniker, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and Leadership expert has cited Paul Kagame and the resilience of Rwandans as good examples to encourage young people to learn to think big and tackle big problems as they contribute to building Africa.
Swaniker was the guest speaker at Live2Lead 2022, an international leadership conference that brings together world-renowned leaders and motivational speakers.
He said this at the sixth edition of Live2Lead, which took place in Kigali on Friday night. This year's theme was "Everyone deserves to be led well.”
Maxwell Leadership, a global leadership development organization, hosts the annual leadership conference, Live2Lead. It is broadcast live all around the world from Atlanta, Georgia. It was streamed live in 300 sites, featuring Dr John C. Maxwell, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, coach, and speaker who has sold over 30 million books.
Eric Thomas, a well-known speaker and pastor, and Dr Tim Elmore, who has worked with and mentored by Dr. Maxwell, were among the other speakers.
They all shared their personal leadership experiences to inspire, motivate and demonstrate that 'leadership is something one has to work for.'
Swaniker, while sharing his journey, stated that where he is now is not by chance, but rather the result of many experiences that occurred to him since childhood, and he made a deliberate choice on his life path.
Swaniker, who was born in Ghana, was forced to flee to the Gambia at the age of four, and was forced to flee again six months later due to coups in both countries.
He had lived in four African countries by the age of 18. While in Botswana, his mother resigned from her position as Head Teacher, handing it to him, despite his young age.
Swaniker stated that answering some big questions gave him a sense of purpose in life. For example, (1) Is your intention big enough to solve big problems and call you to do difficult things? (2) Are you uniquely qualified (by chance or will) and really passionate about it? (3) Does it drive you insane and keep you awake at night?
Swaniker shared that his life experiences had prepared him to think on a continental scale, hence his desire to fight corruption, and establish African Leadership University among other African-focused initiatives.
He reminded that good leadership is the ultimate human right and everyone must devote their lives to solving problems even when their goals may outlive them. He also asked Rwandans to be change agents, referencing Rwanda as one of the best-governed countries with great potential to create a better future.
"The conference allows participants to learn from other experts in leadership and the goal is for them to leave knowing how to be better leaders,” said Annet Baingana, the CEO of AB Leadership Solutions, which organizes the event in Kigali.
The main objectives of the conference is to empower young people to be prepared, connect with others, know how to read audiences, and tell a personal story in order to communicate more effectively. It was designed to help senior leaders in better understanding the impact of their thinking and behavior on team and organizational performance.