Khalila Mbowe‘21, Founder and CEO of Unleash Africa Social Ventures, is a multi-talented, serial social entrepreneur that has her hand in many industries including technology, gender, art and development, communications, and youth innovation. How did she end up in the EMBA class of 2021 at ALUSB, you ask? Read on to discover the answer to that and more!
Why ALUSB
Khalila’s professional aspirations, interaction with ALUSB alumni and Khalila’s passion to be a catalyst for systemic change across the continent, led her to the EMBA programme at ALUSB.
“I chose this EMBA programme because I believed that it would give me an edge when it came to managing my businesses, as well as growing them across Africa. Additionally, I wanted to interact with a network of people who share my passion for Africa and be in a space that would provide me with tools to understand the dynamics of doing business on the continent.”
After being enrolled in the programme for only a few months, Khalila points out that her greatest highlight so far has been her classmates. “We have formed bonds which I am sure will go on beyond the programme.” She adds that the ALUSB EMBA has brought together people with a passion for bringing positive change in Africa and motivation for self-development. “Our class is a diverse pool of information, perspectives, and support from all over the continent. It feels like the Admissions team didn’t just pick these people for the class but also for Africa.”
“Our class is a diverse pool of information, perspectives, and support from all over the continent.”
Besides her classmates, Khalila notes that the ALUSB EMBA faculty have also played a big part in her enjoyable experience so far. “As someone who’s very passionate about the continent, it’s nice to see that same passion in the faculty that teaches us. Their dedication is almost tangible.”
On growth
“I have grown in my ability to empathise greatly with different stakeholders.”
Khalila emphasised the fact that she is now able to see opportunities and draw connections. She adds that through the 360 leadership assessment, a part of the ALUSB EMBA Leadership Lab course, she has been able to spot gaps in her leadership style. This has allowed her to be in a constant state of reflection, learning and growth.
Khalila has also picked up some skills in doing business in Africa. Specifically, she has been able to connect the dots and understand different aspects and systems that come into play for professionals on the continent. “One of the key things that I have learned is to navigate different markets on a contextual level, which benefits the people involved. It has brought a whole paradigm to the work that I do.”
On the future post-COVID-19
Currently, the most pressing challenge that Khalila has faced is the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has required quick and sudden adjustments in her routine and the drastic changes and uncertainty have affected her and others in multiple ways. Fortunately, her classmates have been supportive throughout the whole process. “You don’t go through it alone as the class is doing it together. That bond and solidarity are keeping us sane.”
Despite the current global situation, Khalila is still very optimistic about the future of Africa post-COVID-19. “I feel like this pandemic is a catalyst.” While she acknowledges that the situation has been cruel and difficult for the world, she also believes that it has shed some light on the loopholes in our institutions and systems across multiple sectors, globally. “I believe that this is an opportunity for Africa to rise but it can only do so with exemplary leadership.
“It’s time for exemplary leadership in all sectors. It’s an opportunity for Africa to really lead the world.”
Finally, Khalila shares a few tips on how to best manage to work from home and to get through these uncertain times.
- Stick to a routine.
- Practice self-care.
- Avoid procrastination; don’t wait for tomorrow!
- Reflect on your vision, goals, and dreams.
- While we are getting a lot of negative information we need to find the positive in life. Allow yourself to smile!
Want to know more about how our EMBAs navigate through their ALUSB journey? Take your pick:
- “I transformed a function-oriented person to a strategy-oriented person.” – Bob Mugisha ’21
- Lilian Kuria ’20: “This is a time for all of us to use our creativity to find solutions for Africa.”
Would you rather start your own EMBA journey at ALUSB? Start your application today at: http://bit.ly/APPLYO20 !