Name: Fitsum

Title: Consultant and Trainer

Organisation: Self Employed

I am a HR and Gender Consultant and trainer, born and living in Ethiopia, Africa. I obtained my BA degree in Management (Addis ABaba University in Ethiopia), International Post Graduate Diploma in Project Management from Cambridge college (UK) and Master of Art in Project Management from St Mary University in Ethiopia.

I am also book writer, blogger and Youtuber, where I reach thousands of youth for mentorship.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Fitsum's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Being a woman leader in a patriarchal society and also the wrong assumption of people "women are not leader material".

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I educate myself, took different ongoing short trainings, compete for senior positions and become a leader I want to be.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I educate myself, took different ongoing short trainings, compete for senior positions and become a leader I want to be.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

One can not be likable at the same time being a leader. So I focused on nurturing my leadership skils than focusing on relationship.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office. The writer Dr Lois put 101 mistakes sabotaging our careers with her tips. After reading that book, I worked on improving my unacceptable (girlish) behaviors.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Education is key to start the journey of leadership. Besides to the education, being themselves instead of following others is key to success.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Whenever people think I can't be a leader, I upgrade myself to demonstrate my ability. Hence, whenever people try to discourage you, take it as an advantage and keep going!