Name: Abel Ngengele

Title: CEO & Founder

Organisation: Africa Digital Umbrella

I am an experienced business leader, dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship, with a rich educational background. With a degree in Business Administration and Financial Management, a diploma in UI and UX Design, alongside certifications in Digital Marketing and Professional Photography, I've honed a diverse skill set bridging business, design, and marketing. Furthering my strategic capabilities, I completed a Master's in Project Planning and Management.

Throughout my career, I currently served as the CEO and Founder of Africa Digital Umbrella, leading digital transformation and innovation initiatives. I have previously held the position of Managing Director at KIVU SMILE and continue to actively contribute to the realms of digital marketing and brand management at IUEA.

My fervor for entrepreneurship and innovation has led me to success and positioned me as a thought leader in the ever-evolving landscape of digital transformation. I'm committed to setting ambitious goals and tirelessly working to achieve them. I'm enthusiastic about connecting with professionals who share my dedication to excellence and drive for success.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects has been managing and fostering a diverse team while ensuring everyone's perspectives, strengths, and contributions are valued. Balancing the individual needs, aspirations, and skill sets of team members while aligning them toward a common goal often poses a significant challenge. Encouraging collaboration, maintaining morale, and resolving conflicts can be demanding, particularly in environments where multiple viewpoints and personalities converge. Striking a balance between providing guidance and autonomy, along with nurturing a culture of innovation and productivity, requires continual adaptation and fine-tuning of leadership approaches.

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

My journey to leadership began through a combination of education, diverse experiences, and a continuous commitment to learning and growth. I started by pursuing a comprehensive education, earning degrees in Business Administration and Financial Management, complemented by certifications in various fields like UI & UX Design, Digital Marketing, and Professional Photography.

This diverse knowledge base laid the groundwork for a multifaceted skill set.

My foray into the professional world led me through various roles, each offering unique challenges and learning opportunities. From early positions in digital marketing and brand management to managerial roles, I consistently sought to learn from every experience, embracing both successes and setbacks as learning opportunities.

As I progressed, I founded Africa Digital Umbrella, a pivotal moment that ignited my leadership journey. This endeavor allowed me to shape a vision, set strategic goals, and lead a team in driving digital transformation and innovation. My time as the Managing Director at KIVU SMILE further honed my leadership skills, providing insight into the complexities of managing an organization.

Continuous self-improvement, an open-minded approach, and an unwavering commitment to excellence have been the cornerstones of my leadership development. Through the amalgamation of education, diverse experiences, and a relentless pursuit of growth, I've evolved into a leader, dedicated to driving change, fostering innovation, and inspiring others to achieve their best.

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

6:00 AM: I start my day with some exercise, which might include a workout, yoga, or a brisk walk. Physical activity helps me feel energized and ready for the day ahead.

7:00 AM: After exercising, I dedicate some time to personal activities, such as reading, journaling, or enjoying a nutritious breakfast. This personal time allows me to prepare mentally for the day.

8:00 AM: I begin work by reviewing emails and prioritizing tasks for the day. I create a to-do list, focusing on high-priority items and setting achievable goals.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: This part of the morning is dedicated to the most critical and demanding tasks. I focus on activities that require high concentration or creativity, such as strategic planning, project development, or problem-solving.

12:00 PM: I take a break for lunch, ensuring I have a balanced and healthy meal. This break helps me recharge and re-energize for the afternoon.

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The afternoon is usually dedicated to meetings, collaboration with the team, and addressing any urgent matters. I also use this time for less demanding tasks, such as responding to emails, conducting interviews, or reviewing progress on ongoing projects.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: This time slot is often for tying up loose ends, following up on outstanding items, and preparing for the next day. I might also use this time for professional development, learning new skills, or catching up on industry news.

6:00 PM: I aim to conclude work-related activities by this time. I use the evenings for personal endeavors, relaxation, spending time with family and friends, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in activities that help me unwind.

10:00 PM: I wind down by reading, reflecting, and planning for the next day. Ensuring a good night's sleep is crucial for my productivity and mental clarity the following day.

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

A recent leadership lesson that resonated with me is the significance of fostering a culture of psychological safety within a team. I was reminded that creating an environment where every team member feels comfortable expressing their ideas, and concerns, and even admitting mistakes without fear of judgment is crucial for overall team success.

The lesson was reinforced when, during a project discussion, a team member hesitated to share their differing viewpoint due to a perceived fear of disagreement. It made me realize that despite efforts to maintain an open environment, there might still be underlying hesitancy to voice dissenting opinions.

This instance reiterated the importance of actively encouraging and valuing diverse perspectives within the team. As a leader, I understood the need to not just advocate for open communication but also actively promote an atmosphere where diverse opinions are not only accepted but embraced. It's essential to foster an inclusive space where every team member feels valued and safe to contribute their thoughts without fear of repercussion.

I've learned that consciously creating an environment of psychological safety, not only encourages innovation and creative problem-solving but also strengthens team cohesion and trust. It's a reminder that as a leader, my responsibility extends beyond simply inviting input; it's about cultivating an environment where each voice is heard and respected, contributing to a more dynamic and successful team.

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?

One book that significantly impacted my leadership is "Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. This book delves deeply into the concept of selfless leadership and creating environments where people feel secure, valued, and inspired.

The book introduced me to the concept of servant leadership, emphasizing the importance of leaders prioritizing the well-being of their team members. It elucidates the critical role of trust, empathy, and support in nurturing a strong and cohesive team.

One particular story from the book that resonated with me was the narrative of a military leader who, despite holding a high rank, insisted that everyone in the group should eat before he did. This simple act conveyed the ethos of putting the team's needs before personal ones, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and trust within the unit.

This concept has profoundly influenced my leadership style. It reinforced the idea that true leadership is not about authority but about service and sacrifice. It shifted my focus from simply achieving results to genuinely caring for and supporting the people I lead. I've strived to create an environment where team members feel safe, valued, and supported, which, in turn, has significantly enhanced team morale, collaboration, and productivity.

"Leaders Eat Last" redefined my perspective on leadership, guiding me to prioritize the well-being of those I lead, fostering a culture of trust and cooperation, and ultimately creating a more resilient and successful team.

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

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to prioritize continuous learning and self-awareness. Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and expand your knowledge. Self-awareness, coupled with a thirst for knowledge, allows you to evolve, adapt, and make informed decisions.

Cultivate a mindset that welcomes feedback, learns from mistakes, and constantly seeks improvement. Remember, the journey of leadership is as much about understanding yourself as it is about understanding others. Continuous learning and self-awareness serve as the foundation for effective and empathetic leadership, enabling you to inspire, guide, and positively impact those you lead.

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

One particularly meaningful story that stands out from my experience as a leader involves a project where our team faced unexpected challenges that significantly affected our progress. Amidst these challenges, one of our team members, who was relatively new to the team, suggested a completely innovative approach to tackle the problem.

Initially, the team was hesitant about the new method, as it deviated from our traditional approach. However, this team member displayed remarkable confidence and enthusiasm for the idea, emphasizing its potential to address our difficulties more effectively.

Intrigued by the proposal, I encouraged the team to explore this innovative solution further. As we delved deeper into the concept, it became evident that this unorthodox approach indeed had the potential to resolve our issues in a more efficient manner.

We decided to implement the new strategy, and to our surprise, it not only solved the challenges we were facing but also improved our overall project outcomes. This success was a testament to the power of fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and the value of fostering an environment where every team member feels empowered to share their ideas.

The impact of this experience was twofold. It highlighted the importance of remaining open to unconventional ideas, regardless of the source, and reinforced the significance of encouraging and embracing diverse perspectives within a team. It also underscored the immense potential that lies within a supportive and inclusive environment, where every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique insights.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions that emerge when a team fosters an open, inclusive, and supportive culture that welcomes and values diverse perspectives.