Name: Akpore Oghenemarho Felicia

Title: Mandarin Instructor/SEN Teaching Assistant

Organisation: Tots Academy

A Foreign Language Specialist and Expert, Foreign Language Practitioner (English, Chinese and French Languages) Translator, Interpreter, Proof reader, Subtitler and Transcriber. CEO and Founder of Ghenerhocia Foreign Language Academy.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

A fear of failure, maintaining authenticity during self-promotion, impatience, overcoming impostor syndrome.

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

Accountable: leaders don't blame others for the decisions they make and they own whatever results. Focused: good leaders understand what is most important and channel their efforts to it. Empathetic and compassionate: effective leaders are emotionally wise and care about helping people in specific ways.

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

Stick to a morning routine. Keep yourself accountable. Set a timer while you work. Take a content-free lunch break. Pack up & clean up at the end of the workday. Stick to a bedtime ritual, too!

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

I've recently been re-reminded of the importance of being present. Not necessarily physically but more in the moment.

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?

7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen R. Covey, 1989) The story has taught me how to be proactive, beginning with the end in mind, putting first things first, thinking win-win, seeking to understand before being understood, synergizing, and sharpening the saw.

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

Be confident, but don't be confident because of your label. Understand yourself. Try to do everything to notice the impact you have on others. If you reach the point when self-awareness is your strength, it means you are ready to go on a long-term leadership journey.

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

Reflect on your values, passions, and personal experiences that have shaped who you are. Consider the moments that have influenced your leadership journey - both successes and failures.