Name: Asha Bonaya Liban

Title: Founder and Executive Director

Organisation: Empowered To Empower Initiative

Asha is an open minded individual who believes in social change through social leadership, community service and voluntary activities. A teacher by profession and a passionate peacebuilder.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Coming from a patriarchal society, stepping up as a young woman has been a great challenge among others.

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

I am from a humble background and seeing all the struggle I was going through with my family, the desire to change the family status grew in me from primary level. This built my confidence even at primary level knowing that my family background doesn't define me. I contested for leadership positions from 6th grade. After completing my primary level, I got scholarship to an exceptional school, which is Daraja Academy. In Daraja, there is an empowerment program for the 4 year journey called Women of Integrity Strength and Hope( WISH) which handled issues from self awareness, self esteem, confidence building and understanding others.

This gave me the platform to untapp the desire to see Change. During each holiday break, as a way to give back to the community, we had 20 hours community service Program which also built my connection with the community and was able to identify key issues that I would like to address in my own little ways. I also undertook several leadership programs to build my skills to be an effective leader. Now I am a founder of Empowered To Empower Initiative, a community based Organization working on peace and security advocacy among other issues.

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

Working days start from 5 am;

That starts with morning prayers, Fajr

Then my morning routine depends with what I have set up for the month, either novel reading or work on a course I am handling.

From there making breakfast and getting ready for work.

Full work day later in the evening is family time but before I sleep I go through the day's to do list, see what's been achieved, and what's needs to be worked on and as well develop the next day's to do list.

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

Leadership is all about influence and always putting in mind that it's not about me but about us.

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?

The Master Key System

The book involves analyzing the power of conscious and sub-conscious mind. It got practical activities especially on meditation that has helped me more self aware and also be able to embrace other's personality putting into consideration that everyone has their strength and weaknesses.

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

Keep going, never give up. Lead by example.

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

Mentoring of Adolescent boys and girls and seeing them transform into great leaders.