Name: Deborah Lupemba Mundala

Title: CEO | Recruitment & Talent Management Expert | Leadership, Executive & Team Coach | Trainer & Speaker

Organisation: A&DJ Consulting & Services

I'm a results-driven HR Manager and Recruitment Manager with over a decade of experience working with international corporations across Europe, Africa. My commitment to personal and professional growth has allowed me to be a member of faculty of an International Business School (Joseph Business School) empowering aspiring leaders to find their path to success and led me to achieve ICF certification in Leadership and Team Coaching, as well as certification as a Strength Coach specializing in competence assessments using the Strength Profile methodology.

With proficiency in German, English, and French, I specialize in coaching individuals, teams, and organizations to achieve their professional and personal goals, while fostering strength-based company cultures. My innovative methods empower clients to overcome challenges, enhance employee performance, boost retention rates, and elevate overall job satisfaction.

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

I hope Deborah'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, two of the most challenging aspects for me have been effective communication and managing conflicts within the team. Effective communication is not just about conveying information; it's about ensuring that the message is clear, understood, and well-received by team members. It can be challenging to strike the right balance between being assertive and empathetic in my communication style.

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

I believe that I became a leader at a very young age as I took initiatives and didn’t wait for opportunities but created them. Over the years I continued to develop myself, looking for ways to master my skills and in 2010 I was given a great opportunity of being a member of faculty of a renowned business school (Joseph Business School) teaching aspiring leaders to find their path to success in business. This opportunity has opened much more opportunities for me to become an entrepreneur.

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

I wake up at 4am during the week and start my day with prayer and devotion. After that I start to put down my top priorities for the day and the goals I want to achieve. I get a good cup of tea and get busy with meetings, my tasks in recruitment and all the things that come up.

Before closing the day I have a call with my assistant to review our top activities for the next day and the needed action steps to make business successful. In the evenings I conduct coaching sessions and host masterclasses on different topics. If I’m not coaching, I am following online courses to become the best version of myself.

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

I learned a great lesson from Dan Lok that I cannot manage time but I can manage myself. That really made me rethink the worth of time and how I use it. I’m even more intentional about what is important and part of my set goals and vision and I don’t tolerate any distraction anymore.

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 ONE Thing" by Gary Keller has had a profound impact on my leadership due to its core principle: focusing on one key task can lead to more efficient and effective results. This approach simplifies decision-making and prioritization, essential skills for any leader. By applying this principle, I as a leader can avoid being overwhelmed by multitasking and can drive my team towards achieving significant goals with clearer focus and direction.

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

One key piece of advice for a young leader would be: Cultivate the ability to listen actively and empathetically. This skill not only helps in understanding the needs and perspectives of your team but also fosters trust and respect. Effective listening leads to better decision-making and problem-solving, essential qualities for successful leadership.

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

I recently coached a few young people who were completely lost in what to go with their lives. We did spend time to assess their skills and competencies and both of them found the job and study that is the perfect fit for them. I was so excited to have been part of an essential part of their life journey and those moments are very special to me as a leaders and a model to the next generation.