Name: Michael Asola

Title: CEO

Organisation: Livelite Kenya Limited

Am a techpreneuer, technovator and ICT engineer, I have over 20 yrs experience on new media, fintech, agritech, biotech and other fields that marry into the present and future enabled by technology.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Sometimes it requires grit and lots of it to be patient

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

As an elementary school kid, there's a question that mostly pops up : Who do you want to be when you grow old? I always answered that I wanted to be a CEO from that time, that particular answer inspired me to a point that I always find myself in the top tier of the C-suite

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

My day starts with devotion, then time alone with my thoughts, then breakfast, I mostly like making my breakfast, whether simple or complex, but there are days that my wife or daughters fixes it for me. It has to be done by the first family if not I will take it in a restaurant

After that, I head to the office. Check my intray, to do list, answer emails, check my diary then respond to various activities within the office including talking/greetins to colleagues. Meetings out of the office are well planned in advance.

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

That you can't finish work, create time for yourself and family and don't allow strangers to steal you from the family.

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 Bible, the book of Nehemiah, a complete guide to project management from start to the end. When you set out to do something, do it with all your heart, opposition will always be there and there are people who feel they can do things better than you can do. Take that as a feedback and keep polishing till the world ends up saluting you.

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

Patience is the most valuable commodity, there's nothing you can't get from it. Be patient as you work and wait for results.

Easily gotten riches normally ends in castles and in the castle, nothing is deeply rooted. And finally, money gets its value in spending on valuable stuff not temporary fulfillment and self grandiose

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

As a leader, you have no power when you don't have your people on your side, your customers on your products and your products on people's lips. Your employees are your most valuable colleagues and part of your extended family, treat them well, be their friends.