Halfway Through 2025: #PeopleBeforeStrategy Recaps

It is halfway through 2025, and I thought I would put together a recap of all the Roundtables we have had so far this year. I am super grateful for all the guest experts and participants, and look forward to continuing to host them.

Here are all the Roundtables hosted so far this year and why you should check out the recap.

January – The Art of Self-Promotion in Leadership

"If you don’t tell your story, someone else will tell it for you, and not always the way you want."

-Faris Aranki - Strategy and Emotional Intelligence, CEO (Chief Effectiveness Officer) & Founder of Shiageto Consulting, January Expert Guest Speaker

If you struggle to speak up about your achievements without feeling boastful, this recap offers practical strategies and mindset shifts to help you advocate for yourself authentically. It’s especially relevant for leaders navigating visibility and influence at work.

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February – Empathy Meets Accountability: The Foundation of Leadership

"Empathy without accountability can lead to chaos; accountability without empathy leads to fear."

-Nankhonde Kasonde-van den Broek, CEO, Zanga African Metrics & The High Context Coach

-Huria Ogbamichael, Leadership Coach & OD consultant, February Expert Guest Speaker

This conversation is a must-read if you're trying to maintain high standards without burning out your team or yourself. Learn how to hold space for difficult emotions while still getting results.

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March – From Manager to Coach: Adopting a Coaching Approach

"Coaching isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating the space for better questions."

-Taaka Awori, Founder and CEO of Busara Africa

-Athena Katsaros, Founding Board Member of The Women’s Impact Alliance**

If you want to empower your team without micromanaging, this recap offers a grounded introduction to coach-like leadership. Learn why adopting a curious, inquiry-based approach can unlock performance and trust.

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April – Rethinking Delegation

"Delegation is not dumping. It’s a strategic leadership act."

-Alison Coward, Team Culture Strategist, Author of Workshop Culture, Founder at Bracket

-Meenakshi Iyer, Techie-turned-Leadership Coach for Mid-career, Women & Multicultural Leaders

Many senior leaders know they should delegate, but still struggle to do it effectively. This recap breaks down the emotional and practical challenges and offers new ways to think about trust, responsibility, and ownership.

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May – Navigating Difficult Conversations

"Difficult conversations are where clarity and connection begin—if you choose to lean in."

-Aurélie Salvaire (She/Her) - Founder, Shift Balance

-Sena Agbodjah - Researcher, Educator & Changemaker

Whether you're giving feedback, handling conflict, or managing up, this recap provides actionable strategies to approach tough discussions with confidence and compassion. A valuable resource for any leader managing humans.

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June – Embracing Your Strengths and Seasons: Leadership is Not a Linear Upward Climb

"Leadership is seasonal. You are allowed to be powerful and rest at the same time."

-Tafadzwa Bete Sasa, Co-Founder & Lead Team Performance Strategist, Training Leaders Co.

-Magriet Mouton, Director & Gallup Global Strengths Coach, Being Human Group Africa

This is your reminder that leadership isn’t a straight path. If you’re feeling stuck, tired, or unsure of your growth, this recap will help you reconnect to your strengths and make peace with your pace.

⫸ Read the full recap

Eager to delve deeper into leadership and people-related topics and want to learn from other experienced leaders?

Attend the next #PeopleBeforeStrategy Roundtable. Join us to gain more insights and hear practical advice to achieve long-term success in your business and career. If you can’t join live, register to get the recording.