WLF News – December 2024 Edition – World Leaders Foundation

PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 31ST, 2024

WLF: DECEMBER 2024 – A YEAR OF MILESTONES – CHRISTMAS CHEERS & NEW YEAR’S PROMISE

Greetings Leaders,

December has been a remarkable month for WLF, filled with impactful events, inspiring sessions, and notable achievements.

Leadership Lens : Fact of the Month: December 2024

Did you know?

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, is known for its unique ability to release oxygen at night, unlike most plants that release carbon dioxide. This makes Tulsi not only a symbol of spiritual purity but also a natural air purifier, improving indoor air quality while providing health benefits, making it an essential plant in many households.

Fact of the Month: Tulsi – Nature’s Resilient Leader

This month, we celebrated the Tulsi plant (Tulsi Pujan Diwas) on December 25th. Known for its remarkable resilience and healing properties, Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, has the ability to thrive in diverse environments and purify the air. This symbolizes the strength of effective leadership—one that adapts to challenges, nurtures growth, and improves the environment for all.

As we honor Tulsi, let it remind us of the leadership qualities we can aspire to: resilience, healing, and positive influence in our communities and beyond.

Leadership Launchpad - Inspiring Video Messages from Visionary Leaders

The World Leaders Foundation’s Leadership Launchpad series has brought inspiring insights through the latest video messages VM 3 and VM 4, delivered by two dynamic leaders, Tabitha Ngozi and Ronak Sharma.

VM 3: Tabitha Ngozi
As the Country Director of Nigeria for the Directorate of Entrepreneurship, Tabitha Ngozi shared her profound perspective on fostering entrepreneurship. Her message emphasized the significance of innovative thinking, skill development, and collaborative efforts in creating sustainable businesses. Tabitha’s words served as a rallying cry for aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges and transform them into opportunities for growth.

VM 4: Ronak Sharma
The Country Director of India for the Directorate of Creative Arts and Filmcraft, Ronak Sharma, delivered a thought-provoking address focused on the transformative power of creativity. He highlighted the role of art and film in shaping society and driving cultural progress. Ronak encouraged individuals to pursue their artistic passions fearlessly and use their creative voices to inspire meaningful change.

Both video messages are a testament to the World Leaders Foundation’s commitment to nurturing leadership across diverse fields. These visionary leaders have set the tone for empowering individuals to take bold steps in their respective domains, making an indelible impact on global progress.

THE WLF ANNUAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE 2024

On December 15th, 2024, the WLF Annual Virtual Conference came to a triumphant close, leaving us inspired and energized for the year ahead. We began the celebration by honoring exceptional leaders during the Award Ceremony, recognizing their outstanding contributions to global change and innovation. The Virtual Meet & Greet provided a heartwarming space for participants to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships that will last well into the future.

The excitement continued with the ‘Idea Sprint’ Challenge, where creativity soared, and visionary minds came together to develop innovative solutions to shape a better world. The day reached a powerful crescendo with the Open Mic session, where participants shared their dreams, hopes, and bold ideas for the future, leaving us all motivated to take action.

As we reflect on the incredible moments and achievements from the conference, we are filled with hope and determination. With Future Initiatives already in motion, we are poised to make a profound impact in 2025 and beyond, working together to create a more connected, compassionate, and empowered world.

THE WLF AWARDS 2024

Myanmar Country Directorate of Human Resources & Administration

Introducing the WLF Awards: Honoring Exceptional Leaders at the Annual Virtual Conference 2024

At the WLF Annual Virtual Conference 2024, we were excited to unveil the WLF Awards, a new initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding leaders who are making a significant impact across the globe.

The inaugural WLF Awards ceremony honored individuals and Directorates whose vision, dedication, and actions have driven transformative change in their communities and beyond. These awards aim to spotlight those who embody the core values of the World Leaders Foundation—leadership, innovation, and empowerment—and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

This special moment not only celebrated the remarkable achievements of our awardees but also reinforced the power of collective action in creating a better, more inclusive world. With the launch of the WLF Awards, we look forward to continuing to uplift and acknowledge those who are leading with purpose and making a lasting difference for future generations.

A Christmas Miracle: A Story of Transformation and Renewal

It was Christmas Eve and I was feeling down. I had just gone through a tough breakup and was struggling to find meaning in my life. As I wandered through the dusty streets, feeling sorry for myself, I stumbled upon a small church. On a corner , I decided to go inside.

Introduction:

Christmas is a time for joy, giving, and celebration. But it’s also a time for reflection and renewal. In this blog post, I want to share a personal story about a Christmas miracle that changed my life forever.

The Story:

As I sat in the pew, listening to the choir sing Christmas carols, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. It was as if the music and the moment had transported me to a different time and place. Suddenly, I felt a sense of clarity and purpose. I realized that I had been given a second chance, a chance to start anew and create the life I truly wanted.

As I left the church, I felt a sense of determination and resolve. I knew that I had a long journey ahead of me, but I was ready to take the first step. And as I walked through the dusty streets, I felt a sense of hope and possibility that I had not felt in a long time.

The Lesson:

Looking back on that Christmas Eve, I realize that it was a turning point in my life. It was a moment of transformation and renewal, a moment that changed the course of my life forever.

The lesson I learned that day is that Christmas is not just a time for celebration and gift-giving, but also a time for reflection and renewal. It’s a time to look back on the past year and think about what we’ve accomplished, what we’re grateful for, and what we hope to achieve in the coming year.

It’s also a time to look inward and think about what we want to change about ourselves and our lives. What habits do we want to break? What goals do we want to achieve? What kind of person do we want to become?

Conclusion:

As we celebrate Christmas this year, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the past year and think about what you want to achieve in the coming year. What are your hopes and dreams? What are your goals and aspirations?

Remember, Christmas is a time for miracles and transformation. It’s a time for renewal and rebirth. So let’s make the most of it and use it as an opportunity to create positive change in our lives.

Questions to Reflect On:

– What are your hopes and dreams for the coming year?
– What are your goals and aspirations?
– What kind of person do you want to become?
– What habits do you want to break?
– What positive changes do you want to make in your life?

I hope you enjoyed my Christmas story! Wishing you a joyous and transformative holiday season.

Queen Mercy Ndubuisi, Country Director, Nigeria

Directorate of Domestic Welfare & Abuse Prevention

World Leaders Foundation (WLF)

Read Full Story Read Less

Welcoming New Leaders

Wai Yan Phyo – Country Leader, Myanmar, Directorate of Human Resources & Administration (2nd December, 2024)
Foram Gala – State Director, Maharashtra, India, Directorate of Domestic Welfare & Abuse Prevention (2nd December, 2024)
Avinash Chauhan – State Member, Maharashtra, India, Directorate of Community Engagement (4th December, 2024)
Patience Ndidi Nwosu – Country Leader, Nigeria, Directorate of Entrepreneurship (6th December, 2024)
Rina Pua – Regional Director (South), Singapore, Directorate of Global Trade & Commerce (19th December, 2024)
Sukanya Varada – City Member, London, United Kingdom, Directorate of Manufacturing & Industry (28th December, 2024)

"Leadership Development: A 2025 Roadmap for Women Empowerment"

A forward-thinking guide to shaping future women leaders. This roadmap emphasizes key skills, strategies, and actionable steps to foster personal and professional growth, ensuring readiness for leadership roles in 2025 and beyond.

Leadership is the ability to guide, influence, and inspire others toward achieving common goals. During this season of joy and renewal, we reflect on the profound impact of leadership in women’s lives as we welcome Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Empowering Women in the Workplace*
Empowering women involves creating an environment where they have equal opportunities for growth, development, and leadership. Key aspects of empowerment in job descriptions and organizational structures include:
– Promoting diversity and inclusion.
– Ensuring equal pay for equal work.
– Providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
– Fostering a culture of respect and support.

Job descriptions can also be tailored to emphasize skills and qualifications that support women’s success, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields. Please let me know if there is a specific job description or area you’d like to explore further.

Support for Women Entrepreneurs
Supporting women in starting their own businesses can be transformative. This can be achieved by:
– Creating online resources and guides.
– Hosting workshops or webinars on entrepreneurship.
– Offering mentorship or coaching opportunities.
– Collaborating with organizations experienced in entrepreneurship and business development.

If you need advice or resources to initiate these efforts, I am happy to assist.

Leadership Development for Women
To build effective leadership skills, the following areas are crucial:

Foundation Skills (Before entering the workplace):
– Growth Mindset
– Goal Setting
– Time Management
– Communication

Intermediate Skills (As you begin your career):
– Stress Management
– Personal Finance
– Career Vision Mapping
– Decision-Making

Senior Leadership Skills:
– Strategic Decision-Making
– Conflict Resolution
– Productivity
– Critical Thinking

Advanced Skills (For management or entrepreneurship):
– Energy Management
– Mental Health and Resilience Building
– Creativity and Innovation
– Emotional Awareness

As we approach 2025, I am committed to preparing myself as a capable leader for women, continuously seeking knowledge and guidance from those more experienced than myself. I aim to contribute meaningfully to the empowerment of women and the betterment of the environment in which we thrive.

Best regards,
Ohnmar Myo

Country Director, Myanmar

Directorate of Human Resources & Administration, WLF

"Start Strong: A Holiday Resolution Guide for African Entrepreneurs"

As we celebrate the joy of Christmas and step into a brand-new year, it’s a perfect time to reflect and set fresh goals. For entrepreneurs in Africa, this season offers a chance to pause, think, and refocus. Whether you’re starting out or growing your business, there’s something magical about resolutions during the holidays.

Let’s talk about how you can use this time to chart a path for success, inspired by African values.

1. Focus on Building Communities, Not Just Businesses
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit. It’s about creating opportunities and giving back. From the Africa Journal of management on Entrepreneurship and Africa Cultural Context, Ubuntu teaches us about community, shared humanity, and reciprocity. Make it a resolution to build relationships with your team, customers, and community. Think about how your business can help others while staying sustainable.

2. Embrace Challenges as Opportunities
Running a business in Africa comes with uncertainties, from weak institutions to tough markets. But every challenge hides an opportunity. This year, commit to facing obstacles with resilience and creativity. Use your cultural strengths, like strong family ties and social networks, to find solutions.

3. Stay True to Your Roots
Modern entrepreneurship can feel like a race to keep up with global trends. But don’t forget your heritage. African values like Ubuntu can guide your decisions. Start the year by aligning your goals with your values. Think about how you can balance modern business strategies with traditions like sharing, collaboration, and care for others.

4. Make Growth Personal
Your business reflects you. Invest in yourself as much as your venture. Learn new skills, explore sustainable digital tools, or connect with mentors who understand your journey. Growth isn’t just about revenue. It’s about becoming a stronger leader, a better collaborator, and a more compassionate entrepreneur.

5. Set Realistic Goals
Big dreams are inspiring, but small steps lead to lasting change. Break down your vision into clear, achievable goals. Whether it’s expanding your market, improving customer service, or introducing a new product, make a plan and stick to it. Celebrate every win, no matter how small.

6. Give Yourself Grace
Entrepreneurship is tough. There will be setbacks and mistakes. As we embrace the festive spirit, remember to be kind to yourself. Reflect on how far you’ve come, and don’t let failure stop you. Use it as a stepping stone for your next big move.

A New Year, A Fresh Start
This Christmas and New Year, take time to dream big but act small. Let your goals reflect not just what you want to achieve but who you want to become. Remember, success isn’t just about profits. It’s about creating a business that uplifts people, builds communities, and respects the values that make Africa unique.

You’ve got what it takes to make this year extraordinary.

Let’s step into 2025 with courage, purpose, and a heart full of kindness.

Kind Regards,

Tabitha Ngozi,
Country Director, Nigeria
Directorate of Entrepreneurship, WLF

Looking Back to 2024

In 2024, the World Leaders Foundation made remarkable strides in fostering global leadership and driving impactful change. With a presence in 8 countries and a network of 50+ dedicated leaders, WLF strengthened its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable development. As it continues to empower communities worldwide, the foundation looks forward to expanding its reach and adding more leaders to its growing network in 2025.