As we kick off Week 5 of our theme—Resilience: Thriving Through Change and Challenge—we’re in the final stretch. This short week, ending Wednesday, is our chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and set the stage for what’s next. Socrates’ wisdom guides us: “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Here in Buea, Cameroon, the end of April feels like a summit climb up Mount Cameroon—tiring, yes, but the view from the top makes every step worth it. Let’s start this week with a burst of purpose, celebrating our resilience and aiming to finish April strong.
For African executives, resilience is more than endurance—it’s triumph. Think of the petty traders in Kumba who’ve weathered economic dips this month, still smiling as they serve customers. Or the tech founders in Silicon Mountain, pivoting through power cuts to keep their dreams alive. Their stories mirror our own: every challenge met builds not just survival, but strength. This week, let’s honour that by setting one final goal for April. What’s one thing you can complete or kickstart by Wednesday? Maybe it’s a team huddle to boost morale, a client call to seal a deal, or a personal reset to carry you into May. Write it down—make it real.
Reflection fuels this final push. Take 10 minutes today to ask: What’s one way I’ve grown as a leader this month? Maybe you’ve learned to listen more during tense meetings or found calm amid a storm. In Cameroon, we draw resilience from our roots—our grandparents rebuilt after floods, and we rebuild after setbacks. Globally, leaders face parallel tests—market crashes, policy shifts—and the best emerge with lessons in hand. Jot down your growth, then share it with a friend or colleague over tea in Limbe or a call from Douala. Speaking it aloud locks it in.
Now, let’s build momentum. Pick one small action for today that ties to your goal. If you’re aiming to uplift your team, draft a quick thank-you note to each member—our communal spirit thrives on recognition. If it’s personal renewal, step outside and breathe in the fresh Buea air for five minutes. Small wins stack up, and by Wednesday, you’ll feel the reward of resilience: not just making it through, but making it matter. Globally, this echoes—leaders who end strong inspire others to start strong.
This week, let’s channel the energy of a Bamenda festival—vibrant, united, and forward-looking. We’ve navigated change all month; now, let’s plant seeds for May. Wednesday’s article will dive deeper, so stay tuned. For now, embrace the grind with joy—resilience isn’t just a shield, it’s a spark. Subscribe to our blog at Lead from the Heart to get these insights straight to your inbox and never miss a step. Loved this? Share it on Facebook or LinkedIn with the button below—let’s rally more leaders to finish April with fire!
© Silas Achu
