I’ve often asked myself what it takes to be a leader. Growing up in Nigeria, I had the impression that all leaders were corrupt, embezzling fools who neglected the needs of the people. I now know, that although most leaders do abuse their power, that is not always the case. Some of the best leaders in history didn’t seek to rule/dominate over anyone. The reason for their effective leadership, was that they showed people that they possessed the power within themselves to bring about real change. When I think of Mahatma Gandhi or Nelson Mandela, those are the kind of leaders I speak of here. They led by wisdom, love and most importantly through their courage in the face of injustice.

When I read Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essay on Self-Reliance, that really inspired me to see myself as a leader in my own right. Although the essay was published in 1841, it spoke so loudly to me now in 2018. We’ve given so much of our power to institutions who capitalize on our vulnerabilities. It seems people would rather be led than to find out how to lead themselves from within. My mission is break the chains of victimhood, inferiority and servility that have tied me down for so long. By discovering and expressing the power(s) that lay dormant within me, I hope to create space for others to be inspired and to achieve their own greatness.

We are all Leaders/Teachers, each and every one of us. The time for playing small is over. In the coming years, we will have to be strong. We have to teach our children as well to be strong and self-reliant. To be courageous and maintain a sense of calm even in the midst of chaos.

That is what it takes to be a true leader.

Ai-Creo