Ortus Solutions Group Ltd

It was an absolute privilege to spend time with the esteemed International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) Global Leadership team this week as the Academic Director for the prestigious Strathmore Senior Leadership Program held at the Trademark Hotel in Nairobi from May 13th to 15th. Engaging with professionals from over 13 countries was truly enriching. During the program, I facilitated the Leadership Module, focusing on Organizational and Leadership Health. The participants brought diverse perspectives, fostering engaging discussions. Their commitment to strengthening the team's impact across markets was inspiring. Sincere gratitude to the exceptional Strathmore team and my co-facilitators, Freddie Acosta, PhD and Jacqueline Nyaga for their invaluable contributions. Their expertise enriched the learning experience. The program embodied Strathmore University's vision of 'Spearheading Africa's Transformation.' It was an honor to be part of this transformative journey, equipping leaders to drive meaningful change. Witnessing the dedication of the IFDC team reinforced my belief in collaboration, continuous learning, and determination to create a better future for farming communities globally. I wish the IFDC team continued success in their endeavors, and I look forward to the positive impact they will undoubtedly have. Their work exemplifies the transformative power of leadership, and I am honored to have played a part in their journey.

STOP! REFLECT AND ‘RETURN’ ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’ Socrates Every year, companies organize for a retreat to review where they are against plan and map out where they want to be. The leadership team spends a lot of time doing SWOT analysis, PESTEL, scanning the local and global economic trends etc and come up with strategies to anchor themselves back to their purpose. When was the last time you retreated to do the same for yourself? To do a personal SWOT, to scan your growth environment and make a plan to RETURN back to your purpose/Vision. To anchor back to your personal plan and bring back order where disorder has crept in. Today is Ash Wednesday and I and many Catholics around the world begin a 40 Day Journey of reflection and ‘RETURN’ to our Christian calling. It is 40 days of resetting back and shedding off what holds us back from true joy of living. Self Coaching questions: 1. What are areas of disorder I see in my life today? What habits do I need to shed off and ‘return’ to order? 2. How am I contributing to the disorder around me, in the community and the world? How can I help others ‘return’ to the ordained order? 3. What do I need to let go to enable me restart the journey, with less baggage, and ‘return’ to my calling? The Lent season provides us an opportunity to examine life and make life worth living for us and others!! Blessed Lent and Happy Valentine's Day! #Lent #FORMEDAPP #self-leadership #Return #CatherineIgathe

Grow Leaders Before They Get A Title In January, my Domestic Manager shared the happy news that her daughter had passed the KSCE exams and I just could not admire her dedication to getting her child through high school. Her daughter wants to be a doctor and I could see her deep thoughts behind the joy of this great achievement. Her concerns were mainly twofold: What would I do with the girl before the university intake? Where will I get the funds to see her through university? As a coach, I play the role of a catalyst to get people to see possibilities. I told her that the girl, who is now 18, should take responsibility and guide how her university journey can become a reality. First, is to get busy during this free time. I took her on at our company as an intern and now take her to every training session and involve her in meetings. We are now on a mentoring journey to discuss how to dress, how to write letters, how to research, how to use cutlery, how to file, how to give feedback, etc. Generally, how to take responsibility, build courage, and have the right attitude and skills she will need to run her medical practice in the future. This is something I wish someone had done for me when I was 18. It’s been 3 weeks and the transformation is evident. "People now speak to me formally because of the way I dress. The level of respect has gone up just because of dressing," she gave as feedback. We gave her an allowance to buy formal wear and now she knows it does not cost a lot to dress appropriately. Her current assignment is to make applications to universities here and abroad and seek a scholarship to pursue her medical degree. Even if she is not successful, she will have learned some research and writing skills that will help her on her leadership journey. Challenge to Leaders: Please onboard a trainee this month and let's build the next generation of leaders long before they earn a title. "If your vision is for a year, plant wheat. If your vision is for ten years, plant trees. If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people." - Chinese Proverb #OrtusSolutions #YoungLeaders #GenZLeaders #CatherineIgathe

Looking forward to the 2024 AAR Sales Conference AAR Insurance happening this January. I will be sharing my Leadership Journey and Experience in Sales Leadership and how to win in a complex and dynamic marketplace #AARinsurance #leadership #purposedrivenleadership #CatherineIgathe